A Black Tie Affair and Other Mystery Stories

<I>Classic murder mystery plots reminiscent of Agatha Christie and Ellery Queen.</I>-<b>Kirkus Discoveries</b></p> <I>The writing is assured and lively and the logic is credible.</I>-<b>Barbara Kay National Post columnist</b></P><P>Opera singer and part-time sleuth Philippa Beary returns in the second of a series of lighthearted mystery books featuring the Beary family. In <I>A Black Tie Affair and Other Mystery Stories</I> Philippa-together with her feisty city councillor father and her detective inspector brother-foils would-be criminals in a variety of settings.</P> <P>In the title story set against the backdrop of the world of professional singing Bertram Beary thwarts the poisoning of a beautiful prima donna during a New Year's Eve gala performance of <I>Die Fledermaus</I>. In The Mephisto Waltz Jump rivalry between two young champions at the skating rink results in a catastrophic accident-or was it an accident? And an abandoned dog becomes the key to the unravelling of a deadly plot in A Grim Ferry Tale.</P> <P>With subjects that range from political controversies to disasters at the Christmas pantomime these nine intriguing stories will challenge mystery lovers everywhere.</P>