Showcase

Lynne Marie Taylor

“It is the summer of 1880, and Detective Inspector Sam McQueen has been called away from the grey, damp streets of Edinburgh to investigate a case on the oppressively hot Mediterranean island of Malta. The local police chief is distinctly unwelcoming toward the interloper—but has no choice in the matter since Admiral Collingwood’s wealthy widow insists that her husband’s fatal fall from the roof of their villa was no accident.”

From the Introduction

“‘The admiral’s body is this way, Doctor.’ Dr Vittorio Bonniċi tried to keep pace with young Sergeant Galea, using his cane to help negotiate the dark path through the renowned gardens of Villa Porto. It was close to midnight. The skies were clear, with just a faint light from the pared slice of a new moon. Stone statues loomed up at regular intervals, silently observing their progress. Tall palm trees in raised flower beds appeared aloof, turning away from the night-time intrusion. The cool air throbbed with the chirr of tree crickets. ‘Do we know what happened?’ he asked, as they approached the back of the villa.” From ‘Death in Valetta’– included in the showcase