A lot of the recently published novels that I am reading, whether it is historical fiction, cozy mystery, or contemporary fiction, don’t seem to be particularly well-written. The Oxford Guide to Scandal and Lies (The Oxford Guide #1) by Kate Westbury is a paradox for me. It is well-written, but the plot and character connection didn’t quite hit the mark for me. It all felt a bit slow.
I do love stories set in England, and set in Oxford is a major plus. I’ve watched every single episode of Inspector Morse, also set in Oxford, and also a mystery series. I loved that the main female character is of nobility and stems from a family home that is in need of an infusion of cash to maintain. It sounded very Downton Abbey to me.
This is the first of a series, and perhaps now that the world-building has taken place with this first installment, the next installment will focus more on plot and the connection between Ginevra Bishop and Sidney Braithwaite will be further developed. If the pace is quickened and the focus on the mystery being solved takes center stage, I’m sure I will enjoy Westbury’s work much more.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for the ARC ebook.
Michelle Blanchard Ardillo 
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