Mannequin House

Detective Inspector Silas Quinn investigates the murder of an employee of the House of Brackley, an upmarket Kensington department store, and finds himself investigating one of the most bizarre cases of his career. The chief murder suspect is a monkey, and the room is locked from the inside. Quinn suspects the monkey holds the key to the mystery, but where has it disappeared to?

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 26 August 2021
Publisher: Canelo

Detective Inspector Silas Quinn embarks on a captivating investigation into one of the most peculiar cases of his career. In the heart of London, 1914, he is called upon to unravel the murder of an employee at the esteemed House of Brackley, a luxurious Kensington department store. As he delves deeper into the case, Silas discovers himself confronted with an extraordinary twist: the prime suspect is a monkey.

The victim, a fashion model employed at the store, is found lifeless on her bed, her throat brutally strangled with a crimson silk scarf. The room is sealed from the inside, with only the monkey, dressed in a red fez hat, as the other occupant. Despite initial skepticism towards the notion that the monkey could be responsible for the murder, Silas begins to suspect that it holds the key to unraveling the mystery. However, the question remains: where has the monkey disappeared to? And how can Silas hope to uncover the truth amidst the tumultuous and passionate atmosphere of the mannequin house?

This thrilling historical mystery is a captivating blend of intrigue, emotion, and psychological depth, reminiscent of the works of acclaimed authors such as C. J. Sansom, S. G. MacLean, and Abir Mukherjee. R. N. Morris masterfully weaves a complex plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, as they navigate through a web of resentment, thwarted passion, and hidden secrets. With his keen sense of the historical moment, Morris paints a vivid picture of 1914 London, immersing readers in the era's social and cultural landscape.

Praise for R. N. Morris's work has been abundant. Publishers Weekly commended his ability to craft a classic whodunnit plot with a profound emotional depth, stating, "A challenging, utterly fascinating read." Booklist praised his writing as "a challenging, utterly fascinating read," highlighting his ability to create a complex and captivating narrative. Kirkus Reviews praised Morris's "strong sense of the historical moment," noting his ability to transport readers back to the era with vivid detail.

In conclusion, Detective Inspector Silas Quinn's investigation into the murder of a fashion model at the House of Brackley takes a surprising turn when the prime suspect is a monkey. This captivating historical mystery is filled with intrigue, emotion, and psychological depth, offering readers a thrilling and captivating journey through 1914 London. With his masterful storytelling and vivid portrayal of the era, R. N. Morris has crafted a masterpiece that will leave readers eagerly anticipating his next installment.

Weight: 254g
Dimension: 130 x 196 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800325623