The Murder at World’s End: A Stockingham & Pike Mystery

Children’s bestseller Montgomery (I Am Rebel) pivots to adult fiction with this entertaining locked-room whodunit set in 1910 England. After ex-convict Stephen Pike is hired as a footman at Tithe Hall, a grand estate on a tidal island near Cornwall, he discovers that the estate’s eccentric owner, Viscount Stockingham-Welt, believes the world is coming to an end with the arrival of Halley’s Comet. In preparation, he insists on boarding up the house and sequestering everyone in their rooms. However, the viscount’s tough, scientific-minded great aunt Decima demands that Stephen defy his new boss and escort her outside to view the comet. The next morning, the viscount is found dead with an arrow through his eye. A humorously inept Scotland Yard inspector arrives to investigate and, without proof, immediately assumes Stephen is guilty. Police scrutiny on Stephen escalates when the inspector is found bludgeoned to death with a marble bust. Fortunately, Stephen has the loyalty and brains of Aunt Decima on his side, and the two join forces to clear his name. With an unorthodox detective duo, lively prose, and a plot full of invigorating twists, this strong series opener will leave readers eager for more. Agent: Peter Knapp, Park, Fine & Brower. (Jan.)