Part of a publishing program that creates a brand new look for Marsh's 32 mystery novels, this book finds Inspector Roderick Alleyn going backstage at a theater company to find out why a bottle of champagne crashed down on the head of the famous producer and killed him.

Superintendent Roderick Alleyn of Scotland Yard visits the Channel Islands after a riding accident leads to charges of premeditated murder.

A touring theatre company in New Zealand forms the basis of one of Marsh’s most ambitious and innovative novels

A high-society homicide is the talk of the London season . . .“Marsh’s writing is a pleasure.” —The Seattle Times It’s debutante season in London, and that means giggles and tea-dances, white dresses and inappropriate romances . . ..and much too much champagne. And, apparently, a blackmailer, which is where Inspector Roderick Alleyn comes in. The social whirl is decidedly not Alleyn’s environment, so he brings in an assistant in the form of Lord “Bunchy” Gospell, everybody’s favorite uncle. Bunchy is more than lovable; he’s also got some serious sleuthing skills. But before he can unmask the blackmailer, a murder is announced. And everyone suddenly stops giggling . . . “It’s time to start comparing Christie to Marsh instead of the other way around.” —New York Magazine “[Her] writing style and vivid characters and settings made her a mystery novelist of world renown.” —The New York Times