“‘If one has got to have a murder actually happening in one’s house, one might as well enjoy it, if you know what I mean.’”

—From agatha christie’s The Body in the Library

Dear Reader,

I was a voracious reader throughout my childhood and teen years (still am,

honestly), and mysteries like Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden were my favorites.

But it wasn’t until I discovered the magic of Agatha Christie—and the extent

of her oeuvre!—that I realized how well-crafted and human a murder mystery

could be.

I immediately fell for Hercule Poirot, and today, he remains my absolute favorite

Christie character. M. Poirot is not only a gentleman, but he is a romantic at heart

as well as being brilliant and determined to see justice.

Other favorites are Tommy and Tuppence Beresford, for the more action-oriented

side of the mystery genre. I love that Ms. Christie created a strong female character

who keeps pace with her male counterpart from the beginning.

Of course, Murder on the Orient Express and And Then There Were None are masterpieces,

and those stories—along with The Murder of Roger Ackroyd—have stuck with me for

decades because of their stunning solutions.

That’s why I’m thrilled to be writing a series that can give so many nods (as well

as an excuse to re-read all her works!) to this brilliant writer. I have had great fun

creating Phyllida Bright and developing her relationship with Agatha Christie…

and I hope you enjoy reading Murder at Mallowan Hall as much as I did writing it.

There are many homages to Ms. Christie and her work throughout the novel.

Can you spot them all?

Happy Reading!

Colleen Cambridge

As head of household for none other than famed mystery writer Agatha Christie, Phyllida Bright finds her position includes

polishing silver, serving luncheons, and solving murders…

ON SALE: OCTOBER 26, 2021

murder at mallowan hallby Colleen Cambridge

PLEASE CONSIDER FOR YOUR Nominations!

Due: 8.30.21

Due: 9.1.21

“Marple and Poirot have nothing on Agatha Christie’s

housekeeper, Phyllida Bright.”—Alyssa Maxwell, author of the

Gilded Newport Mysteries

The first in an exciting new historical mystery series starring Phyllida Bright, Agatha Christie’s fictional housekeeper and amateur sleuth. Phyllida’s long admiration of the famous crime author’s detectives helps solve the case when mysterious deaths at Mallowan Hall baffle her famous employer…

Housekeeper Phyllida Bright, as efficient as she is personable, manages the large household at Mallowan Hall with an iron fist in her very elegant glove. 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 an 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, she’s 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 the victim arrived at Mallowan Hall under false pretenses during a weekend party. Now, Phyllida has a houseful of demanding guests on her hands—along with a distracted, anxious staff—and hordes of reporters camping outside. When another body is discovered, she decides to follow in Poirot’s footsteps to determine which of the Mallowans’ guests is the killer. With help from the village’s handsome physician, Dr. Bhatt, and other household staff, Phyllida assembles the clues. Yet, she is all too aware the killer must still be close at hand, poised to strike again. And only Phyllida’s wits will prevent her own story from coming to an abrupt end…

ON SALE: OCTOBER 26, 2021

For interviews, excerpts, review copies, event requests, or more information, contact: Larissa Ackerman, Communications Manager

(O.) 212-407-1598 / (C.) 908-884-7244 | LAckerman@KensingtonBooks.com

murder at mallowan hallA Phyllida Bright Mystery

by Colleen Cambridge

Kensington Books • Hardcover • Historical Mystery | ISBN: 978-1-4967-3351-1 • $26.00 ($35.00 CAN)

ADVANCE PRAISE FOR MURDER AT MALLOWAN HALL“What if Agatha Christie’s housekeeper was the best detective of all? An outstanding

start to what promises to be a winning new series.”—VICTORIA THOMPSON, USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF MURDER ON WALL STREET

“Phyllida Bright puts the tools of her trade, details and diligence, to good use whether she’s arranging a country house party for her employers, or determining which

of the guests is a crazed killer. You’ll love this new Christie-inspired series!”—ALYSSA MAXWELL, AUTHOR OF A LADY & LADY’S MAID MYSTERIES AND THE GILDED NEWPORT MYSTERIES

“A thoroughly intriguing mystery…Phyllida Bright is confident, shrewd, and eminently capable. Fans of Tessa Arlen and Jennifer Ashley will be delighted.”

—ANNA LEE HUBER, BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE VERITY KENT MYSTERIES

“Fans of historical mysteries—and Christie herself—will love this well-imagined homage, and the clever twists and numerous suspects will keep readers on their toes.

I’m already looking forward to Phyllida’s next adventure!”—ERICA RUTH NEUBAUER, AUTHOR OF THE JANE WUNDERLY MYSTERIES