Now that the weather is finally changing to a lovely and crisp fall coziness, it is time to curl up with a new murder mystery. “Everything Glittered” is the newest novel by young-adult author Robin Talley, and if you enjoy a mystery set in a dazzling historical setting, this might be your next great read.
“Everything Glittered” is a novel set in Prohibition-era Washington, D.C., that centers around a group of upper-class girls trying to solve the murder of their school’s headmistress. Thanks to its setting, there are some wonderful descriptions of the lush styles of the 1920s, including the flapper fashions that were revolutionizing the era. The fun and free atmospheres of speakeasies that everyone escapes to at night are contrasted against the strict upper-class society the main characters were born into.
Like any good mystery author, Talley does a wonderful job of creating suspicion around each of the characters and sowing the seeds of distrust in the reader. At any moment, it seems as if anyone could be guilty.
As the plot is mainly revealed through conversations among the characters, the narrator, and, in turn, the reader, is never sure when someone is actually telling the truth.
Since the story takes place during the era of Prohibition, and the main characters visit, or attempt to visit, speakeasies, the additional fact that the characters might be lying to cover up other illicit activities — besides just murder — makes it difficult to trust the words of anyone.
When the guilty party is ultimately revealed, the scene does have that stereotypical villain monologue aspect to it that might feel a little sudden and rushed. However, the final face-off between the main character and villain was reminiscent of an older Nancy Drew novel, so that nostalgic reminder of one of the most iconic mystery detectives was something I was partial to.
A delightful aspect of this story is the friendship among the three central characters: Gertie, Millie and Clara. They are all well crafted to be uniquely interesting. The girls are all from the same higher class and social backgrounds, but they have all gone through unique life circumstances, which are revealed throughout the story to make for a continuously enthralling read.
During the more dangerous moments of the story, the girls are all very protective of each other; however, they still have their arguments, which are realistic and sensical to their character and development. Throughout their hardest moments, though, they stick together, which leads to a lovely and satisfying ending.
If you are on the lookout for an intriguing murder-mystery with well-crafted characters that ultimately remains a fun and easy read for a cozy fall afternoon as the weather chills, look no further. “Everything Glittered” by Robin Talley provides a historically fascinating story with descriptions of gorgeous vintage fashion and settings alongside the danger and drama of Prohibition America. So, warm up with a cup of tea, and enjoy a good whodunit.
