June 8, 2020
Ivy Nichols, the narrator of Keown’s solid debut and series launch, takes the job of night clerk at the period-themed Hotel 1911, which was once the estate of her long-missing mother’s wealthy Chattanooga, Tenn., family, many of whom suffered from mental illness. Ivy, who’s prone to panic attacks, believes that working in the former family home may give her some insight into her own condition. As a bonus, her best friend, George Anghelescu, is the hotel’s acclaimed chef. But when a guest, the loud and unpleasant Amelia Swain, dies of an allergic reaction at dinner, the police suspect George of murder, and Ivy determines to save him from a homicide charge. Plenty of people had motive, but who had the opportunity? Was the ill-tempered Amelia actually the target, or was someone trying to ruin George? The intriguing cast of characters includes the hotel’s general manager, the upright Mr. Fig, who knows a lot more than he lets on. Readers will look forward to Ivy’s story unfolding in future installments. Keown is off to a good start. Agent: Annie Bomke, Annie Bomke Literary.