cover image TRIPLETREE

TRIPLETREE

Derek Wilson, . . St. Martin's Minotaur/ Dunne, $23.95 (272pp) ISBN 978-0-312-32874-0

Nathaniel Gye, "lecturer in Paranormal Psychology at the University of Cambridge," makes an intriguing debut in British author Wilson's new mystery series. When Gye and his journalist wife, Kathryn, attend a fancy-dress party at Coln Manor in the Cotswolds hosted by Sheldon and Juniper Myles, the seemingly accidental death of a local woman, who was dressed as Nell Gwyn, spoils the festivities. Five weeks later, Sheldon seeks out Gye and begs him to help his wife, who's convinced she murdered the dead woman. Inexorably, Gye is drawn into a snarled skein comprising a troubled marriage, a powerful family, a modern witch and a village united in its scorn for Sheldon Myles. The ancient and troubled history of Coln Manor and how it got the ominous name of Tripletree ("an old word for gallows") plays a part, as does the past of its present owner. Despite his billing as a "parapsychic investigator" in the book's promotional copy, Gye uses traditional investigative methods to ferret out the truth. Murders, older and newer, cleverly committed and concealed, are convincingly revealed. Wilson has set the stage nicely for repeat performances by his husband-and-wife sleuthing team. (June 16)

FYI: Wilson is the author of six art world mysteries featuring security agent Tim Lacy as well as a historical mystery featuring Niccolo Machiavelli.