Azalea and I - On the Road - Howe RM

Barbara Wills is about to become junior partner in a travel company, Madden's Magic Carpet Tours, owned and run by her uncle, Charles Madden.

Babs soon takes on the role of secret agent. A seasoned tourist with the company seems rather unhappy after one of the coach tours - she won't say why. Babs is sent off on the same tour to uncover any dark secrets. Azalea Dunbar, her art-student friend, is easily persuaded to go along for company and support.

The two resourceful young women are soon joined by an appealing runaway dog called Angelique. Under a zany, horoscope-loving exterior, Azalea is as stubborn and determined as Babs, and her winning ways make them many new friends. Together they uncover various scams in colourful European locations. Mimi, the obliging red-headed courier, and slimy Mike Radnin, the driver, provide plenty of comedy and drama. And there are the other tourists, of course. Do the vicar and his wife have a guilty secret? What is it with Weyms and his dubious wig? What does he conceal in his art portfolio?

The book reaches its exciting climax in the sinister backstreets of Venice with their hidden canals, dark alleyways and faded grandeur. Smuggling, even murder, is tangled up in more personal matters. Will Barbara prove herself worthy of her uncle's trust? Will cute little Angelique get back to the UK with her new owner? Will romance blossom for Azalea and Babs with the shy Colin and the enigmatic Gareth?

We are left with the promise of more adventures to follow, as Uncle Charles calls on Barbara and Azalea to go urgently to ..........?