Reviewed By Liz

Today’s featured author is Melbourne, Australia’s Brian Kavanagh.

CAPABLE OF MURDER and THE EMBROIDERED CORPSE are the first two books in the
Belinda Lawrence mystery series. The third book, BLOODY HAM is due for
publication by BeWrite Books in September 2007.

THE EMBROIDERED CORPSE - Two startling murders that replicate the death of a mediaeval English king and the discovery of a mysterious ancient tapestry lead Belinda Lawrence and her associate Hazel Whitby into a vortex of suspense involving a bizarre religious cult, an enigmatic academic, a group of monks devoted to aggression and clues to a thrilling conspiracy nearly a thousand years old. Are the Godwins, self-proclaimed spiritual leaders, really devoted to their religious group?

Is Sir Gerald Taylor, revered university don, as benign as he appears? What is the origin of the puzzling tapestry discovered in the old country house? It is the murder of a local villager that ensnares Belinda and Hazel in this web of intrigue and as they follow up each clue they little realise that their own lives are to a greater extent in danger. Although pessimistic, Mark Sallinger, Belinda’s lover, is coaxed into aiding the women as they attempt to solve the riddle, a riddle that creates more uncertainty at every turn. And each perilous turn brings the trio closer to an electrifying climax and imminent death.

CAPABLE OF MURDER - The old lady’s decaying body lay at the foot of the stairs. The police believe it was simply an accidental fall that killed great-aunt Jane. But was it? Young Australian, Belinda Lawrence is convinced it was murder and when she inherits her great-aunt’s ancient cottage and garden on the outskirts of Bath, England, she finds herself deep in a taut mystery surrounding her legacy. A secret room. Unknown intruders. A hidden ancient document. They all contribute to the mounting dread. A second vicious murder by a ruthless killer intensifies the tension and Belinda, now under threat herself, is befriended by two charming men: her neighbour Jacob and real-estate agent Mark Sallinger. But can she trust them? And what interest has befuddled antique dealer Hazel Whitby in the cottage? Could one of them be the killer?

Visit Brian Kavanagh’s web site at http://beekayvic.tripod.com/

If you haven’t signed up for the Summer Mystery Reading Challenge yet, click here for directions. You are welcome to read along on your own, of course, but only registered participants are eligible for the prizes. No matter what your mystery preference - cozy, noir, hard-boiled, soft-boiled, thriller, suspense - we have it on revewiedbyliz this Summer.

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Mystery Book Reviews by Liz at http://reviewedbyliz.com ©2007