Murder With Motive - plenty of intrigue

 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

From the very first page, Murder With Motive pulled me right in. Told through the first-person perspective of Sylvia Shipman—a young woman of privilege navigating the treacherous waters of 1920s New York—the novel is both engaging and suspenseful. This narrative choice is particularly effective, drawing the reader close to Sylvia’s thoughts and fears, and letting us uncover the truth alongside her. We only know what she knows, and that limited viewpoint builds tension and heightens every twist.

 

The story begins with the sudden and mysterious death of Sylvia’s uncle, who falls from a balcony during a high-society gala—on the very eve of the infamous stock market crash. The timing is suspicious, and though the family is quick to call it an accident or suicide, Sylvia isn’t convinced. She saw something—or rather, someone—that night. And her instincts won’t let her look away.

As the world around her scrambles to protect crumbling fortunes, Sylvia begins asking questions no one else wants to ask. Her search for answers takes her from glittering ballrooms to smoky jazz clubs and shadowy backstreets, where secrets and lies swirl just beneath the surface. Helping her is Miles, the new family chauffeur, who is as enigmatic as he is capable—and whose quiet strength and mystery make him the perfect sleuthing companion.

The mystery is well-paced, and I genuinely enjoyed trying to piece it all together. I found myself solving the case right alongside Sylvia, which made the final reveal all the more satisfying. The plot kept me guessing, but never felt convoluted or out of reach.

While the novel could benefit from some light editing to smooth grammar and a missing or extra word, its strengths far outweigh any minor issues. The pacing is brisk, the setting is richly atmospheric, and the dynamic between Sylvia and Miles is a delightful bonus.

Murder With Motive is a promising start to what I hope will be a long-running series. If you're a fan of historical mysteries with smart female leads, a hint of romance, and plenty of intrigue, this is one to add to your list.