A look of pure hatred cuts across a packed theatre foyer, where one of the revellers has only hours to live.
The morning after a convivial evening, retired teachers Etta and Dora, on a homeswap from the South of Italy, are rudely awakened by Leon, the adorably mischievous Basset Hound who's ready for his walk - at quarter to six! Taking advantage of the empty streets and pausing to admire the views over Kampa island from Charles Bridge, the trio find themselves instead looking down upon a murder scene.
Recognising the striking red dress she had seen a glamorous businesswoman wearing the previous evening, Etta identifies the victim's body for Czech policeman, Jan Baloun. But despite notable successes when sleuthing on previous trips around Europe, this time, the friends simply want to enjoy their holiday. And Leon? This lovelorn hound only has eyes for the pretty she-Basset in the flat opposite.
When their new friend disappears hours after telling them about the dark days of Communism, and Etta and Dora themselves narrowly escape being attacked on their way home, the case becomes personal. What is the humorous Lieutenant Baloun hiding? Who was the traitor in the US Embassy, leaking vital information to the secret police during the tense days in 1980s Prague? And what bearing could that have on a crime committed nearly three decades later?
◆◆◆ Cosy fans, join Etta, Dora and Leon on an evocative delve into Prague's hidden secrets. Can you piece together the puzzle before the killer strikes again? ◆◆◆
***
Prague a Secret from the Past is the fourth book in the The Homeswappers Mysteries, a humorous cosy series following the adventures of two retired teachers and their Basset Hound as they explore the most delightfully murderous European travel destinations and put their skills as sleuths to the test.
Written in British English, each light-hearted mystery is clean - no violence, sex or strong language - and can be read as a standalone or enjoyed in sequence:
0. Castelmezzano, The Witch is Dead - An Italian Cosy Mystery (A Prequel Novella)
1. The Watchman of Rothenburg Dies - A German Cosy Mystery
2. A Wedding and a Funeral in Mecklenburg - A German Travel Mystery
3. An Aero Island Christmas Mystery - A Danish Cosy Mystery
4. Prague, A Secret from the Past - A Czech Travel Mystery
5. Murder on the West Highland Way - A Scottish Cosy Mystery is the next book to come...
More adventures to follow!