Death Stops the Frolic

Book excerpt: A church elder is the life of the party—but not for long—in this English village mystery by the author of the Inspector Littlejohn mysteries. Zion Chapel’s annual anniversary tea party is an opportunity for the typically stuffy and sanctimo-nious Alderman Harbuttle to loosen up, and this year he’s unexpectedly rowdy. After a lot of laughter and loud singing, he starts to lead the parishioners in a conga line through the winding corridors. But the festivities turn fatal, and Superintendent Nankivell of the local police is soon stir-ring up some sinful secrets. . . . Previously published as Turmoil in Zion Praise for George Bellairs’s mysteries “Excellent characterization.” —The New York Times “Wit [that] shines from the very first page.” —Kirkus Reviews “When you get a George Bellairs story you get something worth reading.” —Norfolk Ledger-Dispatch