I first read this book when I was a young girl living in my mother's house. She'd read it and passed it along to me. It's a wonderful story full of colorful characters and lots of "everyday life" and suspense. I loved that the protagonists were children. I had a rather wicked uncle of my own back then.
In 2003 I found a used paperback at Alibris for a reasonable price. I wanted to make sure I still had a copy around to read since my original is falling apart, held together by cracked yellowed masking tape. I recently pulled it out again to read and decided to go on line and see if I could find another backup copy. To my absolute shock, people are now asking in excess of $400 for the book! I don't understand how everyone suddenly caught on to what a delightful book this is, after all this time. What gives?
Anyway, if you can get your hands on a copy, it's a wonderful read. You won't want to put it down. When you're done, you'll wish it could have lasted longer.
If anyone out there could persuade Ace Books (or anyone else) to print another round, it would be fabulous!
Here is the L.A. Herald-Examiner Review from the back cover of the book:
"Some delightful characters parade through this delight murder mystery - a pair of entertaining children who plot murder; a Canadian Mountie, embarrassed to be alive and frustrated in love; a much put-upon cougar; and "Uncle," an ex-Commando whose favorite author is the Marquis de Sade.
"With humor, both sly and fey, Miss O'Grady spins her story of how Barnaby, due to inherit $10 million or so if he survives, and Christie plan to kill Barnaby's Uncle Sylvester before he murders them.
"It's a delectable brew of humor and horror, guaranteed to delight O'Grady fans and expand their number."