A FATAL RECEPTION

Gilded Age trouser diva Ella Shane and her Duke are at long last headed for the altar…but they’ll confront a murder, a shipwreck, a questionable Polish prince, and any number of other complications on the way. Continuing the highly praised series featuring a Lower East Side orphan who found fame and fortune as a singer of male soprano roles, this new installment follows Ella and her surprisingly diverse cast of family and friends through mystery and misadventure…and into the greatest challenge of all for an independent-minded woman and her Victorian swain: matrimony!

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“What can I say? It was fabulous! A story of love and companionship, with a soupçon of murder and a mysterious warning about weddings. Set in the early twentieth century, join Ella, Gill, Tommy, their friends and family for another mad adventure. Marple Kalb has a knack for combining humour, mystery, angst and romance in just the right proportions to keep you on the edge of your seat. In this tale, Ella, the American Opera Diva, and Gil, the British Duke, are finally heading for wedded bliss after a courtship that has been fraught with roadblocks. So you would think their final weeks before becoming man and wife would be smooth sailing. Think again. One complication after another, including a murder, demands the Diva and Duke’s attention. Then, when a case of nerves hits the couple, you have to wonder if they will even make it to the altar, or will it be the wedding of the season? I couldn’t put this book down. You must read this book if you enjoy a cosy mystery that will also tug at your heartstrings. Bravo, Kathleen!” 

~ Wendy Bayne, author of the Crimes Against the Crown Series

“Another wonderful addition to the Ella Shane Mysteries. A Fatal Reception follows Ella and Gil as they prepare for marriage. The story quickly immerses you in Ella’s life as though you never left. As we’re swept up in wedding prep a murder occurs. Is the death of Mr. Chester Lorimer all it seems or is there more to it? I loved all the characters and the addition of Gil’s son, Jamie. They’re like meeting up with old friends. The description is simply wonderful and I felt as though I was beside Ella and her Duke the entire story. With lots of ups and downs, this book is sure to hook you!” 

~ Elizabeth Holland, author of the Vintage Dress Shop Romance Series

“A delight! Opera diva Ella Shane is about to wed her very own wicked duke. But the nuptial plans go awry when a society matron brains a fellow patron of the arts. Written with great charm and wit, this lively, entertaining romp through Gilded Age New York will have you eagerly awaiting Ella Shane's next adventure.” 

~ Mariah Fredericks, author of The Wharton Plot