Death at the Savoy: A Priscilla Tempest Mystery, Book 1

Set in swinging 1968 London, this entertaining series launch from Emery (Nanaimo Girl, a memoir) and Base (Magic Man) opens with a maid finding the body of international arms dealer Amir Abraham in his suite at the upscale Savoy Hotel. Suspicion falls on the hotel’s 20-something press officer, Priscilla Tempest, who had gone to the opera with the victim and accompanied him to his room. After Priscilla is connected to the subsequent death of a Member of Parliament at the hotel, she sets out to try to uncover the truth about the incidents. Meanwhile, Priscilla’s boss summons her to a meeting, where she fears he’s going to fire her, but instead he asks her to take care of his mother-in-law, who’s visiting from New York City. Celebrity cameos, including those of Bob Hope, Noël Coward, and Princess Margaret, who may have had a tryst with Mr. Abraham, enliven the action, and the revelation that a Russian poison was a possible murder weapon raises the stakes. This light, frothy mystery is perfect escapist fare. (Oct.)