The Ninth Guest

Previously published at The Octopus

We believed he had died from an overdose. There was no reason to suspect otherwise . . .

When Elspeth is invited to her ex-husband Richard''s fiftieth birthday party, she''s expecting a star-studded event for the famous British film director, full of A-listers and hangers-on. But she arrives to find just seven other carefully selected guests in attendance.

A surreal evening ensues, orchestrated by the charming yet manipulative host, culminating in what will surely become a night to remember . . .

Because by morning, Richard will be dead, and every guest a suspect.

Praise for The Ninth Guest:

''Very intriguing'' Heat, Book of the Week

''Tess Little is a modern Agatha Christie, setting up her nine suspects, locking them in a sprawling Los Angeles mansion, and knocking them down one by one'' Tanen Jones, author of The Better Liar

''A unique locked-room mystery . . . Perfect for fans of Lucy Foley'' Wendy Walker, bestselling author of Don''t Look for Me