Step into the dazzling world of 1920s Pasadena, where Daisy Gumm Majesty, a charmingly cunning fake spiritualist, weaves her way through murders, mysteries, and a dash of romantic tension! Alice Duncan’s Daisy Gumm Majesty series is a delightful blend of historical cozy mystery, sparkling with wit, period charm, and a heroine who’s as sharp as her tarot cards. Set against the backdrop of post-World War I America, Daisy’s adventures offer readers a captivating escape into a time of flappers, séances, and secrets.
With her quick tongue and unwavering resolve, Daisy supports her family—including her war-injured husband—while solving crimes alongside the gruff yet endearing Detective Sam Rotondo. Whether she’s debunking ghostly hauntings or uncovering sinister plots, Daisy’s knack for trouble makes this series a must-read for fans of light-hearted historical whodunits.
How Daisy Gumm Majesty Began
Alice Duncan, a Pasadena native with a love for history, launched the Daisy Gumm Majesty series in 2003 with Strong Spirits. Inspired by the spiritualist craze of the 1920s, Duncan crafted Daisy as a young woman who turns her childhood knack for tarot and séances into a livelihood. Drawing from her own experiences in Pasadena, Duncan infused the series with authentic details, from the city’s grand estates to its post-war struggles. Her goal? To create a cozy mystery series that balanced humor, heart, and historical intrigue, with a heroine readers could root for.
The Heart of Daisy Gumm Majesty
The series kicks off with Strong Spirits, where Daisy, a 21-year-old wife, holds séances for Pasadena’s elite. When a wealthy client’s husband vanishes, Daisy’s snooping draws the attention of skeptical Detective Sam Rotondo, sparking a dynamic partnership. In Fine Spirits, Daisy tackles a supposed basement ghost, only to uncover a human fugitive, blending humor with suspense. Hungry Spirits sees Daisy teaching a cooking class to war-displaced women, confronting her own prejudices while dodging danger. Later, Spirits Revived takes a supernatural twist when a real spirit contacts Daisy, challenging her fraudulent persona.
Themes of resilience, community, and social change shine through. Daisy navigates a world of class divides, racism, and women’s limited roles, often reflecting on her own biases. The 1920s setting—vividly painted with slang, fashion, and Prohibition-era tensions—grounds the mysteries in a rich historical tapestry. Duncan’s light, first-person narration keeps the tone playful, with Daisy’s asides adding humor and warmth, making each book feel like a chat with a friend.
Why Daisy Gumm Majesty Resonates
The Daisy Gumm Majesty series has carved a niche among cozy mystery fans for its blend of historical accuracy and relatable characters. Readers praise Daisy’s pluck and the series’ ability to tackle serious topics—like PTSD, prejudice, and women’s independence—with a gentle touch. With 18 books and counting, including Domesticated Spirits in 2022, the series remains a beloved escape, transporting readers to a bygone era. Its vivid depiction of Pasadena and Daisy’s evolving bond with Sam keep fans eagerly awaiting each installment.
- First Published: 2003 (Strong Spirits)
- Number of Books: 18 as of 2022
- Setting: Pasadena, California, 1920s
- Genre: Historical Cozy Mystery
Ready to unravel mysteries with Daisy Gumm Majesty? Grab Strong Spirits and dive into a world of séances, secrets, and 1920s charm!