Who would suspect her of a sense of fun and irony, of a passionate love for beauty and the power to drag it from its hidden places? Who could imagine that Miss Mole had pictured herself, at different times, as an explorer in strange lands, as a lady wrapped in luxury and delicate garments, as the mother of adorably naughty children and the inspiringly elusive mistress of a poet?Hannah Mole is a forty-ish spinster, haunted by her past and drifting from post to post-now a governess, now a companion for elderly women. She rarely lingers long due to a slightly troubled relationship with the truth, a tendency to speak her mind, and a fundamental mistrust of others. But Hannah's darker instincts are tempered by a stubborn self-respect and a surprising ability to find joy and inspiration in ordinary life. When she returns to her home town of Radstowe and takes an unpromising job in the home of the stuffy, widowed Reverend Corder and his daughters, she finds a situation in which her unique characteristics are not only appreciated but essential.In Miss Mole, winner of the James Tait Black Memorial Prize in 1930, E.H. Young created her most complex, unlikely, yet imminently lovable heroine in a tale packed with rich characters, brilliant humour, and quiet triumph.
Herr Berndt leant forward in his chair. "e;Have you ever noticed how if one speaks about a thing, one usually hears about it again within a few days?"e;Christopher Perrin, investigator, is on the track of Duggie the Locksmith, suspected of being behind a major robbery. When he is caught in Belgium, Perrin is astonished and puzzled to see in the crowd a certain Maurus Kaulin, "e;one of the most skilful forgers in existence,"e; whose path Perrin has crossed before.Pike confesses to the robbery, but his journey to Belgium remains unexplained. Perrin, with the help of his old friend, Johann Berndt, formerly Vienna's chief of police, starts to trace what looks suspiciously like an international criminal network. An alluring Hungarian countess, an influential financier and a young Englishwoman become swept up in Perrin's remorseless hunt for the truth, which takes him across Europe before discovering the key to the mystery lies closer to home. Two will die, and Christopher Perrin will risk his life-and his heart.The End of the Chase was originally published in 1932. This new edition features an introduction by crime fiction historian Tony Medawar.
"e;Would it interest you to discover the identity of the man who boarded the bus at Piccadilly Circus with Lola Martinaes at about ten o'clock last Friday evening?"e;A woman is found sleeping on a London bus-so deeply asleep, in fact, that she cannot be woken. After being taken to hospital, the woman dies. She is identified as Lola Martinaes, a native of Montedoro-a Central American country whose volatile politics might lead to a world war.There is no apparent evidence of foul play in Lola's death. But the story nonetheless catches the attention of Christopher Perrin, private investigator, especially after he makes the acquaintance of Senor Vincente de Lanate, a Montedorian diplomat. Senor Vincente is certain Lola was murdered and asks Perrin to investigate. More suspicious deaths and disappearances ensue, the sinister circumstances suggesting an international conspiracy. Christopher Perrin soon finds himself playing for the highest stake of all - his life.The Figure of Eight was originally published in 1931. This new edition features an introduction by crime fiction historian Tony Medawar."e;A complicated plot, well-developed and well-written."e; Times Literary Supplement
Burden, who had served in the war, and had considerable experience of death in its violent forms, took a pace forward. He saw at once that Mr. Wynter was beyond mortal aid.Gregory Wynter is shot dead through the window of his dressing room. There is no apparent motive for the crime, and it seems impossible for the murderer to have escaped before the police arrive. The dead man's brother, Austin, enlists the help of Christopher and Vivienne Perrins, a brother-and-sister team of private investigators.In this classic puzzler, the Perrins piece together the complex relationships within the Wynter household and beyond. What they discover leads surprisingly to romance, not to mention the unravelling of an "e;impossible"e; murder which also involves a box of poisoned chocolates . . .Murder at Monk's Barn was originally published in 1931. This new edition features an introduction by crime fiction historian Tony Medawar.
"e;Terrible disaster at the House of Commons."e;Christopher Perrin, investigator, is drawing up a confidential report for a distinguished client, when he is interrupted by Miss Millicent Rushburton, daughter of leading politician Sir Ethelred Rushburton.Miss Rushburton is trying to trace her father's secretary, Cuthbert Solway, who has vanished following a visit to a Harley Street specialist. Perrin contacts his old friend Inspector Philpott, who discovers the missing secretary dead in the grounds of Oldwick Manor. The local doctor examines the body but initially is unable to find any cause of death. Equally baffling is Sir Ethelred's dismissive attitude towards the police investigation.A post mortem concludes that Solway died of an exotic parasitic disease. An astounding development follows and, arguably, one of the most sensational murders in any detective novel of the Golden Age.The Prime Minister's Pencil was originally published in 1933. This new edition features an introduction by crime fiction historian Tony Medawar.
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 soignee 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
'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
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 fete.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
With no sound at all, she pitched forward head first into the punch bowl, scattering canapes 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
'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
'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, soignee 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
'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 soignee 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
'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 soignee 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
'Stabbed?' she repeated, in horror. 'Was he really?''I'm afraid so. From behind. He was sitting at his desk.'The soignee 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
'He wants to see you, personally. He's Detective Meek, he's from Homicide, and chances are he's come to report a killing.'Tessa Crichton, actress and unwitting private detective, joins the cast of Host of Pleasures-a hit West End play opening its American run in Washington D.C.All is not well backstage. Artistic temperament, old hates and new jealousies combine to create an explosive atmosphere among the cast. When one of the actors is found dead, he is initially thought the victim of street violence-then the possibility that he was murdered by someone closer to home starts to seem horribly likely.Tessa, mixing intuition, charm and unassailable curiosity, is convinced this is no ordinary killing. Risking her own safety, and with help from Washington cop Inspector Meek, she slowly discovers the truth amongst a maze of suspects and motives.Tautly written, witty, and firmly plotted, with a stunning surprise ending, this is among the best mysteries Anne Morice has written.Murder in Mimicry was originally published in 1977. This new edition features an introduction by crime fiction historian Curtis Evans.'Anne Morice has a gift for creating intelligent, affection-generating characters, set in light and entertaining atmospheres.' Spectator'A nice lively book saturated with show business.' New York Times
Sentimental, affectionate, uncritical, Mrs. Bracken so easily attached herself to persons, places, and even objects that after no more than two days in an hotel she had a favourite waiter, a favourite ornament, a favourite view. She had adored her husband, and was very fond of her French pepper-mill.World War II has ended and widowed Isabel Brocken, kind-hearted and generous if perhaps just a bit foolish, is back in her old family home on the outskirts of London, accompanied by her friend Jacky, just out of the ATS, and her newly-demobilized nephew Humphrey. They're soon joined by Isabel's surly brother-in-law Simon, who has decidedly mixed feelings about her but whose own home is under repair for bomb damage. Into this uneasy mix comes Tilly Cuff, a poor relation to whom Isabel has been inspired-by a rare church venture and a particularly inspiring sermon-to make amends for having, many years before, sabotaged her one chance at romance.When Tilly proves manipulative and even 'malevolent', the happiness of Isabel's household is threatened. And where the story goes from there is pure unexpected delight. In The Foolish Gentlewoman, Margery Sharp provides us a thoughtful, funny, and terrifically entertaining slice of British life in the immediate aftermath of war.'Miss Margery Sharp has a sure-fire way of telling a story and a genius for writing dialogue - crisp, in the comic vein, yet able to carry the shadow of deeper feeling.' Elizabeth Bowen
She announced herself, rather self-consciously, as Mrs. Henry Smith, and he replied that Mrs. Cornwallis was expecting her. To Caroline, following him through a wide shabby hall, the whole episode was beginning to feel like a nightmare. She was intensely conscious of herself-of her dress, her voice, the way she placed her feet. She felt like a cook-general going to be interviewed."e;Mrs. Henry Smith,"e; said the butler contemptuously.In Four Gardens, the most emotional and nostalgic of Margery Sharp's brilliant novels, we meet the lovable Caroline Smith (nee Chase) and glimpse the stages of her life through the gardens in which she digs. There's the lavish abandoned one in which she has no right to dig; the tiny one in which she has no time to dig; the extravagant one, complete with stubborn gardener, in which she's not allowed to dig; and one final garden, hers and hers alone, in which she finds quiet, wise contentment. As we follow Caroline through the vicissitudes of life, we meet her adoring husband Henry, her shockingly modern children Leon and Lily, and friends and neighbours from the self-righteous Ellen Taylor to the posh but hilariously down-to-earth Lady Tregarthan.First published in 1935 and out of print for more than half a century, Four Gardens has long been a favorite of Margery Sharp fans and is one of six early Sharp novels now available from Furrowed Middlebrow and Dean Street Press.'The Jane Austen touch, springing from a detached, quiet power of observation, a delicious, satirical way of relishing affectation, and a respect for sensible, genuine people.' New York Times
"e;It's in my mind to put an end to this heathen wickedness that's stalking abroad through Gillenham. It's in my mind to terrify that evil man from his morrow's sinful doings."e;"e;We'll be going to Old Manor, then?"e;"e;Not yet,"e; said Mrs. Pye grimly. "e;We go first to the village. To rouse the women . . ."e;Professor Pounce arrives in the idyllic village of Gillenham, along with his sister-in-law, his nephew Nicholas, and Carmen, his voluptuous assistant, in single-minded pursuit of the Stone of Chastity, a stepping stone in the local stream reputed to trip up impure women. His interest is cold-bloodedly scientific, but his researches, including putting the village women to the test and documenting the results, are taken rather more personally by some, including the Vicar's wife, who enlists the Boy Scouts to help suppress his efforts, and stern Mrs. Pye, possessed with the soul of an inquisitor. Ultimately, it's young Nicholas who must try to assuage the villagers' outrage, all the while coping with the repercussions of his own amorous impulses.The Stone of Chastity, first published in 1940 and inexplicably out of print for decades, is perhaps the deftest (and daftest) of Margery Sharp's many dazzling, witty social comedies.'Miss Margery Sharp's witticisms lift the otherwise flat and unprofitable life of the village of Gillenham to the level of a bubbling champagne-glass full of laughter' New York Times
Terence danced, alas, only fairly well. She tried to hide the fact from herself.Una Beaumont, nineteen years old and desperate to leave the small Cornish town of Tregulla to try her luck on the London stage, finds her hopes dashed by her mother's sudden death and its financial implications. She broods about, working with her father on their small flower farm, but her boredom melts with the arrival of a womanizing artist, Terrence Willows, and his charming sister Emmeline (who spends her time 'footling about'). On hand to witness the resulting sparks are Una's childhood friend Barnabas, his brother Hugo, recovering from a car crash, their military father, who loathes tourists, and an array of other colourful locals. Soon, Terrence's dancing ability is the least of the facts Una is hiding from herself...First published in 1962 and out of print for decades, The Weather at Tregulla is a funny, touching tale of ill-advised young love against the glorious backdrop of the Cornish coast. This new edition features an introduction by twentieth-century women's historian Elizabeth Crawford.'The characters are wonderfully well drawn, with a clear-eyed unsentimental sympathy of which Miss Gibbons has the secret' Sphere
I suppose I was lonelier than I knew.It's the 1960s, and Maude Barrington, now in her seventies, has kept life firmly at bay since the deaths of her three brothers in World War I. But when an unexpected visitor convinces Maude to visit old friends in France (and an old nemesis, who persistently calls her "e;the snow-woman"e;), she is brought face to face with the long-suppressed emotions, sorrows, and misunderstandings of the past. Upon her return to London, she finds her frozen life invaded by a young mother and her son (born on great aunt Dorothea's sofa, no less) who have been more or less adopted by her long-time maid Millie. And Maude finds the snow of years of bitterness beginning to melt away.In The Snow-Woman, first published in 1969 and out of print for decades, Stella Gibbons has created one of her most complex and poignant, yet still very funny, tales-of aging, coming to terms, and rediscovering life. This new edition features an introduction by twentieth-century women's historian Elizabeth Crawford.'Stella Gibbons sees people as they really are but she observes them so lovingly as well as acutely that one loves them too' Elizabeth Goudge
Lisbeth Campion was engaged, as usual, in resisting advances.Arthur Alfred Partridge, a middle-aged widower with a drab job and a frustrated sense of adventure, gets more than he bargained for when he encounters the irresistible Lisbeth Campion, whose troubles go well beyond her plethora of suitors. She's particularly concerned about her wastrel brother Ronny, fresh from six months in prison for peddling cocaine (he thought it was baking powder, really he did!), with whom her stern, upright Army fiance, expected back from India soon, has forbidden her further contact.In a gloriously implausible but deliciously entertaining sequence of events, Mr Partridge gets swept up in Lisbeth's unusual efforts to get Ronny safely squared. In the meantime, these three eccentric souls set up makeshift housekeeping in London and work at odd jobs (some very odd indeed) to make ends meet. Harlequin House, first published in 1939 and out of print for more than 60 years, has all the glitter and wit readers expect from the incomparable Margery Sharp. This new edition features an introduction by twentieth-century women's historian Elizabeth Crawford.
Nevertheless, within three weeks from that very day she was seated in the train; leaving London, leaving her life in England with every detail arranged and every foreseeable mishap foreseen and guarded against-and pinned on her coat was a bunch of gentians given to her in loving farewell by her husband-and she was on her way to the Alps.Worn down by postwar London life, forty-something Lucy Cottrell finds herself accepting a surprise invitation to spend the summer at a Swiss chalet, accompanied by the very practical and undemonstrative Freda Blandish, whom she barely knows. The two are charged with inventorying the contents of the chalet, but distractions soon abound, first from Freda's slightly woebegone daughter Astra and her hoity-toity friend Kay, then from Lucy's godson Bertram and his friend Peter. Utta, the housekeeper, determined to prevent any changes to the chalet she loves, and a challenging paying guest add complications, as do clashing personalities, misunderstandings, and budding romance-not to mention a bit of Alpine climbing.Packed with good humour, lush scenery, and irresistible charm, The Swiss Summer, first published in 1951, is one of Stella Gibbons' most delightful novels. This new edition features an introduction by twentieth-century women's historian Elizabeth Crawford.'For holiday reading it would be hard to find anything better.' Guardian
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