Author: Arnold, Margot
Publisher: Mulino
Publication Date: 03/01/1993
Sophisticated writing and stirrings of international intrigue have marked the previous exploits of American anthropologist Penelope Spring and British archeologist Sir Toby Glendower. In their ninth adventure (following Toby's Folly ) they take off for a Roman vacation in a borrowed villa--possibly the site of an unexcavated catacomb-- on the elegant and ancient Appia Antica. The murder of their womanizing caretaker puts them briefly in the news and embroils them in the affairs of movie star Margo Demerest, who is living in the villa next door while making a film. After Margo disappears, Sir Toby finds the catacomb and evidence that terrorists may have been using it. The police who at first think Margo's disappearance is a publicity stunt, belatedly become concerned because of the imminence of a critical international conference on united Europe. Then the sleuths are menaced and encouraged to leave town. Arnold paints a realistic picture of modern Rome and international politics in this well-paced, highly readable mixture of espionage and murder. (Feb.)
