It's 1926 and aspiring archaeologist Laetitia Talbot finds herself embroiled in a murderous conspiracy centuries in the making. Laetitia's joy at snaring a place in the excavation of an ancient church in Burgundy is dimmed by the recent death of her godfather Daniel. But then she starts to believe that Daniel Thorndon's fatal accident was nothing of the kind. Letty's investigation into Daniel's possible murder sends her on a journey back in time and into the orbit of a privileged French family harbouring its own damning secret. Encountering ancient Celtic mysteries and one sacred truth kept through the ages, Letty makes an explosive revelation that could rock the notion of faith itself - and may force a killer out of hiding. Praise for the novels of Barbara Cleverly: 'Simply put, it's a stunner' - "New York Times Book Review". 'Cleverly's (novel) evokes and in some ways surpasses the work of Agatha Christie' - "Publishers Weekly". 'A delight' - "Observer". 'Award-winning author Cleverly debuts a captivating new series...In the tradition of Agatha Christie the characters are complex and varied...Riveting' - "Romantic Times".

Tomb of Zeus

by Barbara Cleverly

Published 1 January 2007
Crete, 1928 - and Laetitia's first assignment at the Villa Europa, where something is clearly amiss. Her host is Theodore Russell a charismatic archaeologist, who is determined to find the fabled tomb of Zeus. Letty dislikes Theodore but befriends his frail wife, Phoebe, but soon after, Phoebe hangs herself, an act so out of character that Letty joins forces with the local inspector to probe deeper.Intrigue is added when the autopsy reveals that Phoebe was pregnant and Theodore could not have been the father. From out of the shadows come whispers of past loves, past jealousies and ancient myths that sound an eerie discord with present events, and Letty will need all her determination and knowledge to unravel the secrets beneath the Villa Europa's roof. Praise for Barbara Cleverly's previous books: 'Cleverly's (novel) evokes and in some ways surpasses the work of Agatha Christie' - "Publishers Weekly". 'The atmosphere of the dying days of the Raj is colourfully captured' - Susanna Yager, "Sunday Telegraph". 'A great blood and guts blockbuster' - "Guardian".