Gillian Roberts' witty, literate Amanda Pepper mysteries are irresistible. Following the adventures of Philadelphia's finest English teacher/ detective, the books crackle with humor and suspense. When a class trip coincides with a murder, Amanda's concern over the behavior of one of her students makes him the prime suspect. Dusting off her sleuthing skills in an effort to clear him, Amanda finds enough suspicious suspects to stuff a cheese steak sandwich. As she struggles to overcome a pompous principal, a romantic reference librarian, and a slew of listless students to get at the truth, Amanda starts to wonder if she should look for a new line of work. Adam and Evil showcases Roberts and Pepper at their snappy, wise-cracking best. Christina Moore's narration adds just the right touch of exasperated frustration. Listeners who enjoyed Amanda's earlier adventures in books like The Bluest Blood and The Mummer's Curse are in for another treat.
Traditionally, Old Philadelphians keep a low profile. They associate with one another and leave life as discreetly as they have lived it. So Philly Prep English teacher Amanda Pepper, who thinks her only current problems are keeping her well-meaning family from hijacking her wedding, is understandably stunned to discover a perfect specimen of the species dying at the foot of the school's marble staircase.
It is anybody's guess what led to Tomas Severin's apparent fall and, indeed, why he was in the building in the first place. More questions arise when Amanda enters her otherwise empty classroom and finds a take-out cup of herbal tea laced with the party drug her students call roofies. Why would a middle-aged Philadelphian have a date-rape drug in his tea? Why does he have Amanda's name scribbled in his pocket notebook?
Hired by a member of the Severin family household, Amanda and her fiancé, C. K. Mackenzie, realize that many people felt their lives would improve if Tom's life ended-making it seemingly impossible to determine who'd been harassing Severin with threatening phone calls. Tom Severin leaves behind angry ex-wives, one recently dropped fiancée, and the current (about to be exed) Mrs. Tomas Severin. As secrets are unearthed, and cruelties old and new revealed, it's apparent that The End of Tom is just the beginning of the grief he caused.
To thousands of adoring Amanda Pepper fans, Gillian Roberts's new mystery offers unmitigated delight. A note to the uninitiated: There could be no better time for you to meet "the Dorothy Parker of mystery writers . . . giving more wit per page than most writers give per book" (Nancy Pickard).
This best-selling mystery series, from an Anthony Award-winning author, features a unique sleuth. Amanda Pepper is not the usual gumshoe; she teaches English in one of Philadelphia's most exclusive schools. In a world of old families and solid wealth, Amanda's cases test her wit, wisdom, and social graces.
During a lively discussion of The Awakening at Amanda's book club meeting, a member, Helen Coulter, vigorously denounces the main character's suicide as cowardly. When Helen tragically falls from the roof of her house the very next day, Amanda finds it very strange that the death is ruled a suicide. Immediately, she smells foul play. As she begins an investigation, Amanda will follow an increasingly dangerous path--one leading toward a cold-blooded killer ready to strike again.
Richly layered, Helen Hath No Fury has received glowing, widespread praise from critics and fans alike.
Gillian Roberts is the nom de mystEre of mainstream novelist Judith Greber. Winner of the Anthony Award and a favorite of mystery fans across the country, the Amanda Pepper mysteries are an irresistible combination of wit and intrigue. English teacher and part-time sleuth Amanda Pepper is enjoying Philadelphia's famous Mummers' Parade-reveling in costumes that rival Mardi Gras and cheering for a brigade of ornately costumed clowns passing close by. Her festive spirit is shattered, however, when one of the costumed revelers sinks to the ground, and the amateur sleuth finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation in which the prime suspect is a fellow teacher at Philly Prep. Filled with feisty characters, humorous dialogue and a light touch of romance, The Mummer's Curse will keep you guessing as Amanda's investigation leads her deeper into the many rivalries and traditions of Philadelphia's famous folk celebration.
When Liza Nichols' lifeless body is discovered in Amanda Pepper's living room, the thirtyish unmarried schoolteacher becomes the prime suspect in her friend's death. In an effort to clear her name, Amanda joins forces with the attractive detective assigned to the case, giving him advice and doing some unofficial snooping of her own.
