Trouble in the Cotswolds

Description

Thea Osborne hopes to spend a quiet Christmas house sitting for the Shepherds in the picturesque village of Stanton. Walks in the local countryside with the dogs and perhaps a meal in the pub are all the excitement she wants. When her arrival at the village coincides with the funeral of local businessman Douglas Callendar found electrocuted in his bath, Thea's interest is stirred but the onset of flu looks to prevent any sleuthing. However, when two people show up brutally murdered the following afternoon, even when battling a fever Thea finds herself thrust into the middle of yet another Police investigation. With the Callendar family linked to most of the village Stanton is bursting with motives for the murders including jealousy, closures of footpaths and secret animal testing. Thea turns to local resident Dennis Ireland for safety but Dennis, as with the other villagers, may not be as safe as first appears and Thea wonders who she can trust to help her survive the festive season.

Rebecca Tope lives on a smallholding in Herefordshire, with a full complement of livestock, but manages to travel the world and enjoy civilisation from time to time as well. Most of her varied experiences and activities find their way into her books, sooner or later. Her own cocker spaniel, Beulah, is the model for Hepzibah, but is unfortunately ageing much more rapidly.

'This excellent thriller marks a compulsive new series of rural adventures' The Good Book Guide; 'Intrigue and family disputes, hidden secrets and suspicion ... a pleasant read, from an author with a string of crime novels to her name' Yorkshire Gazette & Herald; 'Tope's blending of research, restraint, and a fascinating protagonist narrator makes this story a winner for fans of British mysteries' Reviewingtheevidence.com; 'A good plot with oodles of atmosphere makes this a real page-turner' The Bookbag; 'Rich in psychological insight ... Tope is particularly skilled in creating interesting and unique characters, and Thea is one of her best' Deadly Pleasures