A Trace of Poison

As Agatha Christie’s housekeeper, Phyllida Bright is no stranger to fictional foul play, but she just didn’t anticipate so much of it in her real life. Only weeks after solving the Murder at Mallowan Hall, Phyllida is busy organizing a charity event for professional and amateur crime writers. Prophetically named the Murder Fête, it becomes a murder fiasco when one of the authors is poisoned. The body count continues to rise and Phyllida is once again tasked with searching out the killer, or killers, who seem intent on bringing their murder mysteries to life. Cambridge presents the return of Bright and Mr. Bradford, her chauffeur and circumspect sidekick, in this intriguing and entertaining historical mystery. The large cast of characters features Christie, joined in this installment by several other authors, including Dorothy L. Sayers and G.K. Chesterton. Narrator Jennifer M. Dixon has a haughty but humorous air that perfectly matches the spirited Phyllida. Her delivery of the dilettante detective’s signature denouement is not to be missed.