Murder at the Ritz

By: Jim Eldridge

Narrated by: David Thorpe

August, 1940. On the streets of London, locals watch with growing concern as German fighter planes plague the city’s skyline. But inside the famous Ritz Hotel, the cream of society continues to enjoy all the glamour and comfort that money can buy during wartime - until an anonymous man is discovered with his throat slashed open.

Detective Chief Inspector Coburg is called in to investigate, ably assisted by his trusty colleague, Sergeant Lampson. With the crime committed in rooms in use by an exiled king and his retinue, there are those who fear diplomatic repercussions and would rather the case be forgotten. Coburg and Lampson must untangle a web of deception if they are to solve the case - and survive.

©2021 Jim Eldridge (P)2021 Soundings

Great use of language.

I am totally in love with Kohlburg (sp). The way he quietly tied politicians in knots, his fierce protectiveness of not only Rosa, but also his sargeant. And how he stayed cool and calm on the outside while battling roiling emotions on the inside. All the characters were fleshed out. Good writing.

Loved it!

The story was great, characters well developed and believable. Steeped in historical atmosphere an realism. The narrator did a wonderful job with the accents.

Good first book in a Series

After three books I grew bored with the Museum Series by Eldridge. I noticed this series on the sitewide sale and decided to give it a try. I like it, I do enjoy World War II mysteries. As an American war orphan myself, I remember much of what is being written about. Looking forward to Murder at the Savoy. David Thorpe is a Star!

Mixed feelings

The setting of WW II London isn't one of my favorites, but gave it a try as I'm fond of the author's Museum Mysteries series. Let's start with what I liked...

Detective Coburg was a likeable enough protagonist, as was the lead female character, Rosa. His assistant, Lampson, grew on me; at first I found the narrator's authentic accent for him a bit grating. The setting is well done, if it's your thing. Wasn't wild about the story itself, but I cut writers slack with the first book, as those are about settling up a series.

The plot itself involved gangsters, specifically extortionists, which I try to avoid whenever possible. Having strong libra and cancer influences on my astrology, bullies are a major downer for me (no Nazi-themed books or films either). That aside, by the time we came to the end, the resolution served as an anti-climax, partially from having trouble keeping the characters straight.

So, it really didn't work for me. I'd have to be bored, or need to use up expiring Audible credits, to consider paying for a sequel. However, I can understand if others really like the setting and characters. Verdict: Your Mileage May Vary.