Diana's Altar

(Paperback)

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Description

Cambridge, October 1933. Inside the old All Hallows Church on All Hallows' Eve, Doctor Adelaide Hartest bears witness to the final moments of a dying stranger. Despite the dagger plunged into the stranger's chest, the death is ruled a suicide, compounded by a formal confession before death. The victim, it is revealed, is known to Scotland Yard, and Assistant Commissioner Joe Sandilands is sent all the way from London to investigate.

Reviews

Praise for Diana's Altar

"There are so many aspects ofDianas Altarto celebrate, chief among them Cleverlys intelligent characters and an agreeably labyrinthine master narrative. Adding to the fun is Cleverlys gift for generating spirited dialogue, peppered with period slang."
The Washington Post

"The quiet English college town of Cambridge in the late fall of the Depression year of 1933 seems to be a curious setting for a tale of murder and espionage. But somehow, British novelist Barbara Cleverly makes it work inDianas Altar . . . Sandilands suspects murderand goes on to prove it, tracking down the surprising killer . . . well-done."
St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Sandilands [is] among the most dashing cops of British crime fiction . . . A happy blend of traditional whodunit and espionage thriller, Diana's Altarthe phrase comes from Shakespeareproceeds with perfect pacing to a frightening climax and a full measure of justice."
Richmond Times-Dispatch

"The fast-paced plot has a compelling rhythm. Like all of Cleverlys novelsshe also writes the Laetitia Talbot Mysteriesthere are well-developed characters, an authentic setting, and a few classical allusions; but it is Joe Sandilands likeability that brings readers back. Recommended for anyone who loves historical mysteries."
The Historical Novel Society

"One of Barbara Cleverly's more complex plots, Diana's Altar is a legitimate page turner and a novel that will delight all the author's ardent fans and create new readers as well."
BookLoons

Praise for Barbara Cleverly

Despite her mastery at vivid scene-setting, Cleverly never loses sight of the historical puzzle that is central to her story. Simply put, its a stunner.
The New York Times Book Review

Fans of P.D. James, take note: Heres a worthy colleague.
The Seattle Times

Stylish and intricate . . . Cleverly has perfect pitch for period and place, whether her hero is unearthing evil in India, England or France.
Richmond Times-Dispatch

Cleverly is a terrific writer . . . Fans know that she supplies the glamour as well as the grime, and shes one of the most adept puzzle-plot-makers now working. The clues are all there. But you wont guess who it is until she gives you the final word.
The Globe and Mail

The appearance of a Joe Sandilands book is always welcomed by fans of this intelligent and gripping series.
San Jose Mercury

Excellent . . . Golden age fans who appreciate deceptive storytelling enhanced by the kind of in-depth characterization lacking in Agatha Christie will be more than satisfied.
Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

Author Bio

Barbara Cleverly was born in the north of England and is a graduate of Durham University. A former teacher, she has spent her working life in Cambridgeshire and Suffolk; she now lives in Cambridge. She is the author of thirteen books in the Joe Sandilands series, including The Last Kashmiri Rose, The Blood Royal, Not My Blood, A Spider in the Cup, and Enter Pale Death.