Darkness lurks in sunny Italy after a woman dies at a creative writing retreat and her teacher must investigate: "Amusing . . . Readers will have fun." — Publishers Weekly

Named a "Book of the Year" by Mail on Sunday and Literary Review

Francis Meadowes is soaking up the late summer sun in Italy, running a creative writing course at the beautiful Villa Giulia, deep in the remote Umbrian countryside. His students include snooty, irritating Poppy and her ex-ambassador husband; eccentric Northern Irishman Liam, who writes angry poems about the Troubles; kooky American Sasha, younger than most of the group; and mysterious possible spy Tony, amongst others.

But what should have been a magical week turns into something sinister when one of the group is found dead in the sauna. The local police quickly turn to amateur sleuth Francis for help. Uncovering betrayal, lies, secrets, and old scores to be settled, Francis soon realizes danger is lurking beneath the genteel and civilized veneer . . .

"A neat twist on the classic English-country-house formula." — Kirkus Reviews