New Releases For The Week Of April 4th, 2021–Part 4

For God’s sake don’t get the idea that you’re Miss Marple. It could quite conceivably lead to your being whacked on the head.’

The narrator of this classic mystery is fashionable young actress, Tessa Crichton-obliged to turn private detective when murder strikes in the rural stronghold of Roakes Common. Leading hate-figures in the community are Mr. and Mrs. Cornford – the nouveaux riches of the local Manor House – suspected by some of malicious dog killing.

Tessa however has other things on her mind when she goes to stay with her cousin Toby and his wife Matilda. There’s her blossoming career, for one thing, not to mention coping with her eccentric cousins. Also the favourable impression made by a young man she meets under odd circumstances in the local pub. If it wasn’t for that dead body turning up in a ditch . . .

The murder mystery will lead Tessa to perilous danger, but she solves it herself, witty, blithe and soignée to the last. The story is distinguished by memorable characterisation and a sharp ear for dialogue, adding to the satisfaction of a traditional cunningly-clued detective story.

Death in the Grand Manor was originally published in 1970. This new edition features an introduction and afterword by crime fiction historian Curtis Evans.

A charming whodunit . . . full of unforced buoyance . . . a remedy for existentialist gloom.’ Edmund Crispin

‘It provides a modern version of the classical type of detective story. I was much taken with the cheerful young narrator . . . and I think most readers will feel the same way. Warmly recommended.’ Francis Iles

‘Entrancingly fresh and lively whodunit . . . Excellent dialogue.’ Observer (Amazon)

Editions Available: Paperback

Stabbed?’ she repeated, in horror. ‘Was he really?’

‘I’m afraid so. From behind. He was sitting at his desk.’

The soignée actress Tessa Crichton would rather be shopping and generally luxuriating in the pleasure of being newly married. However, she is soon embroiled in a plot involving an old acquaintance (murdered) and a friend (blackmailed). Being as shrewd as she is mischievous she begins to draw various conclusions, not all of them correct.

Many of the encounters in the story take place during Tessa’s visits to a London department store, the top floor being a bar open to any customer who spends over twenty-five pounds. Here lies part of the secret which is bedevilling Robin, Tessa’s husband, at Scotland Yard – who hates blackmailers more than any other criminals. But will Tessa get a bit too knowing, and will her own life then be at stake?

Murder in Married Life was originally published in 1971. This new edition features an introduction and afterword by crime fiction historian Curtis Evans.

‘Miss Morice has an acute ear for dialogue and a pretty, slightly acid, wit. Every page is amusing – and there are not many books of which that could be said.’ Tablet

‘Relaxing, polished entertainment of high order.’ Daily Telegraph (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Hardcover, Paperback

Poor woman, how she must wish she had never come!’

Prophetic words, if ever I heard any.

The actress Tessa Crichton’s cousin Ellen is engaged – but to someone she has known only a fortnight. The man appears rich, presentable and mad about Ellen, but Tessa is worried about the reaction of his former amoureuse, and indeed about that of Ellen’s own ex-boyfriend, a bibulous and self-pitying actor.

Plans go ahead for a splendid white wedding, and the scene is set for a gathering of various eccentric and tiresome relations – foremost in tiresomeness the bride’s mother.Just before the speeches one of the guests collapses and dies; and a host of clues, suspects and possible motives appear. The elegant Tessa investigates with her usual mixture of observation and intuition, helped by her Scotland Yard detective husband Robin. Another murder is in the offing before we reach the surprising yet plausible conclusion to an entertaining matrimonial whodunnit.

Death of a Wedding Guest was originally published in 1976. This new edition features an introduction and afterword by crime fiction historian Curtis Evans.

‘As always, a bright and amusing style . . . a general air of sophisticated writing.’ New York Times

‘Relaxing, polished entertainment of high order.’ Daily Telegraph (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Hardcover, Paperback

When she turned round I saw that she had a carving knife in her hand.

Why has Pelham Hargrave returned to his childhood home after twenty-five successful years in Canada and the United States, and is his beautiful and neurotic young American wife quite what she claims to be? Why has a celebrated Hollywood director chosen to retire to a remote English country house, and why does one young woman covet the house and another loathe it? Above all, what is the secret of old Nannie’s power, which allows her to dominate the household from her rocking chair?

These are some of the questions which confront the soignée Tessa Crichton, actress wife of Scotland Yard detective Robin Price, when she arrives to spend a quiet weekend with her godmother in Herefordshire. One by one the puzzles are unravelled, thanks to Tessa’s spirited and irrepressible curiosity, plus a little help from her husband, but not before two people have died and Tessa herself has narrowly escaped the same fate.

Nursery Tea and Poison was originally published in 1975. This new edition features an introduction and afterword by crime fiction historian Curtis Evans.

‘Anne Morice has a gift for creating intelligent, affection-generating characters, set in light and entertaining atmospheres.’ Spectator

‘Relaxing, polished entertainment of high order.’ Daily Telegraph (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Paperback

She lay on her back, her head and shoulders at an unnaturally curved angle, as though she had arched herself in a last tremendous convulsion as death overtook her. The grass around her was stained with blood and a dart was sticking out above the neckline of her dress.

This is a sparkling whodunit in the best Anne Morice style: the action takes place in and around an ostentatious stately home where murder strikes at the garden fête.

The gala is being thrown by a millionaire tycoon in aid of the local conservation society. Noted actress Tessa Crichton has been given the job of declaring the event ‘open’. While not expecting open season on murder, Tessa is unable to resist the chance to do some on-the-spot investigation, especially as the police are building a damaging case against someone she considers to be innocent.

There are plenty of suspects and plenty of motives; nobody shows much inclination to tell the whole truth and Tessa’s involvement becomes more personal and more dangerous when another corpse is discovered soon afterwards.

Death of a Heavenly Twin, originally published in 1974, is a crime story of ingenuity and wit, with a cast of sharply-observed eccentrics and a final surprise revelation. This new edition features an introduction and afterword by crime fiction historian Curtis Evans.

‘Anne Morice has a gift for creating intelligent, affection-generating characters, set in light and entertaining atmospheres.’ Spectator

‘Relaxing, polished entertainment of high order.’ Daily Telegraph (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Hardcover, Paperback

Going somewhere nice for lunch?’ he enquired.

‘No,’ I said. ‘As a matter of fact, I’m going straight back to the country. Something tells me there isn’t a minute to lose.’

The scene of the crime is a large Victorian Rectory. An aged and famous opera singer dies; she has been ill for some time and initially her death would appear to be natural. But her will, signed on the day she died, causes both astonishment and considerable ill-feeling among her kin. Then two more sinister deaths occur at the Rectory . . .

Tessa Crichton, soignée actress and inadvertent sleuth, is an old friend of the family. Under the circumstances she can’t resist investigating, while her detective husband, Robin Price of Scotland Yard, works on another case near by. Tessa’s imagination and powers of deduction are brilliant as ever. By twists and turns she reaches the solution, but not without a measure of danger to herself – and just a little help from the local police.

Death and the Dutiful Daughter was originally published in 1973. This new edition features an introduction and afterword by crime fiction historian Curtis Evans.

‘Anne Morice has a gift for creating intelligent, affection-generating characters, set in light and entertaining atmospheres.’ Spectator

‘Relaxing, polished entertainment of high order.’ Daily Telegraph (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Hardcover, Paperback

You’ll be the death of me one of these days. I’m telling you.’

‘I’ll be the death of myself first,’ I replied.

The soignée young actress Tessa Crichton is in dazzling form when Robin, her husband and Scotland Yard detective, suggests sleuthing in the Sussex village of Burleigh. The area has recently seen a number of art thefts, but the stakes are raised considerably when murder most foul occurs at a local party . . .

Tessa of course cannot resist a mystery. Her investigations run parallel with her husband’s, and although she is soon on the right track, there will be bizarre and dangerous consequences.

Strange and brilliant characters, odd birds of paradise, are among the suspects in this cleverly-plotted whodunit. Here are character, action, humour – and a very high likelihood of being deceived (despite fair clues) about the identity of the murderer.

Death of a Gay Dog was originally published in 1971. This new edition features an introduction and afterword by crime fiction historian Curtis Evans.

‘An ingenious plot and good entertainment value – the type of whodunit that can safely be read late at night without fear of nightmares.’ Woman’s Journal

‘Certain to the add to the reputation of Tessa . . . entertainingly and cheerfully written.’ Manchester Evening News (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Paperback

With no sound at all, she pitched forward head first into the punch bowl, scattering canapés and glasses in all directions.

By all accounts, Mike Parsons is a paragon: considerate, loyal and devoted to his awkward wife – rumoured to be an alcoholic. But now he has done a vanishing act. Was he killed – and who would murder such a kind individual anyway?

Rising young actress Tessa Crichton is unwittingly set a real puzzle in investigating the case of a man she knew and liked – but who turns out to be a more mysterious character than previously thought. Needing all her detective skill to find out what has really happened to the saintly husband, Tessa uncovers evidence that increasingly puts herself in danger.

Killing with Kindness was originally published in 1974. This new edition features an introduction and afterword by crime fiction historian Curtis Evans.

‘Anne Morice has a gift for creating intelligent, affection-generating characters, set in light and entertaining atmospheres.’ Spectator (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Paperback

What if he’d done it in reverse? Supposing the murder had already been committed by the time you saw him?’

The elegant actress Tessa Crichton is starring in a film to be made in Paris. Her husband Robin (otherwise Detective Inspector Price of Scotland Yard) and her cousin Ellen travel with her but the trip is off to a peculiar start when Tessa’s jewel case disappears – and mysteriously turns up again; no jewellery missing. She and Robin go racing at Longchamps, attend an evening of Indian folk music, and get invited to lunch by a chance acquaintance. Their social activities seem perfectly innocent and enjoyable – before murder is committed and Tessa finds herself in possession of some very dangerous knowledge.

Anne Morice’s talents for characterisation and humour are well displayed in a classical whodunnit with elements of espionage and kidnapping.

Murder on French Leave was originally published in 1972. This new edition features an introduction and afterword by crime fiction historian Curtis Evans.

‘Anne Morice has a gift for creating intelligent, affection-generating characters, set in light and entertaining atmospheres.’ Spectator

‘Relaxing, polished entertainment of high order.’ Daily Telegraph (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Paperback

For God’s sake don’t get the idea that you’re Miss Marple. It could quite conceivably lead to your being whacked on the head.’

The narrator of this classic mystery is fashionable young actress, Tessa Crichton-obliged to turn private detective when murder strikes in the rural stronghold of Roakes Common. Leading hate-figures in the community are Mr. and Mrs. Cornford – the nouveaux riches of the local Manor House – suspected by some of malicious dog killing.

Tessa however has other things on her mind when she goes to stay with her cousin Toby and his wife Matilda. There’s her blossoming career, for one thing, not to mention coping with her eccentric cousins. Also the favourable impression made by a young man she meets under odd circumstances in the local pub. If it wasn’t for that dead body turning up in a ditch . . .

The murder mystery will lead Tessa to perilous danger, but she solves it herself, witty, blithe and soignée to the last. The story is distinguished by memorable characterisation and a sharp ear for dialogue, adding to the satisfaction of a traditional cunningly-clued detective story.

Death in the Grand Manor was originally published in 1970. This new edition features an introduction and afterword by crime fiction historian Curtis Evans.

‘A charming whodunit . . . full of unforced buoyance . . . a remedy for existentialist gloom.’ Edmund Crispin

‘It provides a modern version of the classical type of detective story. I was much taken with the cheerful young narrator . . . and I think most readers will feel the same way. Warmly recommended.’ Francis Iles

‘Entrancingly fresh and lively whodunit . . . Excellent dialogue.’ Observer (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Hardcover, Paperback

Very entertaining. I highly recommend this book to the permanent library of any reader that appreciates a very well written mystery, with some twists and an intelligent plot. You will not be disappointed. Excellent way to spend a cold weekend!”
–Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (regarding Murder in the Manor)

FRAMED BY A FORGERY (A LACEY DOYLE COZY MYSTERY—BOOK 8) is book eight in a charming new cozy mystery series which begins with MURDER IN THE MANOR (Book #1), a #1 Bestseller with over 100 five-star reviews—and a free download!

Lacey Doyle, 39 years old and freshly divorced, has made a drastic change: she has walked away from the fast life of New York City and settled down in the quaint English seaside town of Wilfordshire.

November has arrived, bringing the crisp weather, farms, and the promise of Fall holidays, and Lacey is thrilled to be auctioning off a rare and priceless letter. But after selling it to an eager buyer, the letter turns out to be too good to be true—it’s been forged, and the buyer wants his money back.

But the person who sold it to her is now dead.

Can the forgery and murder be connected?

Lacey, with her beloved dog, must solve the crime and unearth the source of the forgery before she herself is implicated and her business is taken away from her.

Book #9—CATASTROPHE IN A CLOISTER—is also available for pre-order! (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle

Very entertaining. I highly recommend this book to the permanent library of any reader that appreciates a very well written mystery, with some twists and an intelligent plot. You will not be disappointed. Excellent way to spend a cold weekend!”
–Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (regarding Murder in the Manor)

CATASTROPHE IN A CLOISTER (A LACEY DOYLE COZY MYSTERY—BOOK 9) is book nine in a charming new cozy mystery series which begins with MURDER IN THE MANOR (Book #1), a #1 Bestseller with over 100 five-star reviews—and a free download!

Lacey Doyle, 39 years old and freshly divorced, has made a drastic change: she has walked away from the fast life of New York City and settled down in the quaint English seaside town of Wilfordshire.

December has arrived, bringing with it the first touch of Winter and the promise of Christmas. As Wilfordshire comes to life with holiday parties, Lacey is surprised when she receives an unexpected phone call—a mysterious object has been found hidden in the wall of a church. The monks who found it believe it is a rare medieval artifact—one which, if auctioned, can be the Godsend the church needs to save it from looming bankruptcy.

Lacey is determined to help them.

But when the artifact is stolen and a dead body is found, Lacey finds herself in the midst of a murder. With her reputation on the line, she may be the only one who can solve it.

Book #10 will be available soon! (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle

Stella Spinney is a witch with a secret. And she’s about to trick her friends into helping her. When she sees an ad for a new reality dating show, she knows this is her chance to find out what really happened long ago. But there’s a catch. They can’t use their magic in the manor. Will the four witches be able to solve how Mabel Marwood stole the Spinney family home? Will one of them win the heart of the rich guy? Or will they uncover something so horrible Stella will never forgive herself for dragging her friends into her mess?
Find out in book one of Enchantingly Yours: Season 1, a magical, romantic cozy mystery. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle

Murder. Theft. And the ghosts didn’t see a thing.

Natalie Payne loved listening to her grandfather’s stories of a magical Oxford. Little did she know they were all true! When she takes over as Head of Ceremonies, she discovers she has a magical legacy… and responsibilities. A murder in the halls is a sure sign that something has gone wrong with Oxford’s magical protections.. With dead bodies showing up and priceless art missing, Nat and her friends must figure out who or what is causing the problems and put a stop to them.

Book 1: MURDER AT ST MARGARET

As Oxford’s new Head of Ceremonies, Natalie Payne’s first task is to plan St Margaret’s autumn gala. However, her plans are dashed when she finds their famed chef dead in the kitchen. And then a centuries-old cat informs Nat she has her own magical legacy… and responsibilities. A murder in the halls is a sure sign that something has gone wrong with Oxford’s magical protections. Can she solve the crime in time to save St Margaret’s connection to the magic?

Book 2: BURGLARY AT BARNARD

When Nat agrees to meet a friend in the archives of historic Barnard College after hours, she doesn’t expect to find a hidden chamber or stumble across another dead body. The situation becomes a race against time, and just when she thinks she’s won, Nat realises the murderer is willing to do whatever it takes to escape justice, including getting Nat out of the way. Permanently.
Nat’s miscalculation will cost someone their life, but whose?

Book 3: ARSON AT THE ASHMOLEAN

The fire in the Ashmolean’s archives reveals itself to be a cover-up for the real crime: dozens of valuables are missing from the shelves. Unfortunately, security guard Andrei Radu dies at the scene, elevating the crime to a homicide. Nat and her friends know the likely perpetrator is the person behind the problems with the magic. Can they save Kate’s assistant from going down for a crime she didn’t commit?

Book 4: SABOTAGE AT SOMERSET

Nat has identified the evil menace stealing Oxford’s magic. Can she stop them before it is too late? Natalie, Kate and Mathilde know who is wreaking havoc on Oxford’s magic. Now their challenge is to ensure they are brought to justice. When a film production comes to Oxford, it provides the group the chance to bait the perfect trap. There’s just one problem: Has the evil menace caught onto their plans or is someone else trying to sabotage the show?

If you like charming, magical mysteries where ghosts walk the halls, paintings come to life, wyverns play and magic seems within reach, you will love the Oxford Key Mysteries. (Amazon)

Editions available: Kindle

Stella Spinney is a witch with a secret. And she’s about to trick her friends into helping her. When she sees an ad for a new reality dating show, she knows this is her chance to find out what really happened long ago. But there’s a catch. They can’t use their magic in the manor. Will the four witches be able to solve how Mabel Marwood stole the Spinney family home? Will one of them win the heart of the rich guy? Or will they uncover something so horrible Stella will never forgive herself for dragging her friends into her mess?
Find out in book one of Enchantingly Yours: Season 1, a magical, romantic cozy mystery. (Amazon)

Editions Available: Kindle, Paperback