Handsome Cambridge dropout Mark Callender died hanging by the neck with a faint trace of lipstick on his upper lip. When the official verdict is suicide, his wealthy father hires fledgling private investigator Cordelia Gray to find out what led him to self-destruction. What she discovers instead is a twisting trail of secrets and sins — and the strong scent of murder.

This is the first of James' two Cordelia Gray novels. I liked Cordelia very much and wish that James would have written more books with her as the protagonist; I guess she likes Adam Dalgleish better :). This was quite a clever and well-crafted mystery, with a lot of unexpected turns and surprises along the way. Very good read.

(Released as part of the "D for December" challenge, but didn't have a chance to make release notes as book was quickly journalled by finder - thank you!)

Found this book at corner of Mt. Pleasant Rd. and Eglinton Ave. at the bus stop. Can't wait to read it!