Murder by the Waters

A scruffy highwayman, a damsel in distress and a handsome nobleman join in a 1758 scenario involving a coach full of travelers to Bath, England. But one of the passengers-American diplomat, scientist and, now, sleuth Benjamin Franklin-suspects the episode may have been staged. After the heroic rescue of winsome, impudent Emma Morland, Franklin applies his talents to unravel what could be a dangerous scam. The chronicler for this beguiling tale is Ben's natural son, Nick, an articulate, mature 13-year-old who fears that the relentlessly nosy Franklin might place himself in serious danger. Wonderfully rendered, the historic town of Bath teems with lords and ladies, rakes and doxies, churlish, wealthy tradesmen and sinister lurkers-and some suspicious deaths. Does someone have designs on Emma and her fortune? Is charming Edmund Darly, Fourth Earl of Hendon, who saved Emma from the highwayman, exactly what he seems to be? Despite a considerable lack of suspense, the fifth in this series (after Benjamin Franklin and a Case of Artful Murder) is packed with action and remains great fun. (Oct.)