With the same flawless storytelling that earned her the CWA Historical Dagger Award for the Joe Sandilands mystery The Damascened Blade, Barbara Cleverly here sweeps us to the island of Crete in 1928 for the debut of her spirited and whip-smart heroine Laetitia "Letty" Talbot, an aspiring archaeologist with a passion for adventure. Her host at the Villa Europa, a charismatic archaeologist, is hoping to dig up the island's next great treasure—even, perhaps, the tomb of Zeus himself. But then a beautiful young woman is found hanged, and a handsome youth drives his Bugatti over a cliff, as past loves and jealousies merge with ancient myths.

"Tucked into the wealth of archaeological and historical detail is a full-blown English house party murder.... With a spirited, intelligent heroine, a glorioushe grasped the hand of the
individual he addressed, and shook it warmly.

Captain Jackson did not seem equally gratified at meeting the
merchant. He took his hand coldly, and scarcely smiled in return.

"When did you arrive?" asked Mr. Jones.

"This morning."

"Indeed! I was not aware of it. For over a week I have been
expecting you."

The captain merely bowed.

"Will you be around to my store this afternoon?" asked Mr. Jones.

"I presume not."

There was now, on the part of Mr. Jones, an embarrassed pause. Then
he said--

"Shall I have the sale of your cargo?"

"No, sir," was promptly and firmly answered.

"I have made the consignment to Armor."

"To Armor!" exclaimed Mr. Jones, in ill-concealed surprise.

"He's a perfectly fair man, is he not?" said the captain.

"Oh yes. Perfectly fair. He'll do you justice, without doubt. Still
I must