Slanderley: Love and Death in Cornwall
Slanderley is an estate in Cornwall with a twisted past, in part due to the tainted blood of the de Loverly family. Butler Eddie Quirk grew up on the estate and imagined a quiet life. Then deaths fall like spiders, and he falls into the web. He gets no help from co-workers Sloth or Mrs. Anvil. Slanderley is a refreshing riff on a classic. The haunted ancestral mansion, scheming firebug housekeeper, skulking servants, chinless aristocrats and naïve bride get a delightful re-vamp in this briskly-paced, hilarious spoof on the “woman in jeopardy” genre.
The story is told by Quirk, intent upon correcting a best-selling book about crimes at the house. Alert readers will recognize Rebecca as the inspiration, yet it stands alone as a twisted romp for those unfamiliar with du Maurier's story. Adding to the pleasure are details relating to the time 1900-1935, whether styles in dress and automobiles or the events that impact the characters. The humor has a British bent as well, with silly names and places, puns, and outrageous turns of plot. The mystery plot turns repeatedly yet resolves unexpectedly.
AUDIO BOOK with British narrator!
https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details?id=AQAAAEDSEkRShM
Order PRINT version from your favorite independent book seller ISBN 978-0-9967693-0-3
https://bookshop.org/shop/stasz
Or direct from my publisher for a discount
https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?params=lhijoBbCdc7gvi87K0yjWuNP8iUlOZ2MjKqV0anud3O
EBOOK available from Kobo, B&N, GooglePlay, Bezo's store, etc.
REVIEWS
Though a spoof on "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier, from the first sentence, Slanderley shows us that it won't take itself too seriously. Clarice Stasz takes us on a rollicking ride through an array of hilarious names, situations and plot twists. Although the references to Rebecca are a nice addition to this satire, readers who have not read it will not be disappointed. I particularly liked the way that Slanderly pokes fun at the class system in the UK, but really what won me over were so many laugh out loud passages that are peppered throughout the whole novel. Amazon reviewer
I loved Slanderley! The rich characters, the descriptions, the scenes and plot twists were superb. Slanderley would make a great miniseries (Netflix please). Along with being an authority on Jack London, Clarice is an excellent novelist. This book is a keeper. Amazon reviewer
Slanderly is terrific! It’s a take-off on Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. Although I haven’t read Rebecca in years and years, I found it made no difference. It’s a great mystery, meandering here and there with wonderful twists and turns. It’s carefully plotted, the characters are hilarious and the whole book is a fun read. I recommend it highly. Amazon reviewer
I loved Slanderley! The rich characters, the descriptions, the scenes and plot twists were superb. Slanderley would make a great miniseries (Netflix please). Along with being an authority on Jack London, Clarice is an excellent novelist. This book is a keeper. Amazon reviewer
Slanderly is terrific! It’s a take-off on Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. Although I haven’t read Rebecca in years and years, I found it made no difference. It’s a great mystery, meandering here and there with wonderful twists and turns. It’s carefully plotted, the characters are hilarious and the whole book is a fun read. I recommend it highly. Amazon reviewer