Seven Lively Suspects

It's been five years since Dahlia fan Scott Baker was arrested for a murder that had eerie echoes of one of Lettice Davenport's books. But now a true crime podcast is convinced that the police got it wrong - and they want the three Dahlias to help them prove it.

The murder of aspiring crime writer Victoria Denby created a sensation at the time. The public's imagination was hooked by the detail of a paper dahlia placed beside the body, just like in one of Dahlia Lively's fictional cases. Was there a copycat killer at large in the peaceful town of Market Foxleigh?

Despite the tabloids' fearmongering, the police quickly arrested Victoria's friend and fellow writer, Scott Baker, and when it emerged that he had also been accused of stalking Dahlia actress Caro Hooper, it seemed like an open and shut case.

Five years on most people have forgotten the case. But this baking hot summer, a crime writing festival is being staged in Market Foxleigh - and the guests of honour are the Three Dahlias themselves - Rosalind, Caro and Posy. At the same time, a true crime podcast wants to reopen the cold case, convinced that the police got the wrong man... and they're determined to enlist the help of the Three Dahlias to help prove them right - and find the real killer.

Praise for Katy Watson

'An absolute treat of a read with all the ingredients of a vintage murder mystery: a country house, mysterious dead bodies and three actresses all keen to catch the killer. Perfect weekend reading!' Janice Hallett, author of The Appeal

'Celebrates and gently satirises Golden Age crime novels in a hugely entertaining country house mystery' The Times

'Dame Agatha would approve' Daily Mail

'A wonderful celebration of Golden Age crime. . . a read you can sink into, just like the perfect country house weekend. You will definitely love Dahlia in all her guises by the end' S.J. Bennett, author of The Windsor Knot

'I loved it - witty, engaging and hugely enjoyable. A must for fans of classic mysteries' Frances Brody

'An affectionate homage to the Golden Age of Detective Fiction and a wry nod to our continuing fascination with it. Great fun. Warm, ingenious and. . . lively!' L C Tyler

'A sprightly offering. . . a pleasant summer read' The Critic

'A pleasure to read from beginning to end' Shots

'A fun, 1930s style murder-mystery, which makes for perfect holiday reading' Woman's Weekly

'Perfect Holiday Read' Woman and Home

'Smartly executed with wit and a cunning plot' Peterborough Telegraph

'A cosy whodunnit told with modern flair' Yours