False Gold - (Abbot Agency Mystery) by Veronica Heley

Book Synopsis

When the hunt for buried treasure at Marston Hall leads to murder, it falls on Bea Abbot to dig up the truth in this entertaining mystery.

Bea Abbot is visiting her old friend Sir Julian at Marston Hall, but her trip starts badly when she arrives to a scene of chaos. It seems that a group of youths armed with metal detectors broke into the derelict amusement park in the grounds of the Hall and fled when disturbed . . . leaving the body of a middle-aged man behind. The police and Sir Julian's estate manager assume this is a missing security guard, Pete, but Sir Julian has doubts. Is the dead man really Pete, and if not, then where are he and his border collie, Beauty?

With rumours of buried treasure and family curses circulating in the village, and with Sir Julian and Bruno the Alsatian at her side, Bea sets out to find the truth - and catch the killer.

Fans of Richard Osman, M.C. Beaton and Agatha Christie will love this page-turning mystery.

Review Quotes

[A] competent, reliable heroine-- "Kirkus Reviews on False Name"

A good choice for fans of the British cozy, especially those with an Agatha Christie feel, combining gentle humor, an intrepid heroine, and an unusual plot with quirky twists-- "Booklist on False Account"

A perfect escape from weather vagaries, especially with a cup of tea-- "Booklist"

A wealth of plot twists . . . an enticing read-- "Booklist on False Fire"

An entertaining British cozy featuring a feisty, quick-thinking heroine-- "Booklist on False Face"

Bizarre twists and sparkly characters . . . an endearing, entertaining read-- "Booklist on False Pride"

Heley expertly melds menace with humor. Fans of darker cozies won't be disappointed-- "Publishers Weekly on False Conclusion"

Sure to please fans who enjoy clever heroines, complex plots, gentle humor, and danger-- "Booklist on False Witness"

The urban equivalent of a British village cozy . . . A likable heroine, who can play the dithery old lady while cracking challenging cases, combines with suspenseful twists, quirky supporting characters, and a satisfying ending to make this a delight for fans of British mysteries-- "Booklist on False Conclusion"

Those fond of darker English cozies will find much to savor-- "Publishers Weekly on False Pride"