Alison Wonderland

Literature & Fiction

Helen Smith

Literary

Tyger Books

Quirky and funny, Helen Smith’s humorous literary novel follows the adventures of private detective Alison Temple and her boss Mrs. Fitzgerald at an all-female detective agency in London. When her husband doesn’t come home, Sheila Travers hires a private detective to find him. But Being Light is no ordinary detective story. The sharp observations on the lives of modern women will have you laughing out loud as you follow the surreal adventures of the ensemble cast. Meet Taron, with her one-woman plan to improve the world. Meet Mrs. Fitzgerald, the boss of the all-female Fitzgerald’s Bureau of Investigation in Brixton, as she struggles to overcome fanciful thoughts on the 159 bus. Meet Alison, juggling the demands of looking after a young child with her duties as a detective. Take in circus performers, animal rights activists, philosophers, dreamers, and a new kind of dating agency in this joyfully funny book. And find out what happened to Roy. Awards and accolades for Being Light Chosen as a Best Book of the Year in The Independent Newspaper (UK) Chosen as a Best Book of the Year by The New Podler Review of Books Nominated for a Readers' Choice Award

Being Light

Smith, Helen

Award-winning dystopian novel from bestselling British author Helen Smith. At only twenty-four years old, Lucas has a very important job at the Ministry. Most of the older men have been carted off to prison, so the young men run London. While Lucas investigates reported miracles, his young wife Angela dreams of escaping to a place where schools and theatres are still open, and women are free to work outside the home. A bundle of secret letters from a poet involved in the revolution that ruined England, a visit to a desperate woman, a misguided challenge to the Head of Security at the Ministry… A series of minor catastrophes of their own making mean Lucas and Angela have no choice but to try to flee the chaos of London, with disastrous results. Warning: The Miracle Inspector will break your heart. You will catch yourself thinking about the characters long after you have finished reading the last page. A fantastic book club pick. Bookfabulous Accolades/Awards: Chosen as a Best Book of the Year by For Books' Sake Chosen as a Best Book of the Year by The Opinionated Geeks Arts Council of England Award

The Miracle Inspector

An entertaining new murder mystery from best selling British author Helen Smith. Twenty-six-year-old amateur sleuth Emily Castles helps out at a local stage school run by her neighbour Victoria in London. As parents and prospective new pupils turn up at the end of term show - where prizes will be handed out by eccentric philosophy professor Dr. Muriel and famous romance novelist Morgana Blakely - Emily deals with a blackmail threat and two deaths, before teaming up with the guests of honour to try to prevent a massacre happening live on stage. The funny lines will keep you giggling as you race through this madcap story to discover whether Emily and her friends will triumph over disaster. Readers of M C Beaton or Alexander McCall Smith will enjoy discovering a new author in this entertaining British mystery series. Chosen as a Favorite Book of the Year by Julie’s Book Reviews. This short mystery is a standalone story set in London. The Emily Castles mysteries can be read in any order. PRAISE FOR SHOWSTOPPERS It's a confection of intriguing characters and situations. The small details that season the story keep the reader turning the pages. The cleverly written story shows a deep understanding of human motivations and reactions, even as it reveals a sense of how ridiculous people can be. Dive in to 'Showstoppers' when you have time to relish every line. You'll be glad you did. Mary Beth Magee, Yahoo Voices PRAISE FOR THE EMILY CASTLES MYSTERY SERIES Emily Castles is one character you cannot help but fall in love with! Julie's Book Reviews Helen Smith has created a great little cozy series with the charming Emily Castles. Criminal Element Very funny indeed... There seems to be a winning line on every page. The Bookbag

Showstoppers (Emily Castles Short Mysteries)

Mystery, Thriller & Suspense

Mystery

Three Sisters introduces twenty-six-year-old amateur sleuth Emily Castles in this entertaining new mystery series from best selling British author Helen Smith. Emily receives an invitation to a party in a large house at the end of her street, hosted by a mysterious troupe of circus performers. She accepts, despite her misgivings, because her dog has died and she needs cheering up. But when she witnesses a murder in the midst of the surreal entertainment, no one will believe what she has seen. Is Emily befuddled with grief at the loss of her pet? Or has something wicked happened in plain sight of all the party-goers? Emily and her eccentric neighbours attempt to discover the truth in a charming story that will have you giggling at every funny line. Readers of M C Beaton or Alexander McCall Smith will enjoy discovering a new mystery author. Chosen as a “Book of the Year” by Elizabeth at The Frugal Ereader. This short mystery is a standalone story set in London. The Emily Castles mysteries can be read in any order. PRAISE FOR THREE SISTERS Fast-paced, funny, and mysterious all at the same time… I can’t wait to see what Emily’s next adventure will be. Socrates Book Reviews Helen Smith manages to pack in surprises and plot twists, creating a story that is fully engaging from start to finish. The characters are creative and multi-dimensional and I loved the unique personalities and talents of all the party guests. As a wallflower turned super-sleuth, Emily Castles was a wonderful protagonist and I'm eager to read more of her adventures. Her Book Self PRAISE FOR THE EMILY CASTLES MYSTERY SERIES Emily Castles is one character you cannot help but fall in love with! Julie's Book Reviews Helen Smith has created a great little cozy series with the charming Emily Castles. Criminal Element Very funny indeed... There seems to be a winning line on every page. The Bookbag

Three Sisters (Emily Castles Short Mysteries)