Kate and Charles become involved in the investigation of the murder of a coast guard in the charming village of Rottingdean. Here they meet, Patrick, a foundling that Kate persuades Charles to take in and educate. The plot involves smuggling and spys. ( )

Enjoyable little historical fiction mystery series. ( )

Having posted a review of a Robin Paige book I didn't enjoy, it's only fair I post a review of Paige at her best - and it doesn't get much better than DEATH AT ROTTINGDEAN! Here Paige's strengths really come to the fore: her portraits of historical figures are lively and recognizable (her Kipling could never be mistaken for anyone else!), her descriptions of the English coastline are lovely, and - most importantly of all - she's created a clever double-layered mystery which plays both on Rottingdean's past and on contemporary, turn-of-the-century concerns.

Plus, it has plenty of wit and humour, and a solid dramatic finale. Television companies casting around for a marketable detective series should look no further than Paige's historicals, and in particular DEATH IN ROTTINGDEAN. ( )

Kate and Charles Ardleigh take what they hope will be a relaxing vacation in the small coastal town of Rottingdean. But after two Coast Guards are murdered, the Prince of Wales sends them to investigate. It doesn't take long before they realize that smuggling in involved. With the help of Rudyard Kipling, they soon realize how many secrets the seemingly quaint and quiet town is hiding.

I enjoyed this book in the series. It's not too preachy, lots of atmosphere, and the suspense doesn't let up! Just great. ( )