Curse of the Savoy, the fourth in the Priscilla Tempest Mystery series, is a gripping tale of suspense set against the backdrop of high society and 1960s London.
In the luxurious setting of London's Savoy Hotel, an opulent dinner party hosted by the legendary filmmaker Orson Welles takes a sinister turn. Amidst the grandeur of the Pinafore Room, fourteen renowned guests, including Alfred Hitchcock, Cary Grant, and the scandalous Miss Christine Keeler, gather for an unforgettable evening. However, the spectre of an old curse looms over the event a curse said to bring doom to the first guest who leaves a dinner with thirteen attendees. Kasper, a three-foot-tall sculpture of a sleek black cat is said to be the antidote to the curse if only the reckless attendees had paid heed to the superstition!
In the aftermath of the party, blackmail, betrayal, and murder ensue, entwining the guests in a web of deceit and danger. Once again, Priscilla Tempest, plucky head of the Savoy's press office, finds herself at the heart of the intrigue. The mysterious events even draw the attention of the Queen, hinting at a conspiracy that reaches the highest echelons of society. Is the curse real, or is something more sinister at play? This riveting mystery, as sparkling as a Buck's Fizz, promises celebrity gossip and scandal along with twists and turns that will delight readers until the very last page.
About the Author :
Ron Base is a former newspaper and magazine journalist and movie critic. His works include twenty novels, two novellas and four non-fiction books. Base lives in Milton, ON.
Prudence Emery worked as the press and public relations officer at the Savoy Hotel, and later as a publicist on more than a hundred film productions. She is also the author of the bestselling memoir Nanaimo Girl (Cormorant Books, 2020).
Both Prudence and the fictional protagonist, Priscilla Tempest, held the job as press secretary at the Savoy. When asked just how much they had in common, Prudence would answer, with a twinkle in her eye, that 'there are things that Priscilla does that I would never do...and there are things I have done that Priscilla would never do. I will not say anything else.'
Emery died in Victoria BC, on April 14, 2024, at the age of 88.
Review :
“A breezy read with a glamorous cast of iconic characters...Followers of Priscilla thus far will find this star-studded ’60s era mystery groovy.” —Kirkus Reviews
Praise for the Priscilla Tempest Mysteries...
Princess of the Savoy:
"A fast-moving story whose initial frothy air is a
clever mask on the serious stakes soon underway." —FirstCLUE Reviews,
"Book of the Week"
Scandal at the Savoy:
"Prudence Emery and Ron Base have performed a skillful
literary pas-de-deux, all the while free-pouring late-60s London nostalgia that
is as dry and crisp as Moët. This novel is the party you always knew was
happening and always wished you’d been invited to, and Priscilla Tempest is the
most captivating redhead since Brenda Starr. My advice? Turn off the phone, dim
the lights, pour yourself a flute of champagne, and let Scandal take you
away." —Michael Rowe, Shirley Jackson Award-finalist author of Wild Fell
and Enter, Night
Death at the Savoy:
"This light, frothy mystery is perfect escapist
fare." —Publishers Weekly
“Skullduggery, false identities, and blackmail serve to move
the mystery along at a nice pace, but it’s Priscilla’s hilarious
self-criticisms, her flippant come-backs, and the razor-sharp banter that make
Death at the Savoy such an entertaining read.” —Manhattan Book Review
“This is a terrific read, with its delicious, backstairs
view of one of the great hotels of the world. The plot has more twists and
turns than the River Thames. Its cast of characters include Noël Coward, Bob
Hope and Princess Margaret, apart from the long-limbed Canadian heroine, aptly
named Miss Tempest. A younger, sexier version of Miss Marple herself. I know
which one I prefer.” ―Hilary Brown, former foreign correspondent, ABC News,
author of War Tourist
“This book is a flashy, exhilarating ride―fizzy as a flute
of champagne, brimming with intriguing twists and turns that are at once
hilarious and dark. With her background at the Savoy in the Swinging Sixties,
Prudence Emery is admirably equipped to dish delicious dirt!” ―David Young,
award-winning playwright, screenwriter, and novelist
“A wonderfully sophisticated romp through the hallways of
London’s most famous hotel in 1968, where Priscilla Tempest takes on murder in
a miniskirt. Told with an artful wit and precision that blends just the right
amount of cheek with chic, Death at the Savoy is as deliciously decadent as
2000-thread count Egyptian cotton sheets.” ―C.S. O’Cinneide, bestselling author
of The Candace Starr mysteries
“The moment we read Death at the Savoy we were immediately
charmed and inspired by the humor, style and page turning quality of the
storytelling but also completely smitten with an amazing ensemble cast of
fascinating and hilarious characters led by the colorful and charismatic young
female protagonist. Prudence and Ron have written a book that speaks to the
global audiences' desire to immerse themselves in a world with glamor and
history as they take you through the twists and turns of an irresistible murder
mystery.” ―Sasha Alexander-Ponti and Edoardo Ponti, Producers
“Death at the Savoy is funny, sexy, a little camp, and you
want to know more. With a nod to Agatha Christie and rooted in Prudence Emery’s
real-life experiences at the Savoy, the intrigue keeps coming. As a young actor
in London, I was paying my way through drama school by working as head
receptionist at the Park Lane Hotel, so I recognize the canvas and characters.
If you’re looking for a fun read, and a sprinkling of gossip, look no further.
Death at the Savoy is a must!” ―Matt Frewer, the star of Max Headroom
