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Death at the Tavern: a 1930s Cozy Murder Mystery (A Higgins & Hawke Mystery Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Lee Strauss (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 2,486 ratings
See all formats and editions

Death by Rum Running. . .

It’s the hot and humid East Coast summer of 1931 and seven years since Dr. Haley Higgins’ brother Joe was murdered. The case is cold. The Boston Police Department may have given up on finding Joe Higgins’ killer, but Haley never will. She’s serious and savvy and has what it takes to hold up under depressive times. At least she finds some satisfaction doing her part as the city pathologist’s assistant in solving other crimes.

Investigative reporter Samantha Hawke ~ byline Sam Hawke ~ is blond, beautiful and broke, no thanks to her no good husband who’s been on the lam for over six years. Her position at the Boston Daily Record is more than a job ~ it’s payback.

When a man is found dead at the Bell in Hand Tavern on Union Street, Haley and Samantha are both working the case. Haley’s looking for justice and Samantha’s after recognition and a raise. They may want the same thing ~ to catch a killer ~ but it turns out they may need each other to solve this case before becoming the next victims.


★★★★★

THE HIGGINS & HAWKE MYSTERY SERIES
A 1930s cozy mystery series.

Death at the Tavern (Book1)
Death on the Tower (Book2)
Death on Hanover (Book 3)
Death by Dancing (Book 4)

THE GINGER GOLD MYSTERY SERIES

Murder on the SS Rosa (Book 1)
Murder at Hartigan House (Book 2)
Murder at Bray Manor (Book 3)
Murder at Feathers & Flair (Book 4)
Murder at the Mortuary (Book 5)
Murder at Kensington Gardens (Book 6)
Murder at st. George’s Church (Book 7)
The Wedding of Ginger & Basil (Book 7.5)
Murder Aboard the Flying Scotsman (Book 8)
Murder at the Boat Club (Book 9)
Murder on Eaton Square (Book 10)
Murder by Plum Pudding (Book 11)
Murder on Fleet Street (Book 12)
Murder at Brighton Beach (Book 13)
Murder at Hyde Park (Book 14)
Murder at Royal Albert Hall (Book 15)
Murder in Belgravia (Book 16)
Murder on Mallowan Court (Book 17)
Murder at the Savoy (Book 18)
Murder at the Circus (Book 19)
Murder at the Boxing Match (Book 20)

~more on the way!


A brand new 1950s series!
THE ROSA REED MYSTERY SERIES

Murder at High Tide (Book 1)
Murder on the Boardwalk (Book 2)
Murder at the Bomb Shelter (Book 3)
Murder on Location (Book 4)
Murder and Rock 'n Roll (Book 5)
Murder at the Races (Book 6)
Murder at the Dude Ranch (Book 7)
Murder at in London (Book 8)
Murder at the Fiesta (Book 9)
Murder at the Weddings (Book 10)

Don't miss LADY GOLD INVESTIGATES, the short story companion series!

Previous page
  1. Book 1 of 5
    A Higgins & Hawke Mystery
  2. Print length
    252 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publication date
    January 28, 2019
  6. File size
    3914 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
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  10. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Haley Higgins the assistant medical examiner, and Samantha Hawke an investigative reporter, find an unlikely friendship, while surviving in occupations that are mostly held by men. Look out Boston, this dynamic duel is going to be the next great team to solve murders in the 1930's. Lee Strauss has again penned a new delightful but very entertaining mystery series. Any genre Lee decides to write is always a thrill ride of it's own. Far from a one trick pony, I would recommend any of her series, because she can satisfy anyone's cup of tea, or coffee! A very good read!! --B Clevenger

Enjoyed this first in the new series featuring Haley Higgins, best friend of Ginger Gold. So glad she has her own series now though with an equally interesting new sidekick Samantha Hawke. It's 7 years since Haley left England and she is now a doctor and is the Assistant Medical Examiner. With Sam as a reporter they both have to overcome living & working in a mans' world. Both professions are prime for finding trouble but also putting their curiosity and investigating skills to work. But then Haley has had a lot of practice and Sam is learning. This series seems a lot heavier to me than the Ginger Gold since there is the Great Depression, Prohibition, & the mob all involved. This isn't a mystery with humor. It's serious, suspenseful, and very good. The new Med. Examiner, Dr. Guthrie, who Haley knew in England is a joke though. Haley does all the work while he sit's around complaining about America & snoozing. She doesn't mind though and it does give her more control. It will also be interesting to see if anything develops in the future regarding her brother Joes' murder years before that was never solved. It's what motivates her the most in solving murders. I pre-ordered this book and have done the same with #2 coming out in April which I was glad to see. Thanks Lee for a great well-written new series! --Helena (Calif)

Higgins and Hawke are independent thinking women and highly pleasurable to spend time with. If you like adventure of the Agatha Christie type, then settle back and enjoy. --Eugenia Parrish

From the Author

Researching for Higgins & Hawke Mysteries is super interesting. Haley Higgins, now a rare female doctor of pathology in 1930s Boston is at the top of her game. Strong, confident and financially secure.

Samantha Hawke, her unlikely partner in crime-solving, is a beautiful single-mother, the sole woman in the competitive field of journalism, struggling to keep food on the table and the rent paid.

Despite the forensic emphasis, these historical mysteries are COZY, so no scary, graphic on-stage violence. You'll find these books to be clean reads, with no swearing or sex. I hope you enjoy the Higgins & Hawke series!


For fans of Rhys Bowen, L.B. Hathaway, Jacqueline Winspear, Susan Elia Macneal, T E Kinsey, Leighann Dobbs, Charles Todd, Vivian Conroy, Hamilton Crane, Frances Brody, Ashley Weaver, Patricia Wentworth, Dorothy L. Sayers, G.K. Chesterton, Clara Benson, M.C. Beaton, Charles Finch, Gladys Mitchell, Margery Allingham, Ngaio Marsh, Carola Dunn, Georgette Heyer, Kate Parker, Alyssa Maxwell, Maia Chance, Cecil Freeman Gregg, Barbara Cleverly, Kerry Greenwood, Elizabeth Edmondson, Edmund Crispin, Mary Roberts Rinehart, James Runcie, Catriona McPherson, Anne Perry, Sue Grafton, Martha Grimes, Emma Jameson, Beth Byers, cozy mysteries, historical mysteries, historical fiction.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07K1M3QN4
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ La Plume Press (January 28, 2019)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 28, 2019
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3914 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 252 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 2,486 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Lee Strauss

Lee Strauss

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For fans of cozy mysteries with a touch of Downton Abbey ~ from a USA TODAY Bestselling author!

You'll adore Lady Gold from the acclaimed Ginger Gold Mysteries series starting with the introductory novella, Murder on the SS Rosa.

Fill up on the short story companion series, Lady Gold Investigates, and if you're in need of more Golden Age Whodunnits, try the spin-off series, Higgins & Hawke.

Look for the 1950s themed ROSA REED MYSTERIES!

Don't forget to FOLLOW LEE ON AMAZON. (^^^Yellow button under photo^^^)

Contact: leestraussbooks.com

Sign up for Lee's newsletter and get EXCLUSIVE access to Ginger Gold's Journal AND a Rosa Reed short story prequel!

Copy and paste: https://www.leestraussbooks.com/join-ginger/

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
2,486 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Bonnye Reed Fry
5.0 out of 5 stars A good, fast read
Reviewed in the United States on November 20, 2019
Verified Purchase
I received a free electronic copy of this historical mystery novel from the author and La Plume Press. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read this novel of my own volition, and this review reflects my personal opinion of this work. Death at the Tavern is the first of a series - I can't want to tackle the rest. This story is upbeat, crisp and hard to put aside.

Lee Strauss is an author I am happy to recommend to friends and family. She writes a tight, compelling mystery, this one set in 1930s Boston and featuring Haley Higgins, Bostons' first female physician/pathologist, and Samantha Hawke, a single Mom with her mother-in-law also dependant on her support. Sam Hawke is a reporter at The Daily Record currently tied to weddings and fashion but determined to cover real news.

Both our protagonists are full of grit and gumption, neither have much in the way of a support system and the word 'no' doesn't seem to have a place in their vocabulary. Bostonians find themselves on the leading edge of the revocation of the 18th amendment with everyone but the rum runners in favor of again legalizing alcohol. Unfortunately, the Mob isn't giving up easily. People are starting to die...

Haley and Sam know they are capable of covering both the science and the news coverage of real-life issues, but they have a long way to go, convincing depression era men (and some women) who want all females at home, leaving the jobs for the heads of families - the male heads of the family. Just as we see today, equality between the sexes does not flow freely.
16 people found this helpful
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Holly AW
4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable first book in a new series
Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2021
Verified Purchase
I've enjoyed the Ginger Gold mystery series for a while now, and liked the interaction between Ginger and her American friend Haley Higgins. Now Haley has her own series, set in Boston, and this book sets up the future partnership between medical examiner Haley and investigative reporter Sam Hawke. Together they learn to trust each other while working to solve a couple of apparently unrelated murders. Lee Strauss brings the 1930s to life and writes strong female characters. The story is a good one, with crisp writing and excellent editing. It's a fast read and one you will want to finish in one sitting. There are a few references to Ginger and Haley's life in London while studying at the women's medical school there, but it you haven't read the Ginger Gold series, don't worry, it won't interfere with your enjoyment of the book. I admit I miss Haley in the Gold books, but people change and their lives take different turns, so this is a logical progression for both Ginger and Haley. I look forward to the next book in the series.
One person found this helpful
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Helena (Calif)
5.0 out of 5 stars Great new series!!!
Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2019
Verified Purchase
Enjoyed this first in the new series featuring Haley Higgins, best friend of Ginger Gold. So glad she has her own series now though with an equally interesting new sidekick Samantha Hawke. It's 7 years since Haley left England and she is now a doctor and is the Assistant Medical Examiner. With Sam as a reporter they both have to overcome living & working in a mans' world. Both professions are prime for finding trouble but also putting their curiosity and investigating skills to work. But then Haley has had a lot of practice and Sam is learning. This series seems a lot heavier to me than the Ginger Gold since there is the Great Depression, Prohibition, & the mob all involved. This isn't a mystery with humor. It's serious, suspenseful, and very good. The new Med. Examiner, Dr. Guthrie, who Haley knew in England is a joke though. Haley does all the work while he sit's around complaining about America & snoozing. She doesn't mind though and it does give her more control. It will also be interesting to see if anything develops in the future regarding her brother Joes' murder years before that was never solved. It's what motivates her the most in solving murders. I pre-ordered this book and have done the same with #2 coming out in April which I was glad to see. Thanks Lee for a great well-written new series!
10 people found this helpful
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Abbigail Holmes
5.0 out of 5 stars Ladies In Action
Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2021
Verified Purchase
I really like good cozy mystery, and this is definitely one. Also, it is set in a time period I also like a lot (I'm not only a Victorian and Regency mystery lover) and it has two great main characters.
Saying that I enjoyed the read would be underestimation - I was taken by those two working ladies, both coming from different backgrounds and thus, with different pasts and problems, joined together in intention to solve the crime and to advocate for the one who can not: the murdered ones.
The story is great, the pace is skillfully determined and the plot twists keep you glued to the pages.
Looking forward to more Haley and Sam's adventures.
One person found this helpful
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Pat. H
3.0 out of 5 stars Meh...
Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2022
Verified Purchase
I have read all the Ginger Gold mysteries up to now and enjoyed them very much. So I thought this spin-off featuring one of Ginger's friends but set in America might be good. America during the depression is not a pretty place to be. There are mobsters and rum runners and people with no food. I read for escapism and I don't want to escape to depression era Boston. If you like murder mysteries in dreary settings and lonely people this book is for you.
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gma
4.0 out of 5 stars Delightful addition to author's listings
Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2024
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I enjoyed reading this cozy detective mystery story. It is light reading that is quick and lively. The characters are original and a bit quirky. Recommend for all.
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C. Malito
5.0 out of 5 stars Good reading
Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2021
Verified Purchase
I love Lee Strauss’ books. She writes intriguing light historical mysteries, and this one is no different. We met Haley Higgins as a friend of Ginger Gold, lady detective. Now she’s in Boston, assistant medical examiner, and investigating a series of murders with reporter Samantha Hawke. If you like easy-reading mysteries, I think you’ll enjoy this one
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doglover
5.0 out of 5 stars A great new series
Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2021
Verified Purchase
Lee Strauss is a very gifted writer. I have read quite a few of her books and even one has been a special treat. Really like the characters in this book. The mystery is full of twists. Couldn't stop reading. Look forward to reading more of these books.
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Top reviews from other countries

Mr. Eclectic
5.0 out of 5 stars A five-star read
Reviewed in Canada on November 2, 2021
Verified Purchase
A well-written and engaging story with the right balance of character development and plot intrigue.
The theme of women breaking into a man's world provoked a sympathetic and supportive response from me, as a man.
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John M (Glasgow, Scotland)
5.0 out of 5 stars Very good read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 18, 2022
Verified Purchase
An excellent story set in prohibition-era USA. Two good female lead characters. Fast moving tale with a believable premise that really hooks the reader. Well worth reading. Looking forward to the next tale in the series.
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Fran Haywood
5.0 out of 5 stars Murder in the Tavern
Reviewed in Australia on November 14, 2021
Verified Purchase
Enjoyed this book.Set in 1930’s Prohibition, it follows 2 women working in what we’re previously male dominated professions and Lee Strauss has conveyed the reality of the times with a fast moving plot.
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PRBob
4.0 out of 5 stars A great light read
Reviewed in Canada on November 14, 2021
Verified Purchase
It s a very enjoyable book that I looked forward to reading each night. Good character develop. It could be movie material.
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FGC
4.0 out of 5 stars Fab - Women in a Man's World
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 22, 2021
Verified Purchase
Set in the 1930's this murder mystery is an easy read but still keeps you enthralled. It's perfect for a Sunday afternoon read rather than falling asleep in front of the telly after your roast dinner. Definitely be reading more of the series.
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