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The Mermaid Collection

The jewel in the crown of the beloved Dr Basil Willing mysteries - when unassuming art teacher Faustina Crayle loses her second job in quick succession, only Basil can help, and it goes from bad to worse for Faustina when a body is found . . .
With a foreword by Gillian McAllister
‘They watch me all the time. In and out of the classroom, their eyes are always following me . . .’
Quiet, gentle, young Faustina Crayle is dismissed from her teaching position at Brereton School for Girls after just a few weeks. She is given no explanation, but it’s clear certain staff and pupils fear her.
Her friend and fellow teacher Gisela contacts psychologist and sleuth Dr Basil Willing who offers to investigate these outlandish claims. But this only confirms two damning facts – first, that this happened at a previous school and, second, people believe there are two sides to enigmatic Faustina.
When a body is found at the school and Faustina is implicated in the death, it is clear that darkness swirls around this young woman. But is she the perpetrator or victim?
Praise for Helen McCloy:
'McCloy has always resembled the best writers of the Sayers-Blake-Allingham school' New York Times
‘In the very top rank’ Sunday Times

© Helen McCloy 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025