- Table View
- List View
Murder in Steeple Martin: a completely gripping English cozy mystery in the village of Steeple Martin (A Libby Sarjeant Murder Mystery Series #1)
by Lesley CookmanTHERE'S A BAFFLING MYSTERY IN THE VILLAGE OF STEEPLE MARTIN...BUT ACTRESS AND AMATEUR SLEUTH LIBBY SARJEANT IS ON THE CASE! 'The characters are so likeable. I would love to visit the mythical Steeple Martin!' ***** GoodReads review Libby Sarjeant, former actress and artist, loves life in the idyllic English countryside. She's busy with her friends preparing a play for the pretty new Oast House Theatre in Steeple Martin when there's suddenly news of a baffling mystery - the murder of a cast member. Written by Libby's friend Peter, the play is based on real events from his family's history, and it seems that these events still cast a long shadow in Steeple Martin. From the Pink Geranium restaurant to the Manor Farm, Libby risks causing a scene as she uncovers secrets hidden in the village. Can Libby, with best friend Fran and Sidney the cat in tow, find the culprit and get her show on the road?The first book in Lesley Cookman's bestselling series featuring amateur sleuth Libby Sarjeant, this unputdownable cozy crime novel is perfect for fans of Betty Rowlands, Faith Martin, J.R. Ellis, LJ Ross, Miss Marple and Midsummer Murders._________________________________________________________________ Praise for the bestselling series:'Cozy village mystery with an amateur theater and links to the past. What's not to love?' ***** Goodreads reviewer 'Absolutely fabulous read. I couldn't put it down and had to finish it, reading through bath, breakfast and getting dressed' ***** Goodreads review 'I'm surprised this is not a BBC series... it's that good and I for one intend to read more of Libby's adventures' ***** Goodreads review
Murder in Steeple Martin: a completely gripping English cozy mystery in the village of Steeple Martin (A Libby Sarjeant Murder Mystery Series #1)
by Lesley CookmanFirst in a series of twenty murder mysteries featuring middle-aged actress come investigator, Libby Sarjeant.THERE'S A BAFFLING MYSTERY IN THE VILLAGE OF STEEPLE MARTIN...BUT ACTRESS AND AMATEUR SLEUTH LIBBY SARJEANT IS ON THE CASE! 'The characters are so likeable. I would love to visit the mythical Steeple Martin!' ***** GoodReads review Libby Sarjeant, former actress and artist, loves life in the idyllic English countryside. She's busy with her friends preparing a play for the pretty new Oast House Theatre in Steeple Martin when there's suddenly news of a baffling mystery - the murder of a cast member. Written by Libby's friend Peter, the play is based on real events from his family's history, and it seems that these events still cast a long shadow in Steeple Martin. From the Pink Geranium restaurant to the Manor Farm, Libby risks causing a scene as she uncovers secrets hidden in the village. Can Libby, with best friend Fran and Sidney the cat in tow, find the culprit and get her show on the road?The first book in Lesley Cookman's bestselling series featuring amateur sleuth Libby Sarjeant, this unputdownable cozy crime novel is perfect for fans of Betty Rowlands, Faith Martin, J.R. Ellis, LJ Ross, Miss Marple and Midsummer Murders._________________________________________________________________ Praise for the bestselling series:'Cozy village mystery with an amateur theater and links to the past. What's not to love?' ***** Goodreads reviewer 'Absolutely fabulous read. I couldn't put it down and had to finish it, reading through bath, breakfast and getting dressed' ***** Goodreads review 'I'm surprised this is not a BBC series... it's that good and I for one intend to read more of Libby's adventures' ***** Goodreads review(P) 2007 Soundings
Murder in Steeple Martin: a completely gripping English cozy mystery in the village of Steeple Martin (A\libby Sarjeant Murder Mystery Ser. #1)
by Lesley CookmanTHERE'S A BAFFLING MYSTERY IN THE VILLAGE OF STEEPLE MARTIN...BUT ACTRESS AND AMATEUR SLEUTH LIBBY SARJEANT IS ON THE CASE!'The characters are so likeable. I would love to visit the mythical Steeple Martin!' ***** GoodReads reviewLibby Sarjeant, former actress and artist, loves life in the idyllic English countryside. She's busy with her friends preparing a play for the pretty new Oast House Theatre in Steeple Martin when there's suddenly news of a baffling mystery - the murder of a cast member. Written by Libby's friend Peter, the play is based on real events from his family's history, and it seems that these events still cast a long shadow in Steeple Martin. From the Pink Geranium restaurant to the Manor Farm, Libby risks causing a scene as she uncovers secrets hidden in the village. Can Libby, with best friend Fran and Sidney the cat in tow, find the culprit and get her show on the road?The first book in Lesley Cookman's bestselling series featuring amateur sleuth Libby Sarjeant, this unputdownable cozy crime novel is perfect for fans of Betty Rowlands, Faith Martin, J.R. Ellis, LJ Ross, Miss Marple and Midsummer Murders._________________________________________________________________Praise for the bestselling series:'Cozy village mystery with an amateur theater and links to the past. What's not to love?' ***** Goodreads reviewer 'Absolutely fabulous read. I couldn't put it down and had to finish it, reading through bath, breakfast and getting dressed' ***** Goodreads review'I'm surprised this is not a BBC series... it's that good and I for one intend to read more of Libby's adventures' ***** Goodreads review
Murder in Store
by D. C. BrodPreston Hauser, owner of a famous department store, asks his head of security, Quint McCauley, to investigate some threatening letters he has received. No sooner does Quint take on the job, than Preston is poisoned by one of his own vitamin pills. With Quint looking on. Suspicion falls on Hauser's young wife, Diana, but Quint quickly learns she's not the only one who might benefit from the millionaire's death.
Murder in Store
by Dc BrodPreston Hauser, owner of a famous department store, asks his head of security, Quint McCauley, to investigate some threatening letters he has received. No sooner does Quint take on the job, than Preston is poisoned by one of his own vitamin pills. With Quint looking on. Suspicion falls on Hauser's young wife, Diana, but Quint quickly learns she's not the only one who might benefit from the millionaire's death.
Murder in Store
by Dc BrodPreston Hauser, owner of a famous department store, asks his head of security, Quint McCauley, to investigate some threatening letters he has received. No sooner does Quint take on the job, than Preston is poisoned by one of his own vitamin pills. With Quint looking on. Suspicion falls on Hauser's young wife, Diana, but Quint quickly learns she's not the only one who might benefit from the millionaire's death.
Murder in Store
by Dc BrodPreston Hauser, owner of a famous department store, asks his head of security, Quint McCauley, to investigate some threatening letters he has received. No sooner does Quint take on the job, than Preston is poisoned by one of his own vitamin pills. With Quint looking on. Suspicion falls on Hauser’s young wife, Diana, but Quint quickly learns she’s not the only one who might benefit from the millionaire’s death.
Murder in Texas (The Cowboys of Cider Creek #6)
by Barb HanThe last woman he wants …is the only one he needs. On leave from the military, Dillen Bullard confronts his estranged father&’s death—and is sure it was no accident, as the cops claim. It was murder. Unfortunately for the troubled army ranger, a woman from his past, the very rich Liz Hayes, compounds the mystery. Though he once thoroughly disliked the &“princess,&” now he&’ll investigate with her despite her crucial memory loss. Before long, he&’s saving her life. And risking his heart.From Harlequin Intrigue: Seek thrills. Solve crimes. Justice served.Discover more action-packed stories in The Cowboys of Cider Creek series. All books are stand-alone with uplifting endings but were published in the following order: Book 1: Rescued by the RancherBook 2: Riding ShotgunBook 3: Trapped in TexasBook 4: Texas ScandalBook 5: Trouble in TexasBook 6: Murder in Texas
Murder in The Smokehouse (Auguste Didier Mystery #7)
by Amy MyersThe seventh Auguste Didier mystery.Late in 1901, Auguste Didier and his Russian bride Princess Tatiana are visiting the Yorkshire seat of the Tabor family for a banquet the King has promised to attend. Determined that tobacco will not sully her priceless tapestries, Lady Priscilla Tabor dispatches gentlemen who wish to smoke to a gloomy Gothic folly which has been allotted for this unseemly purpose. Even His Majesty the King is no exception to the intransigent Lady Tabor's rules.Unfortunately for her ladyship, Tatiana is curious both about the smokehouse and about the filthy habit indulged within its walls. In the middle of the night, Auguste finds himself unceremoniously hauled from his bed by his wife to inspect the body she has just discovered there.Once again, Didier is forced, reluctantly, to play detective - there are many secrets to be revealed and questions asked. Is this a case of suicide or murder? And, even more important, who is the corpse?
Murder in The Smokehouse (Auguste Didier Mystery 7)
by Amy MyersThe seventh Auguste Didier mystery.Late in 1901, Auguste Didier and his Russian bride Princess Tatiana are visiting the Yorkshire seat of the Tabor family for a banquet the King has promised to attend. Determined that tobacco will not sully her priceless tapestries, Lady Priscilla Tabor dispatches gentlemen who wish to smoke to a gloomy Gothic folly which has been allotted for this unseemly purpose. Even His Majesty the King is no exception to the intransigent Lady Tabor's rules.Unfortunately for her ladyship, Tatiana is curious both about the smokehouse and about the filthy habit indulged within its walls. In the middle of the night, Auguste finds himself unceremoniously hauled from his bed by his wife to inspect the body she has just discovered there.Once again, Didier is forced, reluctantly, to play detective - there are many secrets to be revealed and questions asked. Is this a case of suicide or murder? And, even more important, who is the corpse?
Murder in Thistlecross (A Malice Novel #3)
by Amy M. ReadeThe emerald hills and violet valleys of Wales seem the ideal place to start over after murder—and divorce—shattered Eilidh’s life in the Scottish Highlands. But within the stone walls of an ancient castle, a family’s dark, violent past threatens much more than her newfound tranquility . . . For the past two years, Eilidh has called the quaint Welsh village of Thistlecross home, embracing her new life as estate manager of a restored fifteenth-century castle. But the long-anticipated arrival of her employer’s three estranged sons and their wives transforms Gylfinog Castell from a welcoming haven to a place seething with dangerous secrets. When the escalating tensions culminate in murder, Eilidh must sift through a castle full of suspects both upstairs and downstairs. She can trust no one as she follows a twisting maze of greed and malice to ferret out a killer who’s breaching every defense, preparing to make Eilidh the next to die. Praise for Amy M. Reade’s Secrets of Hallstead House “Danger, mystery, a brave but resilient heroine, and a hero at her side, coupled with a house that is almost a character in its own right: these classic gothic romance traits are all to be found in Amy Reade’s debut novel.” —heroesandheartbreakers.com
Murder in Three Acts
by Agatha ChristieFourteen guests-including Hercule Poirot-arrive for a lavish feast at an isolated estate. Only a few will be alive for dessert. The Reverend Stephen Babbington seldom imbibes, but at a gala thrown by actor Sir Charles Cartwright, he indulges in a cocktail and falls over dead. Since there is no trace of poison or foul play, the case is closed . . . until an identical death at a London party arouses the suspicions of Hercule Poirot.
Murder in Time
by Elizabeth FerrarsThe prospect of a weekend on the French Riviera was an attractive one. Yet most of the nine people whom Major Mark Auty invited to join him hesitated before accepting his invitation. Each of them knew something about Auty's past - and because of their knowledge, had good reason to suspect some sinister intention. Their doubts were not unwarranted. Before the flight took off for Nice murder had been committed - and one of the nine guests had to be guilty. But it was Major Auty himself who was the victim and it seems he was killed just in time . . .
Murder in Time (Murder Room #373)
by Elizabeth FerrarsThe prospect of a weekend on the French Riviera was an attractive one. Yet most of the nine people whom Major Mark Auty invited to join him hesitated before accepting his invitation. Each of them knew something about Auty's past - and because of their knowledge, had good reason to suspect some sinister intention. Their doubts were not unwarranted. Before the flight took off for Nice murder had been committed - and one of the nine guests had to be guilty. But it was Major Auty himself who was the victim and it seems he was killed just in time . . .
Murder in Tranquility Park (A Ferrara Family Mystery #2)
by J. D. GriffoAlberta Scaglione and her twentysomething granddaughter, Jinx, love to spend time—and solve crime—together . . . Ever since Alberta Scaglione inherited her spinster aunt’s Cape Cod cottage, she’s been enjoying the good life in Tranquility, New Jersey, with her black cat, Lola. But since things are mostly quiet in this town, she finds other things to do—like joining Jinx for morning jogs in Tranquility Park. She has to do something to stay healthy, as long as it doesn’t involve Jinx’s healthful tofu sausages and gluten-free pasta. But when they stumble across a treehouse hidden in the trees, and a dead body underneath it, they take a detour into solving a murder. Now the Ferrara ladies will have to exercise extreme caution to avoid a permanent decline in their health . . . Includes Italian recipes from Alberta’s kitchen!
Murder in Vegas
by Steve AllenMURDER IN VEGAS Steve Allen's best-selling mysteries are acclaimed for their wit, charm, and stylish sense of fun. In this newest episode, the famous comedian faces his most challenging performance yet when a show in Las Vegas turns into an engagement with death. Murder is far from his thoughts as Steve Allen rehearses with legendary crooner Buddy Hamilton on the stage of the world-famous Colosseum in Las Vegas. The beat of fifty high-kicking showgirls sends pulses into high gear, and the gentler rhythm of Steve and Buddy's old soft-shoe routine is a guaranteed show-stopper. But the show is stopped instead by the appearance of Steve's wife Jayne Meadows in a terry- cloth robe. "Murder..." she moans, and faints rather gracefully into Steve's arms. The victim is Buddy's glamorous young wife Christie-strangled in the sauna. The prime suspect is Buddy. Steve must admit his old friend looks very guilty, Indeed. Certainly the police are quite sure of themselves as they put Buddy Hamilton behind bars. But for once, Steve is out to prove someone innocent rather than guilty. Armed with his personal knowledge of Buddy's eccentric family, a wife who was a witness of sorts to the crime, and his own seat-of-the-pants style of sleuthing, Steve frees the celebrated singer, then proceeds to track down the real killer with the aplomb that has become his hallmark.
Murder in Volume (Prime Crime Mysteries)
by D. R. MeredithThe mystery lovers who belong to Murder By the Yard book group have strong opinions about their favorite authors and series - some prefer classic Christie capers, while others devour the novels of modern mystery madam Sue Grafton. As leader of the vociferous and diverse bunch, Megan Clark must referee the group's heated debates. But when a particularly antagonistic woman is murdered after a meeting at Time and Again Bookstore, Megan and the other group members are prime suspects. Looking to their favorite sleuths for inspiration, the mystery famns launch an investigation and discover that this brutal crime is just one chapter in a disturbing and deadly plot...
Murder in Waiting (A Tourist Trap Mystery #11)
by Lynn CahoonIn the latest Tourist Trap mystery from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Lynn Cahoon, bookshop café owner Jill Gardner contends with a best friend-turned-bridezilla while trying to solve a local historian&’s untimely date with death . . . At Coffee, Books, & More, Jill&’s the boss. But as Amy&’s maid-of-honor, she can barely keep up with marching orders--and now she&’s in charge of organizing an epic bachelorette! Adding to Jill&’s party-planning panic, the South Cove Heritage Society just unceremoniously dumped her historic landmark bid. While vying proposals rush in from a loaded land developer and a pushy travel guide company, Jill finds an unexpected ally in Heritage Society expert, Frank Gleason. But their happy union is cut short when Frank is mowed down in a suspicious hit-and-run. With Amy&’s big day on the horizon, Jill vows to catch the killer before she has to catch a bouquet. Praise for Lynn Cahoon &“I love the author&’s style, which was warm and friendly . . . [A] wonderfully appealing series.&”—Dru&’s Book Musings on the Tourist Trap Mysteries &“Well-crafted . . . Cat and crew prove to be engaging characters and Cahoon does a stellar job of keeping them—and the reader—guessing.&” —Mystery Scene on A Story to Kill
Murder in Wax
by Peter BaronMURDER IN WAXA fearful face, living, yet it has the look of the dead! Only the jaw moves and its movements summon murder! Though it cost life after life the grim countenance must be faced. A piece of paper upon which the destiny of an empire depends must be kept from its baleful eyes ... John Richmond, King’s messenger, is cut down. His daughter is abducted. A famous banker is done to death. Another man of rank joins the company of corpses. And then a young man, little regarded, with only the love of the abducted woman to lead him on, enters the case. Will the hand of death reach him? ... Here is a gripping mystery story by an author who is a master of thrills. An English sensation, it will thrill American readers with its power and ingenuity.Mystery and horror novel of an evil mastermind known as ‘the Squid’ who wears a ghastly wax mask with a hinged jaw. “Can anyone capture and identify the man hidden inside the mask?”Murder in Wax, first published in 1931, is an ingenious ‘golden-age’ mystery featuring an evil criminal mastermind known as ‘the Squid,’ who hides his identity behind a ghastly wax mask with a hinged jaw. A young man, searching for his abducted girlfriend, attempts to solve the murders. Peter Baron was the pen-name of Leonard Worswick Clyde (1906-1987) who authored four detective novels.
Murder in Westminster: A Riveting Regency Historical Mystery (The Lady Worthing Mysteries #1)
by Vanessa RileyBe one of the first to read this sneak preview sample edition! Perfect for readers looking for a darker twist on Bridgerton, this first story in a vibrant, inclusive new historical mystery series from an acclaimed author portrays the true diversity of the Regency-era, as a widow whose skin color and notorious family history have left her with few friends she can rely on – just as the local vicar names her the prime suspect in a murder case…&“Snappy dialogue, abundant intrigue, and Abbie and Stapleton&’s increasingly flirtatious antagonism keep the tension high and the narrative drive strong. Smart, fun, and full of moxie.&” —Kirkus Reviews Discovering a body on her property presents Lady Abigail Worthing with more than one pressing problem. The victim is Juliet, the wife of her neighbor, Stapleton Henderson. Although Abigail has little connection with the lady in question, she expects to be under suspicion. Abigail&’s skin color and her mother&’s notorious past have earned her a certain reputation among the ton, and no amount of wealth or status will eclipse it. Abigail can&’t divulge that she was attending a secret pro-abolition meeting at the time of the murder. To her surprise, Henderson offers her an alibi. Though he and Juliet were long estranged, and she had a string of lovers, he feels a certain loyalty to his late wife. Perhaps together, he and Abigail can learn the truth. Abigail, whose marriage to Lord Worthing was not a love match, knows well how appearances can deceive. For all its surface elegance, London&’s high society can be treacherous. Yet who in their circle would have killed Juliet, and why? Taking the reins of her life in a way she never has before, Abby intends to find out—but in the process she will uncover more danger than she ever imagined . . . &“Fans of Bridgerton will enjoy this one.&” —Publishers Weekly
Murder in Westminster: A Riveting Regency Historical Mystery (The Lady Worthing Mysteries #1)
by Vanessa RileyPerfect for readers looking for a darker twist on Bridgerton, this first in a vibrant, inclusive historical mystery series from an acclaimed author Vanessa Riley portrays the true diversity of the Regency-era, as an aristocrat whose skin color and notorious family history have left her with few friends she can rely on is named as the prime suspect in a murder case… &“A great read to add to your current must-read lists.&” —Essence Magazine&“Riley&’s storytelling gift is strong and her prose is lovely and evocative…particularly clever.&” – Mystery Scene Magazine &“Snappy dialogue, abundant intrigue, and Abbie and Stapleton&’s increasingly flirtatious antagonism keep the tension high and the narrative drive strong. Smart, fun, and full of moxie.&”—Kirkus Reviews A BiblioLifestyle Most Anticipated Mystery Discovering a body on her property presents Lady Abigail Worthing with more than one pressing problem. The victim is Juliet, the wife of her neighbor, Stapleton Henderson. Although Abigail has little connection with the lady in question, she expects to be under suspicion. Abigail&’s skin color and her mother&’s notorious past have earned her a certain reputation among the ton, and no amount of wealth or status will eclipse it. Abigail can&’t divulge that she was attending a secret pro-abolition meeting at the time of the murder. To her surprise, Henderson offers her an alibi. Though he and Juliet were long estranged, he feels a certain loyalty to his late wife. Perhaps together, he and Abigail can learn the truth. . . . Abigail, whose marriage was not a love match, knows well how appearances can deceive—and how treacherous London&’s high society can be. Yet who would have killed Juliet, and why? Taking the reins of her life in a way she never has before, Abby intends to find out—but she may uncover more danger than she ever imagined . . .
Murder in Williamstown (Phryne Fisher #22)
by Kerry GreenwoodAccustomed to both murder and dalliance, Australia's favourite detective, the inimitable Miss Fisher, returns in a case that will test her courage and judgement to the full.When the redoubtable Miss Phryne Fisher receives threatening letters at her home, she enlists her unflappable apprentice Tinker to investigate. But as the harassment of Phryne threatens to spin out of control, her lover Lin Chung is also targeted.Meanwhile, Dot begins to fear that her fiancé, newly promoted Sergeant Hugh Collins, has gone cold on their wedding. And Phryne's clever daughters Ruth and Jane begin their own investigation into suspiciously dwindling funds when they are sent to help at the Blind Institute.None of this is quite enough to prevent Phryne from accepting an invitation to a magnificent party at the house of the mysterious Hong. When the party is interrupted by shocking tragedy, Phryne gathers all of her unerring brilliance to track down the miscreants.With some unlikely assistance, Phryne is in a race against time to save a pair of young lovers from disgrace and death'Greenwood's strength lies in her ability to create characters that are wholly satisfying: the bad guys are bad, and the good guys are great' - Vogue'Phryne Fisher is gutsy and adventurous, and endowed with plenty of grey matter' - West Australian'Elegant, fabulously wealthy and sharp as a tack, Phryne sleuths with customary panache ... [she is] irresistibly charming' - The Age'Phryne Fisher is young, wealthy, beautiful, smart, confident and independently minded, and she has a knack for solving murders when she is not sipping a strengthening cocktail or planning another seduction' - The Australian's Review of Books
Murder in Williamstown (Phryne Fisher Mysteries #22)
by Kerry GreenwoodThe Honourable Miss Phryne Fisher is up to her elegant eyebrows in mystery once again!Awakening unusually early one morning, Phryne Fisher finds herself with a rare stretch of free time to fill. After dropping her daughters off for their school-sponsored charity work at the Blind Institute, she visits a university professor whose acquaintance she'd made--and admired--on a prior case. At lunch, the smitten professor invites Phryne to dine at his home in Williamstown later that week. Bookending her pleasant dinner with her new friend Jeoffrey, Phryne makes two disturbing discoveries: first, a discarded opium pipe in the park, and later the body of a Chinese man on the beach--cause of death not apparent, yet ultimately ruled a homicide. Shortly thereafter, the teenaged sister-in-law of Phryne's longtime lover Lin Chung disappears from her home. But when one of Jeoffrey's colleagues is murdered in front of a houseful of guests at a Chinese-themed party he is hosting, Phryne can't help but wonder--are the incidents all related somehow? And who on earth has been leaving notes in her letterbox, warning her to "REPENT" and that "THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH"--?In addition to the formidable and fashionable Phryne, this clever mystery once again features Phryne's three wards with their own mysteries to solve: Ruth and Jane, tracking an embezzler at the Institute, and Tinker, whose help Phryne enlists to uncover the author of the threatening missives.
Murder in a Cape Cottage (A Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery #4)
by Maddie DayFrom Agatha-awarding winning author Maddie Day comes the latest novel in her Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery series set in a picturesque Cape Cod town, where resourceful bike-shop owner Mackenzie &“Mac&” Almeida&” tackles a cold case with the help of her fellow book club sleuths—a treat for fans of fresh, clever, cozy mysteries and those who love Lorna Barrett&’s Booktown series. ʼTis the day after Christmas, following a wicked-busy time of year for Mac&’s bike shop. It&’s just as well her Cozy Capers Book Group&’s new pick is a nerve-soothing coloring book mystery, especially when she has last-minute wedding planning to do. But all pre-wedding jitters fade into the background when Mac and her fiancé, Tim, begin a cottage renovation project and open up a wall to find a skeleton—sitting on a stool, dressed in an old-fashioned bridal gown . . . As Mac delves into the decades-old mystery with the help of librarian Flo and her book group, she discovers a story of star-crossed lovers and feuding families worthy of the bard himself. Yet this tale has a modern-day villain still lurking in Mac&’s quaint seaside town, ready to make this a murderous New Year&’s Eve . . . Includes Recipes!
Murder in a Cathedral (Robert Amiss/Baroness Jack Troutbeck Mysteries #7)
by Ruth Dudley Edwards"This blithe series puts itself on the side of the angels by merrily, and staunchly, subverting every tenet of political correctness."—The IndependentFor many years Westonbury Cathedral has been dominated by a clique of High Church gays, so when Norman Cooper, an austere, intolerant, happy-clappy evangelist, is appointed dean, there is shock, outrage and fear.David Elworthy, the gentle and politically innocent new bishop, is distraught at the prospect of warfare between the factions; contentious issues include the camp lady chapel and the gay memorial under construction in the deanery garden.Desperate for help, Elworthy cries on the shoulder of his old friend, the redoubtable Baroness Troutbeck, who forces her unofficial troubleshooter, Robert Amiss, to move into the bishop's palace.Amiss, Troutbeck and the cat Plutarch address themselves in their various ways to the bishop's problems, which very soon include a clerical corpse in the cathedral. Is it suicide? Or is it murder? And who is likely to be next?