Poison at Pemberton Hall - Fran Smith

It's 1903 and bookish, bespectacled Vita Carew longs to be left to her studies, but her aunt insists they attend a gala dinner at Pemberton Hall, home of a girlhood friend. A glamorous German opera singer is to perform, and the grandest of company will enjoy a lavish dinner to mark the household's return to high society after a run of misfortune.

But Vita soon notices dark undercurrents at the grand country house. What strange power does the footman hold over his master? When disaster strikes as the seafood is served, only Vita and a visiting German doctor are on hand to offer first aid. Worse still, she suspects the death of a troubled governess has been covered up to preserve Pemberton's reputation.

Vita and the German doctor are left to delve into the hidden undercurrents at the grand country house, and find who is to blame, but can they do so in time to prevent the poisoner striking again?

Wit, drama and a hint of the Gothic; if you like stylish mystery with your Downton Abbey, dip into Poison at Pemberton Hall today.