Lori C. (dollycas) reviewed on 3/21/2013 + 705 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 3

In 1926, Agatha Christie disappearedmaking headlines across the worldonly to show up eleven days later at a spa under an assumed name. During those eleven days, did she have time to write a play?

Jordan Bingham needs a job and a new place to live. She has moved back to Harrison Falls and in with her wonderful not so law abiding uncles. Thank to her ex she is deep in debt and the grad school loans are hanging over her head.

She answers a blind ad and crosses her fingers. Thrilled to get an interview, the job sounds perfect and even includes room and board. Then she meets Vera Van Alst. Not the most friendly person and most of the town hates her, but she has this wonderful library. The job is tracking down a play rumored to have been written by Agatha Christie. Jordan knows she can do this job and convinces Miss Van Alst to give her a try. Then Jordan learns her predecessor was killed while looking for this play. She soon realizes that there is someone out there willing to kill to keep the play out of the hands of her new employer. The job is good but is it worth Jordans life?

Dollycass Thoughts
What a wonderful debut!

Jordan is a very intriguing protagonist. She is strong, smart, almost fearless and funny too. But the author doesnt stop there. The reader is treated to rich and real treasures in the supporting cast. There are the nefarious uncles who love Jordan so much and will do anything for her even if it means breaking the law. Vera Van Alst is getting a little less cranky but is definitely set in her ways. Officer Smiley and Detective Zinger are polar opposites in their investigative techniques but one is starting to grow on Jordan a lot more than the other. Librarian Lance would have me at the library 24/7 just mooning over him. My favorite human character definitely is Signora Panetone, Veras cook. She is priceless with her EAT NOW!! shouts at every delicious sounding meal. I think I gained weight just reading about these fabulous meals.

Then there are the felines and the canine. The Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde cat(s) had me in stitches. Walter, the pug, bails Jordan out of a tight situation and melted right into this readers hearts.

The Van Alst mansion is a character itself more than a setting. The climate controlled library, the back stairway, servants quarters that become Jordans garret, and the conservatory. The game clue kept coming to my mind as we traveled through the monstrous house. I cant wait to explore more in the next book.

The mystery is very complex and with all the twists and turns that keeps the reader guessing. I was truly surprised by the ending.

An excellent debut. Agatha Christie herself would give it 5 stars!!

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