
Meet Colleen Cambridge:
Colleen Cambridge is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the American in Paris Mysteries (âMastering the Art of French Murderâ) and the Phyllida Bright Mysteries, the first of which, âMurder at Mallowan Hallâ, was an Indie Next Pick and Agatha Award finalist. Weâre excited to have her join us at Bay Books on August 24th at 5:00 for a FB live interview, Q & A and book signing!
RSVP:
RSVP for this evening of adult libations and âmurder most foulâ with Colleen Cambridge by calling 231-944-6809 or emailing us. Preorder now the third book in the Phyllida Bright Series, “Murder by Invitation Only”. (Release date is 9.25.2023)
The first in an exciting new historical mystery series set in the home of Agatha Christie!
Colleen Cambridge’s charming and inventive new historical series introduces an unforgettable heroine in Phyllida Bright, fictional housekeeper for none other than famed mystery novelist Agatha Christie. When a dead body is found during a house party at the home of Agatha Christie and her husband Max Mallowan, it’s up to famous author’s head of household, Phyllida Bright, to investigate…
Tucked away among Devon’s rolling green hills, Mallowan Hall combines the best of English tradition with the modern conveniences of 1930. Housekeeper Phyllida Bright, as efficient as she is personable, manages the large household with an iron fist in her very elegant glove. In one respect, however, Mallowan Hall stands far apart from other picturesque country houses…
The manor is home to archaeologist Max Mallowan and his famous wife, Agatha Christie. Phyllida is both loyal to and protective of the crime writer, who is as much friend as employer. An aficionado of detective fiction, Phyllida has yet to find a gentleman in real life half as fascinating as Mrs. Agatha’s Belgian hero, Hercule Poirot. But though accustomed to murder and its methods as frequent topics of conversation, Phyllida is unprepared for the sight of a very real, very dead body on the library floor…
A former Army nurse, Phyllida reacts with practical common sense–and a great deal of curiosity. It soon becomes clear that the victim arrived at Mallowan Hall under false pretenses during a weekend party. Now, Phyllida not only has a houseful of demanding guests on her hands–along with a distracted, anxious staff–but hordes of reporters camping outside. When another dead body is discovered–this time, one of her housemaids–Phyllida decides to follow in M. Poirot’s footsteps to determine which of the Mallowans’ guests is the killer. With help from the village’s handsome physician, Dr. Bhatt, Mr. Dobble, the butler, along with other household staff, Phyllida assembles the clues. Yet, she is all too aware that the killer must still be close at hand and poised to strike again. And only Phyllida’s wits will prevent her own story from coming to an abrupt end…
Be one of the first to read this sneak preview sample edition!
Fans of Jacqueline Winspear, Marie Benedict, Nita Prose, and of course, Julia Child, will adore this magnifique new mystery set in Paris and starring Julia Childâs (fictional) best friend, confidante, and fellow American. From the acclaimed author of Murder at Mallowan Hall, this delightful new book provides a fresh perspective on the iconic chefâs years in post-WWII Paris.
âEnchantingâŠCambridge captures Childâs distinct voice and energy so perfectly. Expect to leave this vacation hoping for a return trip.â âPublishers Weekly
As Paris rediscovers its joie de vivre, Tabitha Knight, recently arrived from Detroit for an extended stay with her French grandfather, is on her own journey of discovery. Paris isnât just the City of Light; itâs the city of history, romance, stunning architecture . . . and food. Thanks to her neighbor and friend Julia Child, another ex-pat whoâs fallen head over heels for Paris, Tabitha is learning how to cook for her GrandpĂšre and Oncle Rafe.
Between tutoring Americans in French, visiting the market, and eagerly sampling the results of Juliaâs studies at Le Cordon Bleu cooking school, Tabithaâs sojourn is proving thoroughly delightful. That is, until the cold December day they return to Juliaâs building and learn that a body has been found in the cellar. Tabitha recognizes the victim as a woman sheâd met only the night before, at a party given by Juliaâs sister, Dort. The murder weapon found nearby is recognizable tooâa knife from Juliaâs kitchen.
Tabitha is eager to help the investigation, but is shocked when Inspector Merveille reveals that a note, in Tabithaâs handwriting, was found in the dead womanâs pocket. Is this murder a case of international intrigue, or something far more personal? From the shadows of the Tour Eiffel at midnight, to the tiny third-floor Child kitchen, to the grungy streets of Montmartre, Tabitha navigates through the city hoping to find the real killer before she or one of her friends ends up in prison . . . or worse.
âCertain to appeal to a broad readership, especially fans of Jacqueline Winspear, Rhys Bowen, and Cambridgeâs own Phyllida Bright series.â âFirst Clue, STARRED REVIEW
In England’s stately manor houses, murder is not generally a topic for polite conversation. Mallowan Hall, home to Agatha Christie and her husband, Max, is the exception. And housekeeper Phyllida Bright delights in discussing gory plot details with her friend and employer . . .
The neighboring village of Listleigh has also become a hub of grisly goings-on, thanks to a Murder FĂȘte organized to benefit a local orphanage. Members of The Detection Clubâa group of celebrated authors such as G. K. Chesterton, Dorothy L. Sayers, and Agatha herselfâwill congregate for charitable events, including a writing contest for aspiring authors. The winner gets an international publishing contract, and entrants have gathered for a cocktail partyâmanaged by the inimitable Phyllidaâwhen murder strikes too close even for her comfort.
It seems the victim imbibed a poisoned cocktail intended for Alastair Whittlesby, president of the local writers’ club. The insufferable Whittlesby is thought to be a shoo-in for the prize, and ambition is certainly a worthy motive. But narrowing down these suspects could leave even Phyllida’s favorite fictional detective, M. Poirot, twirling his mustache in frustration.