Margot Arnold is the pseudonym of the author of twelve mysteries featuring the globetrotting exploits of Penny and Sir Toby, as well as several novels of romantic suspense. She lives in Hyannis, Massachusetts
Arnold ( The Cape Cod Conundrum ) features her two clever and extremely likable elderly academics, archeologist Sir Toby Glendower and anthropologist Dame Penny Spring, in their 11th adventure. The plot, a potent mix of murder, smuggling and witchcraft revolving around a cache of priceless Crown jewels missing from France since 1792, and the tragic fate of 18th-century French Royalist emigres, promises literate fireworks but doesn't ignite until the final chapters. While Penny is on a book tour in Australia, Toby visits a former student in Dorchester who is about to open a dig in an Iron Age earthwork. The two discover a corpse dressed as a modern Druid, the second recent victim of murder in the area. Toby's detecting is sparked when Penny flies home to help. Another death, subtle threats and an awe-inspiring treasure uncovered at the end of a long-hidden tunnel precede a spectacular execution brought about by black magic. Although loose ends, especially those connected to possible suspects, are neatly tied up at the end, they are dangled too long. Even a middling offering from Arnold, however, delivers intelligent entertainment. (Feb.)
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