A forty-year-old conspiracy leads to murder and more lives are threatened. When a fellow passenger is killed on the first day of their tour of Iran, Harry believes it was no accident. But who would want him dead and why? The murdered man was clearly no tourist so why was he on the tour? What is the link with the hotel manager? The questions keep coming. Harry becomes suspicious of several of his fellow passengers who he is convinced are not what they claim to be. He will need Aunt Jessica’s steadying hand to stop him rushing into danger to solve the mystery. Revel in the magnificent setting as you take a tour of ancient Persia, exploring the glories of Darius the Great’s magnificent palace at Persepolis, the mud-brick desert cities from the 13th century, the palaces and gardens, to the peak of architectural splendour in Shah Abbas 17th century capital of Isfahan. But be prepared for treachery and deceit as the past demands revenge. A whodunit with plenty of unexpected twists with a touch of humour. It will keep you guessing until the end.
Judith was born and brought up in Norwich and now lives with her husband in Swindon. She wrote her first novel (now languishing in the back of a drawer somewhere) when her two children were toddlers but there was little time for writing when she returned to work teaching Geography in a large comprehensive and it was only after retirement that she was able to take it up again in earnest. Judith's first two published novels, 'All in the Mind' and 'Watcher in the Shadows' each won the NAWG Award for Best Unpublished Novel for two years running. She now works part time teaching Tai Chi as well Creative Writing and lecturing. Her other hobbies include reading, line dancing and travelling. "Writers are told to write what they know about but I can assure you, I've never committed a murder. I'm an ex- convent school headmistress for goodness sake!" Find out more about Judith at www.judithcranswick.co.uk
A excellent new installment in the Harry and Jessica series. This time, Harry accompanies Jessica on a historical tour of Iran. The trip is disrupted when one of the group is struck by a passing car and killed. But was the death accidental, or was it murder?
A spellbinding story that keeps you guessing until the very last page. The relationship between Harry and Jessica is complex and well developed, and there are some wonderful descriptions of the sights and sounds of Iran.
Judith Cranswick sends Aunt Jessica and her nephew Harry off on another tour that takes in the sights and culture of Persia. On just the first day of the tour, one member of the group is killed in a hit and run. He had claimed to be Turkish, but from the moment he joined the group he spent a time on his phone fluently speaking Farsi. While the first death was a possible accident, an attack on another member of the group raises Jessica’s suspicions and she and Harry begin to look more closely at the members of their group. As they travel from Tehran to Isfahan Harry finds a usb drive hidden in one of the seats on the bus. It contains photos of people that were taken years ago. Could the contents of the drive have led to the death? Harry and Jessica must carefully consider who they can trust with the content of the drive.
I was first introduced to this series with Undercover Geisha. As a frequent traveler to Japan, I was familiar with the places and foods that Cranswick described. I was thrilled with how well she capture the Japanese culture. In Peril in Asia she once again provides a story that allowed me to experience a journey to Iran through her descriptive passages. From the beautiful gardens, the palace in Persepolis and the ruins along the caravan trails, Cranswick allows you to join Jessica’s tour group and enjoy the sights. Once you have taken a tour with Aunt Jessica and Harry you will definitely be looking forward to where Cranswick sends them in the future. I received a copy of this book from the author and I am delighted to provide a review.
Join Jessica and her nephew Harry on a new journey to discover art and cultural history in their latest adventure, Peril in Persia. Jessica has been invited to host a series of lectures on an exclusive tour of Iran, presenting the holidaymakers with insight into the wonderful landscape of what is a trip of a lifetime for most. For some it’s the last trip they will make. But it doesn’t take long for Jessica and Harry’s seasoned eyes to work out that some members of the group have got something to hide, and still others are clearly not as unfamiliar with the area as they claimed. For a group of strangers, some of them certainly seem to know a lot about one another, too! As the group travels from site of interest to site of interest, soon the masks begin to slip and old animosities surface, with devastating consequences. Fans of traditional cosy mysteries are in for a treat with book 3 in this series, as the clues begin to mount up and Jessica and Harry begin to figure out what’s really going on. As always in Judith Cranswick’s books, the setting is a huge part of the enjoyment of the mystery, lending its own unique features as a backdrop to murder and intrigue. Like the Fiona Mason mysteries, the Aunt Jessica and Harry mysteries are perfect for both he armchair tourist and the armchair sleuth. Highly enjoyable!
Was it a murder or an accident? Did she fall or was she pushed? Is everyone who they say they are?
These are among the questions that I found myself asking as I read this mystery story.
An easy read, although you have to keep your wits about you if you want to try and figure out the “who dun it” for yourself rather than sitting back and allowing the author to lay it all out before you.
Judith Cranswick writes a fascinating account of the history associated with the places that her novels are set in and Peril in Persia is no exception.
The reader can almost feel as if they have been on a holiday tour with the characters.
This is very much worth a read if you like a good murder mystery with a historical note, although the story is set in the present.
Not only was the mystery itself well done, I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the rich history of Iran. The plot had many layers and complexities spanning 40 years but they are shared in such a way that I never felt confused or overwhelmed by them. The author has a blog with images of the various locations mentioned in the book. I recommend looking it up, or at least Googling the stops along the way so you can appreciate just how beautiful and unique the cities and architecture are. This may have been my favorite one in the series, so far.
Another great Aunt Jessica novel. Great characters and well written. Mystery and murder surrounds the tour group in Persia. Who is responsible and why? Read the story you won't be disappointed in the twists and turns. Thank you for the opportunity to read your book
Another highly researched trip through history and mystery! So very enjoyable! As always with this series, the history is fascinating, the characters relatable and the mystery titillating! I couldn't put it down!
I love the history and art info in this book. Well researched, easy and enjoyable read. Received as a complimentary copy from the author in return for an honest review.