Hope Against Hope: A Mystery Introducing Alison Hope and Nick Trevellyan

Businesswoman Alison Hope, having set up shop and residence in Little Hopford, England, promptly becomes the chief suspect in the murder of her partner in this lively debut mystery. The victim, a roue who had recently deserted his family, had attempted to extort money from Hope, learns investigating officer Detective Inspector Trevellyan, who becomes smitten with a beautiful and volatile young woman. As other suspects turn up, among them an IRA assassin, a penny-dreadful journalist, and a bookie with a penchant for brutalizing gamblers, Trevellyan believes he'll find the killer and reach romantic bliss. Unhappily, another slaying, for which Hope has motive and opportunity, forestalls his plans. Blinded by love, Trevellyan overlooks the most obvious suspect, making himself and Hope targets for murder. Kelly creates a spicy plot with strong characters and an old-fashioned love affair in this first of a projected series. (Nov.)