Elizabeth Cadell

(from inside flap dj) Puzzling problems surrounding an inheritance lead Lucille Abbey to unexpected solutions in the byways of Paris.

Lucille, the vivacious young director of a secretarial agency, decides to inquire into the dismissal of three of her most efficient secretaries by the absentminded Professor Hallam. Her investigation takes her to the professor's country home where he is involved in taking inventory of his deceased mother's effects. This apparently innocent occupation proves to be the cover for an intriguing plot in which the professor is victimized and his mother's seemingly worthless paintings are stolen.

In Paris on holiday Lucille discovers that the professor's affairs and aspects of her own past are related. This and an enigmatic chain of events concerning the theft of the paintings provide suspense, romance and adventure for the ever-growing Cadell audience.

(from inside flap Morrow dj)

Gail Sinclair, secretary in a London publishing house, seems too pretty and young to become involved in the mysterious and dangerous events in store for her. But when she agrees to drive Mrs. Stratton to her estate in the Basses-Pyrenees, she suddenly realizes she is in for much more than a pleasant motor trip.

Mrs. Stratton, a successful authoress for Gail's firm, is a charming and poised woman. But when confronted by her late husband's sister, the enigmatic Mrs. Westerby, the charm and poise quickly dissolve, leaving an unmistakable mark of fear.

Mrs. Westerby is first seen at a publisher's reception in honor of her sister-in-law. Dressed in a flourish of capes, feathers and buckled shoes, Mrs. Westerby roars at the top of her lungs, determined to steal the whole show, intent on humiliating her brother's widow.

Gail senses that there is more to Mrs. Westerby's behavior than mere eccentricity and the trip to the Stratton estate soon confirms her suspicions. She confides in Julian, Mrs. Westerby's handsome godson, and together they experience a series of events which provide mystery, romance and humor -- the hallmarks of Elizabeth Cadell at her best.