The Once and Future Con — Peter Guttridge

“Guttridge's series is among the funniest and sharpest in the genre, with a level of intelligence often lacking in better-known fare.” -- Balitmore Sun

“[The] Nick Madrid mysteries are nothing if not addictively, insanely entertaining . . . but what's really important is the mix of good suspense, fast-and-furious one-liners, and impeccable slapstick.” -- Ruminator Review

“Peter Guttridge is off to a rousing start . . . a serious contender in the mystery genre.” -- Chicago Tribune

When the grave of the legendary King Arthur is discovered in the West Country, Nick Madrid and trusty companion Bridget Frost can't resist going in search of Camelot themselves. But instead of chivalrous knights, they find rival heritage-industry marketing men willing to go to any lengths to make money from the discovery. Cue Camelot casinos, Avalon theme parks, medieval Excaliburger banquets, and a frenzy of feuding archaeologists as the tourism and heritage industry goes loopy for Lancelot and company.

When Nick does some digging of his own, it's not relics he finds but murder victims. Is there a Camelot-crazy serial killer on the loose? And what about King Arthur himself, who promised to return if his country needed him? If the bones in the West Country grave are his, who is that guy on the white horse riding out of the mists of time?

Peter Guttridge has written about music, film, literature, and the comedy industry for The Times, Guardian, The Telegraph, The Observer, and The Sunday Times. The Once and Future Con is the fourth title in the popular Nick Madrid mystery series. He lives in Sussex on the edge of the South Downs National Park.