A Rather Difficult Conundrum

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Pub Date 28 Jul 2024 | Archive Date 19 Aug 2024

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Description

Desperate to emerge from the shadow of his late father, Sir William Fescue – better known as Wispy – sets up his own detective agency in April 1920 along with his friend from the Western Front and fellow gourmand, Strangely, and feisty Oxford graduate and keen entomologist Miss Wanda Cushway.

Flushed with success of their first case in solving the murder of Viscount George Thurmaston, they are plunged headlong into a mission to find Florence, the missing daughter of shipbuilding magnate and ruthless businessman Sir Chester Eastoff.

Ransom notes and gruesome threats are delivered, sparking a race against time which takes Wispy, Strangely and Wanda across England, Scotland, Germany and France in planes, trains, and automobiles. Tracking down a kidnapper is hungry work, though, and they never miss an opportunity to indulge in the local gastronomy.

Will Florence be rescued in time? Will the real culprits be caught and brought to justice? And will Wispy and his agency achieve another success and solve this high-profile case, or was his father right all along?

Desperate to emerge from the shadow of his late father, Sir William Fescue – better known as Wispy – sets up his own detective agency in April 1920 along with his friend from the Western Front and...


A Note From the Publisher

Geoffrey Start’s early childhood was spent in rural Norfolk before he moved to Southwest London, where he still lives with his family. His mother was a domestic science teacher and a fantastic cook, and from an early age she encouraged him to understand and appreciate food. Unsurprisingly, gastronomy plays an integral part in his writing. His sense of humour and love of eccentric characters shine through in his cosy crime novels.

Geoffrey Start’s early childhood was spent in rural Norfolk before he moved to Southwest London, where he still lives with his family. His mother was a domestic science teacher and a fantastic cook...


Advance Praise

Amazon praise for The Biscuit Barrel Murder

"Having been reading detective books for many years it is refreshing to land on one that isn't all action with high speed thrills, spills and fighting. This book, based in the days before the internet, is about good old leg work, investigation and intuition. Looking forward to the next book!"

"Thoroughly enjoyed this yarn in Bertie Wooster style. Wonderful different characters and twists and turns in the plot leading to an unexpected conclusion. Hoping there’ll be a sequel!"

Amazon praise for The Biscuit Barrel Murder

"Having been reading detective books for many years it is refreshing to land on one that isn't all action with high speed thrills, spills and fighting. This...


Available Editions

EDITION Ebook
ISBN 9781835741528
PRICE £4.99 (GBP)
PAGES 320

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Average rating from 10 members


Featured Reviews

Having greatly enjoyed 'The Biscuit Barrel Murder' last year I have been eagerly awaiting this second outing for Wispy Fescue and his team and to borrow a compliment he might well have paid himself - 'it's an absolute corker!'
The author writes with a seductive lightness of touch and a ready wit, teasing his readers with some fabulously eccentric characters who wouldn't be out of place in a P.G. Wodehouse romp.
The plot is intricate and intriguing and there's a real sense of 'Boy's Own' adventure in an international chase by foot, car, rail, sea and air, and the introduction of two new flying aces, Count von Dohmenhorst and Baron von Scharmbeck, and scenes worthy of John Buchan at his best.
An absolute joy to read. I look forward to the next in the series.

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7 August 1922. Sir William "Wispy" Fescue is approached by wealthy shipping magnate Sir Chester Eastoff and Lady Alberta as their 24 year old daughter Florence went missing six weeks ago, and the police have failed to find her. Now they have received a ransom demand and want to employ his agency in finding her. But with Eastoff having enemies, who can they trust, and who is actually involved.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of varied and likeable characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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