A Sense of Entitlement

This cozy little mystery features Hattie Davish as the main character. She is a on a semi vacation from her normal duties as a typist for Sir Arthur to take a position with a household in Newport as a social secretary. This position was definitely more than Hattie had bargained for as she quickly becomes embroiled in finding yet again, a dead body. She is enlisted by her new employer to find out all she can about how and who may have done the killing.

The storyline is unique in that I don't imagine there were too many, if any, female sleuths in the 1890's. The story is full of gossiping women, because it seems that that is all these women have to do with their time, besides planning and attending parties and soirees, with the hope of show more being 'seen' by the elite of society. Hattie does not really care about this sort of thing but her job takes her into many drawing rooms of these women. What a bunch of gossiping biddies they were too. It was almost a comedy in manners reading the dialogue of the story.

There is mystery, humor,a bit about labor unions and even a bit of romance to keep the person who enjoys this type of cozy mystery entertained. This is the third book in the historical Hattie Davish mysteries. I had not read the first two but I don't think it mattered at all. Enough of Hattie's past experiences was enough to understand the life of this lady sleuth. I enjoyed it and I am sure you will too. show less

Anna Loan-Wilsey, you have done it again! Intriguing characters, superb plot, and let us not forget the amazing, Miss Hattie Davish. I fall more and more in love with this character with each novel.

If you haven't read the first 2 novels, A Lack of Temperance or Anything But Civil, please jump into this series!

A special thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The traveling secretary and detective Hattie Davish (Hattie Davish Mystery #3) comes this time, for six glorious weeks to a small wealthy New England town of Newport, Rhode Island for her latest, A SENSE OF ENTITLEMENT. (#2 Galena, Illinois) and (# 1 Eureka Springs, AR).

Everyone knows Newport best for the Mansions. These sprawling summer “cottages” were once the home to the great American industrialist and captains of industry.

Hattie is not sure how she let Sir Arthur talk her into this trip; however, she thought she would enjoy herself for six weeks in Newport, the Queen of Resorts, with new plant species to collect, miles of hiking show more along the seaside cliffs, , and some light typing duties- you know, a vacation. (at least that’s what Sir Arthur said).

He and his wife, Lady Phillippa had rented a cottage in Newport for the summer season, with his manuscript to finish, she agreed to accompany them. Twelve hours on a bloody bloat! Why would Mr. Mayhew want a trunk thrown overboard?

Before she has time to think of relaxation in this small quaint town and possibly a summer romance, she learns members of the local labor unions are at odds with Newport’s gentry. How could workers be on strike in July in Newport, in season?

All sort of complications happen upon arrival leaving Hattie to work with the high society families, which of course are full of secrets and lies. Charlotte Mayhew was the wife of one of the wealthiest men in American. Along with Mrs. Astor and Mrs. Vanderbilt, she was purported to be one Newport’s society’s grande dames, with her husband, one of the most influential men in the country. (social standing among other things was vitally important to this wealthy class).

A mystery begins when Mr. Harland Whitwell, one of Newport's most eminent citizens, is found stabbed to death, his hands clutching a strike pamphlet. Of course there is more to investigate with a few secrets and skeletons in the closets of the Whitwell mansion and more prejudices and demands of the rich and wealthy—those who think they are above the law, of course

Hattie makes her list of eight people who may want the labor man dead. They range from Nicholas, Doubleday, Mayhew, Crankshaw, James, Charlotte, Jane or Eugenine, or someone else?

She does enjoy her two older lady friends somewhat and then there is Dr. Walter Grice, (love interest)? from an earlier book and his mother Julia is staying with her friends—more drama there.

A smart detective, begins to uncover more scandals and she dives into the lives of the wealthy in the late 19th century. She struggles between her loyalty to her employer and the guilty parties.

For those readers who enjoy historical crime mysteries with detailed research about these areas, Anna Loan-Wilsey's novels journey through areas of the world of the latter nineteenth century with great adventure.

As you step back in history, Hattie becomes the heroine and an integral part in solving the mysteries. Readers will be transported to the time, and will enjoy the cozy mystery of who did it! show less

I couldn't finish it. It took 100 pages to get to the murdered victim. Too slow and just lost interest

Mystery