"Balances Downton Abbey-style period charm with a tight plot that
twists and turns right until the end... a plot that would satisfy
Poirot." - Library Journal
"Dame Agatha would be proud." - Publishers Weekly
In this captivating English murder mystery from an acclaimed author,
Agatha Christie's housekeeper must uncover the killer amongst a throng
of crime writers.
In England's stately manor houses, murder is not generally a topic for
polite conversation. Mallowan Hall, home to Agatha Christie and her
husband, Max, is the exception. And housekeeper Phyllida Bright delights
in discussing gory plot details with her friend and employer . . .
The neighboring village of Listleigh has also become a hub of grisly
goings-on, thanks to a Murder Fête organized to benefit a local
orphanage. Members of The Detection Club--a group of celebrated authors
such as G.K. Chesterton, Dorothy L. Sayers, and Agatha herself--will
congregate for charitable events, including a writing contest for
aspiring authors. The winner gets an international publishing contract,
and entrants have gathered for a cocktail party--managed by the
inimitable Phyllida--when murder strikes too close even for her comfort.
It seems the victim imbibed a poisoned cocktail intended for Alastair
Whittlesby, president of the local writers' club. The insufferable
Whittlesby is thought to be a shoo-in for the prize, and ambition is
certainly a worthy motive. But narrowing down these suspects could leave
even Phyllida's favorite fictional detective, M. Poirot, twirling his
mustache in frustration.
It's a mystery too intriguing for Phyllida to resist, but one fraught
with duplicity and danger, for every guest is an expert in murder--and
how to get away with it . . .
