The Royal Secret: A Novel by Lucinda Riley

 

 The Royal Secret: A Novel by Lucinda Riley. Atria paperback, 2018. Adult mystery.

    Interesting youngish  adults propel this story of English romances, mystery, and scandal. Journalist Joanna Haslam and her friend Simon grew up in Yorkshire. Both have high powered jobs in London now. When acting legend, James Harrison, dies, they are both caught up in fast paced action and intrigue about his past. Harrison's grown grandchildren, Zoe and Marcus, provide touches of aristocracy and family secrets. The setting moves from London to Ireland to Yorkshire in cinematic ways. All of their jobs and connections twist and turn to ramp up and move forward the plot. An author's note at the beginning only adds further drama to this multi-layered novel. 

Murder at Mallowan Hall by Colleen Cambridge

 

 Murder at  Mallowan Hall by Colleen Cambridge. Kensington Books, 2021. Adult historical mystery.

Fans of Agatha Christie will want to pick up a copy of this first in a new series about housekeeper turned detective, Phyllida Bright. She works at Mallowan Hall, home of Agatha Christie and her second husband, Max Mallowan. A house party is taking place and a body is found in the library. Sound familiar? This fast paced mystery pays homage to Christie as it involved her in the search for the murderer, but Phyllida is the central character who follows in Poirot's footsteps. Phyllida had been a nurse and made friends with Agatha. Certainly there is more to their backgrounds that perhaps will be revealed in other books.  The characters are interesting, the plot is unpredictable, and we can only hope that Phyllida as many more mysteries in her future!