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Kelly Oliver
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Arsenic at Ascot: A page-turning cozy mystery from Kelly Oliver for 2024 (A Fiona Figg & Kitty Lane Mystery Book 4) Kindle Edition

by Kelly Oliver (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 550 ratings
Downton Abbey meets Agatha Christie in this clever locked-room mystery.

"A delightful English countryside mystery with two handsome suitors and twists and turns worthy of Agatha Christie herself!" - Amanda Flower, USA Today Bestselling Author 
9-Book Series!

Winner of the Silver Falchion Award for Best Historical Mystery 2023

London, 1918

Fiona Figg finds herself back in Old Blighty saddled with shuffling papers for the war office. Then a mysterious card arrives, inviting her to a fancy house party at Mentmore Castle. This year's Ascot-themed do will play host to a stable of animal defense advocates, and Fiona is tasked with infiltrating the activists and uncovering possible anti-war activity.

Disguised as the Lady Tabitha Kenworthy, Fiona is more than ready for the "mane" event, but the odds are against her when both her arch nemesis, dark-horse Fredrick Fredricks, and would-be fiancé Lieutenant Archie Somersby arrive unexpectedly and "stirrup" her plans. And when a horse doctor thuds to the floor in the next guest room, Fiona finds herself investigating a mysterious poisoning with some very hairy clues.

Can Fiona overcome the hurdles and solve both cases, or will she be put out to pasture by the killer?

What readers are saying about Kelly Oliver:

A fun, mix of whodunnit and thriller! T. A. Williams

Fast-paced, tongue-in-cheek spy romp. Enjoy the ride! Frances Evesham

Will keep you turning the pages and laughing all the way! Dianne Freeman

The perfect wartime spy; Fiona Figg is smart, sneaky, and full of surprises... A fun whodunit that will keep you turning the pages! Cathi Stoler

A cross between an Agatha Christie and a Sherlock Holmes sleuthing story. Just brilliant! NetGalley Reviewer

Simply delightful. Fiona Figg — with her tools, wigs, and disguises — is a sleuth you can't help but root for. S.K. Golden

This historical mystery delivers twists and turns. I can't wait for the next one! Muddy Rose Reviews

I love Fiona Figg! Margaret Mizushima

Couldn't put it down. Amazon Reviewer

A perfect blend of wit, fun, and intrigue. Debra Goldstein

I am hooked on these amazing characters. Amazon Reviewer

A fun diversion with an entertaining female lead. Kirkus Reviews

Fans of Susan Elia MacNeal will gobble up this series! Highly recommend. L.A. Chandlar

Diabolical plot twists, interesting red herrings, colorful characters, make this a good whodunit. NetGalley Reviewer
 
Other Books in the Series:
 
Revenge at Ravenswick
Pistols in Paris
Villiany in Vienna
Mystery in Manhattan
Covert in Cairo
Mayhem in the Mountains
Arsenic at Ascot
Murder in Moscow
Poison in Picadilly
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  1. Book 4 of 6
    Fiona Figg & Kitty Lane Mysteries
  2. Print length
    282 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Boldwood Books
  5. Publication date
    November 28, 2023
  6. File size
    3.0 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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From the Publisher

Kelly Oliver, Boldwood Books, Author Banner
Kelly Oliver, Cozy Mystery, Crime, 1920s, Fiona Figg, Kitty Lane, Historical

Kelly Oliver

Kelly Oliver

Kelly Oliver

Mystery In Manhattan
Covert in Cairo
Mayhem in the Mountains
Arsenic at Ascot
Murder in Moscow
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Customer Reviews
4.1 out of 5 stars 1,108
4.2 out of 5 stars 933
4.3 out of 5 stars 336
4.4 out of 5 stars 550
4.4 out of 5 stars 493
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CD3N2XSH
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Boldwood Books
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 28, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.0 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 282 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1804831847
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 4 of 6 ‏ : ‎ Fiona Figg & Kitty Lane Mysteries
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 550 ratings

About the author

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Kelly Oliver

Kelly Oliver

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Kelly Oliver is the author of four award-winning bestselling mystery series and dozens of nonfiction books.

Kelly grew up in the Northwest—Montana, Idaho, and Washington states. Her maternal grandfather was a forest ranger committed to saving the trees, and her paternal grandfather was a logger hell bent on cutting them down. The only thing they agreed on was Canadian rye whiskey. On both sides, her ancestors were some of the first settlers in Northern Idaho. She went from eating a steady diet of wild game shot by her dad (and playing drums with their hooves) to becoming a vegetarian while studying philosophy and pondering animal minds at Northwestern University where she got a PhD in philosophy. Competing with peers who’d come from private schools and posh families “back East” her working-class backwoods grit served her well. And much to her parent’s surprise, she managed to feed and clothe herself as a professional philosopher before giving up academia to become a mystery writer.

Her Jessica James Mysteries are contemporary suspense featuring a former Montana barrel racer become philosophy graduate student. Sound familiar? If James Patterson and Janet Evanovich had a love child, meet Jessica James. The Jessica James Mysteries have won the IPPY Award for BEST Mystery, The Silver Falchion Award for BEST Suspense, the Mischief and Mayhem Award for BEST Mystery, the E-Lit Award for BEST Suspense, and the New York Book Award for BEST Crime Novel.

Her cozy historical mystery series, The Fiona Figg Mysteries are set in WW1 and follow plucky file clerk turned spy Fiona Figg from London to Paris, Vienna, New York and Cairo. The first, Betrayal at Ravenswick, won a Reader's Choice Award for Historical Mystery. The second, High Treason at the Grand Hotel, was chosen by Mystery Tribune Magazine as one of the most anticipated mysteries of 2021. Mystery in Manhattan is the first in the spin-off series The Fiona Figg and Kitty Lane Mysteries, where Fiona gets a new side-kick. Arsenic at Ascot won the Silver Falchion Award for Best Historical Mystery.

Kelly is also the author of The Pet Detective Middle Grade Mysteries, including Cub Reporter, Treasure Hunter, and Geocacher. The Pet Detective Mysteries have won a Reader's Choice Award for Children's Mystery, been a finalist for a Silver Falchion Award for Children's Mystery, and won a New York Book Award for BEST Children's Book.

Kelly's latest series is The Detection Club Mysteries featuring Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers. The first in the series, The Case of the Christie Controversy, launched at #1 bestselling historical mystery. The second, The Case of the Body on the Orient Express, will be out in the fall.

When she’s not writing mysteries, Kelly is emerita Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at Vanderbilt University. Kelly's nonfiction work includes over 100 articles and over twenty books, including: Hunting Girls: Sexual Violence from The Hunger Games to Campus Rape (which won a CHOICE AWARD for Outstanding Title). She has been featured on ABC news, CSPAN books, and various radio programs.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
550 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy this cozy mystery's storyline, with one describing it as a fun historical mystery. Moreover, the book receives positive feedback for its readability, with one customer noting it's the best they've read. Additionally, customers find the book entertaining, and one particularly appreciates the spy costumes and disguises.

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8 customers mention "Storyline"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the storyline of the book, finding it interesting and well-plotted, with one customer describing it as a fun historical mystery.

"...The plot was unusual and (as an animal services officer) very interesting to me...." Read more

"I loved the subject matter. It reminded me of my girlhood when I played spy with my friends...." Read more

"...This is a wonderfully written book, well plotted: the weekend in the manor house complete with a murder in a locked room, etc...." Read more

"London 1918 A fun historical mystery begins as Fiona Figg, is back on her job filing, when she gets an anonymous invite to a house party..." Read more

5 customers mention "Readability"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, with one describing it as a jolly good yarn.

"...really become fond of this series, but this book was by far the best that I've read...." Read more

"Ms Oliver is a consummate author, and has been improving her trade since book 1 of the Kelly Oliver series...." Read more

"...She continues until a murder happens. Loved the read and keeping up with Fiona and her friends...." Read more

"...And who else pops up but Archie and Fredericks. It's a jolly good yarn." Read more

3 customers mention "Fun read"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book fun to read, with one mentioning that Kitty and Clifford are entertaining characters.

"...Kitty and Clifford are so much fun. Definitely recommend Arsenic at Ascot. Hope there’s more to come." Read more

"Interesting! Fun!..." Read more

"a fun read..." Read more

3 customers mention "Pacing"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the pacing of the book, with one customer particularly appreciating the spy costumes and disguises.

"...I relished the accoutrements of spy costumes, the fancy wardrobe, the wayward upper class, handsome fellows vying for the heroine’s love...." Read more

"...With her fabulous disguises and smart intuition, she is on the trail...." Read more

"Interesting main characters and story line...." Read more

Fun & Suspense Filled Read!
5 out of 5 stars
Fun & Suspense Filled Read!
Arsenic At Ascot is another fabulously entertaining read by Kelly Oliver. This latest book in the Fiona Figg and Kitty Lane mystery series is my favorite so far. There’s humor and hijinks with Fiona once again donning various disguises and getting into precarious positions while on assignment. The love triangle between Fiona, Archie and Frederick is really elevated in this book and I loved it! I find myself falling for Fredericks romantic gestures and denonair ways. How can you not swoon over a man that brings you bread and fruit during war times? The suspense & problem solving in this book is intriguing. I couldn’t put the book down and I did not solve the mystery ahead of time. I loved the setting with the Downton Abbey feel. The ending once again leaves me waiting anxiously for the next book.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting! Fun!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I've really become fond of this series, but this book was by far the best that I've read. The plot was unusual and (as an animal services officer) very interesting to me. I was also grateful that some of the romantic tension in the previous books finally came to a less frustrating place ... I had my favorite of the two, but really any result was better than her dithering around about it. 😄 I look forward to the next book with great happiness, a strong cup of tea, and some toast and marmalade.
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  • Amazon Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars a fun read
    Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I loved the subject matter. It reminded me of my girlhood when I played spy with my friends. I relished the accoutrements of spy costumes, the fancy wardrobe, the wayward upper class, handsome fellows vying for the heroine’s love. I shouldn’t have minded the fact that it was basically a romance because, all in all, I enjoyed the romp.
    Helpful
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  • Kathleen WH
    5.0 out of 5 stars One of her best
    Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Ms Oliver is a consummate author, and has been improving her trade since
    book 1 of the Kelly Oliver series. (I shall ignore the fact that Ms Oliver
    had her own series before Kitty Land had to appear).

    This is a wonderfully written book, well plotted: the weekend
    in the manor house complete with a murder in a locked room, etc.

    It’s all there, and well done, with just a cameo appearance by Ms Land, thank
    goodness, of whom, I will admit, I’m finding is becoming quite tedious and adds
    little to Kelly Oliver’s well-earned achievements.

    However, the prize, as far as I am concerned, being an incurable romantic
    at heart, soul and being, comes in pages 242 to the end.

    No, that’s not a spoiler, it just an acknowledgment of how much,
    some of us, cherish a good story with an ending that promises more.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Nancy Willis
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thoroughly Entertaining
    Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Really enjoy all of Oliver’s books. The writing is fast-paced, almost staccato. Fiona does it again and as the plot unfolds you become invested in her insecurities and thought processes. You also agonize for her—Archie or Fredericks? Hmmm…. One minute you want it to be Archie and the next Fredericks. Kitty and Clifford are so much fun. Definitely recommend Arsenic at Ascot. Hope there’s more to come.
    Helpful
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  • June Price
    4.0 out of 5 stars Spies, sleuths, romance, and a blend of historical fiction equal great story and fun
    Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2023
    The book opens with Fiona Figg, fresh from a successful mission for the War Office, back in the file room. She's chaffing at being what surely amounts to being demoted back into the office where her main job is to file and, grr, be expected to make coffee for the male dominated decoding staff. She also, much to her annoyance, finds she rather misses Kitty, her "niece" and partner on assignments that allow her to use her love of disguises to ferret out spies. That soon changes, however, when she is elated to not only get a new assignment but one that allows her to use her disguises and acting abilities to portray both a male admiral and female aristocrat. It also puts her into contact with the males vying for her favor, one with the British service, Archie, the other, well, we're never quite sure where Fredrick Fredricks' loyalty rests.

    Unfortunately, Fiona is alternately attracted to both of them. To be honest, her wildly fluctuating hormones seemed to guide her actions more than usual even in this book, becoming rather tedious when I was ready to get on with the story. Fredricks seems the more interesting of the pair, however, and does have the knack of disappearing and reappearing regularly. Too bad Archie wants to kill him and, in fact, has tried to in a previous book. Both say the other isn't to be trusted although Fredrick claims to have changed and is searching for peace now, not looking to blow things up or kill. Fiona isn't sure she believes him but, then, she just plain seems unsure about her own heart, let alone the men who want to claim it.

    As for the mystery, it happens relatively late in the story. A man is murdered in the room next to where Fiona is staying. Both Fredricks and Kitty manage to show up soon after. Fiona more or less abandons her guise as a society Lady to ask questions but it isn't easy. Even the murder investigation is tinged by the war effort, something always just on the edge of the story, especially as it impacts the rich vrs. poor. You'll meet some characters who turned out to be based on real-life people, too. Be sure to read the Notes From the Author at the end for a fascinating look at those who inspired them. It is such fun to watch Fiona investigate, even when she's forced to admit Kitty's skills at forensics and the men's muscle are helpful.

    To be honest, the murder seemed the side-story in this book, interestingly enough, as I found myself more invested in keeping track of which way Fiona's heart was leaning from scene to scene and being appalled at the "monkey gland" experiment and such. As a result, I wound up going with a 4 star rating but will still highly recommend the book. It's a quick, full of action read, with characters that will intrigue you. Thanks #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for allowing me to catch up on Fiona's world. That teaser chapter at the end, though. Whew, that next book is going to be super exciting, too.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Lori Dykes
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    London 1918

    A fun historical mystery begins as Fiona Figg, is back on her job filing, when she gets an anonymous invite to a house party with an Ascot Theme. With her fabulous disguises and smart intuition, she is on the trail.

    Two suitors and a fun journey to finding a murderer, brings this story to a fabulous finish!!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing History Pieces Interwoven
    Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Kelley Oliver is so clever with using bits from history to weave into her books. Just as clever, is how she leaves us dangling in wonder with how Fiona will ever decide what to do about Archie and Frederick all
    while leading her readers to feel like partners in the chase to solve a murder. Who knows what will trouble will happen next time, other than hopefully Fiona will be rescued once again and just maybe she will be able to come to some decision with her love life. Excited for the next adventure!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Renee Lewis
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fiona at work
    Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Fiona Figg is back at her filing job when given the chance to find a mole. She brings out her disguises and out comes her friends and enemies from the past. She can't make her mind about Archie or Fredrick, friend or foe, love or not. She continues until a murder happens. Loved the read and keeping up with Fiona and her friends.
    Received an ARC from NetGalley and Boldwold and leaving a review on my own accord.
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Little bit of Everything!
    Reviewed in Canada on January 15, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Intrigue, spies, a touch of history and love in a world torn apart by war. A ‘can’t put this book down’ read that will challenge the mind and touch the heart.
    Report

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