Murder by Invitation Only

(Hardback)

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In this engaging historical mystery, Agatha Christies ever-capable housekeeper, Phyllida Bright, not only keeps the celebrated authors 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 games 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 hostboth 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 . . .

Reviews

Praise for Colleen Cambridges Phyllida Bright Mysteries

Cambridge weaves in just the right amount of historical detail and references to classic Christie novels while placing Phyllida and her intelligent sleuthing skills front and centerFans of traditional mysteries will appreciate the authors sometimes tongue-in-cheek adherence to the conventions of the genre, particularly the denouement where all is revealed. Dame Agatha would be proud. Publishers Weekly on A Trace of Poison

Cambridge balances Downton Abbeystyle period charm with a tight plot that twists and turns right until the end, with utter believabilityThe real-life historical players make only brief cameos, but Cambridge creates such a compelling cast of fictional characters that they are hardly missed. Reminiscent of Jessica Ellicotts Beryl & Edwina series, this novel will please readers with itshistorical world and a plot that would satisfy Poirot. Library Journal on A Trace of Poison

Cambridge takes inspiration from several of Christies most celebrated novels in devising her agreeably intricate plot. Kirkus Reviews on A Trace of Poison

Charmingly told, with a full upstairs-downstairs cast of guests and servants, Murder at Mallowan Hall is a wonderful mystery by Colleen CambridgeFans of Agatha Christie, historical fiction and fierce female leads are all sure to enjoy Murder at Mallowan Hall. Shelf Awareness on Murder at Mallowan Hall

Its obvious Cambridge had a blast writing the book, set in 1930s Devonshire, and her fun is infectious. Phyllida is a confident first-time detective, modeling herself on her hero, Christies Hercule Poirot, who outshines all suitors who have come her way. Phyllidas smarts and assurance dont save her from making mistakes, some of which delay solving the case. Paced at a gallop, its an entertaining read. Recommended. Historical Novel Society on Murder at Mallowan Hall

Two words describe this book: absolutely deliciousMurder at Mallowan Hall is a near-perfect traditional mystery. First Clue

[A] solid series launch from CambridgeReaders will want to see more of the clever Phyllida. Publishers Weekly on Murder at Mallowan Hall

An entertaining whodunnit. Toronto.com on Murder at Mallowan Hall

Colleen Cambridge has done her homework on English society and provides us with a clear picture of her characters, where they live, and how they act. She does well at capturing the era with all the right language and dialects. Its a good cozy to read with a cup of tea on the patio. New York Journal of Books on Murder at Mallowan Hall

A delicious combination of Downton Abbey and a meta-play on a Christie novel (obviously, The Body in the Library). The Downton Abbey bit is Cambridges attention to 1920's domestic detail and the way Mrs. Bright runs the household...Agatha Christie the character plays a very peripheral part in the proceedings, but Agatha Christie the writer haunts every page of this delightful book that both pays homage to the Queen of Crime, but also embroiders on her work with a fresh character and a fresh look at a part of her life. This is a wonderful series debut. Mystery Scene Magazine on Murder at Mallowan Hall

"What if Agatha Christies housekeeper was the best detective of all In this delightful book, she is! You will love watching Phyllida spot the clues the authorities miss when a dead body shows up in Agathas library. An outstanding start to what promises to be a winning new series." Victoria Thompson, USA Today Bestselling Author of Murder on Wall Street on Murder at Mallowan Hall

Cambridge pens a thoroughly intriguing mystery, told in a unique manner from the perspective of the staff belowstairs rather than the upper class above, in this splendid first installment in a new series. Her heroine, Phyllida Bright, is the confident, shrewd, and eminently capable housekeeper for none other than the grand dame of mystery herselfAgatha Christieand a great admirer of Christies fictional detective Poirot, whose methods she seeks to emulate. Fans of Tessa Arlen and Jennifer Ashley will be delighted. Anna Lee Huber, bestselling author of the Verity Kent Mysteries on Murder at Mallowan Hall

"Agatha Christies indomitable and mysterious housekeeper Phyllida Bright takes on a killer in this exciting new series from Colleen Cambridge. Fans of historical mysteriesand Christie herselfwill love this well-imagined homage, and the clever twists and numerous suspects will keep readers on their toes. Im already looking forward to Phyllidas next adventure!" Erica Ruth Neubauer, author of the Jane Wunderly Mysteries on Murder at Mallowan Hall

"Amazing period details, clever clues, and plot twists abound. Colleen Cambridge has fashioned a delightful mystery from beginning to end for Agatha Christie fans." D.E. Ireland, author of the Eliza Doolittle & Henry Higgins Mysteries on Murder at Mallowan Hall

[A] solid series launchReaders will want to see more of the clever Phyllida. Publishers Weekly on Murder at Mallowan Hall

Author Bio

Colleen Cambridge is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Phyllida Bright Mysteries, the first of which, Murder at Mallowan Hall, was an Indie Next Pick and Agatha Award finalist. An accomplished historian whose meticulously researched novels appeal to fans of historical fiction and mysteries alike, she also writes under the pennames C.M. Gleason and Colleen Gleason. She lives in the Midwest and can be found online at ColleenCambridge.com.