I received a copy of this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I love historical fiction and mysteries, so I was very excited about the opportunity to read A Proposal to Die For. This is the first entry in Vivian Conroy’s new series featuring Lady Alkmene Callender, a young socialite in 1920s London.

When Silas Norwhich, a wealthy man, dies under suspicious circumstances, Lady Alkmene feels compelled to investigate. It doesn’t really matter to her that she has no experience or much of a connection to the deceased; she knows that something is not quite right, and she is determined to uncover the truth.

Alkmene crosses paths with a reporter named Jake Dubois, and at first, he sees her as an annoyance, and that she sees detective work as something to do to pass the time while her father is out of the country. Alkmene quickly realizes that he is not entirely incorrect; there is a great deal that she does not know about the way the world works. However, Jake must admit that Alkmene’s status provides her with admission to places that he would not be able to reach on his own. The two form an unlikely partnership.

A Proposal to Die For is a satisfying mystery. There are not very many suspects, but the plot reaches Dickensian heights as Jake and Alkmene delve deep into the past in order to uncover the truth surrounding Mr. Norwhich’s death. There are some nice hints of chemistry between Jake and Alkmene, but they spend most of the book irritated with each other. It’s an interesting dynamic, and not having “instalove” gives their relationship time to develop. And if they remain friends? That’s okay too.

I would recommend A Proposal to Die For. This is a delightful new mystery series, and I love the 1920s setting. I am looking forward to the rest of the series. I can’t wait to see Jake and Alkmene work together again, and I am hoping that we will get to read more of the people in Alkmene’s life, like her father and the infamous Freddie she alludes to several times.