A dazzling diva. A glittering society dinner. A servant with a terrible grudge.

1903. Bookish, bespectacled Vita Carew longs to be left to her scientific studies. But, to her chagrin, she cannot avoid the event of the season, a gala at Pemberton Hall. This glamorous concert and sumptuous dinner will mark the Pemberton household’s return to society after a run of misfortune.

But disaster strikes as soon as the seafood is served. Vita can only offer first aid as elegant guests fall suddenly ill on all sides. Worse still, she suspects a death has been covered up to avoid interrupting the carefully planned soirée.

Vita must probe dark secrets behind the country house’s elegant veneer to work out who is to blame. But can she do so in time to prevent the poisoner from striking again?

If you enjoy a stylish mystery with your Downton Abbey, dip into Poison at Pemberton Hall today.

Fran Smith