Scotland Yard Chief Inspector Archie Penrose is called to the churchyard of St. John-at-Hampstead where a ghastly and gruesome crime scene awaits. A body in horrific shape, bloody hair matted, clenched fist scraped almost to the bone, face contorted in agony, skull mutilated where he had beaten repeatedly against the stone that held him in, trying to escape. The victim was barely recognizable except for the signet ring he wore. He was entombed alive and it was difficult to know for how long. The police discover that the deceased was a church organist named Dr. Stephen Laxborough. Penrose finds a picture torn in half of an old manor house and a cryptic note that read: "What is this that I have done?" Archie begins an investigation that will prove to be one of his most difficult ever.

Nicola Upson writes a mystery that is complex, twisted and will keep you turning the pages to discover the murderer. Throughout NINE LESSONS, Upson weaves a triple storyline connecting the murders of nine men whose murderer is on a rampage and has a very specific agenda. A serial rapist is terrorizing local women, including Josephine Tey, an author, and playwright and good friend of Archie's, who has moved to Cambridge with her lover, Marla. Josephine gets involved when the rapist strikes next door to her and she helps the victim. The third thread of this story is a personal matter between Archie and his long-lasting romance with Bridgett Foley. A serious and shocking surprise awaits him. How will he handle it? Upson does a magnificent job of interweaving the three plots with a finale that is exciting and surprising.

The descriptions of the university and town of Cambridge is a delight and is a perfect locale for this exciting tale of mystery, evil, lies, and grudges. Inspector Penrose solves the crimes working methodically. He looks for evidence, does intense research, and doesn't jump to conclusions or let his feelings get involved in his investigations. If he hits a wall, he begins again. When he finds H.R. James' book of ghost stories, he rereads the book and finds the necessary clues he needs to find the killer and seek justice. A tense thriller that I enjoyed and you will, too. A great job by Nicola Upson.

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