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CORNISH CONUNDRUM (((No. 2 in Mort Sinclair & Priscilla Booth series) by Gene Stratton |
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ISBN 0-595-13205-7 (Trade Paperback)
An "Editor's Choice" Selection
A "Reader's Choice" Selection |
".
. . follows the fine tradition of Daphne Du Maurier . . ." |
American police detective, Sergeant Priscilla Booth, inherits a house in Cornwall from her murdered distant cousin, Sylvia Cawthorne, but she must live there 30 days. Her lover, Mort Sinclair, a multi-disciplined criminologist, comes down from Oxford to stay with her. Gradually they get drawn into the mysterious past of the murdered woman, as a new murder occurs.
Their suspects include the very modern villagers who frequent the local pub and also TV actors and technicians who are filming a costume drama miniseries at a nearby manor. Mort and Priscilla hear stories of ghosts and smugglers and Priscilla finds herself the object of seduction by some of the suspects. She and Mort learn more and more astonishing details about her dead cousin ("Who is Sylvia, What is she, That all our swains commend her?" - Shakespeare).
While Mort cultivates the local police inspector, who is impressed by Mort's reputation, Priscilla explores a century-old cellar, but finds she is not alone. Together Priscilla and Mort resolve the mystery, but at a cost of putting their own personal relationship in jeopardy. The reader will be absorbed by a fast-paced and clue-filled classical British-style mystery, a charming couple of intelligent and unusual detectives, and a tour of fabled Cornwall as it is today.
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING
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"Essentially an intriguing murder mystery, Cornish Conundrum follows the fine tradition of Daphne Du Maurier in offering much more to savour and entertain: a dead woman and her dubious legacy, the supernatural, secret tunnels, seduction and romance - and all in a well-researched atmospheric Cornish setting." - PETER LOVESEY, British crime novelist, winner of Diamond Dagger Award |
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"Enjoyed it very much, excellent atmosphere, good mystery, nice characters full of twisty personalities, not least of which was the victim! I love it." - PAULA GOSLING, American-British winner of Gold Dagger Award |
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"A joy to read, with plenty going on, and lots to perplex and please." - ROBERT BARNARD, Diamond Dagger Award Winner |
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"Hang on. This mystery has it all: a puzzle-loaded plot, ghosts, smugglers, exotic location, great characters, intelligent detectives, fast-moving action, suspense, and a satisfying solution."- Myra Vanderpool Gormley, Book Links |
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"CORNISH CONUNDRUM is an example of my favorite kind of mystery . . . good puzzle with good character development and interesting locations . . . and mature romantic interests." - Diane Kovacs, List Owner of the 3,000-subscriber DorothyL mystery discussion list |
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"It was read by two members of my staff and the consensus was, 'This is a very good book - get some to put on the shelf.' Also, it's going to be a staff pick . . . on our website and in our newsletter." - Lelia Taylor, Creatures 'n Crooks Bookstore, Richmond, VA |