Fiercely independent Mabel Canning can't wait to begin working for the Useful Women's Agency. But when she discovers a body on her client's doorstep, it's time to add solving murders to her job description...

London, 1921: Mabel Canning is proud to be a modern woman working for the Useful Women's Agency, carrying out tasks for gentlewomen from flower arranging to washing muddy dogs. But when she answers the door for wealthy widow Rosalind Despard, she almost chokes on her cucumber sandwich when she finds a soldier's body on the doorstep.

As she offers tea to the policemen of Scotland Yard, Mabel can't resist getting drawn into the investigation. Who was the mysterious dead man? And why was he holding a letter for Rosalind, written by her husband on the day he disappeared?

As Mabel hunts for clues, she joins forces with Rosalind's handsome brother, former detective Park Winstone, and his adorable terrier, Gladys. But when Mabel suspects she is being followed, the detective duo know that time is running out before the killer strikes again.

As she investigates, Mabel discovers dusty old photographs that help her reveal the soldier's true identity. But as she gets closer to uncovering the young man's murderer, she knows she's also one step closer to danger... Can she outsmart the killer and save Park and Rosalind before they also turn up dead as doornails?

A totally unputdownable and utterly charming Golden Age cozy mystery from USA Today bestselling author Marty Wingate. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Richard Osman, Verity Bright and T.E. Kinsey.

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'Loved this!... laugh-out-loud moments and lots of twists and turns... I was torn between wanting to race to the end and prolong my time with the characters... Perfect!' Goodreads reviewer ¿¿¿¿¿