Pale as the Dead (Natasha Blake Ancestor Detective Mysteries) - Hardcover

Fiona Mountain

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0312323239 ISBN 13: 9780312323233

Publisher: Minotaur Books, 2004

Synopsis

This is the first stunning installment of a riveting new mystery series that uncovers the secrets of the dead. Pale as the Dead deals with the mysterious death of Lizzie Siddal, a real and fascinating historical figure whose beauty and tragic life have made her into a legend. (She was the model for the famous painting on the cover of the book.) Lizzie's death has always been shrouded in mystery. She is perhaps best known for the macabre story that tells of her husband, the Pre-Raphaelite artists Dante Gabriel Rossetti, having her coffin dug up to retrieve some poems he had buried with her. When the coffin was opened, Lizzie was said to be as beautiful as the day she died.

Pale as the Dead is the story of how the disappearance of a young girl, Bethany, appears to be linked in some way to Lizzie Siddal. Our detective is Natasha Blake, a complex young genealogist with a passion for history. Natasha's career choice is partly driven by the mystery of her own roots--she was abandoned in the hospital as a newborn.

Her mother disappeared hours after giving birth, leaving a false name and address and a note on the back of a picture postcard that said simply, "Her name is Natasha."

Natasha is hired by the missng girl's lover, Adam, whose own life seems to have plenty of dark shadows. An old diary and famous graveyard lead Natasha into more danger than she bargains for--some people will do ANYTHING to keep a secret!

About this title

From the Inside Flap:

"Stylishly written, intelligent fare."
- Crime Time (UK) on Pale as the Dead

About the Author:

Fiona Mountain worked for the BBC for nine years and now runs a public relations company. Her first novel, Isabella, published in 1999, is the only first novel to have been shortlisted for the Romantic Novel of the Year Award. Isabella is a fascinating retelling of the story of the mutiny on the Bounty from the point of view of the forbidden lovers.

Pale as the Dead, her second novel, is the start of a highly original new mystery series starring ancestor detective Natasha Blake. The next Natasha Blake mystery is coming soon from Thomas Dunne Books.

Fiona Mountain lives in the Cotswolds, is married to composer Tim Mountain, and has three sons. Please visit her intriguing Web site at www.fionamountain.com to learn more about Lizzie Siddal and Natasha Blake.

About this edition

• Publisher: Minotaur Books
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0312323239
• ISBN 13: 9780312323233
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 288