In 1928, aspiring archaeologist Laetitia Talbot journeys to
the beautiful island of Crete to participate in a dig for
antiquities. Her reluctant host, Theodore Russell, shuttles
her off to a remote site to look for the legendary Tomb of
Zeus. Theo has handpicked Letty's team, which consists of
workers that have antagonized him. Almost as an
afterthought, Theo assigns William Gunning, a fellow
Englishman to the group. William is a gentleman who
rejected Letty's advances a year ago. Swallowing her anger,
she forges ahead, determined to be successful. She will dig
during the week at the site and return for the weekends at
the inhospitable Russell home as protocal requires.
Along with her own discomfort, Letty immediately feels the
malice that permeates throughout the Russell house among
Theo's family and other European guests. When Theo's young
second wife is murdered, there's no lack of suspects. Along
with William, Letty investigates and begins uncovering the
secrets within the house. As the clues multiply, Letty
feels the Furies are seeking vengeance for the years of
injustices occurring within these walls. Unless Letty can
quickly separate the myths from the facts, a Greek tragedy
will occur.
Ms. Cleverly's love of Crete is apparent as she captures
the aromatic scents of the mimosa and herbs and the beauty
of the rugged landscape. She recalls the stories of ancient
gods and their deeds incorporating them into her story.
Readers will welcome this fabulous new series with a
spirited young lady trying out the new freedoms given to
women. Letty rejects home and hearth and embraces adventure
and the challenges of love in this dramatic historical
mystery.
Laetitia Talbot, an aspiring archaeologist with a passion
for adventure–and for the mysteries that only the keenest
eyes can see.
Born into a background of British privilege, Laetitia
Talbot has been raised to believe there is no field in
which she may not excel. She has chosen a career in the
male-dominated world of archaeology, but she approaches her
first assignment in Crete the only way she knows how–with
dash and enthusiasm. Until she enters the Villa Europa,
where something is clearly utterly amiss…
Her host, a charismatic archaeologist, is racing to dig up
the fabled island’s next great treasure–even, perhaps, the
tomb of the King of the Gods, himself. But then a beautiful
young woman is found hanged and a golden youth drives his
Bugatti over a cliff. From out of the shadows come whispers
of past loves, past jealousies, and ancient myths that
sound an eerie discord with present events. Letty will need
all her determination and knowledge to unravel the secrets
beneath the Villa Europa’s roof–and they will lead her into
the darkest, most terrifying place of all….