The Water Lily Cross

What more could an Anglophile want? A good mystery, a botany professor, a Triump TR4, and descriptions of pub food. A really fun read.

I found this new entry in the series with surprised pleasure. These books could not come out too often. The lead character, Lawrence Kingston, is definitely a pleasure to spend time with that one can easily believe he has the many invitation mentioned in the text. I enjoyed that the book was not too steeped in technical detail about plants, although I too love plants, I do not want the plot to be sidelined for too long with detail about what plant someone had in a garden which has no relevance to the story at hand. I admired Kingston's unflagging quest to find his missing friend. It was an excellent ride through the country!

i have never reviewed a book before but now feel impelled to share my thoughts on what i believe to be a modern day masterpiece.i love this book ,the rich descriptions of botanical elements,the interesting characters,and the fascinating main character,Lawrence Kingston.in this work the author once again has created a story that is not only written beautifully but keeps the reader on the edge of his seat.i usually read books from distant eras and shun current novels however the author seems to create a timeless piece which will attract all who love a great story i highly recommend this book to folks of all ages and can not wait for the next installment thank you Mr Eglin

Although he would be more comfortable restoring gardens and traveling about in his sporty 1964 TR4, Lawrence Kingston, botanical expert, finds himself once more engaged in another mysterious adventure. This 3rd book in the English Garden Mystery series has Kingston searching for an old friend who has disappeared, quite possibly kidnapped. It seems Kingston's friend has discovered a way to use water lilies to solve one of the world's most pressing problems. Crossword and anagram clues, helicopter flights and threatening messages lead Kingston on a whirlwind and dangerous chase across the English countryside. Eglin's mysteries are always a great romp combining two of my favorite things -- mysteries and gardening. Lawrence Kingston is a character you wouldn't mind inviting into your home on a regular basis and each new book is an opportunity to do just that. I can imagine sitting across from him, sipping his single-malt Scotch, as he recounts his latest tale of mystery or the details of a garden rejuvenation somewhere in the English countryside. Both are equally interesting to me. I will say, Eglin is so good at creating interesting supporting characters that I sometimes miss the young couple who discovered The Blue Rose and the American woman who owned The Lost Gardens from his earlier books. Perhaps he can return to them for a future adventure. The Water Lily Cross and Eglin's previous books are the perfect choice for some relaxing reading between your gardening chores. Pull the chaise lounge under your favorite tree, or within the scent of your favorite roses, and delve into the mysteries of the garden. Highly Recommended

When Stewart Halliday disappears, his wife asks his friend and former peer, retired London botanist Lawrence Kingston, to investigate. Kingston goes through Halliday's notes to seek clues to his whereabouts. In his colleague's date book he finds a coded message that he breaks down only to find another cryptic puzzler. Kingston soon concludes that Halliday found a cheap effective way to desalinate ocean water using a salt eating water lily. The benefits to mankind are obvious, but also apparent are the huge profits to be made. Kingston concludes avarice has led to the abduction of Halliday. As he continues his inquiries, someone tries to kill Kingston and succeeds in murdering a wealth patron. Each step to rescue his buddy proves more dangerous than the previous ones, but the scientist refuses to quit even when the Russian mafia seems the prime cause of the tsunami that threatens his life. The third English Garden cozy (see THE BLUE ROSE and LOST GARDENS) is an enjoyable mystery that centers on what many scientists believe is a global crisis: the lack of enough fresh water. Kingston's deciphering of puzzles and other horticultural clues is cleverly designed so though he is an amateur sleuth his line of investigating comes out of his professional background. Readers will appreciate his efforts to rescue his colleague even during those times when he soars towards a caricature of a superhero. Harriet Klausner