s she had looked an indefinite number of years ago. Her age - none knew it, save herself and perhaps one other, and none cared. The gracious and alluring contours of her figure were irreproachable; and in the evenings she was a useful ornament of which any hotel might be innocently proud. Her knowledge of Bradshaw, of steamship services, and the programmes of theatres and music-halls was unrivalled; yet she never travelled, she never went to a theatre or a music-hall. She seemed to spend the whole of her life in that official lair of hers, imparting information to guests, telephoning to the various departments, or engaged in intimate conversations with her special friends on the staff, as at present.
'Who's Number 107?' Jules asked this black-robed lady.
Miss Spencer examined her ledgers.
'Mr Theodore Racksole, New York.'
'I thought he must be a New Yorker,' said Jules, after a brief, significant pause, 'but he talks as good English as you or me. Says he wants an "Angel Kiss" - mar
Plot bullets
Plot bullets
An American millionaire buys an exclusive London hotel and with his daughter uncovers international criminal activity. This is an excellent book with very colorful characters.
Very nice! A naif american millionaire and his daughter buy an hotel in London. They will be involved in a story about spy, love, kidnap, royal families,..., and much more. Nella is a beautiful character.
A fun, page-turning mystery.
Wealth, murder, espionage, intrigue. This book has it all. A good read.
I downloaded this to read simply on the grounds that the dish "Omelette Arnold Bennett" was created after Bennett wrote the character "Rocco" in the book, based on the actual chef at the Savoy, Jean Baptist Virlogeux. Though it has to be said that Rocco is none to complimentary a character, Virlogeux created the famous dish in honour of the writer.
Anyway, from omelettes to literature, this is a great little period "caper" about wealthy socialites, murder, kidnapped princes and the like. Well worth reading.
This is great fun. In some strange way it reminded me of a significantly more sophisticated Nancy Drew book, and I don't mean that in a derogative sense. This is a fun mystery. We have the clever American millionaire and his intrepid daughter (Carson and Nancy Drew types for sure) sleuthing for all they are worth in one of the finest European hotels. All kinds of intrigues occur and the adventure is fast and furious. There is even a love interest for the daughter (ala Ned Nickerson) who joins the investigating. It really keeps you turning the pages. Don't misunderstand--it is not a girly book. The mystery is the thing! I really enjoyed it.
An American millionaire buys a prestigious English hotel to find that an international conspiracy is brewing behind its dazzling facade. This is a great mystery/adventure story. Highly recommended.
