The Secret Detective Agency · #4
The Afternoon Tea Murders
Tea and cake on the terrace, views of the Devon hills… and a dead body in the local village? This is one for Jane Treen…!
London, 1942. Miss Jane Treen is at her desk in Whitehall sipping a strong coffee when she receives an urgent message about her colleague, codebreaker Arthur Cilento. He’s in danger in Devon, and Jane needs to get there sharpish. But before her bags are properly unpacked, the local teashop owner in Arthur’s village is found lying amidst the scones and teacakes… and she’s dead.
When Jane arrives, it quickly becomes clear that the murder is a half-baked attempt to curdle Arthur’s current codebreaking mission – but how? There seem to be suspects at every turn. Is Arthur’s boss going to extremes to cover up his incompetence? Can the teashop customers be trusted? And what about the secretary, who seems to have secret links to the village teashop…
Spurred on by scones and clotted cream, Jane and Arthur start to whip up a theory as to who the killer could be. But just as they begin to make progress, someone else is murdered – and it looks like Arthur could be next. It’s clear they need to solve this case quickly, before teatime is over and Arthur meets a sticky end…
If you love twisty crime novels, top-secret intrigue and the very best of Golden Age mysteries, then you will adore Helena Dixon’s utterly gripping cozy novel, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and Verity Bright!
The series
Step into a world where secrets lurk in every shadow, and every clue leads to deeper mysteries. The Secret Detective Agency series, set in the 1940s, introduces readers to an unlikely but dynamic duo—Jane Treen, a government operative with a sharp mind and a quiet strength, and Arthur Cilento, a reserved but brilliant code-breaker. Together, they form a pair whose contrasting skills make them an unstoppable force in the world of clandestine investigations.
Read full series description
The series begins with The Secret Detective Agency, where Jane and Arthur are thrust into the heart of a case that feels more like a puzzle than a typical investigation. As they delve into the secrets of a small English village, they uncover a network of hidden truths that will test their intellect and their bond. What starts as a quiet assignment quickly spirals into a trail of intrigue and danger, with every clue taking them deeper into a web of deception.
As the series unfolds, the duo faces new cases in different parts of England, each more baffling than the last. With each new adventure, they reveal more about themselves—Jane’s unyielding determination, Arthur’s quiet brilliance, and their growing respect for one another. Alongside the riveting mysteries, their developing relationship brings a fresh dynamic to the genre, blending suspense with tender moments.
The atmosphere of The Secret Detective Agency series is richly textured, transporting readers to the post-war England of the 1940s. Dixon's writing captures the era’s tensions and complexities, weaving them into the fabric of each story. With dark alleyways, coastal towns, and quiet villages as the backdrop, the series exudes a sense of mystery that mirrors its protagonists’ journeys.
Readers who enjoy a good puzzle, sharp wit, and intriguing characters will find themselves hooked from the very first book. The series expertly balances suspense with warmth, making it more than just a collection of mysteries—it’s a story about connection, perseverance, and uncovering hidden truths in a world full of secrets.
Perfect for fans of historical mysteries and detective duos, The Secret Detective Agency series invites you into a world of captivating investigations, unforgettable characters, and gripping twists that will keep you coming back for more.
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