The Socialite’s Guide to Sleuthing and Secrets (A Pinnacle Hotel Mystery) by S. K. Golden

Thanks for sharing!

Welcome to my stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour for The Socialite’s Guide to Sleuthing and Secrets (A Pinnacle Hotel Mystery) by S. K. Golden . Stop by each blog on the tour for interviews, guest posts, spotlights, reviews and more!

The Socialite’s Guide to Sleuthing and Secrets (A Pinnacle Hotel Mystery)
Historical Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Setting – 1958 New York City
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Crooked Lane Books (March 11, 2025)
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 288 pages

Hotel heiress Evelyn Murphy is on the hunt for a cunning killer and a mysterious thief in the third Pinnacle Hotel mystery, perfect for fans of Rhys Bowen and Ashley Weaver.

New York, 1958. When Evelyn’s mail is delivered during a luncheon in the Gold Room, she’s surprised to find she has received a diamond tiara, which catches the attention of a costume jewelry sales team lunching nearby. Their leader, Lois Mitchel, is especially interested, but by the end of the lunch, Lois has choked and fallen into Evelyn’s lap—and by the end of the day, she’s dead.

The papers report on the death the next day, while also spreading news of a Gentleman Thief who’s been leaving behind a red pocket square after robbing the city’s wealthiest. Determined to figure out what happened to Lois, Evelyn devotes herself to the investigation.

The truth is as rare as a diamond and just as hard to crack, and Evelyn swiftly discovers that this particular mystery is multifaceted, too. From costume jewelry hawkers to wannabe Robin Hoods and a detective in residence at the Pinnacle, nothing is simple. But neither is Evelyn—and this case is hers to solve.

Interview with Author S.K. Golden

Thanks for taking the time to share a bit about yourself with my readers and me!

Thank you for having me!

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am a 37 year old mother of five. My husband and I are about to celebrate our 18th wedding anniversary. Yes, I did get married young! But I wouldn’t change a thing.

How long have you been writing?

I was writing short stories and fan fiction as young as ten, but I only decided to pursue writing as a career after my twins were born, about eight years ago.

Did you always want to be an author? What made you choose the cozy mystery genre?

I always wrote and dreamed of having books published, but I didn’t think it would ever be more than a dream. I got a college degree in Human Services and Administration, actually, but I graduated after my son was born and immediately transitioned from student to mother. I chose the cozy mystery genre because, once I learned what I cozy mystery was, I realized how many of my favorite stories fit into the category! I was like, Psych, the best TV show, is a cozy mystery?! Sign me up!

Do you prefer to read cozy mystery books, or do you have another favorite genre? What are you reading now?

I love cozy mysteries, both contemporary ones and the Agatha Christie variety. Next up on my list is We Three Queens by Rhys Bowen. Outside of cozies, I read a few thrillers, some fantasy, and sci-fi. I also have a soft spot for Tessa Dare’s romances.

Do you have a favorite place to write?

At my desk in my room! Half of my and my husband’s bedroom has been turned into my office, God love him.

What’s on your desk (if you write at one!)?

I love bullet journals and right now I have six of them on my desk, close at hand. It’s not a problem, it’s a collection. There is a difference. (Just like a mug collection…not a problem!)

What is the first book you remember reading as a child? What was one of your favorite books you read as a child?

I remember my mother reading the Chronicles of Narnia to me. I remember being very, very worried for Aslan. On my own, I recall long nights spent reading Nancy Drew. And also the Enchanted Forest Chronicles by Patricia C. Wrede.

Do you like audiobooks, physical books, or e-books better? Why?

It really depends. Ebooks are fantastic for traveling, or reading while out doing something very important, like getting a pedicure. Audiobooks are wonderful for listening while cleaning or traveling or anything else that requires your hands. But a physical book is pure comfort. The smell, the feel. A giant, floppy paperback is a great friend.

If you had the opportunity to live anywhere in the world for a year while writing a book that took place in that same setting, where would you choose?

I feel like my answer to this question could change with my mood! Right now, I’d say the Catskills. I’ve never been past New York City, but I’ve seen pictures, and it is beautiful up there.

What or who has influenced you the most as a writer?

I first read Douglas Adams as a young teenager, and it was the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy that taught me words could be fun. But the red herrings in a Christie novel, the twists in a Westlake heist, the romance and longing in an Austen story, the worldbuilding in a Pratchett book – all these things inspire me.

Do you have any author friends who support you while you’re writing? Do you belong to any writing groups?

Yes, I am very fortunate to be the current president of Citrus Crime Writers, which is a small group inside of Sisters in Crime. Our monthly meetings are all through Zoom, so even though it was started in Florida, we have members from all over joining.

Finally, what are you working on now? Can you tell us a bit about it?

I am working on something right now, but I can’t quite share it yet. Soon!

Thank you again for taking the time to answer my questions!

My pleasure!

About S. K. Golden

S.K. Golden writes cozy mysteries and crime capers. Born and raised in the Florida Keys, she married a commercial fisherman. The two of them still live on the islands with their five kids (one boy, four girls — including identical twins!), two cats, and a corgi named Goku. Sarah graduated from Saint Leo University with a bachelor’s degree in Human Services and Administration and has put it to good use approximately zero times. She’s worked as a bank teller, a pharmacy technician, and an executive assistant at her father’s church. Sarah is delighted to be doing none of those things now.

Author Links
Website https://www.skgoldenwrites.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SKGoldenWrites/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/skgoldenwrites/
GoodReads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22010011.S_K_Golden

Purchase Links – Amazon B&N Bookshop.org Penguin RandomHouse Kobo