Fly in the Cobweb

When Dan Mallett's mother requires a costly hip operation, the wily poacher sets out to separate a wealthy new neighbor, Harold Dartie, from his money and accidently stumbles on dangerous secrets from Dartie's past

Dan Mallett, outrageous but endearing rogue of the English countryside, returns for his sixth adventure. To the gentry of Medwell Fractorum, Mallett appears to be a simple, homespun character straight out of a Thomas Hardy novel. The villagers, however, know the impish handyman to be a liar and a thief par excellence, an occupation not entirely unrespectable, since he steals only from the rich or undeserving. When Mallett's cantankerous mother desperately needs money for a hip operation, Mallett decides to steal a silver collection from Harold Dartie, owner of a nearby estate. But Mallett gets more than he bargained for when he witnesses Dartie murder his own security guard. Fearing Dartie will discover and kill him also, Mallett takes another name and hides among the touring groups that comprise the Medwell Symposium for the Performing Arts. But Dartie turns up in the audience. Will he recognize Mallett? Or will Mallett be able to bring Dartie to justice? Danger and humor strike a balance in this brisk tale, charmingly told. Mystery Guild dual selection. Foreign rights: Curtis Brown. January 22
Copyright 1985 Reed Business Information, Inc.