The Ruby Dove Mysteries
A locked room. A secret letter. A weekend to solve a murder.
Christmas, 1934.
As the weather worsens, Ruby and Fina are drawn into the intrigues of Lady Charlotte’s other guests, who include a princess, a furiously left-wing don, a West End starlet—and, it seems, a murderer. After the two resident cads are poisoned, Ruby and Fina must find the culprit and still carry out their secret plans—all before the law arrives. But Pauncefort Hall can remain snowbound for only so long.
The Mystery of Ruby’s Sugar is the first book in the Ruby Dove historical cozy mystery series.
If you like Barbara Neely, Rhys Bowen and G.M. Malliet, then you’ll love Rose Donovan’s fashion-spy-amateur sleuth heroes, Ruby Dove and Fina Aubrey-Havelock.
Pour yourself a warm beverage and nestle down with The Mystery of Ruby’s Sugar this evening.
A ship full of suspects awaits Ruby and Fina. Will they find the murderer before their own secrets are uncovered?
Spring in the Caribbean, 1935.
Cruising to disaster, Ruby Dove and Fina Aubrey-Havelock face down a murderer who is slowly crossing names off the passenger list.
As the SS Sanguine sets sail from the Bahamas, Ruby and Fina eagerly await the excitement promised once they dock in Trinidad. Ruby pays her way as an apprentice to a French designer and Fina tags along as a governess to a wealthy widow’s son. Ruby’s brother has also asked them to find a secret contact on board. Which passengers are genuinely eccentric and which are covering their true intentions?
Soon they have two mysteries on their hands…their contact and a killer.
In a race against time, Ruby and Fina are thwarted by stormy seas, subversive stewards, sordid scandals, salacious seances, scary scorpions and suspicious swine. They know all too well how many lives hang in the balance should they fail both their missions.
Someone is a spy.
Someone is a thief.
Someone is about to become a murderer.
Autumn in Oxford, 1935.
Passing exams is the least of Ruby and Fina’s worries as they return to their beloved Quenby College. A thief lurks amongst the students and faculty, and when an infamous guest lecturer keels over at the Dean’s sherry party, Fina is shocked to find herself the prime suspect.
Determined to clear her friend’s name, Ruby launches into a hunt for a murderer that takes her to secret college boltholes, dubious pawnshops and a red-hot jazz club. At least she has allies she can trust – until a coded letter arrives, warning Ruby and Fina that one of their friends is not what they seem…
Will the pair evade the spy and find the killer in time to save Fina from the gallows?
An invitation to an island off the coast of Italy. What could be more relaxing?
Nothing. Until a murderer strikes.
Autumn in Sardinia, 1935.
Ruby and Fina find themselves in a world of glamour once again, this time on a private island owned by a famous Italian shoe designer.
A riotous guest list of artists, flowing wine, passion and political intrigue guarantee a thrilling time for all.
But it could be a little too thrilling unless Ruby and Fina find the murderer.
Soon.
Ready for a snowy ride aboard the Train Blanc?
Murder and mayhem await.
November, 1935.
With its velvet sofas and bone china teacups, the Train Blanc is a haven of 1930s luxury. But for Ruby and Fina, the trip holds some shocking surprises – not least that one of their fellow passengers is a murderer …
As the famous train steams through the cold Alpine night, the detective pair must work out which of the travellers is not what they seem. Could it be the friendly Swiss priest? The glamorous erotica author? The ‘artistic’ dilettante? Or even the grandmother with the hideous knitting?
Ruby and Fina are at the top of their game in this witty, sophisticated tale, which weaves together politics, fashion, intrigue and romance in a mystery with more twists and turns than a train track through the Alps.
Snowbound at Christmas.
Very cosy.
Until a murderer and a thief appear.
December, 1935.
Ruby and Fina are anticipating a quiet Christmas. But the snowy peace of Quenby College is shattered when the police come looking for Ruby. She and Fina escape to a relative’s plush country home — only to find that Aunt Millie has a few surprises in store …
As the mercury drops, Ruby and Fina are drawn into a web of false identities and half-truths. Why did someone spike the cocktails during the after-dinner jazz? Who stole Aunt Millie’s priceless hatpin collection? Could it be a coincidence that all the house guests were also present on the day when Fina’s father was murdered?
With the police on their tail, and a killer on the loose, the two dressmaking sleuths have to use all their considerable wits to solve Fina’s family tragedy – and bring a little joy back to Christmas.
A secret mission to Lisbon.
A murder at the casino.
And a killer gambling on escape.
New Year’s Eve, 1935.
The clink of champagne flutes mingles with the rattle of the roulette ball. Fina’s on a winning streak. But just as she’s about to celebrate, someone gasps, chokes, and slides to the floor.
The Portuguese police treat it as a crime passionel, but Ruby and Fina have other ideas. Could the murder be linked to the high-level jewel-smuggling operation they’ve been asked to investigate? Working undercover, they scope out the other guests: a handsome airman, an icy princess, a genial mathematician, a suave croupier, and a Brazilian diva with flashy frocks and a personality to match. They all have something to hide – but the truth turns out to be far stranger than Fina could ever have dreamed.
Join Ruby, Fina, Pixley, and Gayatri as they battle with profiteers, saboteurs, assassins, and a ghostly apparition on their twistiest and most captivating adventure yet!
