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A Shilling for CandlesJosephine Tey

Mystery

A Shilling for Candles

by Josephine Tey

Book 2 of the Inspector Alan Grant series

240 pages · First published 1998

When the body of a beautiful young woman is discovered on a beach along England's southern coast, the police initially suspect an accidental drowning. But a button caught in her hair suggests murder, and Scotland Yard's Inspector Alan Grant soon discovers that the victim is celebrated film actress Christine Clay. Suspicion falls on Robert Tisdall, a penniless young man who had been staying at her secluded cottage, especially when a surprising provision in her will gives him a possible motive. As Grant follows a maze of clues through fashionable society, the entertainment world, and the English countryside, an unexpectedly resourceful teenage girl sets out to prove the chief suspect's innocence. With competing motives, misleading evidence, and secrets behind glamorous appearances, this Golden Age detective mystery is ideal for a leisurely afternoon when you're craving clever clues, memorable characters, and an absorbing puzzle.

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Tidal Marble Fizz + Dry Gin Martini

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At a glance

Know what you're getting into

Spice1 of 5
Suspense2 of 5
Creepy0 of 5
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No surprises at chapter twelve

Content notes

Murder by forced drowning; discovery and examination of a dead body; references to suicide and suicidal despair; threats and intimidation, including danger to a teenage girl; criminal fraud, deception, and false accusations; jealousy and speculation about extramarital relationships; brief dated racial terminology and stereotyping.

Alcohol-Free Pour

Tidal Marble Fizz

Bright lime, gentle bubbles, and a hint of sea salt evoke the English coast, where a peaceful summer morning becomes the beginning of a baffling murder mystery.

What you'll need

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How to mix it

  1. Fill a glass with ice. Add coconut water and lime juice, top with soda water, stir gently, and add a tiny pinch of salt.
  2. Garnish: Lime wheel.
  3. Glassware: Highball glass.
21+

Cocktail Pour · 21+

Dry Gin Martini

For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.

A crisp, elegant martini evokes the polished glamour of 1930s society, where Inspector Grant discovers that appearances can be as misleading as the clues.

What you'll need

  • 2.5 oz gin
  • 0.5 oz dry vermouth
  • Ice

How to mix it

  1. Stir gin and vermouth with ice until well chilled. Strain into a chilled glass.
  2. Garnish: Lemon twist or olive.
  3. Glassware: Martini glass.

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