The Mystery Lady

Professor Paula Glenning has just published a bestselling biography of a famous contemporary writer when her publisher George Bruce suggests she next tackle the life of another author. Rosie O'Grady's popular novels and reclusive habits have earned her the title of the Mystery Lady, and even Bruce, who publishes her books, knows little about her. With some reluctance, Paula begins her research with the aid of fellow teacher James Goff, following leads out of London to Brighton and the countryside where they come up square against the Mystery Lady's stony and secretive personal secretary, Robin Key, who turns out to be an old partner of Bruce's, and another writer whose existence is also a mystery worth killing for. Clarke is a veteran Crime Club contributor (Cabin 3033 and Soon She Must Die, with skills and experience shown here in able plotting and the quick, sure strokes with which she gives her characters life beyond the boundaries of the mystery that connects them. (October 3)