A Resolution at Midnight

Christmas in 1907 New York City provides the backdrop for Noble’s enticing third Lady Dunbridge mystery (after 2019’s Tell Me No Lies). Since moving to New York, the beautiful, witty Philomena Amesbury, widowed Countess of Dunbridge, has been carrying out the occasional undercover detective operation for the mysterious Mr. X. Lady Phil’s latest assignment is to meet a source at a movie theater, but when she arrives, she finds the man dead, his throat cut. The murdered man, Tommy Green, a reporter for the New York Times, was going to pass off some important information for Mr. X. But the newspaper reports that Green’s body was found at the docks. Why is the murder being covered up, and by whom? With the help of her faithful, clever servants and an intrepid female reporter who is desperate to get off the society beat, Phil uncovers a complex scheme involving blackmail, greed, and family secrets that lead directly to the top of New York society. Colorful period details include the first Times Square New Year’s Eve ball drop in 1908. Historical fans will be well satisfied. Agent: Kevin Lyon, Marsal Lyon Literary. (Oct.)