Rosy Gilchrist has been asked to accompany Lady Fawcett to visit Delia Dovedale, an old school friend in Suffolk and whom she hasn't seen for years. Rather reluctantly Rosy agrees to be her companion on this reunion jaunt. But on arrival at their hostess's house the two guests discover that things are far from normal, and find themselves plunged into a series of bizarre and sinister events.
The peculiar death of an assistant matron at a distinguished boys' school draws amateur sleuth Primrose Oughterard into another delightfully quirky mystery. Erasmus House, a prestigious prep school for boys in Lewes, is in uncharacteristic disarray over a looming visit from Her Majesty’s inspectors. Convinced that inspectors dislike old-established schools, headmaster Mr Winchbrooke devises a cunning plan to drag Erasmus House into modernity – by replacing the rustic paintings of eccentric local artist and amateur sleuth, Primrose Oughterard, with more ‘challenging’ abstract works. But Primrose’s paintings are the least of Winchbrooke’s worries when the school’s assistant matron, Miss Memling, is found dead in a Brighton hotel room, clutching an empty gin bottle. Was there more to dull Aida Memling than met the eye? As one of the school’s trustees, Primrose springs into action. With her late brother Francis’s pets Maurice and Bouncer by her side, can Primrose solve the Memling mystery?
A blackmailer is stalking the bishop—can he survive the threat of being outed? Why is there a body in the flower bed? And can Lavinia Birtle-Figgins really be as dippy as she seems? These and other imponderables immerse the Reverend Francis Oughterard in a fresh web of danger and subterfuge, while his animal "minders," Maurice and Bouncer, try their best to make sense of all this human bedlam.
London, early 1950s. Marcia Beasley is discovered dead, naked and covered with a coal scuttle. Sergeant Greenleaf has to solve the crime. The members of the deceased's social circle all, it seems, have secrets to hide and grudges to bear. A host of colourful and comic characters hurry to identify the murderer and unravel the mystery of Marcia's life.
All the Reverend Francis Oughterard had ever wanted was some peace and quiet, instead he becomes entangled in a nightmare world of accidental murder, predatory female parishioners, officious policemen and a drunken bishop. As the vicar's life spirals out of control it is his supercilious cat, Maurice, and bone obsessed hound, Bouncer, who save the day. A Load of Old Bones is a charming and farcical romp through a 1950's mythical Surrey. Praise for Suzette A. Hill: 'Perfect one-sitting summer read.' Laura Wilson, Guardian 'E F Benson crossed with Jerome K Jerome' The Times audiobooks review 'Quite why this series should be charming, astringent and witty, instead of emetically twee, I am not sure, but it is entirely delightful' Guardian 'This dry, funny British gem, with its eccentric cast of characters, will have readers laughing and eagerly awaiting the next episode' Publishers Weekly
Primrose Oughterard, an eccentric artist living in East Sussex, has recently taken custody of her dead brother's cat and dog, Maurice and Bouncer. The brother - the Revd Francis Oughterard - has had the misfortune to murder one of his parishioners, and (aided and abetted by his pets and sister) had devoted much of his time to concealing the crime and escaping the gallows (which he did). Following his heroic death rescuing another parishioner from impalement on a gargoyle, his sister feels duty-bound to take responsibility for the two animals. The arrangement results in a number of questionable entanglements including the usual mishaps of murder, foiled intentions, concealment of evidence - plus a peculiar manoeuvre on the cliff at Beachy Head.
The unfortunate demise of a local woman while sea bathing at the Birling Gap sends Primrose Oughterard’s sleuthing antennae into overdrive. Eccentric artist and indomitable amateur sleuth Primrose Oughterard is back in Lewes after her 'Baden-Baden' sojourn, but finds tragedy on her doorstep once again with the news that Elspeth Travers has drowned at sea while bathing at Birling Gap. The unfortunate Mrs Travers met her chilly demise in a black ruched swimming costume and pink floral cap, but Primrose is sure something is afoot. Elspeth hated swimming, and indeed frothy swimming hats – why was she in the water, and was her death really a tragic accident? With so much incompetence around, Primrose feels compelled to investigate, and soon uncovers secrets, betrayal and nefarious deeds – with the help of her newly acquired pets, Maurice and Bouncer, inherited from her late brother, Francis. But just when Primrose thinks she's solved the mystery, there’s an incredible twist...
Rosy Gilchrist is sent to Venice to find a rare, signed translation of Horace's Odes by Dr Bodger. Rosy jumps at the chance to fit some sightseeing around work, but the holiday plans go on hold when she learns that there is a significant bounty prize for anyone who finds this valuable text. Finding herself in the midst of a cat-and-mouse chase, Rosy's rivals will stop at nothing, not even murder, to get their hands on the book.
Rosy Gilchrist and her hesitant sidekicks, Felix Smythe and Professor Cedric Dillworthy, are visiting Cambridge: Rosy to attend a Newnham reunion, and Felix and Cedric to attend preparations for the unveiling of a statue of the latter's old tutor. But plans for the statue are far from set in stone, and the meddling Gloria Biggs-Boothby is determined to see it created by another artist. It's inconvenient, then, when he turns up dead.As Rosy and her associates become increasingly embroiled in events, they face a number of teasing questions: is the deaf and frail Emeritus Prof. Aldous Phipps quite as benign as he seems? Is the Bursar a secret misogynist with a rooted aversion to large women (e.g. to Gloria)? And who is the unwitting husband that Dr John Smithers is so busy cuckolding?
More from Maurice and Bouncer, and the hapless Rev. Oughterard. Foreign parts and fresh imbroglios! This time the Rev Francis Oughterard, persuaded by blackmailing Nicholas Ingaza, journeys to the French Auvergne engaged on yet another project of dubious kind and painful embarrassment. Pursued by murderous thugs and ensnared in the posturings of a cranky religious sect, Francis and his new companions - plus stowaways Maurice and Bouncer - blunder their way through a network of absurd and perilous escapades which temporarily, at any rate, distract the vicar from his own dark secret... Praise for the series: 'I think this is tremendous - amusing and professional' Dame Beryl Bainbridge 'E F Benson crossed with Jerome K. Jerome' The Times audiobook review 'Perfect one-sitting summer read' Laura Wilson 'An intriguingly quirky read!' Leslie Phillips, OBE
Rosy Gilchrist and her hesitant sidekicks, Felix Smythe and Professor Cedric Dillworthy, are visiting Cambridge: Rosy to attend a Newnham reunion, and Felix and Cedric to attend preparations for the unveiling of a statue of the latter's old tutor. But plans for the statue are far from set in stone, and the meddling Gloria Biggs-Boothby is determined to see it created by another artist. It's inconvenient, then, when he turns up dead.As Rosy and her associates become increasingly embroiled in events, they face a number of teasing questions: is the deaf and frail Emeritus Prof. Aldous Phipps quite as benign as he seems? Is the Bursar a secret misogynist with a rooted aversion to large women (e.g. to Gloria)? And who is the unwitting husband that Dr John Smithers is so busy cuckolding?
“Should appeal to fans of Martha Grimes, Saki, and Wodehouse.”- Historical Novels Review“Quite why this series should be charming, astringent and witty instead of emetically twee, I am not sure, but it is entirely delightful.”- GuardianThe Reverend Francis Oughterard (“FO”) merely longs for a quiet life far from his bishop’s overview. Instead, he becomes entangled in a nightmare world of predatory female parishioners, officious policemen, and accidental murder. It is up to Maurice, the cat, and Bouncer, the dog, to save him.
All the Reverend Francis Oughterard had ever wanted was some peace and quiet, instead he becomes entangled in a nightmare world of accidental murder, predatory female parishioners, officious policemen and a drunken bishop. As the vicar's life spirals out of control it is his supercilious cat, Maurice, and bone obsessed hound, Bouncer, who save the day. A Load of Old Bones is a charming and farcical romp through a 1950's mythical Surrey. Praise for Suzette A. Hill: 'Perfect one-sitting summer read.' Laura Wilson, Guardian 'E F Benson crossed with Jerome K Jerome' The Times audiobooks review 'Quite why this series should be charming, astringent and witty, instead of emetically twee, I am not sure, but it is entirely delightful' Guardian 'This dry, funny British gem, with its eccentric cast of characters, will have readers laughing and eagerly awaiting the next episode' Publishers Weekly
London, early 1950s. Marcia Beasley is discovered dead, naked and covered with a coal scuttle. Sergeant Greenleaf has to solve the crime. The members of the deceased's social circle all, it seems, have secrets to hide and grudges to bear. A host of colourful and comic characters hurry to identify the murderer and unravel the mystery of Marcia's life.
Primrose Oughterard, an eccentric artist living in East Sussex, has recently taken custody of her dead brother's cat and dog, Maurice and Bouncer. The brother - the Revd Francis Oughterard - has had the misfortune to murder one of his parishioners, and (aided and abetted by his pets and sister) had devoted much of his time to concealing the crime and escaping the gallows (which he did). Following his heroic death rescuing another parishioner from impalement on a gargoyle, his sister feels duty-bound to take responsibility for the two animals. The arrangement results in a number of questionable entanglements including the usual mishaps of murder, foiled intentions, concealment of evidence - plus a peculiar manoeuvre on the cliff at Beachy Head.
Revd Francis Oughterard is in the grip of a blackmailer and under orders to steal a valuable figurine. Relief at success is short-lived when the theft backfires, and further skulduggery ensues. The Reverend's efforts to distance himself from yet another murder lead to embarrassing complications for him and his pompous bishop, Horace Clinker. When things come to a head in the form of crazily menacing Victor Crumpemeyer, it is once again up to the Reverend's world-weary cat, Maurice, and intrepid mongrel, Bouncer, to save his bacon. Praise for Suzette A. Hill: 'Perfect one-sitting summer read.' Laura Wilson, Guardian 'I think this is tremendous - amusing and professional' Dame Beryl Bainbridge 'E F Benson crossed with Jerome K Jerome' The Times audiobooks review 'Quite why this series should be charming, astringent and witty, instead of emetically twee, I am not sure, but it is entirely delightful' Guardian 'This dry, funny British gem, with its eccentric cast of characters, will have readers laughing and eagerly awaiting the next episode' Publishers Weekly 'An intriguingly quirky read! And Maurice the cat is a very clever puss indeed!' Leslie Phillips OBE
Rosy Gilchrist has been asked to accompany Lady Fawcett to visit Delia Dovedale, an old school friend in Suffolk and whom she hasn't seen for years. Rather reluctantly Rosy agrees to be her companion on this reunion jaunt. But on arrival at their hostess's house the two guests discover that things are far from normal, and find themselves plunged into a series of bizarre and sinister events.
The hapless Reverend Francis Oughterard ("FO") is lured by his blackmailer, Nicholas Ingaza, to the French Auvergne accompanied by stowaways Maurice, a cynical cat, and Bouncer, an enthusiastic dog. There FO is pursued by murderous thugs and ensnared by a cranky religious sect. From the Hardcover edition.
Having extricated himself from the embarrassment of murdering his lady parishioner, the Rev. Oughterard is now plunged into the traumas of art theft. Forced by the shady Nicholas Ingaza into being a fence for stolen paintings, he endures the investigative probings of terrifying female novelist and amateur sleuth, Maud Tubbly Pole, hell-bent on portraying him in her next novel. Haunted by the recent murder and fearful of exposure in his new role of 'receiver', the Reverend blunders haplessly in a mesh of intrigue and risible deceit. As before, his antics are commented upon by his cat, the acidic Maurice, and redoubtable bone-grinding ally, the dog Bouncer. Praise for Suzette A. Hill: 'Perfect one-sitting summer read.' Laura Wilson, Guardian 'I think this is tremendous - amusing and professional' Dame Beryl Bainbridge 'E F Benson crossed with Jerome K Jerome' The Times audiobooks review 'This dry, funny British gem, with its eccentric cast of characters, will have readers laughing and eagerly awaiting the next episode' Publishers Weekly 'An intriguingly quirky read! And Maurice the cat is a very clever puss indeed!' Leslie Phillips OBE
A blackmailer is stalking the bishop—can he survive the threat of being outed? Why is there a body in the flower bed? And can Lavinia Birtle-Figgins really be as dippy as she seems? These and other imponderables immerse the Reverend Francis Oughterard in a fresh web of danger and subterfuge, while his animal "minders," Maurice and Bouncer, try their best to make sense of all this human bedlam.
Rosy Gilchrist is sent to Venice to find a rare, signed translation of Horace's Odes by Dr Bodger. Rosy jumps at the chance to fit some sightseeing around work, but the holiday plans go on hold when she learns that there is a significant bounty prize for anyone who finds this valuable text. Finding herself in the midst of a cat-and-mouse chase, Rosy's rivals will stop at nothing, not even murder, to get their hands on the book.
Primrose Oughterard, an eccentric artist living in East Sussex, has recently taken custody of her dead brother's cat and dog, Maurice and Bouncer. The brother - the Revd Francis Oughterard - has had the misfortune to murder one of his parishioners, and (aided and abetted by his pets and sister) had devoted much of his time to concealing the crime and escaping the gallows (which he did). Following his heroic death rescuing another parishioner from impalement on a gargoyle, his sister feels duty-bound to take responsibility for the two animals. The arrangement results in a number of questionable entanglements including the usual mishaps of murder, foiled intentions, concealment of evidence - plus a peculiar manoeuvre on the cliff at Beachy Head
The peculiar death of an assistant matron at a distinguished boys' school draws amateur sleuth Primrose Oughterard into another delightfully quirky mystery. Erasmus House, a prestigious prep school for boys in Lewes, is in uncharacteristic disarray over a looming visit from Her Majesty's inspectors. Convinced that inspectors dislike old-established schools, headteacher Mr Winchbrooke devises a cunning plan to drag Erasmus House into modernity - by replacing the rustic paintings of eccentric local artist and amateur sleuth, Primrose Oughterard, with more 'challenging' abstract works. But Primrose's paintings are the least of Winchbrooke's worries when the school's assistant matron, Miss Memling, is found dead in a Brighton hotel room, clutching an empty gin bottle. Was there more to the dull Aida Memling than met the eye? As a school trustee, Primrose springs into action, and upon discovering there was poison in Aida's gin, becomes convinced of foul play. With her brother Francis' pets Maurice and Bouncer by her side, can Primrose solve the Memling mystery?
1960. Lady Fawcett is eager to vet her daughter Amy's current beau, aspiring film director Bartholomew Hackle who is shooting his first major project in Southwold. While Amy is unable to accompany her mother, Rosy Gilchrist is strong-armed into tagging along.On the set of The Languid Labyrinth nobody really knows what is going on - least of all Felix Smythe whose bit part is constantly changing thanks to Hackle, much to Felix's chagrin. But the unambiguous death by gun-shot of a female cast member brings a drama to proceedings lacking in the film itself, and Lady Fawcett, Rosy and Felix are once again at the centre of a murder mystery in which further victims may face the cut.
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