The Roderick Alleyn Mysteries

Three witty murder mysteries featuring British Inspector Roderick Alleyn, from a Mystery Writers of America Grand Master.

Surfeit of Lampreys: The upper-crust Lamprey family exemplifies charm, wit, and a chronic lack of funds. Their only source of hope is the wealthy but unpleasant Lord Wutherwood. When his Lordship is killed and the Lampreys receive a sizeable inheritance, Inspector Roderick Alleyn wouldn’t dream of judging the Lampreys’ joy. But he would like to figure out whether they murdered their benefactor . . .

Also published as Death of a Peer in the United States.

“Entertaining and devious . . . Plenty of red herrings.” —Kirkus Reviews

Death and the Dancing Footman: The unspeakably wealthy (and generally unspeakable) Jonathan Royal throws a party and, just for fun, has studded the guest list with people who loathe one another. When a blizzard imprisons them all in Royal’s country house, murder ensues, and there are nearly as many suspects as there are potential victims. Eventually, Inspector Alleyn makes his way through the snow to put things right . . ..

“[A] constant puzzle to the end . . . alive with wit.”—The New York Times

Colour Scheme: During World War II, Colonel Claire runs a mud-baths resort in rural New Zealand. But the place is on the brink of being taken over by a local blowhard who may be a Nazi spy. Inspector Alleyn has been sent in to sort things out—and don a disguise in order to blend in the resort’s motley cast of characters—in this classic tale of detection . . .

“Atmosphere, humor . . .and a group of characters, English, Maori, and New Zealander, who are fascinating and completely credible.” —The New York Times