The Detective Omnibus: "City of Gold and Shadows", "Flight of a Witch" and "Funeral of Figaro"

Charlotte Rossignol couldn’t imagine why Great-Uncle Alan’s solicitor had sent for her. She had never even seen her distinguished relative other than on the television screen. Now, she was told, he had set off into Turkey with the intention of spending a year on archaeological research there, and in Istanbul had unaccountably cancelled all his careful arrangements, and vanished. His non-return was causing problems. And Charlotte was his next-of-kin and potential heiress.

An admirable beginning for an unusual thriller—but this is much more than a thriller. In its description of the Roman site on the Welsh border, where most of the story unfolds, it is romantic, detailed, authentic and presents a beautiful landscape. Among the characters, all observed with care, detail and affection, are two young women who are astonishingly individual and memorable.

In its account of the site itself, called Aurae Phiala, and its history, there rings a passion for all knowledge of the remains of the ancient past.

The actions of the characters, and the motives from which they spring, interlock perfectly with a mystery that constantly twists, turns and baffles. The whole is as faultless as a complete tapestry.

Ellis Peters has a high reputation as a story teller, and a wide readership. She has excelled herself here in a story of many powerful ingredients that lead to a devastating end.