The Crossword Murders
A crossword that’s tricky to crack, a hot cup of coffee… and hidden clues? Can Jane Treen work this mystery out?
England, 1942. Jane Treen is hot-footing it to Devon, having receivedan urgent message from her colleague and fellow sleuth, Arthur Cilento. He had been deeply worried for his mentor, crossword writer Professor Watkins. And the invitation he’s sent Jane is to the Professor’s funeral… he’s dead.
Arthur suspects foul play, but before they have time to fill in the blanks, their clues lead them into a secret vault nearby. Jane, fluffy ginger cat by her side, begins to connect the dots. But then another man is murdered, and she realises that Professor Watkins’ death is one piece in a much larger and deadlier game.
But who could be behind the untimely deaths? Could the professor’s beloved sister be responsible? Or a wealthy and influential benefactor and her assistant? And someone else close to the professor – also no stranger to compiling a crossword – seems to be increasingly cryptic too.
It’s clear that the killer isn’t playing by the book. And when the clue the professor left in the last crossword he wrote doesn’t help them to solve the crime, Jane and Arthur are back to square one and must think outside the box to crack the code. But just as they start to figure out what’s happening, they find themselves trapped, their lives at stake…
Can the duo solve the puzzle and escape before it’s too late?
If you love twisty crime novels and top-secret intrigue, then you will adore Helena Dixon’s utterly gripping cozy novel, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and Verity Bright!
Helena Dixon
Helena Dixon’s writing is a delicate dance of suspense, wit, and historical intrigue. With an eye for detail and a love for the past, Dixon has crafted a unique space in the world of cozy mysteries, where readers are not only swept up in intriguing whodunits but also immersed in richly drawn worlds that feel as alive as the characters that populate them.
Born and raised in the heart of England, Dixon’s childhood was steeped in the kind of history that so often finds its way into her work. From the cobblestone streets of charming villages to the whispers of past secrets, it’s clear that the stories of the past have always been a part of her. Her love for writing began early, and it wasn’t long before she started spinning tales that captured the intrigue of the British countryside, mixing suspense with a sharp eye for detail.
The Secret Detective Agency
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.
The Secret Detective Agency consists of four books and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of one more book. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
