Blotto, Twinks and the Ex-King’s Daughter: a hair-raising adventure introducing the fabulous brother and sister sleuthing duo

''Murder most enjoyable'' Colin Dexter

Ex-Princess Etheline, daughter of the exiled king of Mitteleuropia, has been kidnapped during a visit to Tawcester Towers, ancestral seat of the Dukes of Tawcester, and ducal family honour demands that she should be rescued.

The Dowager Duchess entrusts the task to her son, the Right Hon. Devereux Lyminster, known universally as ''Blotto''. He is, of course, terribly handsome, honourable and brave, but as sadly deficient in the brains department as his sister ''Twinks'' is gifted.

So the siblings set off, accompanied by trusty chauffeur, Corky Froggett. They drive across many countries to Mitteleuropia, a realm now ruled by a usurper, the ex-king''s brother, where they suspect the princess has been taken.

Can brave Blotto and Twinks rescue Ethelinda, or will they meet their end in the evil clutches of King Vlatislav?

Praise for Simon Brett:

''A new Simon Brett is an event for mystery fans'' P. D. James

''Perfect entertainment'' Guardian

''Few crime writers are so enchantingly gifted'' Sunday Times

''Simon Brett writes stunning detective stories. I would recommend them to anyone.'' Jilly Cooper