In the early 1900s, many very smart people were convinced there was life on Mars. Not just some bacteria or algae — actual intelligent creatures that built civilizations on the face of the Red Planet. For a time, Mars and Martians became all the rage in science, culture, fashion, and literature. The most fascinating part of this mania is that it’s not as crazy as it sounds.
Agatha is a writer whose first novel was insanely popular. These days she struggles to get any words on the page, paralyzed by the pressure of creating something even remotely as successful. Her husband surprises her with a first-class ticket to Montreal, a six-hour train ride with drinks, snacks, and quiet — and no Wifi or cell service.
Celeste rules her kingdom with an iron fist. Her kingdom being a courtyard surrounded by three buildings converted into flats. Little escapes her notice, sitting from her perch in front of a large window overlooking the fenced square. When one of her tenants is murdered, she hires two residents to act as private sleuths.
Lina has never been one to catch the eye of men. She is, by her own admission, rather plain and disinterested. She had resigned herself to the life of an old maid until she is charmed by a suave and handsome Johnnie Aysgarth–and his happy-go-lucky veneer is hiding some dark elements.
Carolyn agrees to act as the family representative at an old family home for a party hosted by Alfred Hitchcock. She is amused to learn they want everything left in its charmingly cobwebby condition–and they want to be visited by a ghost. Much to her surprise, one does oblige. It turns out to be an ancestor.