Pet portraitist turned amateur detective Susie Mahl is visiting the quaint English village of Spire when Lord Greengrass, an old friend, is found dead in the church graveyard. Out of loyalty (but mostly curiosity), Susie is on the case. Between deceptive small-town rumors and suspicious additions to Lord Greengrass's will, Susie's eye for art helps her observe what others miss. A study in aristocratic procedures, class ambiguity, and developing relationships, this clever mystery will trick you into thinking you've got it solved! (RR)