Peril on the Page

January 1, 2022
An American writer-in-residence in England is involved in yet another murder. Penelope Parish, who crossed the Atlantic to enhance her ability to write bestselling gothic novels, works and writes at the Open Book bookstore in Upper Chumley-on-Stoke. Among her new friends is Odile Fontaine, a talented art teacher at the Oakwood School for Girls, who's written a book that's launched with a wine and paint party at the bookstore. After Odile takes ill at the party and dies in the hospital, Penelope finds herself drawn into what looks more and more like a murder. She soon learns that all is not well at Oakwood, where she's giving a seminar on gothic literature, between divisions among the staff and drinking problems among the students. In addition, a valuable Matisse painting passed down in Odile's family has gone missing, and there's a great deal still unknown to Penelope's love interest, Detective Brodie Maguire, as he juggles Odile's murder and a jewel theft. Penelope's decision to keep things she's learned to herself doesn't reckon with a killer who's willing to strike again. As it turns out, the two cases are related, and Penelope's efforts to puzzle things out on her own put her in a very dangerous position. The suspects and interlocking crimes keep the intrepid heroine so busy she barely has time to finish that next bestseller.

COPYRIGHT(2022) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

March 1, 2022
American Penelope Parish, best-selling gothic author and writer-in-residence at the Open Book bookstore in Upper Chumley-on-Stoke, England, investigates when local artist and teacher Odile Fontaine drops dead at her book signing, a victim of poisoning. Penelope can't resist snooping, and she soon identifies multiple suspects at the school where Odile worked. It turns out that Odile had uncovered secrets about many of her colleagues, from those having affairs to others providing liquor to minors, and was not above using these secrets for her own gain. Penelope eliminates suspects one by one and ultimately uncovers the motive and the killer, but not before putting herself in grave danger. Complicating matters, Penelope is upset when her budding romance with Detective Brodie Maguire seems to be in jeopardy as it looks like he may be married. Details about working in a bookstore, writing gothic fiction, teaching, and living as an American citizen in a small English village are skillfully woven throughout the story, which showcases Loudon's nosy but well-intentioned heroine.

COPYRIGHT(2022) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.