A short story from the casebook of Atticus Priest. When famed literary agent Lydia Marchant invites a select group of authors to her manor house for a festive weekend, she promises a celebration of creativity, camaraderie, and Christmas cheer. But the glittering gathering takes a dark turn when a priceless manuscript—the long-awaited sequel to Eleanor Pierce’s literary masterpiece Solstice in September—vanishes from Lydia’s study. Private investigator Atticus Priest finds himself at the heart of the intrigue, drawn into a house brimming with egos, rivalries, and hidden agendas. Among the guests are a publishing powerhouse with a chip on her shoulder, a charismatic crime novelist with a penchant for controversy, and a struggling debut author desperate to salvage his career. With tensions rising, Atticus must sift through a maze of lies, half-truths, and personal vendettas to uncover the truth. As secrets unravel and suspicions mount, the stakes become this isn’t just about a stolen manuscript. It’s about pride, ambition, and a desperate act of sabotage that threatens to destroy more than one career. Can Atticus solve the case before the culprit escapes? Set against the backdrop of a snow-dusted manor and a holiday gathering gone awry, The Mystery of the Missing Pages is a short story brimming with wit, suspense, and unforgettable characters. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and contemporary whodunits.
Author
For news and special offers join Mark's mailing list at: http://eepurl.com/Cai5X Mark Dawson was born in Lowestoft and grew up in Manchester and Chicago. He has worked as a lawyer and currently works in the London film industry. His first books, "The Art of Falling Apart" and "Subpoena Colada" have been published in multiple languages. He is currently writing two series. Soho Noir is set in the West End of London between 1940 and 1970. The first book in the series, "The Black Mile", deals with the (real life but little known) serial killer who operated in the area during the Blitz. "The Imposter" traces the journey of a criminal family (think The Sopranos in austerity London and you'd be on the right track). The John Milton series features a disgruntled special agent who aims to help people to make amends for the terrible things that he has done. Mark, as a child of the 80s, will freely admit that he watched a lot of The Equalizer in his youth. Mark lives in Wiltshire with his family. You can find him at www.markjdawson.com or www.facebook.com/markdawsonauthor.
