MIDNIGHT HOUR

Brighton 1965 and when theatrical impresario Bert Billington is found dead, no one suspects foul play, but when the post-mortem reveals poisoning, suspicion falls on his wife, eccentric ex-Music Hall star Verity Malone. Determined to prove her innocence, Verity calls in private investigator Emma Holmes, former detective and now wife of Police Superintendent Edgar Stephens. This is her first real case, but luckily she has a lead. Her friend, actor Max Mephisto is filming a remake of Dracula starring Bert's son, Seth, but Max is playing his cards close to his chest. Emma must vie with the police including her husband to untangle the case. She's convinced the answer lies in Bert's dark past and in the glamorous, occasionally deadly days of Music Hall, but the closer she gets to the truth the more danger she finds herself in. Subtle, charming and with an unflaggingly keen eye, this is an emotionally intelligent and satisfying crime novel from the bestselling author. 346pp, paperback.