Caffeinated Reviewer

The Oxford Guide to Scandal and Lies by Kate Westbury delivered an engaging historical murder mystery set against post-WWII Oxford University. Murder, spies and romance wrapped in a clever tale make this the perfect fall mystery to add to your list!

Set against the backdrop of post-WWII Oxford University, The Oxford Guide to Scandal and Lies is the irresistible debut from Kate Westbury that seamlessly layers mystery, romance, and a dash of academia to introduce the Crown’s newest undercover operatives.

Oxford, England, 1951 - The Honorable Ginevra Bishop likes red lipstick, clever retorts, and earning top marks in her tutorials. She’s following her mother’s footsteps by studying at Oxford, eager to prove she’s more than a debutante.

Sidney Braithwaite likes brooding, Latin, and ignoring his nightmares. He’s determined to forge a new life for himself at Oxford, far from his childhood mining village and free from memories of the war.

Though Gin and Sidney have little in common, the British Security Service is keen to unite her charm with his espionage there’s a Soviet spy at the university, and the agent tracking them down was poisoned. MI5 wants Gin and Sidney to pick up the trail and identify the informant before more sensitive information is compromised. As a team, the pair of undergraduates clash in personality, upbringing, and taste––but have a connection neither can deny. Gin and Sidney must unite their respective talents to follow the clues before they’re caught in the traitor’s crosshairs…if the sparks flying between them don’t blow up the operation first.

We meet the Honorable Ginevra Bishop in the library of Oxford, where she attends college. She is following in her late mother’s footsteps and is studying languages. She has plans, even if her father is pushing her to marry. Sidney Braithwaite is determined to buckle down after dealing with the war and trouble at home. While the two don’t move in the same circles, I found their first interaction intriguing and was curious to see how things unfold.

After the two discover the librarian in the gardens suffering from an apparent heart attack, they are approached by the British Security Service. Sidney was an agent during the war, and they want them to help find answers. MI5 believes there is a Soviet spy at the university. The librarian was working for them and was close to uncovering the spy before he was murdered.

I was all in, from the mystery to Gin’s bold investigative skills and Sidney’s wish for it all to go away. The author did a splendid job of unraveling the mystery while sharing Gin and Sidney’s backstories and fanning the chemistry between them. The romance is a slow-burn and one I hope develops further in the next book.

From the historical backdrop to the problems that vex women, the story hooked me. I loved the spying, the gathering of clues, and seeing Gin and Sidney work together. I loved the nod to academia, from heated debates to the library itself. Outside interference dampened the romance before Gin set the record straight. I loved her spunky personality. She takes risks where Sidney is slow and methodical. Together they make the perfect team.

The case wrapped up splendidly, and I am eager to see what the next novel brings. Perfect for fans of historical mysteries served with a side of romance.

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About Kate Westbury

Kate Westbury grew up a voracious reader of detective fiction, and unraveling plot twists became her favorite pastime. She now puts her whodunnit obsession to good use writing historical mysteries. Beyond the page, Kate teaches Latin and dreams of moving to an English village with crimes to solve.

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About Kimberly

Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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