THE SKELETON IN THE ROSE BED

An 1882 case exposes Lily Raynor and Felix Wilbraham, partners in the World’s End Bureau, to a diabolical serial killer.

Lily, happy that she’s gotten rid of an annoying tenant and replaced her with two scholarly spinsters who are thrilled to be under her roof, greets three nervous elderly people who arrive at the office: Alethea Fetterplace and her siblings, Frances and Thomas. They explain their ancient lineage, their home near the Tower of London, and their discovery of a body, its skull detached, buried in their rose bed. Though they’re obviously withholding details, they hint that the gold chain and expensive fabric with which the skeleton is adorned indicate that it might be someone of great import. Made uneasy by some noises and lights near their garden at night, they’re eager for advice about what they should do. Felix has a bad feeling, and with reason: When he visits the area, he’s noticed by a dangerous man. With help from journalist Marmaduke Smithers and his erudite friends, they learn that their clients think the body is that of Anne Boleyn, and they may be right. When Felix goes for a look at the skeleton, he’s attacked and left for dead. Only careful nursing by all the inhabitants of Lily’s home saves Felix’s life. In the meantime, Lily realizes that they’re dealing with a great evil. Research supports the suspicions of her friend, waterman Tamáz, that a man may have been killing women all over England and dumping their dismembered bodies in waterways. Now their attention is focused on the serial killer, who has Lily in his own sights.

A powerful, creepy mystery steeped in history, with a very effective climactic surprise.