Member Reviews

Fiona has had an eventful few months- I have to keep reminding myself that the events of the first book were 6 months from when Poison in Piccadilly is set. In that time, Fiona has become a valuable agent for the War Office ( finally acknowledged by her boss), falls out with the love of her life, Archie, runs away to be with her nemesis Fredick, gets engaged to Archie and becomes a surrogate aunt to hardass teenage spy, Kitty. So for Fiona planning a wedding seems a little tame, especially, if she has to give up her career after becoming a wife.
But as with the other books in the series, Fiona finds herself investigating a murder, if only to clear her name but without Kitty, who has amnesia after being hit on the head at suffragette Jitsu!
The plot moves quickly with plenty of action and disguises, and a good dose of humour, I enjoyed the developing relationship between Fredricks and Fiona, but we do learn a little more about the mysterious Archie.
The main plot resolves neatly but so many subplots are tantalisingly left unfinished- I can’t wait for the next book to see what happens next

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London sleuth Fiona is about to marry a dashing spy. Her wedding plans are disrupted when her partner is found unconscious, and a mysterious death ensues. With a German agent determined to sabotage her big day, Fiona must put her detective skills to the test and choose between love and justice.

This clever mystery is light and entertaining. I love these characters and have grown attached to them over the course of the series. I enjoyed the audiobook narration.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

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Terrific fun and at times hilariously madcap. Characters are engaging and although filled with tropes expected of this genre, they add to the fun; this is not some tired, phoned-in tale of skullduggery and derring-do. Perfect Cosy Crime

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Kelly Oliver has another Kitty Lane and Fiona Figg World War I mystery cozy. 1918 London and Kitty has been attacked and lost her memory. Fiona Figg wants to find the perp and restore Kitty's memory. Then a secret gossip columnist is murdered at a women's athletic training activity. Fiona is facing marriage to Archie and she is not sure about how trustworthy he is. Frederick Fredericks who keeps popping up as a spy for various sides and also friend of Fiona warns her of Archie's treachery. Is he right? Did her hatpin kill the columnist? Lots of chills and spills. Enjoy.

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Fiona and the crew are at work again. Different work this time. Marriage prep and the work that goes with that. Then Kitty gets injured and Fiona goes to work. Secrets come out about Archie. Kitty has her own issues that she is dealing with. And of course there is a death to add to the story. This is a recommended read and better than the last book in the series.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the Publisher and leaving a review by my own choice.

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I have enjoyed this series although I have been a little frustrated at Fiona not being able to make up her mind in whether she loves Archie or Fredrick. But there is a wedding planned in this novel so that should settle the issue. Or maybe not.

There is a mole at MI5. There are plenty of hints that it might be Archie. Can Fiona trust him? It seems Kittly has the key to the problem inside her but with amnesia, she is no help in Fiona making the right choices.

There is a bit of repetition in this novel as Fiona goes over the facts she knows and muses what they might mean. There is plenty of action too, however, as Fiona uses her disguises to go undercover to determine the person who gave Kitty the memory destroying head wound. And then there is a murder Fiona must investigate too.

This is an entertaining and fun novel. Much of the relationship interactions are founded in earlier novels and would be best understood by reading them first although this book does read relatively well on its own.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

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I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

This is part of the Fiona Figg and Kitty Lane series. I've read most of the previous books in the series, and I enjoyed all of them, so I was excited for this.

These are historical cosy mysteries, and each one takes place in a different location. This one takes place in London, in 1918. Fiona and Kitty are fun characters, and always make me smile, which is something that I enjoy about them. I really like how they work together. I found that on this occasion, some elements of the storyline made me chuckle too.

This was a fun, entertaining, cosy mystery. I enjoyed the atmosphere, and it lifted my mood to read this. I feel the individual books also work well as standalones, so if you enjoy historical cosy mysteries, you may like this series.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.

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Fiona and Clifford are waiting for Kitty to meet them when they spot Poppy, her dog, on her own on Piccadilly. They rush to where she was and find her unconscious. It is found that she has amnesia at the hospital and while she struggles to get her memory back, Kitty must investigate who tried to kill her. The trail leads from the Dojo where she was discovered, to a Society House, where another woman is found dead. Was she the target or was Kitty. With the help of her trusty disguises, Clifford and Fredrick Fredricks the trail leads her to Eire and back again.
Will she detail the murderer before he manages to kill Kitty?
A fun cosy crime.

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Another excellent cozy in the Fiona Figg series. The excitement takes a side step from wedding planning when Kitty is found unconscious and loses her memories. Fiona has her own ways of solving puzzles with no border she won't cross. Set in 1918, the history is amazing. You can't help but be thrilled as you're taken along on the investigation.

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This is my first book written by this author and it wont be the last book I read. This was a perfect binge read whilst lying by the pool with a cocktail.

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In this latest installment of the Fiona Figg and Kitty Lane mysteries, Fiona faces her greatest emotional test yet. Torn between her duty, her heart, and Fredericks’ warnings about Archie, she wrestles with doubts about her impending marriage. As the story unfolds, Fiona's inner turmoil intensifies. Kitty’s amnesia and the fear that someone, possibly from MI5, is trying to kill her, add layers to the mystery. The brutal murder at the luncheon, alongside a scandalous gossip column that exposes secrets of London’s elite, heightens the tension.

While the novel isn’t heavy on historical atmosphere, it offers an entertaining afternoon read, focusing on Fiona and Kitty’s espionage work. Fiona takes center stage, juggling personal and professional challenges, though her inner conflict - feeling inadequate due to her looks and infertility, contrasted with her undeniable prowess as a spy - can feel repetitive.

Despite some frustrations, including a hasty decision by Fiona in the climax that feels both rash and surprising, the novel delivers a satisfying mystery. The unexpected twist leaves me curious about how this new direction will play out in the next installment.

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1918 London. Fiona Figg is due to marry her dashing Archie Somersby. in a few days but after Kitty Lane has been knocked unconscious in the Jujitsu Club and suffering amnesia, Fiona, under many disguise's and receiving mysterious notes pointing the finger at the finance, she is now more confused than ever if marring her captain in the right thing to do.

Secrets, murder and betrayal make this story another must read in this series!

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Thank you to @rachelsrandomresources for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoy every instalment of this series and this was no exception, from foot fighting to amnesia to moles to suffragettes and assassination attempts, this has everything. Oh and gossip, and a wedding!

Fiona is caught up in a murder mystery and attack on her friend in the lead up to her wedding, sleuthing instead of getting her dress fitted and flower arranged. There’s also Clifford to help her along, and who doesn’t want to hear one of his hunting stories….. And Kitty, but not the Kitty we know and love from previous books.

I love the whole set up of these books, wartime London and the society gatherings in full force. Well written and wonderfully researched, there’s nothing better than a cosy murder mystery and intrigue to get comfy with.

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The Plot

Fiona, who is soon to be married, investigates after her friend and associate Kitty is attacked and someone they knew is murdered. Can she trust those closest to her?

The Review

There were some exciting disguises and interesting plot points. A busy plot with plenty of drama, not least in Fiona’s love life as a subplot.

Although I hadn’t read any other books in the series, the novel gave background information as to the connections and relationships between characters, but this was not overly drawn out. The historical details gave the novel a good sense of time and place.

As you would expect, Fiona and Kitty were modern, independent and intelligent women. I thought in the first half of the novel, Fiona could have gathered more clues, as there was a lot of action but not much reflection on the investigation. In the second half, the plot speeded up which kept me hooked into the narrative. I had to suspend my disbelief in parts, especially with the spy theme, which seemed at times, a little far-fetched. It was more of a spy novel than cosy crime. However, it made for an enjoyable afternoon read.

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Poison in Piccadilly is the latest Fiona Figg and Kitty Lane mystery. I've read them all.

Told with its tongue-in-cheek humor and with Fiona's penchant for fake moustaches never far away, this story is set mostly in London, with a quick trip to Ireland, and in a role-reversal, sees Kitty requiring Fiona's help. All the while, Fiona is supposed to be preparing for her wedding. As ever, torn between the man she's supposed to trail as he's suspected of being a spy and her soon-to-be husband, Fiona is never entirely sure who to trust as she investigates the latest mystery to fall in her lap.

With all of the series favorites and many unexpected twists and turns, Poison in Piccadilly is a fun read. For all its humor, I do adore the way this series effortlessly weaves a fictional narrative featuring historical people and events.

You're missing a treat if you've not tried a Fiona Figg and Kitty Lane story yet.

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Thank you so much to NetGalley and Kelly Oliver for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Poison in Piccadilly coming out September 14, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I really love this series! It’s perfectly cozy. I love the time period! Fiona is a smart and strong character. I was definitely happy to see some romance development after the last book. Some great decisions were made! I thought the mystery was really fun. I loved it! I’m excited to read more books in the series!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical cozy mysteries!

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Another fantastic book in the series. The funny antidotes keep you glued to the book. I do recommend you read them order to fully understand the characters but it’s not necessary.

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"Fiona is set to tie the knot with her dashing captain" and the ride begins! Fun and mysterious with Fiona leading characters on a mystery tour. What a fun read. Thanks, NetGallery!

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Poison in Piccadilly is the latest cozy mystery in Kelly Oliver’s series. It was a great read. Pick this one up!

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'Poison in Piccadilly' by Kelly Oliver.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
'What a surprising ending!!'
London 1918: Is Fiona Figg ready to exchange her sleuthing cap for a bridal veil?
Fiona is set to tie the knot with her dashing captain, Archie Somersby. But, while Fiona is busy planning her happily ever after, side-kick Kitty Lane and a group of judo-chopping suffragettes are kicking up trouble at the Piccadilly Jujitsu Club.
When Kitty is found unconscious in the locker room during a high-stakes competition, Fiona must forsake her bouquets and bridal gown to investigate. Her sleuthing leads to a posh lady’s luncheon where a mysterious death crashes Fiona’s wedding plans.
To make matters worse, the arch-nemesis of all things matrimonial Fredrick Fredricks is up to his old tricks, attempting to put the brakes on Fiona’s journey down the aisle. Will he succeed in tripping up Fiona’s wedding vows? Or will she finally say “I don’t” to the charming devil?

I've read quite a few in this series and I always enjoy them. This particular one had me gripped from the beginning. I'm a big fan of Kitty Lane so I'm happy she was featured a lot more in this book (along with Poppy Poo). The ending was a huge surprise.
If you're a fan of cozy crime and adventure then give this series a read.
Thankyou to NetGallery UK, the publishers and the author for letting me reading a copy in return for an honest review.

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