What role does the mysterious Miss Hope, former governess to the Bulgarian royal family, play in the bizarre murder at the Villa Byzantine? And does she in fact actually exist?
Antonia Darcy and Major Hugh Payne attend a birthday party for one of their Hampstead neighbours, little knowing they will end up investigating the grisly death of one of Melisande Chevret's other guests. The ageing actress becomes a natural suspect when her love rival is killed. But after that first murder, another murder takes place at the Villa Byzantine. The owner of the exotically styled house is royal biographer Tancred Vane, but he swears he is innocent. And surely his new friend Catherine Hope, an elderly lady helping him with his research, can have nothing to do with it?
It looks as though the victim's daughter is to blame - but how likely is it that a teenage girl should have a dainty silk handkerchief bearing her monogram? And would she drop it so conveniently beside her mother's dead body?
Praise for R.T. Raichev:
'Deftly mixes dark humor and psychological suspense, its genteel surface masking delicious deviancy.'
Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
'Fascinating ... Recalls the best of the Golden Age of Detective fiction.'
Lady Antonia Fraser
'Mixes Henry James's psychological insight with Agatha Christie's whodunit plotting skills ... Raichev once again triumphs.'
Library Journal (starred review)
'I have read all of Raichev's books. They are very clever. I really am a fan.'
R.L. Stine
'A whodunit with more twists than a snake in a basket.'
Robert Barnard, Golden Dagger winner
'Adds a P. D. Jamesian subtlety to the comfortable Christie formula. Antonia Darcy is a terrific sleuth, and Raichev is a very clever writer, indeed.'
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Book Description Hardback. Condition: Very Good. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR004200458
Book Description hardcover. Condition: Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used textbooks may not include companion materials such as access codes, etc. May have some wear or writing/highlighting. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!. Seller Inventory # S_378657299
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Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine. 1st Edition. UK Hardback First Edition, First Printing 2011. Condition : A fine book in a near fine bright dust jacket with a corner crease to the rear inner flap . Priced at £18.99 on the inner flap.A good looking copy. All books are securely packaged for safe shipping. Refund available if the book is not as described.* Further images available on request *. Seller Inventory # 002226
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Fine. 1st Edition. Hardcover published by Constable 1st edition 2011, Signed by Author, Fine in Fine dust-jacket, an Antonia Darcy & Major Payne Mystery. Signed by Author(s). Seller Inventory # ABE-1576607183180
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