A PSYCHOLOGICAL TALE OF MURDERS DELIVERS A THREE PUNCH
FINALE
Scotland Yard Chief Inspector Archie Penrose is called to the
churchyard of St. John-at-Hampstead where a ghastly and gruesome
crime scene awaits. A body in horrific shape, bloody hair matted,
clenched fist scraped almost to the bone, face contorted in agony, skull
mutilated where he had beaten repeatedly against the stone that held
him in, trying to escape. The victim was barely recognizable except for
the signet ring he wore. He was entombed alive and it was difficult to
know for how long. The police discover that the deceased was a church
organist named Dr. Stephen Laxborough. Penrose finds a picture torn in
half of an old manor house and a cryptic note that read: "What is this
that I have done?" Archie begins an investigation that will prove to be
one of his most difficult ever.
Nicola Upson writes a mystery that is complex, twisted and will keep
you turning the pages to discover the murderer. Throughout
NINE LESSONS, Upson weaves a
triple storyline connecting the murders of nine men whose murderer is
on a rampage and has a very specific agenda. A serial rapist is
terrorizing local women, including Josephine Tey, an author, and
playwright and good friend of Archie's, who has moved to Cambridge
with her lover, Marla. Josephine gets involved when the rapist strikes
next door to her and she helps the victim. The third thread of this story
is a personal matter between Archie and his long-lasting romance with
Bridgett Foley. A serious and shocking surprise awaits him. How will he
handle it? Upson does a magnificent job of interweaving the three plots
with a finale that is exciting and surprising.
The descriptions of the university and town of Cambridge is a delight
and is a perfect locale for this exciting tale of mystery, evil, lies, and
grudges. Inspector Penrose solves the crimes working methodically. He
looks for evidence, does intense research, and doesn't jump to
conclusions or let his feelings get involved in his investigations. If he
hits a wall, he begins again. When he finds H.R. James' book of ghost
stories, he rereads the book and finds the necessary clues he needs to
find the killer and seek justice. A tense thriller that I enjoyed and you
will, too. A great job by Nicola Upson.
Called to the peaceful wooded churchyard of St-John’s-at-
Hampstead, Detective Chief Inspector Archie Penrose faces
one of the most audacious and unusual murders of his
career. The body of the church’s organist is found in an
opened grave, together with a photograph of a manor house
and a cryptic note. The image leads Archie to Cambridge,
where the crisp autumn air has brought with it bustling
life to the ancient university and town.
Mystery author Josephine Tey and Archie's lover Bridget
Foley have each recently settled in Cambridge, though
both women are not equally happy to see him. One has
concealed an important secret from Archie which now
threatens to come to light. Meanwhile, the change of
seasons has also brought with it a series of vicious
attacks against women in town, spreading fear and
suspicion through the community.
Soon, another body is revealed, and in the shadow of
King’s College Chapel, Archie uncovers a connection
twenty-five years old which haunted both victims―as well
as some of their living companions. As Archie and
Josephine each grapple with savage malefactors intent on
making their victims pay, they must race to stop another
attack in this beautifully written, intricately plotted
mystery.
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