The Traitor

A novella that introduces book detective Benny Morgan from the acclaimed, multiple award–winning author of the Lake District Mystery series. Book collecting seems a rather harmless hobby—unless it's someone like Felix de Lisle doing the collecting. He’s rumored to have ties to the mob. What’s been proven is that he has a penchant for the spy novels of Simon Verity. Some might call it an obsession . . . It’s this passion—and a bag of cash—that draws book scout Benny Morgan into his circle. De Lisle has gotten wind of a dust jacket that was commissioned for his favorite Verity title. It was never used and supposedly destroyed, but if there is a copy that exists, de Lisle must have it. As Benny searches for this elusive art in his world of collectors and dealers, he discovers the missing jacket and a dreadful secret that will put his honor—and quite possibly his life—on the line . . . Praise for the mysteries of Martin Edwards “Superb—a pitch-perfect blend of Golden Age charm and sinister modern suspense, with a main character to die for. This is the book Edwards was born to write.” —Lee Child, #1 New York Times–bestselling author on Gallows Court “[A] triumph . . . impressively channels Agatha Christie.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review) on Mortmain Hall “A wonderful, absorbing read: a crime deeply rooted in the past, a beautifully evoked sense of the Lake District.” —Peter Robinson, New York Times–bestselling author on The Coffin Trail “A poignant mystery: atmospheric, haunting, and so tactile you can almost smell the moist air.” —Booklist on The Coffin Trail