A Proposal to Die For

A Proposal to Die For
Vivian Conroy

‘This book is a cross between "Downton Abbey" and "Miss Marple".’ – Katherine (Goodreads)The first book in the new Lady Alkmene Callender Mystery seriesA murderous beginningWith her father away in India, Lady Alkmene Callender finds being left to her own devices in London intolerably dull, until the glamorous Broadway star Evelyn Steinbeck arrives in town! Gossip abounds about the New York socialite, but when Ms Steinbeck’s wealthy uncle, Silas Norwhich, is found dead Lady Alkmene finds her interest is piqued. Because this death sounds a lot to her like murder…Desperate to uncover the truth, Lady Alkmene begins to look into Ms Steinbeck’s past – only to be hampered by the arrival of journalist, Jake Dubois – who believes she is merely an amateur lady-detective meddling in matters she knows nothing about!But Lady Alkmene refuses to be deterred from the case and together they dig deeper, only to discover that some secrets should never come to light…The twenties have never been so dangerousDon’t miss the next Lady Alkmene Mystery1. A Proposal to Die For2. Diamonds of Death3. Deadly Treasures4. A Fatal MasqueradePraise for ‘A Proposal to Die For’‘A Proposal to Die For is wonderfully smooth and glamorous, in the style of Agatha Christie combined with the beauty of Gatsby.’ – The Storycollector Blog‘The first in a new series, this is a well written historical mystery with just a hint of attitude’ – Cayocosta72‘When it’s as charming as A Proposal to Die For mystery and history make the most wonderful combination.’ – Little Bookness Lane‘I will definitely be reading the rest of this series.’ – Holly (Goodreads)

A murderous beginning

With her father away in India, Lady Alkmene Callender finds being left to her own devices in London intolerably dull, until the glamorous Broadway star Evelyn Steinbeck arrives in town! Gossip abounds about the New York socialite, but when Ms Steinbeck’s wealthy uncle, Silas Norwhich, is found dead Lady Alkmene finds her interest is piqued. Because this death sounds a lot to her like murder…

Desperate to uncover the truth, Lady Alkmene begins to look into Ms Steinbeck’s past – only to be hampered by the arrival of journalist Jake Dubois – who believes she is merely an amateur lady-detective meddling in matters she knows nothing about!

But Lady Alkmene refuses to be deterred from the case and together they dig deeper, only to discover that some secrets should never come to light…

The twenties have never been so dangerous…

Available from Vivian Conroy (#ulink_852b3941-1ae0-5a1a-a6c5-33d4ee7b0d9a)

A Lady Alkmene Callender Mystery series

A Proposal to Die For

Diamonds of Death

Deadly Treasures

A PROPOSAL TO DIE FOR

Vivian Conroy

www.CarinaUK.com (http://www.CarinaUK.com)

VIVIAN CONROY

discovered Agatha Christie at thirteen and quickly devoured all the Poirot and Miss Marple stories. Over time Lord Peter Wimsey and Brother Cadfael joined her favourite sleuths. Even more fun than reading was thinking up her own fog-filled alleys, missing heirs and priceless artefacts. So Vivian created feisty Lady Alkmene and enigmatic reporter Jake Dubois sleuthing in 1920s’ London and the countryside, first appearing in A Proposal to Die For. For the latest on #LadyAlkmene, with a dash of dogs and chocolate, follow Vivian on Twitter via @VivWrites

Thanks to all editors, agents and authors who share insights into the writing and publishing process.

A special thanks to my fantastic editor at Carina UK/HarperCollins Victoria Oundjian, for loving Lady Alkmene from the first chapter of A Proposal to Die For – read off Carina’s Will You Marry Me? special call – and to the design team for the amazing cover that reflects the era so well.

Note (#ulink_c9e942dd-a37a-592f-ad2e-d90bfa47dd25)

Writing mysteries set in the 1920s, I’m grateful for all online information – think dress, transportation, etiquette and much more – to ensure an authentic period feel. Still, Lady Alkmene’s world remains fictional, including street addresses, establishments and even entire villages of my invention.

Contents

Cover (#u04086b98-c624-5c8b-b4d1-1b1090ace323)

Blurb (#ub142561c-4055-5cf1-b6fa-31bd113725c2)

Book List (#ulink_bf20d6df-ca4e-5291-9cb1-59c61ba37b0f)

Title Page (#uc91eac95-04b8-5fcb-8020-ce60360cbb25)

Author Bio (#u2d01e5f0-5d67-5e65-b599-667504eac45a)

Acknowledgements (#u3795a908-b529-547d-a55d-96bd8cac14d4)

Note (#ulink_13adbac8-0662-5722-8909-b24d28ce2be0)

Chapter One (#ulink_a32e0f3e-aead-5303-bf33-241f09c8b506)

Chapter Two (#ulink_08d66bd2-c570-50e5-aef9-14d699dca1ad)

Chapter Three (#ulink_ce9bdc01-d0db-53af-9995-983ebc65b997)

Chapter Four (#ulink_e0807a5f-c0b6-5479-8107-cc6146e25592)

Chapter Five (#ulink_e788dd91-e6ee-5b49-a7f7-4546ac96ce88)

Chapter Six (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Seven (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eight (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Nine (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Ten (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eleven (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twelve (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Thirteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Fourteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Fifteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Sixteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Seventeen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eighteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Nineteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twenty (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twenty-One (#litres_trial_promo)