A delightful romp by Elizabeth Peters, who also writes the Amelia Peabody series. This is a cut above most who-dunnit/romances; the author clearly has been to the places described.
From back cover: For Jessica Tregarth, an unexpected invitation to visit her grandfather in England is a wonderful surprise -- an opportunity to open doors to a family past that have always been closed to her. But sinister acts greet her arrival. A stranger tries to steal her luggage and later accosts her in Salisbury Cathedral. Mysterious villains pursue her through Cornwall, their motive and intentions unknown. Jessica's only clue is an antique heirloom she possesses, an ancient ring that bears the Tregarth family crest. And her only ally is handsome gothic novelist David Randall -- her self-proclaimed protector -- who appears from seemingly out of nowhere to help her in her desperate -- attempt to solve a five hundred-year-old, puzzle. For something from out of the cloudy mists of Arthurian lore has come back to plague a frightened American abroad. And a remarkable truth about a fabled king and a medieval treasure could ultimately make Jess Tregarth very rich...or very dead.
I enjoyed this. It was a fun romance. Fairly predictable, but it was exactly what I expected and wanted.
This is a fast paced mystery that was written by the popular author, Eliz. Peters, in her early days. The damsel in distress finds an improbable hero with a large nose and an even larger supply of wit who saves her from sinister relatives. Wonderful descriptions of several of England's cathedrals the its countryside. No tedious repetition and no blatant sex scenes. An occasional reference to kissing. A fast read.
Romance more than mystery--a fun read.