Margot Arnold

Margot Arnold was the pen name of Petronelle Marguerite Mary Cook, a British-American novelist best known for her mystery series featuring anthropologist Dr. Penny Spring and archaeologist Sir Toby Glendower. Her works, including titles such as "Exit the Phoenix" and "The Cape Cod Caper," blended academic intrigue with traditional detective fiction. The series, set against the backdrop of Oxford University and various international locales, gained a dedicated following for its intellectual depth and engaging storytelling.

Educated at Oxford University, Arnold earned a diploma in Prehistoric Archaeology and Anthropology in 1947 and a Master’s degree in 1950. Her academic background heavily influenced her writing, lending authenticity to the archaeological and anthropological themes in her mysteries. After residing for many years in Hyannis, Massachusetts, she later settled in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Arnold's works remain notable for their scholarly detail and witty character dynamics, distinguishing her within the mystery genre.