Step into the dazzling world of Posie Parker, where 1920s glamour meets cunning detective work! L.B. Hathaway’s Posie Parker Mystery series whisks readers to the jazz-soaked streets of London and beyond, blending cozy mystery with historical fiction. With a sharp-witted heroine and plots brimming with intrigue, this series captures the reckless charm of the Golden Age of Crime, enchanting fans of Agatha Christie and Downton Abbey alike.
Centered on Posie Parker, London’s premier female private detective, the series follows her as she unravels complex cases with grit and flair. From stolen jewels to chilling murders, Posie’s adventures are a delightful mix of danger, romance, and period charm, set against the vibrant backdrop of the Roaring Twenties.
How Posie Parker Began
Born from L.B. Hathaway’s love for Golden Age detective novels and English history, the Posie Parker series emerged during a career break from her life as a lawyer. A Cambridge-educated Brit, Hathaway poured her passion for Agatha Christie’s intricate plots and the 1920s’ hedonistic allure into creating Posie, a feisty sleuth who feels like a best friend. Launched in 2014 with Murder Offstage, the series quickly gained traction, allowing Hathaway to become a full-time writer and a rising star in cozy mysteries.
The Heart of Posie Parker
The series kicks off with Murder Offstage (2014), where Posie dives into London’s theater world to clear a friend’s name in a murder case tied to a stolen jewel. In The Tomb of the Honey Bee (2014), she chases clues from the Cotswolds to Egypt, uncovering dark family secrets. Murder in Venice (2018) sees Posie protecting a movie star amid death threats in Italy’s canals, while Murder and the Scent of Nutmeg (2024) takes her to the Norfolk coast for a tense closed-room mystery.
Hathaway’s stories weave themes of independence, resilience, and reinvention, reflecting the era’s shifting roles for women. Posie, a single woman carving her path in a post-World War I world, embodies strength and vulnerability. The series’ lush settings—from London’s glittering nightclubs to Tuscany’s sun-drenched hills—immerse readers in a time of jazz, fashion, and lingering war scars. With clever red herrings and witty dialogue, each book delivers a standalone whodunit that keeps you guessing.
Why Posie Parker Resonates
The Posie Parker series has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, earning praise for its vivid historical detail and engaging characters. Fans adore Posie’s blend of pluck and heart, drawing comparisons to Phryne Fisher and Maisie Dobbs. Its global appeal lies in its ability to transport readers to a glamorous yet gritty era, blending escapist fun with poignant social commentary. As Amazon bestsellers, the books have built a loyal following, with readers eagerly awaiting each new adventure.
- Publication Years: 2014–2024
- Books: 16 novels and novellas
- Setting: Primarily 1920s London, with ventures to Venice, Tuscany, Paris, and more
- Genre: Cozy mystery, historical fiction
A Timeless Adventure Awaits
Whether you’re a mystery buff or a history lover, Posie Parker’s world is calling! Grab Murder Offstage and join Posie in unraveling secrets in the dazzling, dangerous 1920s. With twists at every turn, it’s a journey you won’t forget!