title: Diana's Altar (A Detective Joe Sandilands Novel)
author:  Barbara Cleverly 
description: <b><u>Praise for <i>Diana's Altar</i></u></b><br /><br />"There are so many aspects of<i>Dianas Altar</i>to celebrate, chief among them Cleverlys intelligent characters and an agreeably labyrinthine master narrative. Adding to the fun is Cleverlys gift for generating spirited dialogue, peppered with period slang." <br /><b><i>The Washington Post<br /><br /></i></b>"The quiet English college town of Cambridge in the late fall of the Depression year of 1933 seems to be a curious setting for a tale of murder and espionage. But somehow, British novelist Barbara Cleverly makes it work in<i>Dianas Altar . . .</i> Sandilands suspects murderand goes on to prove it, tracking down the surprising killer . . . well-done."<br /><b><i>St. Louis Post-Dispatch</i></b><br /><br />"Sandilands [is] among the most dashing cops of British crime fiction . . . A happy blend of traditional whodunit and espionage thriller, <i>Diana's Altar</i>the phrase comes from Shakespeareproceeds with perfect pacing to a frightening climax and a full measure of justice." <br /><b><i>Richmond Times-Dispatch</i></b> <br /><br />"The fast-paced plot has a compelling rhythm. Like all of Cleverlys novelsshe also writes the Laetitia Talbot Mysteriesthere are well-developed characters, an authentic setting, and a few classical allusions; but it is Joe Sandilands likeability that brings readers back. Recommended for anyone who loves historical mysteries." <br /><b>The Historical Novel Society</b><br /><br />"One of Barbara Cleverly's more complex plots, <i>Diana's Altar</i> is a legitimate page turner and a novel that will delight all the author's ardent fans and create new readers as well."<br /><b>BookLoons</b><br /><br /><b><u>Praise for Barbara Cleverly</u></b><br /><br />Despite her mastery at vivid scene-setting, Cleverly never loses sight of the historical puzzle that is central to her story. Simply put, its a stunner.<br /><b><i>The New York Times Book Review</i></b><br /><br />Fans of P.D. James, take note: Heres a worthy colleague.<br /><b><i>The Seattle Times</i></b><br /><br />Stylish and intricate . . . Cleverly has perfect pitch for period and place, whether her hero is unearthing evil in India, England or France.<br /><b><i>Richmond Times-Dispatch</i><br /></b><br />Cleverly is a terrific writer . . . Fans know that she supplies the glamour as well as the grime, and shes one of the most adept puzzle-plot-makers now working. The clues are all there. But you wont guess who it is until she gives you the final word.<br /><b></b><i><b>The Globe and Mail<br /></b></i><br />The appearance of a Joe Sandilands book is always welcomed by fans of this intelligent and gripping series.<br /><b><i>San Jose Mercury</i></b><br /><br />Excellent . . . Golden age fans who appreciate deceptive storytelling enhanced by the kind of in-depth characterization lacking in Agatha Christie will be more than satisfied.<br /><b><i>Publishers Weekly</i>, Starred Review</b>
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  diana’s altar
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  also by the author
  
  
  The Last Kashmiri Rose
  
  
  Ragtime in Simla
  
  
  The Damascened Blade
  
  
  The Palace Tiger
  
  
  The Bee’s Kiss
  
  
  Tug of War
  
  
  Folly du Jour
  
  
  Strange Images of Death
  
  
  The Blood Royal
  
  
  Not My Blood
  
  
  A Spider in the Cup
  
  
  Enter Pale Death
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Copyright © 2016 by Barbara Cleverly
  
  
  All rights reserved.
  
  
  Published by
  
  
  Soho Press, Inc.
  
  
  853 Broadway
  
  
  New York, NY 10003
  
  
  
  
  
  Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
  
  
  
  
  
  Cleverly, Barbara, author.
  
  
  Diana’s altar / Barbara Cleverly.
  
  
  
  
  
  ISBN 978-1-61695-664-6
  
  
  eISBN 978-1-61695-665-3
  
  
  
  
  
  1\. Sandilands, Joe (Fictitious character)—Fiction.
  
  
  I. Title
  
  
  PR6103.L48 D53 2016 823.92—dc23
  
  
  2015037547
  
  
  Interior design by Janine Agro, Soho Press, Inc.
  
  
  Printed in the United States of America
  
  
  10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  For the two Juliets, at stroke and bow:
  
  
  Juliet Burton, agent
  
  
  Juliet Grames, editor
  
  
  Ladies, my admiration and gratitude!
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Up