The Thief of St Martins

Reviewers said: "Five stars! Delightfully entertaining, rich characters, suspenseful, charming all in one; anxiously awaiting the next one!"

"a fascinating tale set in England in the 1930s. This 'cosy crime' novel, with its measure of burgeoning romance, is a good read; something to entertain and satisfy in front of a burning log fire in the dark days of winter. The settings and period detail are excellent…The denouement is swift, tense and satisfying…"

"I received this on a Friday and could not put it down - goodbye housework - not for too long though as I was so enthralled I finished it Saturday evening."

"I was worried to read this as I didn't think it would be as good as the Criss Cross series… but I needn't have fussed as it was again simply brilliant."

"Dottie Manderson is a gorgeous character…A great read and I'm looking forward to catching up with more of Dottie."

The Thief of St Martins: Dottie Manderson mysteries book 5

We last saw Dottie in the Summer of 1934, discovering that her mother was in fact really her aunt, and that she was the secret, shameful daughter of her mother's sister, her 'aunt' Cecilia Cowdrey. Some months later, hoping to come to terms with this revelation, Dottie tentatively accepts an invitation to spend a few days with Cecilia and her husband Lewis Cowdrey over New Year.

Confusion over the date she should arrive makes the visit a disaster from the outset. Dottie comes to a house full of secrets and lies, of jealousy, bitterness and selfish ambition. Add into the mix a sneak thief stealing any small valuable items, and the stage is set for disaster.

Who will help Dottie to discover the truth: her soon-to-be fiancé, the eminent Gervase Parfitt, or the ordinary policeman who loves her, Inspector William Hardy?

Introducing a new 1930s female sleuth in a traditional, cozy mystery series set in Britain between the two World Wars, from Caron Allan, the writer of Criss Cross, Cross Check, and Check Mate, a murderous contemporary trilogy.

Buy The Thief of St Martins: Dottie Manderson mysteries book 5 for a romantic, suspenseful read in the traditional amateur detective sleuth genre.