The Case of the Secretive Secretary

'WE'RE CALLED IN TO WORK UNDERCOVER, AND THERE'S A SUDDEN DEATH?I DON'T THINK THAT'S A COINCIDENCE.'
When private investigator Mavis MacDonald grudgingly allows Dowager Duchess Althea Twyst to accompany her to investigate some puzzling problems at a picturesque hotel near the Welsh coastal town of Tenby, they find themselves facing an unexpected death, a group of quirky residents...and danger.
Meanwhile, Annie Parker tries to find out where a garden gnome has got to in the bucolic Welsh village of Anwen-by-Wye, and Carol Hill and Christine Wilson-Smythe help the duke and duchess work out who's behind some spiteful shenanigans...which are leading to chaos in the kitchens of Chellingworth Hall.
There are problems enough to keep all the women of the WISE Enquiries Agency busy, and a surprising blast of late-summer heat isn't helping anyone to keep their cool.

'...a perfect cozy with a setting and wit reminiscent of Wodehouse's Blandings Castle.But its strongest feature is the heart and sensitivity with which Ace imbues her characters.'The Jury Box, Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine
'...a modern-day British whodunit that'sas charming as it is entertaining...Good fun, with memorable characters, an imaginative plot, and a satisfying ending.'Booklist 'Sharp writing highlights the humor of the characterseven while tackling serious topics, making this yet another very enjoyable, fun, and not-always-proper British Mystery.'Cynthia Chow, Librarian, Hawaii State Public Library '...a refreshing departure from standard mystery fare...Cathy Ace does a remarkable job making(the women of the WISE Enquiries Agency)three dimensional and believable...'muttcafe.com 'A brilliant addition to Classic Crime Fiction. The ladies(if they'll forgive me calling them that) of the WISE Enquiries Agencywill have you pacing the floor awaiting their next entanglement...A fresh and wonderful concept well executed.'Alan Bradley, New York Times Bestselling Authorof the Flavia de Luce mysteries "A gratifying contemporary series in the traditional British manner" Library Journal starred review of The Case of the Dotty Dowager "...cozy fans will find plenty to like..." Publishers' Weekly "Ace spiffs up the standard village cozy with a set of sleuths worth a second look." Kirkus Reviews "...perfect reading for Anglophiles...should appeal to fans of Alexander McCall Smith and MC Beaton." crimefictionlover.com "The four women of the WISE Enquiries Agency return in a modern-day British whodunit that's as charming as it is entertaining...Good fun, with memorable characters, an imaginative plot, and a satisfying ending." Booklist

Cathy Ace's Cait Morgan Mysteries feature a criminal psychologist sleuth encountering traditional whodunits around the world (optioned for TV); her WISE Enquiries Agency Mysteries feature a quartet of soft-boiled female PIs solving cozy cases from a Welsh stately home. Her Welsh suspense novel, The Wrong Boy, has also been optioned for TV. Shortlisted for Canada's Bony Blithe Award three times, winning once, she's also won IPPY and IBA Awards; her work's also been twice shortlisted for a Crime Writers of Canada Award of Excellence, and the CrimeFictionLover Best Indie Novel. She migrated from Wales aged 40, and now lives in Canada. She is a Past Chair of Crime Writers of Canada.

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