The Auction Lot Murders: A 1920's Mystery (Kit Aston Mysteries)

Some inheritances have strings attached. This one comes with a noose…

When Sidney Goodman, professional scoundrel and part-time thorn in the side of the Aston family, is found standing over a murdered antiques dealer, with sirens wailing in the distance, even an optimist such as he has to admit things are, indeed, a little bleak.

Sidney insists he's been framed. And for once, Kit and Mary Aston, along with the formidable Aunt Agatha, reluctantly agree. The trouble is, proving his innocence means untangling the final wishes of a recently deceased Russian countess, a woman so vengeful she turned her own will into a treasure hunt, her family into a pack of desperate bloodhounds, and her diamonds into the most sought-after rocks in the South of France.

With a cast of eccentric Russian émigrés searching for the diamonds that may be hidden in furniture scattered across Marseille, a pair of distinctly unhelpful policemen, a street-wise eleven-year-old from Hell's Kitchen, and a gangster who really doesn't appreciate people cutting up his dining room chairs, and a few dead bodies - the Astons soon discover that the rules of this treasure hunt are simple: find the loot or find yourself buried beside it.

Murder and mayhem in Marseille— the Kit Aston mysteries are like nothing else you will read in “Golden Age” detective novels…

Five-star reviews from previous Kit Aston mysteries:

“Another great story with interesting characters and storylines that grip you to the end I have enjoyed each book and look forward to more…”

“I so miss Kit, Mary, Agatha (especially Agatha) and Betty in between new books. I loved the suspense in this one. “

“Jack Murray's books are great entertainment. A perfect blend of mystery, history, quirky characters and humorous writing. I'm looking forward to Mr. Murray's next book.”

“Lots of red herrings, twists and turns, it is very well plotted. Characters are fully developed - intelligent, witty, and interesting. Hope Mr. Murray will continue the series(s), writing at this level, and faster! More, please.”