Amateur sleuths Belinda Lawrence and Hazel Whitby chase the spectral shadows of literary giants Edith Wharton and Henry James through the breathtaking landscapes of France. As picturesque scenes unfold, a series of chilling murders disrupts the tranquility, turning innocent travelers into unlikely prime suspects. This gripping narrative intricately blends the excitement of detective work with the rich cultural allure of literature and music, creating a captivating tale.
Excerpt
As their footsteps began to falter under the
weight of exhaustion, the village emerged from its
mysterious shroud in the distance, guiding them
towards the graveyard. The small, rustic cemetery
came into view, nestled amongst ancient trees,
witnesses to secrets of the past. As they approached
the Sand family section, pockets of lingering fog
clung to headstones and crosses, adding an air of
melancholia to the scene.
“Damn,” Hazel exclaimed suddenly, her
face twisting in discomfort. “I shouldn’t have
had that second cup of coffee. I need to find a
restroom.” Belinda shot a glance towards the
Maison, considering their options. “Maybe they
have facilities for tourists. If not, there are plenty of
bushes in the garden that could serve as temporary
cover.”
“Right,” Hazel sighed, a note of urgency
creeping into her voice. “If I’m not back in half an
hour, send out a Saint Bernard with a gin and tonic.”
With a determined nod, she hurried off in search
of relief, leaving Belinda alone amidst the sombre
stones.
Standing in the graveyard, Belinda looked
around the melancholy setting. At her feet, a stone
cherub lay, its once delicate wings now broken, and
its head missing—an eerie sight that sent a shiver
down her spine. A strand of red and white police
barrier tape lay gracefully across the fallen angel.
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In that moment, the realization struck her. The
stone head was the murder weapon used to kill
Mr. Henry. The surprising revelation unnerved her
as she moved toward the large, raised grey stone
tomb of George Sand, nestled closely to the gnarled
trunk of an enormous overshadowing tree. From
her vantage point, the towering form of the Church
of St. Anne stood proudly, a silent witness to the
unfolding drama encasing the village.
A shiver ran down Belinda’s spine. She half
turned, as the sound of footsteps echoed through
the mist, sending a ripple of unease through her.
“Hazel? Did you—” she began, but her words
caught in her throat. With a sudden, instinctive
movement, she completed the turn. There, just a
short distance away, a tall, dark figure loomed, its
silhouette sharply defined against the shadows..
An unnerving presence.
Professional Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars Humor and intrigue!
5.0 out of 5 stars Humor and intrigue!
Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2025
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
This is a new twist on the Belinda Lawrence Mysteries: Belinda and gin head business partner, Hazel Whitby are in France this time. They join a handful of tourists who are retracing the road trip authors Edith Wharton and Henry James took in 1907. Andre flew in from Poland since the George Sand house is said to contain a very unusual relic of half-Polish Frederic Chopin. Guardian of French culture, Zeze is secretly trying to commercialize a certain cherished landmark. Cultural pursuits aside, somebody wants one of the members of the touring party out of the way. And - somebody uses a ghost box! He calls his "spook box" Frankie! Never stop writing, Brian!
This cozy murder mystery takes place aboard luxury liner, Queen Elizabeth II, as wealthy couple celebrate their silver wedding anniversary with family and friends.
