S.K. Golden: The Socialite’s Guide to Sleuthing and Secrets

Pinnacle Hotel #3

This adorable series continues to be both adorable and thoughtful.  The heroine, hotel heiress and agoraphobe Evelyn Murphy, dresses almost completely in pink and dyes her hair blonde like her idol, Marilyn.  It’s 1958 and Elvis rules, as does Evelyn’s spoiled pom, Presley.  Evelyn’s almost boyfriend Mac has taken off for parts unknown, and so she’s entertaining ideas of other suitors throughout the book.

The main story, however, centers on the “Ladies Who Love to Sparkle”, women who sell costume jewellery, Tupperware party style.  As Evelyn enjoys tea in her hotel’s dining room, one of the sparkle ladies asks her to join them.  They share their catalogue, and all share a glass of champagne.  So far so good, but then the leader of the group collapses in Evelyn’s lap and later dies in the hospital. read more