A Rather Remarkable Homecoming

This breezy, witty fourth entry in Belmond's Rather series (A Rather Charming Invitation) features strongly defined characters, vivid settings, and a captivating mystery. Penny Nichols Laidley and her husband Jeremy, who occasionally team up as amateur detectives, return from their honeymoon to find that Prince Charles wants their help in saving an estate in Cornwall. The estate, which once belonged to Penny's grandmother, is in the care of the town's historical society. If they can find something of historical importance on the property, they can save the ramshackle estate from being bought by a scheming real estate syndicate. They settle in for the summer on an organic farm, where, along with the help of a retired thespian, they investigate Shakespeare's possible lodging at the estate during his "lost years." After they discover an intricate masthead and shipwreck of a previous owner, they travel first to Madeira, and then to Tintagel%E2%80%94King Arthur's birthplace. The villagers prove suitably delightful, as does the loving relationship between Penny and Jeremy. The book charms from beginning to end, and even Belmond's one false note%E2%80%94a botched kidnapping%E2%80%94has a clever outcome. (Sept.)