Written by Naomi Stephens

https://fullmagzcici.blogspot.com/242745668

Hippolyta Halfpenny and her family of professional mourners have perfected the theatrical art of grief. When the reclusive Lord Basil Monfort engages her family's services for his own funeral, she vows it will be her last performance as she's tired of the disguise. Then she discovers the undertaker's body in the library and finds herself cast as an amateur sleuth in an undercover investigation.    Rain washes away the roads, trapping the funeral party at Lord Monfort's estate--with an unidentified killer in their midst. Bound by her father's wishes to maintain their charade, Hippolyta must navigate a web of secrets spanning decades. But sorting truth from deception proves even more difficult when Lord Montfort's charming yet perceptive heir suspects Hippolyta is not all she appears to be.    Concealing her family's true identities while unraveling secrets might be the role of Hippolyta's life, but with a murderer among them, she must unmask the truth before the final curtain falls.    With her Agatha Christie inspired voice, Naomi Stephens pens a 1950s manor house murder mystery where no one is who they seem.  The narrative avoids unnecessary complexity, instead focusing on meaningful interactions and developments. This simplicity enhances accessibility while still allowing room for depth and interpretation, making the book appealing to a wide audience. The writing style supports sustained engagement by maintaining clarity and flow. Sentences are structured to be easily understood, allowing readers to focus on the story rather than deciphering the text.