Anatomy of a Crossword

A Mystery with Crosswords Included

by Nero Blanc

Berkley Pub Group

Mystery

June 1, 2005

ISBN-13: 0425198936

Available in: Paperback (reprint)

Anatomy of a Crossword
by Nero Blanc

DOWN AND UP IN BEVERLY HILLS

Crossword editor Belle Graham is headed for Hollywood. It seems that a crossword crime story is the perfect hook for an new TV series called "Anatomy of a Crossword." All Belle has to do is whip up a new puzzle for the TV pilot, act as technical consultant on the set, and of course, sign on the dotted line. A little cajoling from starstruck friends and the promise of warm, California sunshine, and she's fast on her way to Tinseltown...

But just a couple of days into shooting, things go awry. First, when the puzzle Belle created for the show arrives from the typesetter, she discovers that the clues have been completely changed. Then, one of the actors suddenly dies on the set. And what is going on with the screenwriter? Why is he fighting with actors, getting kicked off the set, and acting so nervous? Belle is certainly out of her element, and with only long-distance detective help from husband P.I. Rosco, she is virtually on her own solving this one...



Nero Blanc's Bio

The Crossword Mystery series is a collaboration created by the husband and wife writing team of Steve Zettler and Cordelia Frances Biddle. Cordelia's previous work has been primarily historical fiction (Beneath the Wind and Murder at San Simeon), while Steve's has been more international thrillers (The Second Man, Double Identity and Ronin). However, the concept of writing in partnership has always fascinated them.

Crossword editor Belle Graham and P.I. Rosco Polycrates are sharpening their pencils and their minds to solve the puzzles that end in murder. Crossword puzzles throughout the novels can be filled in to help solve the crimes.