The Catacomb Conspiracy

Penny Spring and Sir Toby Glendower #9

by Margot Arnold

Penny Spring's Rome vacation is seriously disrupted with two murders, a kidnapping, and odd noises and goings-on in and around their holiday villa, perched above an unexcavated catacomb. Vacationing at a friend's Roman villa, anthropologist Penny Spring and her archaeologist friend, Sir Toby, become caught up in the murder of the villa's caretaker.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

*Marguerite Marie Dominique Monro Arnold (1879-1969), British novelist.
aka
Margot Arnold.

*Petronelle Marguerite Mary Crouch Cook (1925-2016), British-American novelist, author of Penny Spring and Sir Toby Glendower Series
aka
Petronelle Cook and Margot Arnold.

Reviews

[Eden · Rating 4 out of 5]

2019 bk 167. Sometimes, with the horror of 9/11 and the prior WTC bombing, one forgets that there were terrorists before the 21st Century. This novel of suspense and mystery was published in 1991 and while it is sold as a mystery, it is really about a terrorist plot involving Italian fascists and Libyan fanatics. Set in Rome Sir Toby and Dr. Penny Spring, old friends now tied together as her son and his daughter have married, vacation in Italy with plans to meet up with the younger Springs. The mystery starts with the murder of the handyman/gardiner, follows up with mysterious sounds and voices, death of an actress, and the abduction of Sir Toby's daughter. Well written, mysterious references to the powers that be. A good mystery - not to find more written by Margot Arnold.

[Laura Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Margot Arnold has really outdone herself with these last two books. The series just keeps getting better and better. I'm not sure why she ended the series shortly hereafter. Seeing as she was born in 1921 (I think), I'm guessing age played a factor.

There is a lot going on in "The Catacomb Conspiracy" and, at times, I wondered along with Penny how it was all connected. I love that the mysteries are complex and not easily ferreted out.

I'm also glad to see my suspicions regarding Alex and Sonya coming to fruition. With three books left, we should have a chance to be introduced to Penny and Toby's grandchildren.

[Vintagebooklvr · Rating 3 out of 5]

Action filled mystery & international terrorists thriller. I like the archaeology side as well. Not really a much of a mystery but it was an entertaining read.

[Peter Parziale · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, not great. Set in Rome, somewhat formulaic, and a quick read. The author didn't "grab" me with her rendition of these protagonists.

[Lila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than Voodoo Doll. Toby's Russian daughter is a nice humorous addition. Once again, fascist governments form the villainous threat.

[M · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just okay.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-5 stars. A fun story with some Roman archaeology.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Penny Spring and Tobias Glendower go to Italy for what is supposed to be a relaxing vacation. It was great - up until the chauffeur got murdered. After that, things got complicated.

Maybe it was the cold medicine, but I had a hard time concentrating on this one. Just not as good as it was last time I read it.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Toby Glendower and Penny Spring are on vacation in Rome, using a friend's villa on the Via Appia. When they find a body in the garage, they are determined not to get involved. But strange things are happening in the villa next door, which is rented by a friend of a friend, and when someone close to them is kidnapped, they go into full detective mode.

[Ruth Kevghas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these sleuths; they make good competition for Miss Marple!!!

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun sleuths, archaeology, Rome. What's not to like?