Colleen Cambridge

Phyllida Bright, housekeeper to the grand dame of murder mysteries, Agatha Christie, must uncover the killer among a throng of crime writers in this sparkling new historical mystery from acclaimed writer Colleen Cambridge. 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 F te 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 . . .

Agatha Christie's cherished housekeeper, Phyllida Bright, not only keeps the celebrated author's home running smoothly, but she has also proven herself an accomplished sleuth. So when a murderer brings mayhem to a wedding, in this USA Today bestselling series' latest installment, she's on hand to sweep up the mystery... Phyllida is delighted to receive an invitation to the wedding of her friend Dr. John Bhatt. It's a chance to get to know his fianc e, Emily Hartparker, and to explore Coatesworth Manor--the grand seaside estate that belongs to Emily's distant relatives. Coatesworth is now managed by Lady Artemis Coatesworth and offers ample space for a celebration. But it's soon clear that some of the guests have intentions beyond cheering on the happy couple. As is often the case when extended family gathers, there is bickering, not to mention an awkward love triangle between Emily's lovely cousin Lily, her handsome ex-husband Heath, and his new wife, Tibby. Besides that, some of the other cousins--all of whom are there simply to appease Lady Artemis, who has the power to enact a morals clause in her late husband's will that could impact the heirs' inheritances--don't seem to get along. Discomfiting, certainly. Dramatic for sure. And the drama gets infinitely worse when a wedding guest is discovered dead in the small chapel only hours after the ceremony. Phyllida immediately agrees to help discover what happened, and brings some of her staff over from Mallowan Hall, Mrs. Christie's manor house, for cover. But with plenty of dark secrets and ugly family dynamics, it seems the killer could be any one of the Coatesworths--and that killer is dangerously motivated to keep the grisly truth from being revealed . . .

Fillida Brajt upravljaet khozjajstvom v pomeste, zaterjannom sredi zelenykh kholmov Devonshira. No eto vovse ne zaurjadnyj zagorodnyj dom - pomeste prinadlezhit muzhu znamenitoj Agaty Kristi, davnej podrugi Fillidy. Za uzhinom khozjaeva obsuzhdajut s gostjami originalnye sposoby ubijstva, no, kogda nautro Fillida nakhodit v biblioteke trup, eto stanovitsja dlja nee neozhidannostju... Ekonomka pytaetsja pomoch politsii, no tschetno, i ej prikhoditsja rassledovat prestuplenie samostojatelno. A posle vtorogo ubijstva somnenij ne ostaetsja: ubijtsa - odin iz gostej! Perevodchik: Antonina Gall

Agatha Christie's trusted housekeeper, Phyllida Bright, has become an amateur sleuth in her own right, using her little grey cells to solve crimes. When a party game leads to murder, she decides to crash the investigation in this latest sparkling mystery from Colleen Cambridge. While her famous employer is happily back home at Mallowan Hall, wrestling with her Belgian detective's dilemma on board the Orient Express, Phyllida is finding her local renown as a sleuth has put her in high demand. A distraught Vera Rollingbroke suspects her husband of infidelity and has invited Phyllida to a dinner party to observe his behavior, particularly in regard to one Geneva Blastwick. What she does observe at the party is that Geneva craves attention, in contrast to her shy sister Ethel. Geneva introduces a game called Two Truths and a Lie, and one of her questionable statements is that she once witnessed a murder. At this bold claim, the guests react with disbelief and pepper her with questions. Geneva remains cagey, withholding details, but insists this is not her lie. The next morning Phyllida learns poor Ethel was purposely run down by a motorcar the previous night while inexplicably walking home alone from the party. She fears Geneva may have been the target, which means someone at the party is a killer--twice over. A chilling thought. With Geneva in potential danger--and Inspector Cork proceeding ponderously as usual--Phyllida takes it upon herself to unmask the killer. With two murders to solve, she will need to grill Geneva and the guests as well as re-examine any past sudden deaths or disappearances. And if she's smart, she'll look twice before crossing the road . . .

From the bestselling author of the American in Paris mysteries featuring Julia Child's fictional best friend, and the Phyllida Bright mysteries featuring Agatha Christie's fictional housekeeper, this spellbinding historical mystery stars Adam Quinn, President Lincoln's clever new aide, amid wartime intrigue . . . July 1861: On Independence Day, the citizens of Washington, D.C., are celebrating as if there isn't a war. But the city is teeming with green Union recruits while President Lincoln and his War Department are focused on military strategy to take Richmond in Secessionist Virginia in order to bring the conflict to a swift end. Manassas, Virginia, near Bull Run Creek, is in their sights. The very next morning, as Congress convenes once more, a dead body is found hanging from the crane beneath the unfinished dome of the Capitol. Lincoln's close confidant, Adam Speed Quinn, is called upon to determine whether the man had taken his own life . . . or if someone had helped him. With the assistance of Dr. George Hilton and journalist Sophie Gates, Quinn investigates what turns out to be murder. But the former scout is about to be blindsided, for a Southern sympathizer in the city is running a female spy network reporting to the Confederacy, and she has an insidious plot to foil the Union Army's march to Manassas by employing the charms of one Constance Lemagne to get as close to Adam as possible . . .

From the bestselling author of the American in Paris mysteries featuring Julia Child's fictional best friend, and the Phyllida Bright mysteries featuring Agatha Christie's fictional housekeeper, this captivating mystery stars resourceful Adam Quinn, President Lincoln's new aide, as war--and murder--test his skills like never before . . . April 13, 1861: Rebel troops are across the Potomac River, only 800 feet from the White House and President Lincoln--but a murderer is even closer . . . As the Civil War begins, an invasion of Washington, D.C., seems imminent. Lincoln's trusted aide, Adam Speed Quinn, and Quinn's old friend, Senator Jim Lane, hastily assemble a motley crew of just over 100 men and garrison them in the East Room at the White House. But even as dawn breaks, a single act of violence intrudes. One of the Frontier Guard lies dead in the oval library, throat slit ear to ear. There is a murderer among them. Lincoln promptly assigns Quinn to deal with the matter, who is in turn aided by journalist Sophie Gates, and Dr. George Hilton. To Quinn's chagrin, Southern belle Constance Lemagne insists on being involved in the investigation as well. But when Dr. Hilton examines the body, he makes a startling discovery that overturns all Quinn's assumptions about the murder. With his president at grave risk from without and within, Quinn must act quickly to catch the White House killer . . .

From the bestselling author of the American in Paris mysteries featuring Julia Child's fictional best friend, and the Phyllida Bright mysteries featuring Agatha Christie's fictional housekeeper, this intriguing mystery stars quick-witted Adam Quinn, President Lincoln's newly hired aide, on a momentous day . . . March 4, 1861: On the day of Abraham Lincoln's inauguration gala, the last thing anyone wants is a hitch in the proceedings--let alone murder. But when the worst happens, fortunately, Mr. Lincoln has his resourceful aide by his side . . . When a man is found stabbed to death only yards from the new president, Lincoln dispatches his trusted aide Adam Quinn to discreetly investigate. Was it an assassination attempt gone wrong or some other sinister motive? Though he is new to the capital city, Quinn, an experienced tracker and seasoned soldier, is well-suited to the task. Though he must navigate the unfamiliar world of high society, political personages, and a city preparing for war, he finds an unexpected ally in determined young Sophie Gates, who lives in the Smithsonian Institution with her uncle and his family. Sophie is determined to make a name for herself as a journalist, and investigating a murder at the gala is the perfect opportunity. Quinn and Gates, along with George Hilton, a free man of color and brilliant physician, plunge into a city teeming with spies and dark plots as it careens toward war. Together, they must make haste to apprehend a killer--for nothing less than the fate of the nation is at stake . . .

The City of Light is surging back to life in the wake of war, and its citizens are seizing every opportunity to raise a glass or share a delicious meal. But as American ex-pat Tabitha Knight and chef-in-training Julia Child discover, celebrations can quickly go awry when someone has murder in mind . . . Set in midcentury Paris and starring Julia Child's fictional best friend, this magnifique reimagining of the iconic chef's years at Le Cordon Bleu blends a delicious murder mystery with a unique culinary twist. The graceful domes of Sacr Coeur, the imposing cathedral of Notre Dame, the breathtaking Tour Eiffel . . . Paris is overflowing with stunning architecture. Yet for Tabitha Knight, the humble building that houses the Cordon Bleu cooking school, where her friend Julia studies, is just as notable. Tabitha is always happy to sample Julia's latest creation and try to recreate dishes for her Grand-p re and Oncle Rafe. The legendary school also holds open demonstrations, where the public can see its master chefs at work. It's a treat for any aspiring cook . . . until one of the chefs pours himself a glass of wine from a rare vintage bottle--and promptly drops dead in front of Julia, Tabitha, and other assembled guests. It's the first in a frightening string of poisonings that turns grimly personal when cyanide-laced wine is sent to someone very close to Tabitha. What kind of killer chooses such a means of murder, and why? Tabitha and Julia hope to find answers in order to save innocent lives--not to mention a few exquisite vintages--even as their investigation takes them through some of the darkest corners of France's wartime past . . .

In this delightful historical mystery, Phyllida Bright--amateur sleuth and Agatha Christie's esteemed housekeeper--discovers a killer stalking the stages of London's illustrious theaters. Housekeeper Phyllida Bright is quite in her element at Mallowan Hall, the charming English manor that she keeps in tip-top shape. By contrast, the bustling metropolis of London, where her famed employer Agatha Christie has temporarily relocated, leaves Phyllida a bit out of her depth. Not only must she grapple with a limited staff, but Phyllida also has to rein in a temperamental French cook who has the looks of Hercule Poirot, but none of the charm. When a man named Archibald Allston is found dead in an armchair onstage at the Adelphi Theater, first impressions are that he died of natural causes. But the very next day, the unlucky actor playing Benvolio at the Belmont Theater is found with his head bashed in. And when a third victim turns up, this time with double-C initials, the fatal pattern is impossible to ignore. With panic erupting among theater folk--a superstitious bunch at the best of times--Phyllida steps up to help with the investigation. The murderer's MO may be easy to read, but can Phyllida uncover the killer's identity before the final curtain falls on another victim?

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 . . .

The City of Light is surging back to life in the wake of war, and its citizens are seizing every opportunity to raise a glass or share a delicious meal. But as American ex-pat Tabitha Knight and chef-in-training Julia Child discover, celebrations can quickly go awry when someone has murder in mind . . . Set in midcentury Paris and starring Julia Child's fictional best friend, this magnifique reimagining of the iconic chef's years at Le Cordon Bleu blends a delicious murder mystery with a unique culinary twist. The graceful domes of Sacr Coeur, the imposing cathedral of Notre Dame, the breathtaking Tour Eiffel . . . Paris is overflowing with stunning architecture. Yet for Tabitha Knight, the humble building that houses the Cordon Bleu cooking school, where her friend Julia studies, is just as notable. Tabitha is always happy to sample Julia's latest creation and try to recreate dishes for her Grand-p re and Oncle Rafe. The legendary school also holds open demonstrations, where the public can see its master chefs at work. It's a treat for any aspiring cook--until one of the chefs pours himself a glass of wine from a rare vintage bottle--and promptly drops dead in front of Julia, Tabitha, and other assembled guests. It's the first in a frightening string of poisonings that turns grimly personal when cyanide-laced wine is sent to someone very close to Tabitha. What kind of killer chooses such a means of murder, and why? Tabitha and Julia hope to find answers in order to save innocent lives--not to mention a few exquisite vintages--even as their investigation takes them through some of the darkest corners of France's wartime past . . .

Fans of Jacqueline Winspear, Marie Benedict, Nita Prose, and of course, Julia Child, will adore this magnifique new mystery set in Paris and starring Julia Child's (fictional) best friend, confidante, and fellow American. From the acclaimed author of Murder at Mallowan Hall, this delightful new book provides a fresh perspective on the iconic chef's years in post-WWII Paris. "Enchanting...Cambridge captures Child's distinct voice and energy so perfectly. Expect to leave this vacation hoping for a return trip." -Publishers Weekly As Paris rediscovers its joie de vivre, Tabitha Knight, recently arrived from Detroit for an extended stay with her French grandfather, is on her own journey of discovery. Paris isn't just the City of Light; it's the city of history, romance, stunning architecture . . . and food. Thanks to her neighbor and friend Julia Child, another ex-pat who's fallen head over heels for Paris, Tabitha is learning how to cook for her Grandp re and Oncle Rafe. Between tutoring Americans in French, visiting the market, and eagerly sampling the results of Julia's studies at Le Cordon Bleu cooking school, Tabitha's sojourn is proving thoroughly delightful. That is, until the cold December day they return to Julia's building and learn that a body has been found in the cellar. Tabitha recognizes the victim as a woman she'd met only the night before, at a party given by Julia's sister, Dort. The murder weapon found nearby is recognizable too--a knife from Julia's kitchen. Tabitha is eager to help the investigation, but is shocked when Inspector Merveille reveals that a note, in Tabitha's handwriting, was found in the dead woman's pocket. Is this murder a case of international intrigue, or something far more personal? From the shadows of the Tour Eiffel at midnight, to the tiny third-floor Child kitchen, to the grungy streets of Montmartre, Tabitha navigates through the city hoping to find the real killer before she or one of her friends ends up in prison . . . or worse. "Part historical fiction, part mystery, Mastering the Art of French Murder is totally delectable entertainment." -The Washington Post "Certain to appeal to a broad readership, especially fans of Jacqueline Winspear, Rhys Bowen, and Cambridge's own Phyllida Bright series." -First Clue, STARRED REVIEW