Miss Marple meets Downton Abbey in this delightful new series introducing pet portraitist and amateur super-sleuth, Susie Mahl

‘A delicious new voice in crime writing... Excellent on the English aristocracy and written in a fine wry style.’ Daily Mail

‘Absorbing, charming and funny.’ Antonia Fraser

Agatha Christie meets Downton Abbey in this delightful new series introducing pet portraitist and amateur super-sleuth, Susie Mahl

In the village of Spire, murder is afoot. Rich landowner Alexander, 9th Earl of Greengrass is caught with his trousers down in the village graveyard before meeting a gruesome end.

Luckily Susie Mahl happens to be on hand. With her artist’s eye for detail and her curious nature she is soon on the scent of the murderer…

"

'Absorbing, charming and funny, A Brush With Death heralds a fresh and welcome new voice in crime writing. Susie Mahl is also a welcome new detective: witty, warm and very inquisitive.'

"

'A delicious new voice in crime writing... Excellent on the English aristocracy and written in a fine wry style.'

"

'A riveting, charming and very funny new crime series from the fabulously talented Ali Carter.'

"

'An entertaining read, and one that had me up to the wee small hours.'

"

‘A Brush with Death is a perfectly English mystery, with an abundance of all the right jokes, details, and muddy dogs. Author Ali Carter’s first book is a lovely romp and shows promise for a wonderful tongue-in-cheek mystery series.’

"

'Brilliantly enjoyable; coolly observed.'

"

‘Animal lovers, Anglophiles, and fans of humorous, socially observant whodunits will look forward to the next Susie Mahl mystery.’

"

‘Its rich details on the British leisure class may interest fans of Downton Abbey and G.M. Malliet's "Max Tudor" mysteries.’

"

‘Fans of country-house cozies will delight in this series debut.’

"

'This is a crime novel for mystery fans sick of gore and sexual violence. Just curl up and lose yourself happily in this world of animals and toffs – closely observed by a beady-eyed artist turned amateur sleuth who realises all is not as innocent as it looks and is determined to do something about it.'

"

‘A Brush with Death is a charming and amusing murder mystery. It contains great character observations and is written with humour. She brings to life the world of the aristocracy and everything that goes with it. A pleasant change from the dark Norwegian Noir genre. It is definitely a book to take on holiday.’

"

‘A Brush with Death is the first in a charming new series about pet portraitist and amateur sleuth Susie Mahl.’

"

‘Carter is a fresh and welcome new voice in crime writing and Susie Mahl a very different new detective.’

"

'The first book in a promising new series will remind you of Downton Abbey and Miss Marple, except that this Miss M is a pet portraitist with a penchant for rather expensive underwear, and it's purely for her own pleasure.'