DNF. I could not get into this book at all. I really disliked the diction and dialogue right from the beginning. I also immediately disliked the characters. There’s nothing I can pinpoint in particular about them though. Also, this is not the first in the series (I’m not sure how many there are) and I haven’t read any of the previous. Previous events were alluded to often so I felt disconnected. Maybe I’ll try again one day but for now I’m going to pass on finishing this one.

Kelly Oliver’s Mayhem in the Mountains is a clever locked-room historical cozy mystery worthy of Agatha Christie.

A devastating blizzard has left intrepid sleuths Fiona Figg and Kitty Lane trapped in their hotel in the Dolomite mountains. With the snow blocking the roads and causing major upheaval and destruction, Fiona and Kitty and all the other guests have no other choice but to sit tight and wait for the snowstorm to pass. Nobody can get in and out of the hotel, however, there is certainly no time for anybody to get bored because a guest has just been found dead in his locked room – and his killer is still on the premises!

Fiona and Kitty are no strangers to solving crimes, but this could turn out to be their most challenging case yet as there is no murder weapon and a whole retinue of suspects who all had their own reasons for wanting the victim dead to contend with. As Fiona and Kitty find themselves having to battle their own personal crises while on the trail of a dangerous killer, will they manage to find out whodunnit? Can they find whoever is responsible before the snow melts? Or will a vengeful murderer end up getting away with murder?

Kelly Oliver’s Mayhem in the Mountains is an enjoyable mystery that deftly balances tension, menace and suspense with humour and charm. Fiona Figg and Kitty Lane are on top form as they try their hardest to solve this seemingly perplexing crime, and despite the many challenges they encounter, they rise to the occasion once again and manage to untangle this complex mystery they have found themselves caught up in.

Historical cosy mystery fans who enjoy losing themselves in an engrossing puzzle full of wit, menace and atmosphere will not want to miss Kelly Oliver’s latest, Mayhem in the Mountains.

Great book with a great setting. Had very interesting characters and the storyline kept the reader waiting more. Look forward to what the author has in store next

Book Review: Mayhem in the Mountains by Kelly Oliver

Rating: 4 stars

First off, I love the covers on this series. They are so colorful and fun! Now onto my review.

Mayhem in the Mountains by Kelly Oliver is a delightfully entertaining and charming read. From start to finish, it captivates readers with its well-written prose and fast-paced plot. While it is a part of a series, it can easily be enjoyed as a standalone novel.

The story takes place in 1918 Italy, where Fiona Figg and Kitty Lane find themselves trapped in the Dolomite Mountains due to a deadly blizzard. As if being snowed-in wasn't enough, a murder occurs within the confines of their hotel. With no murder weapon and multiple suspects, Fiona and Kitty's investigation becomes increasingly challenging.

What makes this cozy mystery truly enjoyable is the wintery and cozy setting. The author paints a vivid picture of the snow-covered mountains, making readers feel like they are right there alongside the characters. Additionally, the incorporation of historical details adds depth to the story. I particularly appreciated the author's note at the end, which provided further context for the events in the book.

The characters in Mayhem in the Mountains are likable and well-developed. Fiona Figg, the protagonist, is a strong-willed and determined investigator who finds herself caught between her beloved Archie and her nemesis Fredricks. The quirky name "Fredrick Fredricks" adds an element of humor to the story, making it all the more enjoyable. Furthermore, the inclusion of Benito Mussolini as a character adds an interesting twist to the plot.

Overall, Mayhem in the Mountains is a fun and engaging read that will keep readers entertained from beginning to end. Kelly Oliver's writing style is both engaging and humorous, making it easy to get lost in the story. Whether you're a fan of cozy mysteries or simply looking for an entertaining read, this book is sure to satisfy. I'm personally looking forward to delving into more books in this series in the near future!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

After loving Kelly Oliver’s Covert in Cairo, I was so pleased to be chosen to read the arc of the next book in the Fiona Figg series. Mayhem in the Mountains did not disappoint! Fiona Figg is my most favorite amateur sleuth. Her quirky, borderline germaphobe, puzzle solving, always up for an adventure personality never fails to entertain.
This book finds Fiona Figg and her companions snowed in with several suspicious and unsavory characters. She is once again tasked with keeping tabs on Fredericks and consequently finds herself in the midst of murder (and mayhem).
The relationships that Fiona has with the other book characters are endearing. Their interactions are often humorous. The mysteries she solves remind me of a Sherlock Holmes tale. I also love the way Kelly Oliver uses real historical figures as the basis for some of her book characters.
The murder weapon in this book was a fabulous twist. The murderer was surprising and unexpected. The ending left me anxiously anticipating Book 4!

I have posted this review on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/p/CwFn_vVLRok/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Goodreads

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5743213347

And Amazon

1918 Italy, Fiona Figg and Kitty Lane are back and who doesn't love that? Arriving in the Dolomite Mountains and man is found dead in his hotel room. This is a story of war, murder, history and has many twists and turns to keep you on your toes.

I love the historical, cosy aspect of this book. Strong and interesting characters, a great story, very entertaining with plenty of intrigue. I loved the way it flowed and the way the writing engages you. Makes is so much easier to read. I really enjoyed it and couldn't put it down once I got started.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

I love this historical cozy mystery series! It is so original and has the perfect blend of WWI war time nostalgia. This is the 3rd book and personally my favorite. It a snowed in, locked room mystery, that is my absolute favorite. And this book kept you hooked with all the twists and turns! 6 star read! Can't wait for the next in the series!
I just reviewed Mayhem in the Mountains by Kelly Oliver. #MayhemintheMountains #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]

1918, war in Europe rages on. Fiona and Kitty have followed German spy Fredrick Fredricks to Italy. They are trapped in the snowy mountains with Mussolini and a murderer...
Mayhem in the Mountains is a cosy historical spy and murder mystery set during WW1. It is the third book in the Fiona Figg and Kitty Lane series and the books directly follow on from each other and include spoilers so I would advise reading them in order. I have previously read and reviewed the first two books: Chaos at Carnegie Hall and Covert in Cairo.
Fiona has been led to Italy by her nemesis Fredricks. She remains infuriated and flustered by the debonair spy. An avalanche occurs and the guests are trapped indoors. One dies from poisoning and Fiona realises that there is a murderer in their midst but who and why? Whilst keeping one eye on Fredricks, another on Kitty, she needs to find the killer but is unable to prevent a second murder.
The book is written from Fiona's first person perspective so we see her thought processes as she investigates the murder as well as her confused romantic feelings towards Archie and Fredrick. She remains unsure about how far to trust Kitty and has humorous reactions to her dog Poppy. There is more comedy from her skiing attempts :)
I really liked the inclusion of Mussolini. As a history graduate and knowing what happens later in his life, there were some plot twists that made my jaw drop. The author has researched his life and added details such as his first marriage to add authenticity.
Mayhem in the Mountains is an enjoyable mystery.

3.5 stars.
The intrepid, no-nonsense, disguise-loving Fiona Figg is in the Dolomite Mountains. She's accompanied by the ever-surprising Kitty Lane and the ridiculous Clifford. And Poppy. The War Office has sent the trio there after Fiona's invitation from Frederick Fredericks at the end of their last escapade in Cairo.

Very quickly, everyone at the hotel is snowed in, and Fiona finds a dead man. She quickly deduces that the killer is one of the hotel guests, or staff, and sets about snooping, even while Frederick Fredericks seems to be having too much fun flirting with her and exchanging banter, and arguments with her about the war. Then Archie shows up, and Fiona is both thrilled and conflicted, as his aims and hers continue to seem somewhat at odds. Kitty aids Fiona's searches, while playing cards with the men and staying outlate, much to Fiona's consternation. And Clifford seems to fall in love with a different woman each day. As usual.

This series continues to be silly and fast-paced, and has some romance, some espionage, and some history. Fiona is in a dither about the two dashing men in her life: Archie and Frederick. One works for Britain, while the other works to stop the war (or so he says, though more often than not chaos and murder occur whenever he appears). Of the two, I keep finding myself more intrigued by Fredericks.

Fiona continues also to feel frustration with Kitty, whose methods and behaviour are distinctly different from Fiona's, due to their backgrounds. Fiona often cannot understand Kitty's more modern manners, and as the story progresses, one also has to wonder if maybe the two women have somewhat different investigative aims, based on which part of the British government sent them on this mission.

It was also great seeing how author Kelly Oliver wove in historical details, and included a certain awful person in this story, whose actions will have an impact for years on Italy.

This light romp was just what I needed and I'm looking forward to Fiona's next adventure.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Boldwood Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.

‘Mayhem in the Mountains’ sees our intrepid trio snowed in high up in the Italian Dolomites and is an excited ‘locked room mystery’! Well snowed in mystery but it is all one and the other really. This is the third book in the series but again it can be read as a standalone as its a very self-contained story and the author explains all the pertinent points! I do recommend this series though as it is starting to grow into itself!

Fiona Figg and Kitty Lane are stuck in a blizzard high up in the Italian Dolomites. Snowed in at their hotel with Captain Clifford and a bunch of other guests and soldiers no one can get in or out. When a man is killed in his locked room it soon becomes apparent that the killer is still on the premises. But with no murder weapon and too many suspects, Fiona and Kitty find it hard to track down their killer. When the German spy they are meant to be following, Fredricks squares up to Fiona’s maybe fiance Archie things get really interesting…

As we swapped the heat of Cairo to the cold of Italy I felt we also swapped black-and-white scenarios to shades of grey. Fiona has to face moral choices in this book which takes her away from wanting to do what is best for King and Country and also whether there should be a rigid form of justice. It made for a very interesting read! It is making Fiona a better character but also a better person. Although, she does have a weird obsession with marmalade! I am liking this love triangle going on between her, Archie and Fredricks and I know who I am rooting for out of the two of them.

This was a compelling and engaging read that was packed full of great historical details. Once again we find the story peppered with real-life characters and I loved the inclusion of Marie Marvingt who lived a fascinating and full life. I remember learning about her in a history class at university and I just loved her spirit and independence in a world that was still decidedly very male!

Let me know if you pick this one up!

I'm falling more and more in love with this series. Mayhem in the mountains is witty, fun to read and a great mystery. I love that we get characters who are loosely based on real people. The history feels more real this way.
Fiona is becoming one of my favourite bookish heroines and while I'm undecided on if I like Kitty or not, she definitely makes the book a lot more interesting. I don't much like Archie and I think Fiona would be much better without him but that's just my opinion. Clifford gives off very strong Captain Hastings vibes and I love him. He's probably my favourite after Fiona. I'm totally rooting for a romance between Fredricks and Fiona.
The plot of Mayhem in the mountains is great and I love the mountain atmosphere and the hotel. It's a perfectly cozy historical mystery and I loved reading it!

Mayhem in the mountain is the third book in the Fiona Figg & Kitty lane mystery series and I read for my blog tour via Netgalley.

The story is set in 1918 in Italy, which for me is a double plus for the period and country.

A blizzard trap Fiona and Kitty in their hotel in the Dolomites. No one can get out and things get worse when a man is found dead in his room, meaning the killer is still around in the hotel.
Fiona tries to find out what happened, together with her entertaining friends and colleagues in the hotel, but she also has to deal with her not so simple love life. Things get more fast paced after a while, especially as no murder weapon can be found, no murderer and things get even worse.

I had never heard of this serie and even though I am now very curious to read the first two stories, enough information is added to understand the references made to the past stories. I enjoyed the energetic Fiona and the other fun and intriguing characters as Clifford, Archie, Kitty and Frederick. The story gets some historical figures like Mussolini and I learned also some new historical facts, which I always enjoy. This was a fun discovery of a cozy detective story. Thanks to Boldwood books and Rachel random resources to let me participate with the blogtour.

This is a very quirky team. "Aunt" Fiona and Kitty are snowed in the Dolomite Mountains with an interesting cast of characters. Some cozy twists and turns and in this one both Archie and Frederick play key roles - yet its definitely not for those looking for a serious mystery - its definitely a cozy! And perhaps just a little over the top for me.

Its three out of five for me.

My thanks to the publisher, Boldwood Books, Netgalley and the author for my advance reader copy.

A murder mystery set back in 1918
Where Fiona Figg and Kitty Lane are on the scene.
In the Italian Dolomite Mountains is where
Fiona discovers for skiing she does not care!

Snow falls, a blizzard blows
But who is the killer, who knows?
With suspects like Mussolini, maids and Fredricks, too,
Fiona and Kitty know what to do!

The search for clues, with suspects galore,
As well as romance the ladies can't ignore,
Makes this an intriguing case
In this freezing, icy cold place!

With Clifford alongside them - and Poppy, too,
This is another fun historical mystery for me and you.
As danger lurks everywhere but for who
Can you discover the vital clue?

For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
I throughly enjoyed reading it and this is my honest review.

Rounded up from 3.5

So this is the third in the Fiona Figg and Kitty Lane mystery series set during World War I. I haven't read the others in the series myself, but it worked perfectly well as a standalone.

I always enjoy a historical mystery, but it's rare that I find one set during the world wars, particularly the first world war. Added to that, it's in the snowbound mountains of Italy, I thought I had to give it a read.

Mayhem in the mountains had murder, mystery, romance, espionage and even a guest appearance from a well known historical figure.

Fiona was the kind of character that grows on you. She's a little uptight and more than a little judgemental, especially when it comes to Kitty, but once she gets her teeth into a case... that's when she sheds most of her nitpicky ways and becomes a lot more fun to read.

There's also a bit of love triangle going on with the dashing Archie and her supposed nemesis, Fredrick Fredricks. I have to be honest, Fredrick, while he was a bit of a villain, was my favourite out of the pair.

While I guessed the how of the murder, including a few of the twists along the way, it kept me guessing on who had done it until near the end.

If you're looking for a book that's a mix of a classic mystery and a spy thriller, then I'd highly recommend Mayhem in the mountains to you.

This is the 3rd book in the Fiona Fig and Kitty Lane mystery. Again, this book is superb and full of mysteries like previous books in the series. I have enjoyed this so much while reading it.

The characters are interesting as usual but the addition of some new characters made it more fabulous. Fiona Figg, our file clerk is here with a new mission in Italy along with her crew members Kitty Lane and Clifford Douglas. I felt a shift of air in Kitty’s characters. She has become more mysterious and full of secrets in this book.

It’s a new book so there will be some new villains too who are playing a dangerous part in World War 1. I love the way, the writer portrayed these villains. They are loosely based on the real people from history. I think this made the book more compelling and engaging.

My favorite character for all the time in the series is Fredrick Fredricks. His grand entrances are always the best. From the start of the series I was confused whether Fredrick is the villain or the hero of the story. But I think I’m going to unravel this mystery soon in the upcoming book .

Apart from the characters, the writers described the full of snow blizzards of Dolomite mountains, Italy in a fabulous way. I read this book in the extreme hot weather of July but I can feel the deadly cold weather of this region in my boys.

The author’s note at the end of the novel was really helpful. It always has some fantastic facts about the history.

The next book in the series Arsenic at Ascot will be out in November of this year. I’m so excited for this title. Hope this will also have an engaging plot with some new mysteries.

Mayhem in the Mountains is Book 3 in the Fiona Figg and Kitty Lane Mystery series and the second that I've read (I still need to swing around and read Book 1.) The last book was set in Egypt but the crew is now working in the Italian Dolomite mountains. After a suspicious avalanche kills several soldiers and wounds a couple more, Fiona's intuition tells her that more bad events lay ahead. There are several military and political figures staying at the hotel. After a blizzard traps the guests inside, Benito Mussolini is found murdered in his room. But there is no weapon found and things are not what they seem. Fiona not only has a new case to solve, but has to handle the two men in her life - her nemesis Fredericks and beloved Archie.

Fiona worked solo more in this one and I liked how that gave us more insight into how intelligent she is and her thought processes. But on the flip side, my favorite parts last book were Fiona and Kitty's interactions. So I wish we could have gotten more Fiona/Kitty scenes but overall it was still enjoyable. I liked the use of actual historical figures, the beautiful mountainous scenery, and how the Fiona/Fredricks/Archie relationship is becoming more complicated. The mystery itself was missing something for me. I liked the murder weapon reveal but the rest of it just fell a little flat.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me access to an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Whats not to love about a quirky sleuth who keeps you entertained until the last page?

The author is a master at blending history into fiction and throwing out names that give you a chuckle.

When Fiona and Kitty get snowed in while in the mountains, of course a murder happens and it is all a fun journey from there!!

Don't miss this latest installment in this great series!

This volume begins where the last one ended: Fiona, file clerk of the British War Office and aspiring master spy, is ordered to the snowy northern Italian Alps together with colleagues Kitty and the older Captain Clifford. Fredrick Fredricks, German spy and enemy number one of the British government, is supposed to appear here at some point. And by coincidence, Fredricks is also one of Fiona's "love interests"...
It doesn't take long for a murder to occur in the snow-covered hotel - classic whodunnit situation: since no one could have gotten in or out of the hotel, the killer must still be in the building. Fiona and Kitty take on the investigation, but the case is tricky. There is neither a murder weapon, nor do there seem to be prime suspects. And the dead man himself is none other than Benito Mussolini, Italy's hope for the future. Or isn't he? Nothing is what it seems, and that doesn't just apply to crime-solving.
My reading impression: I actually have mixed feelings this time. On the one hand, I found the case exciting, really well plotted, and the author has incorporated a historical figure for Mussolini, which I find quite interesting. And it wasn't so much about high politics here, but more about the private life of the Duce, who had quite a wear and tear on women.... What if that's not a motive for murder? Hmm 😉! It's one of Ms Oliver's specialties, weaving well-known historical figures into her books, and I find that's always part of the fun of reading. In addition, the novel was of course written in the usual fluid and funny way, with a lot of black humor and situational comedy.
What I struggled with a bit, however, were actually the characters. In the last volume I became a fan of Fiona, I found her irresistibly funny and charming, and of course a little naïve, but it fit the overall picture. Now, Fiona has to realize that unlike her peers, she's just a small player in the game; her own status in the realm of spies is a lot less "classified" than that of the others, and she really feels that. I really felt for Fiona when a few things became clear to her - and in the end I couldn't understand that everything is fine for Fiona again and that she is again full of love for her team. I couldn't quite understand the hic-hack in her love life either. With Archie and Fredricks there are two guys ready, but somehow neither of them really gets off the ground...hmhmhm...not really believable. Yes, it's a shame, that really didn't convince me this time.
My conclusion: cool case, very well told, but the story as a whole didn't really convince me. Nevertheless, I like Fiona - I'm definitely still reading the first cases of her 😊. There are still a few books without Kitty that I don't know yet, so I'll stick with it!
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the review copy!

I remembered enjoying a book featuring these characters previously, so I was interested in this one.

It was a charming historical cosy mystery, and an entertaining read. I like Fiona as a protagonist - she makes me chuckle. The story was fun and entertaining.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.