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The Crimes of England
by G. K. ChestertonBorn in London, Chesterton was educated at St. Paul's, but never went to college. He went to art school. In 1900, he was asked to contribute a few magazine articles on art criticism, and went on to become one of the most prolific writers of all time. He wrote a hundred books, contributions to 200 more, hundreds of poems, including the epic Ballad of the White Horse, five plays, five novels, and some two hundred short stories, including a popular series featuring the priest-detective, Father Brown. In spite of his literary accomplishments, he considered himself primarily a journalist. He wrote over 4000 newspaper essays, including 30 years worth of weekly columns for the Illustrated London News, and 13 years of weekly columns for the Daily News. He also edited his own newspaper, G.K.'s Weekly. (To put it into perspective, four thousand essays is the equivalent of writing an essay a day, every day, for 11 years. If you're not impressed, try it some time. But they have to be good essays, all of them, as funny as they are serious, and as readable and rewarding a century after you've written them.) Chesterton was equally at ease with literary and social criticism, history, politics, economics, philosophy, and theology. His style is unmistakable, always marked by humility, consistency, paradox, wit, and wonder. His writing remains as timely and as timeless today as when it first appeared, even though much of it was published in throw away paper. This man who composed such profound and perfect lines as "The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and left untried," stood 6'4" and weighed about 300 pounds, usually had a cigar in his mouth, and walked around wearing a cape and a crumpled hat, tiny glasses pinched to the end of his nose, swordstick in hand, laughter blowing through his moustache. And usually had no idea where or when his next appointment was. He did much of his writing in train stations, since he usually missed the train he was supposed to catch. In one famous anecdote, he wired his wife, saying, "Am at Market Harborough. Where ought I to be?" His faithful wife, Frances, attended to all the details of his life, since he continually proved he had no way of doing it himself. She was later assisted by a secretary, Dorothy Collins, who became the couple's surrogate daughter, and went on to become the writer's literary executrix, continuing to make his work available after his death. This absent-minded, overgrown elf of a man, who laughed at his own jokes and amused children at birthday parties by catching buns in his mouth, was the man who wrote a book called The Everlasting Man, which led a young atheist named C.S. Lewis to become a Christian. This was the man who wrote a novel called The Napoleon of Notting Hill, which inspired Michael Collins to lead a movement for Irish Independence. This was the man who wrote an essay in the Illustrated London News that inspired Mahatma Gandhi to lead a movement to end British colonial rule in India. This was a man who, when commissioned to write a book on St. Thomas Aquinas (aptly titled Saint Thomas Aquinas), had his secretary check out a stack of books on St.
The Crims #3: The Crims at Sea (Crims #3)
by Kate DaviesThe hapless Crim family sets sail on their final adventure in the zaniest installment of the Crims series, perfect for fans of Lemony Snicket and Caroline Carlson!Imogen Crim has been terribly bored since she returned to Blandington. So when her nemesis-turned-best friend Ava Kruk offers to swing by the Crims’ dreadful beach vacation in Dullport and rescue her in her stolen submarine, Imogen quickly agrees. A real heist with a real villain—this is the excitement Imogen has been looking for.But before Imogen and Ava can accomplish their mission, the entire Crim family catches up to them, dressed in their pirate-y finest. And what starts as an innocent (well, for a boat full of criminals) quest for buried treasure is about to become a stand-off with an up-and-coming super villain called The Gull.If Imogen has any hope of saving her family from his claws—and returning to her vacation—she’ll have to trust a Kruk with her life.
The Crims (Crims #1)
by Kate DaviesThe Addams Family meets Despicable Me in the first book of this new trilogy, perfect for fans of Lemony Snicket and Pseudonymous Bosch!The Crim family is full of notorious criminals. Notoriously inept, that is. Uncle Knuckles once tried to steal a carnival. Great-Uncle Bernard held himself hostage by accident. Aunt Drusilla died slipping on a banana peel. But Imogen is different. She was born with a skill for scandal. A knack for the nefarious. A mastery of misdemeanors.Despite her natural talent for all things unlawful, Imogen got out of the family business years ago. But when the rest of the Crims are accused of pulling off a major heist—which seems doubtful, to say the least—Imogen is forced to step in to clear their names. Because only a truly skilled criminal can prove the bumbling family’s innocence….
The Crimson Petal and the White: A Novel (Canons #24)
by Michel FaberA teenage prostitute ascends through the many layers of Victorian London society in this highly acclaimed &“big, sexy, bravura a novel&” (Janet Maslin, The New York Times). London, 1870s. At the heart of this panoramic narrative is a young woman&’s struggle to lift her body and soul out of the gutter. Sugar, a nineteen-year-old whore in the brothel of the terrifying Mrs. Castaway, yearns for a better life. Her ascent through the strata of Victorian society begins with the egotistical perfume magnate William Rackham. Infatuated with Sugar, William&’s patronage brings her into the circles of his family and milieu: his wife who barely overcomes chronic hysteria to make her appearances during &“the Season&”; his mysteriously hidden-away daughter, left to the care of minions; his pious brother, foiled in his devotional calling by his lust for the Widow Fox; as well as preening socialites, drunken journalists, untrustworthy servants, vile guttersnipes, and whores of all stripes and persuasions. Twenty years in its conception, research, and writing, The Crimson Petal and the White is teeming with life, rich in texture and incident, with breathtakingly real characters. "Cocky and brilliant, amused and angry, [Faber] is rightfully earning comparisons to observer extraordinaire Charles Dickens. . . . It's hopeless to resist" (Entertainment Weekly).
The Croods Movie Novelization
by Tracey WestIt's an adventure of croodacious proportions and a whole lot of heart in this retelling of the DreamWorks motion picture!Grug and his family, the Croods, are doing okay. Sure, scavenging for food and sleeping in a big pile on the hard cave floor isn't exactly perfect, but they're surviving. Then a massive earthquake destroys their home, and the Croods are forced to journey into the unknown. As they travel further and further, the Croods begin to realize that it's not all bad. There are many spectacular discoveries to discover and amazing inventions to invent. The only one who refuses to see the possibilities is Grug. He's convinced that the old ways are the only way to keep his family safe. Will Grug be able to find his way in this new world? Find out in this hilarious and heartfelt retelling of the DreamWorks movie, The Croods!The Croods © 2013 DreamWorks Animation L.L.C.
The Crow Folk: The Witches of Woodville 1
by Mark Stay'Swept me straight back to days of losing myself in Diana Wynne Jones novels, and getting lost in truly absorbing, sometimes scary, sometimes emotive adventure with its roots in folklore and history. A story that is full of magic and delight that will thrill readers of any age'—Rowan Coleman, author of The Girl at the WindowAs Spitfires roar overhead and a dark figure stalks the village of Woodville, a young woman will discover her destiny . . . Faye Bright always felt a little bit different. And today she&’s found out why. She&’s just stumbled across her late mother&’s diary which includes not only a spiffing recipe for jam roly-poly, but spells, incantations, runes and recitations . . . a witch's notebook. And Faye has inherited her mother&’s abilities. Just in time, too. The Crow Folk are coming. Led by the charismatic Pumpkinhead, their strange magic threatens Faye and the villagers. Armed with little more than her mum's words, her trusty bicycle, the grudging help of two bickering old ladies, and some aggressive church bellringing, Faye will find herself on the front lines of a war nobody expected.For fans of Lev Grossman and Terry Pratchett comes this delightful novel of war, mystery and a little bit of magic . . .Praise for THE CROW FOLK 'Stay has brewed a cracking blend of charm and creepiness in The Crow Folk. A rip-roaring tale of bravery and witchcraft on the wartime home front, expertly told with lashings of wit and warmth'—Pernille Hughes, author of Probably the Best Kiss in the World ? 'A delightful mash-up of Dad&’s Army and Charmed. An absolute treat'—CK McDonnell, author of Stranger Times &‘Warm, witty, witchy wartime fun. With Mark Stay as writer you're always guaranteed a magical read&’—Julie Wassmer, author of the Whitstable Pearl Mysteries &‘You'll love it: Doctor Who meets Worzel Gummidge&’—Lorna Cook, author of The Forgotten Village &‘A jolly romp with witches, demons, and bellringing. Pratchett fans will enjoy this, and Faye is a feisty and fun hero. Dad's Army meets Witches of Eastwick&’—Ian W SainsburyPraise for MARK STAY 'Heartwarming, inventive, and funny. Like if Nick Hornby wrote a time travel, body swap adventure!'—New York Times bestselling author Mimi Strong ?'A compelling story where the comedy compliments the drama and keeps you turning the page … A delight'—Caimh McDonnell, bestselling author of The Dublin Trilogy 'A magnificent book! Loved every page. Beautifully written' —Callan McAuliffe, actor The Walking Dead
The Crow Road: 'One of the best opening lines of any novel' (Guardian)
by Iain Banks'His masterpiece' Jay Rayner <P><P> 'One of the best opening lines of any novel... a warm, witty and ultimately very poignant book' Guardian <P><P> An outstanding contemporary novel, about which readers say: <P><P> 'Banks' masterpiece' <P><P> 'Iain Banks at his best' <P><P> 'Read this immediately' <P><P> 'A story full of wonderful characters' <P><P> 'It was the day my grandmother exploded. I sat in the crematorium, listening to my Uncle Hamish quietly snoring in harmony to Bach's Mass in B Minor, and I reflected that it always seemed to be death that drew me back to Gallanach.' <P><P> Prentice McHoan has returned to the bosom of his complex but enduring Scottish family. Full of questions about the McHoan past, present and future, he is also deeply preoccupied: mainly with death, sex, drink, God and illegal substances...
The Crow Road: 'One of the best opening lines of any novel' (Guardian)
by Iain Banks'His masterpiece' Jay Rayner'One of the best opening lines of any novel... a warm, witty and ultimately very poignant book' GuardianAn outstanding contemporary novel, about which readers say:'Banks' masterpiece''Iain Banks at his best''Read this immediately''A story full of wonderful characters''It was the day my grandmother exploded. I sat in the crematorium, listening to my Uncle Hamish quietly snoring in harmony to Bach's Mass in B Minor, and I reflected that it always seemed to be death that drew me back to Gallanach.'Prentice McHoan has returned to the bosom of his complex but enduring Scottish family. Full of questions about the McHoan past, present and future, he is also deeply preoccupied: mainly with death, sex, drink, God and illegal substances...
The Crow Road: 'One of the best opening lines of any novel' (Guardian)
by Iain BanksFrom its bravura opening onwards, THE CROW ROAD is justly regarded as an outstanding contemporary novel.'It was the day my grandmother exploded. I sat in the crematorium, listening to my Uncle Hamish quietly snoring in harmony to Bach's Mass in B Minor, and I reflected that it always seemed to be death that drew me back to Gallanach.'Prentice McHoan has returned to the bosom of his complex but enduring Scottish family. Full of questions about the McHoan past, present and future, he is also deeply preoccupied: mainly with death, sex, drink, God and illegal substances...
The Crow Valley Karaoke Championships: A Novel
by Ali BryanA prison escape, a bear on the loose, botched lyrics. What more could go wrong with Crow Valley’s most anticipated night of the year?A year after forest fires ravaged the town of Crow Valley and claimed the life of Dale Jepson—karaoke legend, local prison guard, and all-around good guy—the community hosts a high-stakes karaoke competition. But when a convicted murderer escapes from nearby Crow Valley Correctional, residents discover there’s more on the line than local, perhaps even national, karaoke fame. In this darkly comedic, fast-paced ride through an unforgettable small town, five residents with intimate connections to Dale and drastically different goals for the night will collide into, conspire with, and aid one another as they scramble to make it successfully through the evening under the scrutinizing watch of neighbors. To the soundtrack of classics belted out with abandon, voices will crack, cars will be stolen, marriages will falter, and kids will slip away in search of trouble. And maybe, just maybe, lives will be transformed for the better.
The Crown Affair (Nursery-Rhyme Mysteries #2)
by Jeanie Franz RansomIn the sequel to What REALLY Happened to Humpty?, Jack (Jill’s other half) fell down the Hill and had his crown stolen. It’s up to detective Joe Dumpty to round up the usual suspects and track down the culprit.
The Cry Of The Sloth
by Sam SavageFrom the author of FIRMIN, a tale of life and literature.Surviving on a diet of fried Spam and vodka, Andrew Whittaker is the editor of a small and slightly dingy literary magazine - SOAP: A JOURNAL OF THE ARTS. Through this journal, he hopes to fan the flames of literary excellence, publishing such debuts as THE TOILETS OF ANNAPURNA and the intriguing mirror poetry of Miriam Wildercamp. But life is not simple. His tenants are tiring of their blocked drains and killer-mice, his ex-wife wants money, and he is pursued by a frustrated Canadian. Having fallen out with the local arts community he decides to set up a literary festival in order to save his failing journal - but will this be Andrew Whittaker's moment of glory or his Waterloo?THE CRY OF THE SLOTH is the brilliantly funny yet touching portrait of one of life's underdogs, a dreamer bewildered by the world and his place in it.
The Crying of Lot 49
by Thomas PynchonThe highly original satire about Oedipa Maas, a woman who finds herself enmeshed in a worldwide conspiracy, meets some extremely interesting characters and attains a not inconsiderable amount of self-knowledge.
The Cryptic Pub Quiz Book
by Frank PaulAre you a regular quizzer at your local pub? Do you fancy yourself a cryptic crossword whiz? Might you be up for a challenge? 'Frank Paul is an extremely impressive chap and a dazzling quizzer' Victoria Coren Mitchell, presenter of Only Connect Since 2015, The Mill in Cambridge has hosted an unusually fiendish quiz from the mind of legendary quizmaster Frank Paul. Contestants could expect to be delighted and perplexed by wordsearch poems, jokes and rebuses, a bewildering encounter with the Sphinx and a confounding murder mystery. With rounds including Motion Picture Mixture, Eight Degrees of Kevin Bacon, Gogglebox Jigsaw and Chemical Element Blind Date, this is the best of The Mill&’s quiz night. Are you ready to have your mind bent, blown and boggled?
The Cryptid Club #1: Bigfoot Takes the Field (Cryptid Club #1)
by Michael BrummFans of The Bad Guys and Catwad will love THE CRYPTID CLUB, a hilarious new four-book graphic novel series about an unlikely team of kid sleuths out to solve the mysteries behind the sudden spate of monster sightings around their school.Lily knows better than to listen to the gossip her little brother, Henry, has heard, but when her school newspaper needs a big headline, the rumor that Bigfoot has been spotted is the best lead she’s got.But when claw marks appear on the football equipment and excessive animal hair starts clogging-up the gym showers, Lily knows she can’t be afraid. This is her opportunity to break the story wide-open. But can Lily, Henry, and Oliver, the neighbor-kid they’re babysitting, discover what Bigfoot wants before it’s too late?Everything is not as it seems in this hilarious new graphic novel series debut by Emmy Award–winning writer for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Michael Brumm and bestselling illustrator Jeff Mack.
The Crêpes of Wrath: A Pancake House Mystery (A Pancake House Mystery #1)
by Sarah FoxIn the debut of a delightful cozy mystery series, Sarah Fox introduces a charming new heroine who finds herself in a sticky situation: stacking pancakes, pouring coffee, and investigating murder.Bonus content: includes original recipes inspired by the Flip Side Pancake House menu! When Marley McKinney's aging cousin, Jimmy, is hospitalized with pneumonia, she agrees to help run his pancake house while he recovers. With its rustic interior and syrupy scent, the Flip Side Pancake House is just as she pictured it--and the surly chef is a wizard with crêpes. Marley expects to spend a leisurely week or two in Wildwood Cove, the quaint, coastal community where she used to spend her summers, but then Cousin Jimmy is found murdered, sprawled on the rocks beneath a nearby cliff. After she stumbles across evidence of stolen goods in Jimmy's workshop, Marley is determined to find out what's really going on in the not-so-quiet town of Wildwood Cove. With help from her childhood crush and her adopted cat, Flapjack, Marley sinks her teeth into the investigation. But if she's not careful, she's going to get burned by a killer who's only interested in serving up trouble.
The Cubicle Survival Guide: Keeping Your Cool in the Least Hospitable Environment on Earth
by James F. ThompsonHelp. . . . Cubicle Life Is Killing Me! Leaving no stone unturned, no ergonomic chair unadjusted, and no leftovers in the communal fridge uneaten, this hilarious guide to cubicle life will be the salvation for the more than forty million Americans stuck in cubicles. By turns uproariously funny and enormously useful, each chapter tackles a different area of cubicle life and includes a “cube tip,” a quiz, illustrations, and examples that will have you laughing out loud. Discover • how not to disturb colleagues with unwanted sounds and smells, such as the crunch-crunch of your sour-cream-and-onion chips and the unmistakable odor of your spicy Thai shrimp • how to knock when visiting other cubicles and how to devise politically correct ways of saying “Do not disturb” • the do’s and definite don’ts of cubicle decoration • how to set up a security system that will rebuff potential thieves The Cubicle Survival Guidecould very well change your life and set you climbing the corporate ladder to success!* * Results not guaranteed. Pay raises and promotions are up to your boss, but using this book couldn’t hurt. Praise forThe Cubicle Survival Guide: “A spiritual air conditioner for the cubicled soul. ” — Turk Regan, author ofPimp My Cubicle:Take Your Workspace from Boring to Bling! "James Thompson’sThe Cubicle Survival Guideoffers the rare, and definitely appreciated, combination of laugh-out-loud humor and sound advice for surviving the jungle that is Corporate America. On some days, there’s nothing more motivating to fresh air-starved cube dwellers than a book that will simply crack them up. This is that book. ” — Alexandra Levit, Author,TheyDon’t Teach Corporate in College "If you must work (and I don't recommend it),The Cubicle Survival Guideprovides a wonderful way to slack off and stay entertained. You can easily kill two weeks with this book. " — Josh Aiello, Author,60 People to Avoid at the Water Cooler “Thompson provides a humorous yet thought-provoking look at what employees in today's large organizations must deal withbesidestheir jobs. ” — Malcolm O. Munro, Author,From Cave to Cubicle From the Trade Paperback edition.
The Cuckoo Clock of Doom: Attack Of The Mutant; My Hairiest Adventure; A Night In Terror Tower; The Cuckoo Clock Of Doom (Goosebumps #28)
by R.L. StineFrom the New York Times–bestselling Goosebumps series, a tween boy accidentally turns back time on an antique clock and now every day he is year younger. Tara the Terrible. That’s what Michael Webster calls his bratty little sister. She loves getting Michael in trouble. Making his life miserable. Things couldn’t get any worse.Then his father brings home the antique cuckoo clock. It’s old. It’s expensive. And Dad won’t let anyone touch it. Seems like the perfect opportunity to finally get his little sister in trouble for a change. But when Michael fiddles with the clock, hoping to make it look like Tara has damaged it, he unlocks a strange spell. A dangerous spell. A spell that causes Michael to get younger and younger and younger. . . .Poor Michael. He should have listened to his dad. Because if he doesn’t figure out how to stop traveling back in time, he might have bigger problems than an annoying sister. . . .
The Cul-de-Sac War
by Melissa FergusonAll&’s fair in love and prank wars. Bree Leake doesn&’t want to be tied down. She&’s had more jobs than she can count, and she plans to move as soon as the curtains fall on her less-than-minor stage role at The Barter—the oldest live performance theater in the US. But just when it&’s time to move on again, Bree&’s parents make her an offer: hold steady for a full year, and they will give her the one thing she&’s always wanted—her grandmother&’s house. Her dreams are coming true . . . until life at the theater throws her some curve balls. And then there&’s Chip McBride—her handsome and infuriating next-door neighbor. Chip just might be the only person whose stubborn streak can match Bree&’s. She would move heaven and earth to have him off her cul-de-sac and out of her life, but according to the bargain she&’s struck, she can&’t move out of her house and away from the man who&’s making her life miserable. So begins Bree&’s obsessive new mission: to drive Chip out of the neighborhood—and fast. Bree isn&’t the only one who&’s a tad competitive, and Chip is more than willing to fight fire with fire. But as their pranks escalate, the line between love and hate starts to blur—and their heated rivalry threatens to take a hilarious, heartwarming, and romantic new turn.
The Cunning Man
by Robertson Davies&“An amazing coup . . . a brilliant, never less than engaging work of fiction which is also a philosophical meditation on the business of living.&”—Financial Times When Father Hobbes mysteriously dies at the high alter on Good Friday, Dr. Jonathan Hullah—whose holistic work has earned him the label &“Cunning Man&” (for the wizard of folk tradition)—wants to know why. The physician-cum-diagnostician&’s search for answers compels him to look back over his own long life. He conjures vivid memories of the dazzling, intellectual high-jinks and compassionate philosophies of himself and his circle, including flamboyant, mystical curate Charlie Iredale; cynical, quixotic professor Brocky Gilmartin; outrageous banker Darcy Dwyer; and jocular, muscular artist Pansy Todhunter. In compelling and hilarious scenes from the divine comedy of life, The Cunning Man reveals profound truths about being human. &“Wise, humane and consistently entertaining . . . Robertson Davies&’s skill and curiosity are as agile as ever, and his store of incidental knowledge is a constant pleasure.&”—The New York Times Book Review &“The sparkling history of [the] erudite and amusing Dr. Hullah, who knows the souls of his patients as well as he knows their bodies . . . never fails to enlighten and delight.&”—The London Free Press &“Davies is a good companion. Settling into The Cunning Man is like taking a comfortable chair opposite a favorite uncle who has seen and done everything.&”—Maclean&’s &“Irresistible, unflaggingly vital. A wholehearted and sharp-minded celebration of the Great Theatre of Life.&”—The Sunday Times &“A novel brimming with themes of music, poetry, beauty, philosophy, death and the deep recesses of the mind.&”—The Observer
The Cunning Plan: Book 1 (Foxy Tales #1)
by Caryl HartFoxy DuBois is on a mission to get rich quick. Only one thing stands in her way - Alphonso the Alligator! Can Foxy's hair-brained schemes make enough money to keep Alphonso fed? Or will Foxy DuBois find herself on the menu?An hilarious new series for young readers from an award-winning author-illustrator team. Alex's first fiction series - Claude - was selected for the Richard and Judy Children's Book Club and the Waterstone's Children's Book Prize, and he is the World Book Day Illustrator 2014. Caryl has been shortlisted for the Red House Award and won many awards, including the Stockport Award.
The Cupid Conspiracy (Cameron Ser. #2)
by Ruth Jean DaleTHE CAMERONS OF COLORADOCUPID, COLORADOThis is ranch country, cowboy country-a land of high mountains and swift, cold rivers, of deer, elk and bear. The first Cameron came to Colorado more than a hundred years ago, and Camerons have owned and worked the Straight Arrow Ranch ever since.It was a Cameron conspiracy plain and simple! Maggie's extended and very opinionated family urged her to move in with Chase Britton. Temporarily, of course...and only to tutor Chase's rebellious teenage daughter. What possible harm would the wealthy, sexy-as-sin womanizer be to a respectable widowed schoolteacher?Maggie was afraid to ask-and about to find out!For kids and kisses, tears and laughter, wild horses and wilder men-come to Cupid, Colorado. Come meet the Camerons....
The Cupid Effect
by Dorothy KoomsonThere's something special about Ceri . . .Meet Ceri. She's giving up her life and job in London to follow her heart in Leeds.But Ceri has a bad habit of unintentionally inspiring other people to follow their hearts too - then desperately trying to solve the resulting problems. When she arrives in her new city it's not long before chaos ensues. Will Ceri stick with her vow to not get involved or will she be forced to do what she does best and act like modern-day Cupid?
The Cupid Effect
by Dorothy KoomsonA funny, feel-good listen about Ceri D'Altroy, a woman who has an extraordinary talent for matchmaking, with occasionally outrageous consequences......After departing London to follow her heart's desire to become a psychology lecturer, Ceri D'Altroy vows to leave her matchmaking ways behind her for good. Unfortunately, all she seems to do is inspire the new people she meets to change their lives.There's Ed, who's decided to declare his love to a woman who is way out of his league; Mel and Claudine, two long-term friends who are now tempted to start an illicit affair; and Gwen, the chain-smoking head of department who has a deep, dark secret she only wants to share with her new employee.No one who comes into contact with Ceri is ever the same again. Could this unsuspecting woman be a modern-day Cupid?(P) 2023 Headline Publishing Group Ltd
The Curious Case of Black Swan Song
by Andrea FrazerSherman Holmes has reached a crossroads in his life, having inherited a large fortune from a hitherto unknown relative. John Garden also has a decision to make that will have a far-reaching effect on his future. The two happen to book into the same hotel, The Black Swan, on the same weekend,to mull over the changes to their lives that both of them are thinking of making. Meeting purely by chance, foundations for a friendship are laid based on their mutual love of Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories. When a murder occurs in the hotel, though, it isn't long before their bond strengthens, as they decide to form an alliance and unmask the murderer. They soon find that Death is following them like a faithful dog and, as the case gets more tangled, they make the decision to cement their alliance formally and set up as private investigators. This first book in the series is a romp through a small English town, featuring a pompous would-be Holmes of Baker Street and his own, cross-dressing, 'Watson'. Mercurially tempered Colin, Holmes' cat, also makes his first appearance ...