Synopses & Reviews
Winner of the Bloody Words Light Mystery Award
The North Wales market town of Llanelen is abuzz when a Vietnamese family moves into Ty Brith Hall. It isnt long before the familys business dealings have the townsfolk wondering whats really going on up at the big house on the hill.
Things take a sinister turn when Penny Brannigan, spending a midwinter afternoon sketching the magnificent views that surround the town, discovers the body of the new familys teenage daughter. Many secrets lie buried in the shallow grave, along with the girl, who Penny identifies by the snakeskin manicure she received at Pennys salon. When an elderly woman returns to Llanelen to care for her ailing brother, Penny discovers the truth about another death at Ty Brith Hall, one that hits very close to home. Though Penny's romantic interest, Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Davies, warns her to stay away, Penny can't resist getting involved, and her urge to help will ultimately put her in danger.
Elizabeth J. Duncan's latest offering in this engaging series is filled with memorable characters, great escapes, explosive plot twists, and plenty of Welsh charm.
Review
“Elizabeth J. Duncan weaves an intriguing tale in this latest installment of her captivating series set in glorious North Wales. With vivid, realistic characters and a clever plot, Duncans evocative prose and gentle sense of humor have never been better. A thoroughly entertaining read.”—Hannah Dennison, author of the Vicky Hill Mysteries
Review
"[A] satisfying addition to an entertaining cozy series."—
Booklist "This latest entry provides flashes of local color and the usual likable characters."—Kirkus Reviews
"First-time readers will not get lost in the fourth Penny Brannigan story: All of the relationships are clearly explained and you'll feel as though you have known Penny for years. The secondary characters are likeable, the town is beautifully described and [the story] has a very satisfying conclusion."—RT Book Reviews (4 stars)
“Elizabeth J. Duncan weaves an intriguing tale in this latest installment of her captivating series set in glorious North Wales. With vivid, realistic characters and a clever plot, Duncans evocative prose and gentle sense of humor have never been better. A thoroughly entertaining read.”—Hannah Dennison, author of the Vicky Hill Mysteries
Synopsis
"Readers who enjoy the cozy mysteries of Dorothy Cannell and Nancy Atherton will want to take a look at this series." —Booklist The Welsh town of Llanelen is anxious to learn who will be moving into Ty Brith Hall. Spa owner Penny Brannigan is among the first to find out who bought the big house on the hill when a woman walks into the spa inquiring about tanning. She is Mai Grimstead, owner of a chain of salons. A few weeks later, Penny and her art group are out sketching the daffodils in a scenic wooded area when they come across a dead body. It is Mai's nineteen-year-old daughter, Ashlee. An autopsy reveals that she was pregnant. As the police investigate the murder, Penny digs into the financial aspect of Mai's business, which looks suspicious. Her business partner Victoria and love interest Detective Inspector Davies get involved in another entertaining and puzzling mystery filled with plenty of Welsh charm.
Synopsis
The Welsh town of Llanelen is anxious to learn who will be moving into Ty Brith Hall. Spa owner Penny Brannigan is among the first to find out who bought the big house on the hill when a woman walks into the spa inquiring about tanning. She is Mai Grimstead, owner of a chain of salons. A few weeks later, Penny and her art group are out sketching the daffodils in a scenic wooded area when they come across a dead body. It is Mai's nineteen-year-old daughter, Ashlee. An autopsy reveals that she was pregnant. As the police investigate the murder, Penny digs into the financial aspect of Mai's business, which looks suspicious. Her business partner Victoria and love interest Detective Inspector Davies get involved. A Small Hill To Die On is the third in Elizabeth J. Duncan's entertaining and puzzling mystery series filled with plenty of Welsh charm.
About the Author
Elizabeth J. Duncan is a winner of the Malice Domestic Best First Traditional Mystery Novel Competition and has been a finalist for the Agatha and Arthur Ellis Awards. She enjoys spending time each year in North Wales and lives with her dog, Dolly, in Toronto, where she teaches in the public relations program at Humber College.