The Stranger in the Asylum

Represented by:
Sophie Gorell Barnes

Category:
historical mystery

Publisher:
Canongate

Publication date:
February 6th 2024

Foreign rights controlled by:
MBA

London, April 1882. When cool-headed Phyllida visits the World’s End Investigation Bureau to offer a curious case concerning her fiancé, proprietor Lily Raynor is intrigued – and privately excited. For accepting the case means taking an unexpected trip abroad, to France.

Phyllida’s fiancé, Wilberforce, is currently in an asylum in Brittany, after a tragic incident which resulted in the death of his father. Did he kill him on purpose – or was it an accident?

Wilberforce’s innocence looks increasingly in doubt when another murder happens at the asylum – and the evidence points to Wilberforce being the culprit. Phyllida fears for Wilberforce’s wellbeing, but she can’t marry a murderer! With the engagement hanging in the balance, Phyllida wants to know the truth before it’s too late.

Lily and her assistant, Felix Wilbraham, journey to rural France to uncover the truth, but the case takes an unexpected turn when they discover that the accused man has escaped the asylum and is nowhere to be found. Soon the intrepid investigators are in over their heads with much greater and unexpected powers at play . . .

The fourth novel in the World’s End Bureau series.

Reviews

Heart-palpitating suspense, coupled with a twist-filled story, appealing characters, excellent writing, and vivid descriptions of the French people and countryside, make this a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Booklist

Well-crafted characters, wonderfully descriptive settings, and a brilliant plot all contribute to a great book.
Goodreads

A page-turning mystery with a well-hidden motive and a surprising number of twists.
Kirkus