The Skeleton in the Rose Bed - (World's End Bureau Mystery) by Alys Clare (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A killer is loose on the streets of London and he has set his sights on private investigators Lily Raynor and Felix Wilbraham in this gripping World's End Bureau historical mystery from critically acclaimed author Alys Clare.

London, Autumn 1882. When the World's End Investigation Bureau receives an anxious visit from a trio of elderly siblings, Lily Raynor and Felix Wilbraham realise that Alethea, Thomas and Frances Fetterplace are keeping back the heart of the matter. Ancient bones have been uncovered in their garden, and they believe they know whose they are. But so, it appears, does someone else.

A visit to the secretive old Fetterplace house tucked away behind Tower Hill proves frustrating, for the distressed siblings will not permit an inspection of what lies in their rose bed. Overcoming his own and Lily's strange reluctance, Felix returns by night . . . and discovers that the Fetterplace siblings have good reason for their fear.

Unconscious and gravely injured, Felix is brought back to Lily's door by concerned strangers. Fully occupied with trying to save his life, Lily begins to wonder who attacked him, and what convinced this brutal assailant that he must die.

Who is buried in the makeshift grave? Did Felix discover something sinister alongside the bones? Whatever it was, it must be dangerous indeed if keeping it secret requires taking a life . . .

Talented Alys Clare brings Victorian England to life with "heart-palpitating suspense . . . a twist-filled story, appealing characters [and] excellent writing" (Booklist). Fans of Anne Perry, Will Thomas and Deanna Raybourn shouldn't miss this series!

Review Quotes

Anne Perry fans will want to check this out-- "Publishers Weekly on The Outcast Girls"

A page-turning mystery with a well-hidden motive and a surprising number of twists-- "Kirkus Reviews on The Stranger in the Asylum"

Clare provides an intriguing look at English life in the nineteenth century, buoyed by an engaging plot and two richly developed leads. Fine reading for fans of English historical mysteries-- "Booklist on The Man in the Shadows"

Engaging, dark, atmospheric, and, at times, quite charming and humorous . . . A fine choice for all mystery collections-- "Booklist on The Woman Who Spoke to Spirits"

Heart-palpitating suspense, coupled with a twist-filled story, appealing characters, excellent writing, and vivid descriptions of the French people and countryside, make this a thoroughly enjoyable read-- "Booklist on The Stranger in the Asylum"

Impressive . . . the solid plotting, colorful Victorian settings, and fun detective duo bode well for future instalments-- "Publishers Weekly on The Woman Who Spoke to Spirits"

Industrial London and rural Kent provide the Victorian backgrounds for two fascinating stories of love, hate, and madness-- "Kirkus Reviews on The Man in the Shadows"

Marvelous-- "Kirkus Reviews on The Woman Who Spoke to Spirits"

Mystery and social commentary combine in a heartbreaking and sadly relevant tale-- "Kirkus Reviews on The Outcast Girls"

The author's writing style, likable characters, and intriguing plot will draw in readers . . . Recommended for historical and traditional mystery lovers-- "Library Journal on The Woman Who Spoke to Spirits"