About the Author

Barbara Cleverly was born in the north of England and is a graduate of Durham University. A former teacher, she has spent her working life in Cambridgeshire and Suffolk; she now lives in Cambridge. She has one son and five step-children. She is the author of twelve books, including The Last Kashmiri Rose, Strange Images of Death, The Blood Royal, Not My Blood, and A Spider in the Cup. Her Joe Sandilands series, set against the background of the Indian Empire, was inspired by the contents of a battered old tin trunk that she found in her attic.

Reviews

Praise for "Enter Pale Death"
December 2014 Indie Next List
"Colorful and richly historical."
" The Cleveland Plain Dealer"
"Cleverly delivers a witty, atmospheric and well-conceived slice of British crime . . . marvelous descriptions of country lore and an evocative Suffolk countryside setting provide a taste of all things British and may send curious readers scurrying to the library to learn more about the ancient traditions in this most ancient of lands."
"BookPage"
"Excellent . . . genuinely baffling . . . more than a few surprises."
"Publishers Weekly," STARRED Review
"While there is an intriguing mystery at the heart of "Enter Pale Death "one that is set up within the first few pages one stays for the social intrigue and the historical setting, which Cleverly has nailed to the last nuance . . . Cleverly moves things along at a leisurely pace, but it s all to give readers time to note the surroundings, which, like the mystery upon which the book is built, are first-rate. Even if you don t reflexively reach for historical mysteries, you should give "Enter Pale Death" a shot."
Bookreporter.com
"An intriguing and entertaining mystery. The period setting . . . brings rural Suffolk alive, describing the villages and people with affection. The central characters are well drawn with complex motives."
Historical Novel Society
"This mystery is full of twists, unexpected plot turns, conflicts involving clashes of family, loyalty, class, love, and money, all in a very well-drawn picture of country life circa 1930. This book is a nice visit to an era gone by, with a wonderful puzzle to entertain the reader while visiting."
" "Reviewing the Evidence
"Some of the best of English folklore and tradition is threaded through this lively mystery, with even an appearance of the powerful and dangerous Green Man of old. Satisfying sorting of a pleasantly complex plot and a set of side characters that come with layers of their own make this one of Cleverly's best. Highly recommended."
Kingdom Books
The tales of pre-World War II Scotland Yard's Joe Sandilands are becoming addictive. Intrigue, political manipulations, the ever-present undercurrent of class differences, and the rising spectre of Nazism run throughout the series.
Becky Milner, Vintage Books, Vancouver, WA
"An expertly crafted locked-room mystery. Sandilands many fans, and readers who love "Downton Abbey," Rennie Airth, and Charles Todd, will revel in this elegant, intricately woven mystery set in the early twentieth century."
"Booklist
"
Praise for Barbara Cleverly
Despite her mastery at vivid scene-setting, Cleverly never loses sight of the historical puzzle that is central to her story. Simply put, it s a stunner.
"The New York Times Book Review"
Fans of P.D. James, take note: Here s a worthy colleague.
"The Seattle Times"
Stylish and intricate . . . Cleverly has perfect pitch for period and place, whether her hero is unearthing evil in India, England or France.
"Richmond Times-Dispatch"
Cleverly is a terrific writer . . . Fans know that she supplies the glamour as well as the grime, and she s one of the most adept puzzle-plot-makers now working. The clues are all there. But you won t guess who it is until she gives you the final word.
"The Globe and Mail
"
The appearance of a Joe Sandilands book is always welcomed by fans of this intelligent and gripping series.
"San Jose Mercury"
Excellent . . . Golden age fans who appreciate deceptive storytelling enhanced by the kind of in-depth characterization lacking in Agatha Christie will be more than satisfied.
"Publishers Weekly," Starred Review"

Praise for Barbara Cleverly
"Despite her mastery at vivid scene-setting, Cleverly never loses sight of the historical puzzle that is central to her story. Simply put, it's a stunner."
--"The New York Times Book Review"
"Fans of P.D. James, take note: Here's a worthy colleague."
--"The Seattle Times"
"Stylish and intricate . . . Cleverly has perfect pitch for period and place, whether her hero is unearthing evil in India, England or France."
--"Richmond Times-Dispatch"
"Cleverly is a terrific writer . . . Fans know that she supplies the glamour as well as the grime, and she's one of the most adept puzzle-plot-makers now working. The clues are all there. But you won't guess who it is until she gives you the final word."
--"The Globe and Mail
"
"The appearance of a Joe Sandilands book is always welcomed by fans of this intelligent and gripping series."
--"San Jose Mercury"
"Excellent . . . Golden age fans who appreciate deceptive storytelling enhanced by the kind of in-depth characterization lacking in Agatha Christie will be more than satisfied."
--"Publishers Weekly," Starred Review

Praise for Barbara Cleverly

"Spellbinding."
--"New York Times Book Review"

"Cleverly's crisp prose and solid cast of supporting characters ... make the book a delight to read."
--"Denver Post"

"Stylish and intricate.... Cleverly has perfect pitch for period and place, whether her hero is unearthing evil in India, England or France."
--"Richmond Times-Dispatch"

"A great blood and guts blockbuster."
--"Guardian"

"The appearance of a Joe Sandilands book is always welcomed by fans of this intelligent and gripping series."
"--San Jose Mercury"