Mr. Campion’s Fox

Having successfully completed an unfinished manuscript by Margery Allingham’s husband (2014’s Mr. Campion’s Farewell), Ripley presents a fully original story, set in the 1960s, which paves the way for further focus on Rupert, the engaging grown son of Allingham’s series sleuth, Albert Campion. At a diplomatic reception in London, Albert is approached by Aage Westergaard, the Danish ambassador, who’s concerned about the well-being of his 18-year-old daughter, Vibeke, who’s been working as an au pair in the Suffolk town of Gapton. Westergaard is uneasy about her boyfriend, Frank Tate, and asks Albert to keep an eye on him, surveillance that Albert delegates to Rupert. Rupert observes little that’s unusual, apart from Tate’s habit of dashing into pubs for just a minute or two. The favor becomes more complicated when Vibeke disappears and a corpse turns up in Gapton with the back of its head smashed in. Ripley maintains a light touch in the service of an intricate mystery that will please Allingham devotees and newcomers alike. (June)