Murder in the Family

Here’s Book 6 in the Catherine Tregowyn Mysteries series – Murder in the Family!

“…readers will fall in love with the charming cast of characters, each of whom seems above suspicion. By blending romance and thrills with a spunky, brilliant protagonist, the author serves up a golden age-style treat for any book-loving armchair sleuth”.–Publisher’s Weekly (Booklife) for Murder at Tregowyn Manor (Book 3 in the series)

“. . . the well-educated, literary characters . . . are enjoyable, and the plot is nicely balanced between tense action and the love triangle. . . an entertaining historical mystery.” — Kirkus Reviews for An Oxford Murder (Book 1)

A minor hitch arises before the marriage ceremony of Oxford University tutors Catherine Tregowyn and Harry Bascombe. The best man is missing. Perhaps Harry’s Uncle Jonathan was detained by car troubles somewhere in the Cornish hinterlands? No one suspects that he is lying dead at the bottom of a cliff where ocean waves have swept him into a cave.

When he is at last discovered, the police suspect that he slipped off a cliffside hiking trail, but no one who knew Jon believes this version of events. Catherine and Harry suspect foul play. Harry’s cosmopolitan uncle, a dealer in Italian Renaissance art, was very wealthy indeed.

Is it coincidence that the temperamental Italian fashion model, claiming to be his wife, appears at Jonathan’s holiday cottage with two children the day before he disappeared?

When his death is ruled a murder, his mercurial wife, Elisabetta, is the obvious suspect. Harry’s uncle has left a surprise behind him — an iron-clad will, linking his wife’s bequest to her consent for his children to live and be educated in England. In addition, Jonathan’s solicitor holds an envelope, contents unknown, to be opened if his wife contests the will in any way. Elisabetta is outraged for the paintings in Jon’s private collection are worth millions.

Chaos ensues. Unpalatable truths emerge, and danger lurks. Catherine and Harry resolve to untangle the skein of motives for those closest to his uncle until they arrive at the truth. Dealing with family under these circumstances is surprisingly difficult for the newlyweds. Can things ever go back to the way they were before the murder?

“. . . characters are colorful, their world engaging, and Dr. Harry is especially charming. Details of food and fashion give a lush touch to the well-painted period settings–Oxford is evoked especially well–and the portrayal of factions, competition, and power plays within the scholarly world lend amusement and intrigue. Ongoing references to poetic theory, the Bloomsbury group, and the dark shadow of Hitler add to the textured sense of place. Those who aren’t yet fans of Vandagriff will be hooked.” Historical Novel Review for The Hollywood Murders (Book 4)

DEBUTED AS #10 BESTSELLER IN AMAZON HISTORICAL MYSTERIES
The anticipated sequel to Amazon Bestseller, An Oxford Murder, hailed as a “wonderfully stylish and delightful mystery romance” (Amazon Five Star Review) for Murder in the Jazz Band (Book 2)