years old daughter, who knows more than she is telling. Wally - Lottie's nine years old friend, a naughty and clever boy who plays amateur detective - and is quite good at it. Mademoiselle Beljame - The cold and efficient governess who takes good care of Lottie. But is Beljame her real name? Friedel - The Melvilles' German house servant, who might have more on her mind than domestic service. Simon Lang - A highly capable detective, intelligence operative, and poker player. Is he in love with Miranda? Or does he suspect her of murder? Or both? Author's personal background As noted by the author in the foreword to the book, it was inspired by having actually spent time in Berlin as the wife of a British Army officer. The book's social milieu of Berlin-based British officers and their wives was thus quite familiar to her. A similar background is given in the foreword to other books entitled "Death in ...". See also Death in Cyprus The Far Pavilions The Ordinary Princess References 1955 British novels English novels British mystery novels Novels set in Berlin