The Busy Body

(Hardback)

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Veep meets Agatha Christie in this intelligent, wildly funny, literary mystery for fans of Richard Osman, Anthony Horowitz, and Nita Prose! The host of the "All About Agatha" podcast injects the spark and fizz of a Golden Age murder mystery into the present-day, as a ghostwriter is chosen to collaborate on a presidential candidate's memoir, only to discover just how much trouble a smart woman with time on her hands can get up to . . . "The Busy Body is a delight from start to finish. If you like Agatha Christie, you'll love this." - Alex Michaelides, # 1 New York Times bestselling author of The Silent Patient "I tell other people's stories for a living. . . . I nip and tuck their excesses, soften their hard edges, polish whatever an armada of editors and publicists deem unsightly till it sparkles." It's a dream assignment. Former Senator Dorothy Gibson, aka that woman, is the most talked-about person in the country right now, though largely for the wrong reasons. As an independent candidate for President of the United States, Dorothy split the vote and is being blamed for the shocking result. After her very public defeat, she's retreated to her home in rural Maine, inviting her ghostwriter to join her. Her collaborator is impressed by Dorothy's work ethic and steel-trap mind, not to mention the stunning surroundings (and one particularly gorgeous bodyguard). But when a neighbor dies under suspicious circumstances, Dorothy is determined to find the killer in their midst. And when Dorothy Gibson asks if you want to team up for a top secret, possibly dangerous murder investigation, the only answer is- "Of course!" The best ghostwriters are adept at asking questions and spinning stories . . . two talents, it turns out, that also come in handy for sleuths. Dorothy's political career, meanwhile, has made her an expert at recognizing lies and double-dealing. Working together, the two women are soon untangling motives and whittling down suspects, to the exasperation of local police. But this investigation-much like the election-may not unfold the way anyone expects . . .

Reviews

Praise for The Busy Body:

"The Busy Body is a thoroughly modern, Agatha Christie-esque mystery set in a sumptuous corner of moneyed, Maine wilderness. It's a delightfully escapist, page-turner." Kimberly McCreight, New York Times bestselling author of Friends Like These

Kemper Donovan has created a hugely entertaining character, a ghost writer and amateur sleuth, who is wry, gossipy and completely compelling. The investigation into a murder disguised as a suicide is full of twists and turns worthy of a classic mystery novel. The Busy Body is a delight from start to finish. If you like Agatha Christie, youll love this.Alex Michaelides, # 1 New York Times bestselling author of The Silent Patient

A gripping and highly entertaining mystery, with ingenuity and flair aplenty, and a wonderful detective character that readers will be dying to meet again. Sophie Hannah, New York Times bestselling author

Praise for Kemper Donovans The Decent Proposal:

As clever as it is hopeful. Whether talking about the secret menu at In-N-Out or matters as grand as life and death, Kemper Donovans voice is original, captivating, and assured. This book is both a moving love letter to Los Angeles and a thoughtful rumination on what people can mean to one another. Taylor Jenkins Reid, bestselling author of Daisy Jones & the Six

DelightfulPeopled by appealing characters and filled with lush descriptions of the diverse L.A. landscape, Donovans winning first novel offers up a page-turning tale brimming with heart.Booklist, STARRED REVIEW

A romantic tale with a heart and a brainand a mystery that will keep you turning the pages. W Magazine

A sharp, wise, and hilarious novel. Think ENTOURAGE meets Tom Wolfe with a touch of INDECENT PROPOSAL. . . We loved it! Lucy Sykes & Jo Piazza, authors of The Knockoff

Full of heart and humor, Donovans debut is a classic LA love story. J. Ryan Stradal, New York Times bestselling author of Kitchens of the Great Midwest

Impossible to put down, this character-rich, breakout novel will make your heart burst with love. Youll turn the pages so fast you might get a paper cut. Claire Bidwell Smith, author of The Rules of Inheritance

Donovan takes what might have been a derivative tale and colors it with poignancy and self-discovery . . . Artful and arresting. Library Journal

Smart and observant. . . A strong, omniscient narrator anchors Donovans deconstructed, opposites-attract love story where emotional stakes deepen as the story unfolds. References to pop culture, classic literature and moviesalong with snappy dialogue and well-drawn characterizations, especially in the cast of supporting playersinfuse a clever plot filled with surprising twists that will keep readers entertained and in suspense. Shelf Awareness

Author Bio

Kemper Donovan is an acclaimed author and host of the podcast "All About Agatha." A graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Law School, he worked at the literary management company Circle of Confusion for a decade before transitioning to writing full-time. He is a member of the New York Bar Association, PEN America, and Mystery Writers of America. He lives with his husband and daughters in Los Angeles and can be found online at KemperDonovan.com.