Thurbin does not disappoint in this his sixth book in the Ralph Chalmers Mystery series. Our doughty protagonist and his constant companion, Katie, are on the sleuthing trail again when tragedy befalls a group of American academics who are guests of Kingston University. The action takes the reader from London and the usual tourist attractions to Highclere Castle, the real-life venue for the popular television series Downton Abbey. The murder of an archaeologist in Luxor, the theft of an amulet from an exhibition of Egyptian artefacts at the Castle, and the death of one of the American visitors cause Ralph to suspect that the events are linked. His powers of deduction are tested to the limit as he unravels the mystery and ultimately confronts the villain. The ironic twist at the end that will surprise and delight the reader. As always, Thurbin’s descriptions of the English countryside, his insights into the politics of academic life, and his meticulous research provide the reader with a thoroughly good read.

• Murder on the Rocks (The Ralph Chalmers Mysteries Book 7)
• Murder at Seething Wells (The Ralph Chalmers Mysteries Book 5)
• The Dorich House Mystery (The Ralph Chalmers Mysteries Book 3)
• Rough Justice In Academia (The Ralph Chalmers Mysteries Book 2)
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