A glamorous dinner party. A forged masterpiece. And a killer with a real flair for drama.
When gallery owner and amateur sleuth Sadie Stewart receives an invitation to an exclusive murder mystery soirée hosted by legendary film director Marion Shaw, she expects an evening of intrigue, eccentric guests, and theatrical surprises.
She doesn’t expect a real murder.
When one of the attendees is found dead and a suspiciously Klimt-like painting raises questions of forgery, Sadie quickly discovers that someone at the lavish penthouse gathering has far more to lose than their reputation.
As she digs deeper into a tangled web of counterfeit art, buried secrets, and carefully crafted lies, the case takes a chilling turn. The clues point toward a dangerous conspiracy with ties to Chicago’s elite art world and a connection to the mysteries surrounding Sadie’s own family.
With her loyal Doberman, Solomon, at her side and danger closing in from every direction, Sadie must uncover the truth before the killer strikes again.
Because behind the glittering façade of wealth and fame, someone is willing to kill to protect a masterpiece of deception.
Sadie must uncover the truth before her scene fades to black leaving her dead in the final frame.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Death in a Gilded Framedelivers a sharp, layered mystery wrapped in Chicago’s elite art world. The setup is clever, and the writing is tight, fast paced, and witty. Characters speak with clear voices. Sadie and Daniel’s bond carries the emotional weight, while the supporting cast adds variety and tension.
The use of fine art as both setting and symbol deepens the plot. The tone balances lightness and suspense with ease. Dialogue sings as the mystery unravels with skill. Perfect for readers who enjoy smart, stylish mysteries with emotional depth and artistic flair. Fans of Only Murders in the Building or The Goldfinch will feel right at home. ~ Jeff A
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ What struck me most about Death in a Gilded Frame was how seamlessly you wove the glamour of Chicago’s elite art world into the intrigue of a tightly plotted mystery. The forged masterpiece at the heart of the story isn’t just a clever plot device, it’s a rich metaphor for the facades people construct, both in life and in art. Sadie’s wit, resilience, and bond with Daniel bring a warmth and humanity that balance the sharp suspense, and the way you layer fine art into the narrative gives the book a texture that lingers well after the last page. ~ Claire
