Ngaio Marsh 
Surfeit of Lampreys 

A suspicious inheritance comes to the rescue of a cash-strapped aristocratic family: “Entertaining and devious . . . Plenty of red herrings.” —Kirkus Reviews The upper-crust Lamprey family exemplifies charm, wit, and a chronic lack of funds. Their only source of hope is the wealthy but unpleasant Lord Wutherwood, and the Lampreys may perhaps be forgiven for doing a little jig when his Lordship is killed and the resulting inheritance saves their bacon. Inspector Roderick Alleyn wouldn’t dream of judging the Lampreys’ joy. But he would like to figure out whether they murdered their benefactor . . .Also published under the title Death of a Peer “It’s time to start comparing Christie to Marsh instead of the other way around.” —New York Magazine “A mystery novelist of world renown.” —The New York Times