The Catacomb Conspiracy

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Sophisticated writing and stirrings of international intrigue have marked the previous exploits of American anthropologist Penelope Spring and British archeologist Sir Toby Glendower. In their ninth adventure (following Toby's Folly ) they take off for a Roman vacation in a borrowed villa--possibly the site of an unexcavated catacomb-- on the elegant and ancient Appia Antica. The murder of their womanizing caretaker puts them briefly in the news and embroils them in the affairs of movie star Margo Demerest, who is living in the villa next door while making a film. After Margo disappears, Sir Toby finds the catacomb and evidence that terrorists may have been using it. The police who at first think Margo's disappearance is a publicity stunt, belatedly become concerned because of the imminence of a critical international conference on united Europe. Then the sleuths are menaced and encouraged to leave town. Arnold paints a realistic picture of modern Rome and international politics in this well-paced, highly readable mixture of espionage and murder. (Feb.)

Library Journal

Arnold's well-established sleuthing pair, American anthropologist Penny Spring and Welsh archaeologist Sir Tobias Glendover, both published globetrotters, take up residence in an ancient Roman villa during Spring's sabbatical. The stabbing death of their cook's husband and reports by a formerly flamboyant movie star of strange events in the neighboring villa immediately disturb their stay. They excitedly begin to exchange theories, suspecting some connection to the unexcavated catacomb lying beneath both villas. A quick succession of small dramas, tidy character sketches, and slightly exotic surrounds enliven this ninth series title.