ISABEL PUDDLES ABROAD

A dream trip to Cornwall immerses Isabel Puddles in yet another case of murder.

In her hometown of Gull Harbor, Michigan, Isabel has gained a reputation as a sleuth. Her best friend, Frances, doesn't think she should travel to England by herself, but it’s too late, all is arranged, and Isabel is soon off to spend some time with her friend Teddy Mansfield, better known as the pseudonymous mystery novelist Archie Cavendish. Though Isabel’s disappointed when a last-minute glitch prevents Teddy from meeting her in London, she makes the best of her stay before leaving for Cornwall, where Teddy introduces her to Tuppence, a formidable housekeeper who turns out to be a good friend to Isabel. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Teddy’s unhappy sister, Matilde, who’s decidedly unfriendly. Isabel and Teddy’s delightful time together is marred when Tuppence loses a scone-baking contest to her archenemy, Hyacinth Amesbury, whom Matilde has kept as a friend even though Hyacinth stole her boyfriend and whose determination to win every battle knows no bounds. While Isabel is walking Teddy’s corgis one day, they take off and start digging up Hyacinth’s flower bed, where Hyacinth herself turns out to be planted. Fortunately, Inspector Barclay Carlyle, who has little experience with murder, is happy to let Isabel and Teddy help, and they quickly discover that Tuppence and Matilde are far from the only ones who might want Hyacinth dead.

A highly enjoyable travelogue-cum-mystery that’s just plain fun to read.