Dead Water

A spring may have healing properties-but the controversy over it may have harmful results-in a witty mystery by a Mystery Writers of America Grand Master. The elderly Emily Pride is perfectly pleased to have inherited an island, even if her starchy pragmatism is ever-so-faintly appalled by the island's "e;Pixie Falls"e; spring and its reported miraculous healing properties. Really, the locals' attempts to capitalize on the "e;miracles"e; are entirely too tacky Ye Olde Gift Shoppe, the neon signs . . .not on Miss Emily's watch, thank you. Of course, the locals are not exactly thrilled to give up their trade. Pixie Falls may be merely be known for healing warts, it's true, but you take your shillings where you can find them. Could their frustration have bubbled up into murderous rage? Inspector Alleyn will have to sort it out. And this time, it's personal. "e;It's time to start comparing Christie to Marsh instead of the other way around."e; New York Magazine"e;A peerless practitioner of the slightly surreal, English-village comedy-mystery."e; Kirkus Reviews"e;The nonpareil among criminal investigators."e; The New York Times