In this engaging historical mystery, Agatha Christie's ever-capable
housekeeper, Phyllida Bright, not only keeps the celebrated author's
English country home in tip-top shape, she excels as an amateur sleuth.
But when a murder-themed game goes awry, can she outfox the guilty
party?
"A murder will occur tonight at Beecham House . . ." Who could resist
such a compelling invitation? Of course, the murder in question purports
to be a party game, and Phyllida looks forward to using some of the
deductive skills she has acquired thanks to her employer, Mrs. Agatha,
who is unable to attend in person.
The hosts, Mr. and Mrs. Wokesley, are new to the area, and Phyllida
gladly offers their own overwhelmed housekeeper some guidance while
events get underway. Family friends have been enlisted to play the
suspects, and Mr. Wokesley excels in his role of dead body.
Unfortunately, when the game's solution is about to be unveiled, the
participants discover that life has imitated art. Mr. Wokesley really is
dead!
In the absence of Inspector Cork, Phyllida takes temporary charge of the
investigation, guiding the local constable through interviews with the
Murder Game actors. At first, there seems no motive to want Mr. Wokesley
dead . . . but then Phyllida begins to connect each of the suspects with
the roles they played and the motives assigned to them. It soon becomes
clear that everyone had a reason to murder their host--both in the game
and in real life. Before long, Phyllida is embroiled in a fiendishly
puzzling case, with a killer who refuses to play by the rules . . .
