by Philip Eliot | Jan 13, 2026 | Mystery |
“Allingham has that rare gift in a novelist, the creation of characters so rich and so real that they stay with the reader forever.” —Sara Paretsky World War II is limping to a close and private detective Albert Campion has just returned from years abroad on a secret mission. Relaxing in his bath before rushing back to the country, and to the arms of his wife, Amanda, Campion is disturbed when his servant, Lugg, and a lady of unmistakably aristocratic bearing appear in his flat carrying the corpse of a woman. The reluctant Campion is forced to put his powers of detection to work as he is drawn deeper into the case, and into the eccentric Caradocs household, dealing with murder, treason, grand larceny, and the mysterious disappearance of some very valuable art. “Margery Allingham deserves to be rediscovered.” —P.D. James “Margery Allingham was one of the greatest mid-20th-century practitioners of the detective novel.” —Alexander McCall Smith
by Philip Eliot | Jan 13, 2026 | Crime Fiction |
‘ The many who miss the properly clued inductive detective story will fall on this one with relief .’ Times Literary Supplement ‘ A well-crafted British mystery .’ Publishers Weekly Thirteen gripping British mysteries featuring one of crime fiction’s most unconventional detective duos. 2400+ pages of methodical crime-solving. MEET THE DETECTIVES Detective Chief Inspector Masters is a stickler for order. His desk is immaculate, his pencils always sharpened, his case files meticulously organised. He prefers his alone time over social gatherings, settling down with his daily cup of strong, unsweetened tea and some classic literature in the evening. He values intellect over emotion, and isn’t afraid to cut ties with anyone who doesn’t meet to his standards (like a certain inspector). Inspector Green is a creature of habit. He frequents the same pubs, orders the same meals (a hearty plate of meat and potatoes) and sticks to his routines, a nice pint and footie match on the telly for his evenings. He’s all about tradition and is often found grumbling about the rise of flashy modern techniques and new young ‘hotshots’ like Masters. But beneath his grumpy exterior is a detective who cares deeply about justice. Set in a world before smartphones and forensics, these classic British police procedurals blend golden-age puzzle-solving with modern realism, driven by character, logic, and the unshakeable bond between two detectives who refuse to give up — no matter how tangled the trail. Perfect for fans of Colin Dexter, Reginald Hill, and P.D. James. In this box set you get: Book 14 – The Longest Pleasure Book 16 – Shelf Life Book 17 – Doone Walk Book 18 – Vicious Circle Book 19 – The Monday Theory Book 20 – Bouquet Garni Book 21 – Dead Letter Book 22 – Jewelled Eye Book 23 – Performance Book 24 – Storm Centre Book 25 – The Big Grouse Book 26 – Plain Sailing Book 27 – Bitter Water PRAISE FOR DOUGLAS CLARK: ‘A tautly written puzzler that combines those eccentric British twists with some first-rate sleuthing .’ Dallas Times Herald ‘ Very good .’ New York Post ????? ‘They are some of the best books I have read in some time . Having retired from the police myself I found them to be as near as possible to police work .’ William S. ????? ‘ Loved every book in this collection .’ Crm. ????? ‘Good stories, excellent characters and very well written .’ Rick C. ????? ‘Thoroughly enjoyed this set. Good story telling, great characters , who you can see due to the descriptions given.’ Kindle Reader.
by Philip Eliot | Jan 13, 2026 | Cozy Mystery |
A knead-to-know whodunit introducing a brand-new amateur sleuth and baking sensation… Jessica Askew, a whirlwind of flour and frosting, is used to facing heat in the kitchen. But when she returns to her quaint English hometown as part of a TV baking contest, she finds herself in a sticky situation. She can handle the singing cheesemonger, the local librarian’s gossipy daughters, and the parade of toddlers dressed as bees, but when her scheming Aunt Enriqueta steps on the scene, it’s enough to make her want to throw in the tea towel. This rebel with a rolling pin is at odds with her family’s literary legacy. While they’ve built a world of books in the quaint village of Little Quillington, she’s chosen a different path and is proud of her passion. When Jessica’s biggest baking rival turns up dead during the summer fête, suspicion swirls like powdered sugar. Jessica, armed with a sweet tooth and a sharp mind, is determined to clear her name. Can she turn this recipe for disaster into a showstopping success? Find out in And Then There Were Scones , book one of the new Parchment Paper Mysteries, perfect for fans of Agatha Frost, HY Hanna and Ellie Alexander. This clean read includes recipes for two traditional English bakes and features the antics of Matilda Swift’s real-life cats, Madame Poirot and Miss Marple.
by Philip Eliot | Jan 13, 2026 | Cozy Mystery |
Sometimes good fortune brings along romance… and danger. After the sudden death of Mrs. York, Abby inherits a great deal of money and Ivy, her employee, receives the woman’s house. This good fortune creates suspicion when the authorities determine Mrs. York was murdered. Ivy discovers several diaries in her new house, penned by Mrs. York, which expose secrets in the old woman’s past. Will the diaries vindicate Abby and Ivy, or make matters worse? The ladies at the salon welcome a nail tech named Poppy, whose personality and wild clothing choices suit her name. But when something changes in Poppy’s attitude, Abby must find the answer in order to bring peace back to her salon. Complicating Abby’s life further is ex-boyfriend Jack. Now a lieutenant at the Daytona Beach Police Department, his investigation into Mrs. York’s murder makes life uncomfortable for Abby. But then, after Abby is attacked, Jack begins displaying a gentler side uncharacteristic of his former self that Abby remembers all too well. Is this a new Jack, or is this change just an act? The second book in the Daytona Beach Mysteries series by Janie Owens, THE PALMETTO DIARIES is a story about secrets, greed, and love.
by Philip Eliot | Jan 13, 2026 | Contemporary Romance |
LILY: Tall, dark and handsome . That’s what I think the first time I see Rupert Evans in the library. But then I find out he’s the developer who plans to raze my community garden for a cement towers monstrosity? Heck no . But then he asks me out at book club night. Suspicious, right? I’m attractive but I’m not the type hot bachelors are lining up around the block to ask out. Let’s be real. I’m still in the “let’s have brunch” spot with my next-door neighbor after a year of my pursuing him. RUPERT: She’s cute when she blushes. That’s what I think when Lily pops up from behind the library counter. And smart when she quizzes me about my favorite author’s books. But then I find out she’s the co-head of the garden I plan to bulldoze. To be appointed Co-CEO of Strive Developers—my goal since college—I’m constructing a new apartment building there. Good-bye, Garden. When she teases me at the book club, I wish . . . I can’t let her sparkling blue eyes or some green oasis stand in the way of achieving my dream career. Lily : Good luck, Mr. Hot Shot Developer. Too bad he’s so cute. He has no idea what we’ve planned to stop him. Our little community group may look like a bunch of frail roses, but we’ve got thorns. As long as I weed out these pesky feelings for him, I know we can win. But what will I lose? *The romcom books in this series are interconnected closed door romantic comedy standalones set in the same world in New York City. Each feel-good novel can be read as a pure standalone with a guaranteed happily ever after.
