A lovers' triangle, a heated competition and a lucrative prize at stake -- what could go wrong?
Clock repairer Jacob Silver usually prefers to stand on the sidelines of life, but he gets more action than expected when he agrees to replace a missing player at a village fete 'Aunt Sally' competition. Play comes to an unexpected end when a body is discovered and the promised prize money is snatched away. Blackmail, bribery and an old secret all play their part as Jacob and his wife Sarah help find out who in their Cotswold town is determined to win at all costs -- and what the ultimate prize might be.
Excerpt
“Mr Jamison has assured me the competition will be scrupulously honest,” Carey said, ignoring a skeptical snort from Sarah’s corner. “Actually, I couldn’t say how one would cheat at such a game, although more than twenty years of policing have taught me that someone who is determined to break rules or laws will find a way to do so.”
“No doubt,” Jacob said, “especially with that kind of money at stake. Perhaps you will be asked to officiate, to ensure no one attempts to cheat. Or will the Witney police force be fielding its own side in the competition?”
“Heaven forbid,” Carey said, a smile lighting his usually serious face. “I believe Sergeant Bell and the constables have played this game in their leisure hours, but I think we shall be far too busy with other activities during the fair itself. I explained as much to Mr Jamison when he was outlining his plan to me. The best we can do is be on hand if any kind of trouble occurs.”
Jacob nodded in understanding. People in the small Oxfordshire market town worked very hard, many of them in some aspect of the wool and weaving trades on which Witney’s prosperity was based. As a result, when a rare holiday came along, they celebrated with equal enthusiasm. Drunk and disorderly behavior was regretfully common, so Carey and his small police force would have their hands full enough without taking time out to throw sticks at a target.
“It will be something to look forward to, I imagine,” Jacob said. “With that large a prize being offered, the competition should be fierce.”
“Let’s hope it don’t get too fierce,” Sarah said. “I’d hate to see someone get their teeth knocked out or suchlike, even if there is some money at the end of it. Those wooden sticks could be a bit dangerous.”
“How large are they?” Jacob had been visualizing small pieces of wood, not big enough to do any real damage.
“About like this.” Sarah held her hands about eighteen inches apart and he winced. “And this big around.” She indicated a diameter of more than an inch. “Proper weapons, they’d be, if someone lost their temper.”
“Yes, I see what you mean.”
Professional Reviews
Enjoyable historical mystery as always!
I always look forward to a new book by this author. I enjoyed the excellent mystery and good investigating that has been consistent throughout this series. I also really like how Jacob and Sarah's lives have grown and the prejudice of the town's people has improved step by step. What I find the most refreshing about this author is that she writes original story lines that aren't a copy of hundreds of other stories out there. I read an average of 5 books a week and believe me, I really appreciate originality, especially when it's so good. Not many authors have that these days. Hope these keep coming!
Love this series!
I've read them all -- keep 'em coming!
Consistently good stories
i am delighted with this series, i have almost finished the whole series.I can count on one hand the authors who can keep writing good stories, book after book.Usually after 1 or 2 in a series, the author gives up trying to write something fresh, and I give up reading.But the good plots just keep coming, and I want to see what Jacob and Sarah, and their neighbors, are up to.
When Goldie Silver receives the wrong shipment of antique Russian samovars at her shop in Juneau, Alaska they sell quickly but people begin to die. What makes those tea dispensers worth killing for?
This cozy murder mystery takes place aboard luxury liner, Queen Elizabeth II, as wealthy couple celebrate their silver wedding anniversary with family and friends.
