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The Stranger Diaries: a completely addictive murder mystery
by Elly GriffithsA TIMES CRIME BOOK OF THE YEAR. THE RICHARD & JUDY BOOK CLUB PICK. 'Goose-bump spooky, smart, and haunting' LOUISE PENNYA dark story has been brought to terrifying life. Can the ending be rewritten in time?This is what the police know: English teacher Clare Cassidy's friend Ella has just been murdered. Clare and Ella had recently fallen out. Found beside the body was a line from The Stranger, a story by the Gothic writer Clare teaches, and the murder scene is identical to one of the deaths in the story.This is what Clare knows: No one else was aware of her fight with Ella. Few others have even read The Stranger. Someone has wormed their way into her life and her work. They know her darkest secrets. And they don't mean well.This is what the killer knows: Who will be next to die.'Compelling, intelligent and increasingly mesmerising' PETER JAMES'Utterly bewitching . . . a pitch-perfect modern Gothic' AJ FINN, author of THE WOMAN IN THE WINDOW
The Stranger From Berlin: A gripping and emotional WWII mystery with a love story at its heart
by Melissa Amateis'This intriguing and immersive novel is a real-page turner with plenty of romance and a dark mystery at its heart' Rachel Hore, Sunday Times bestselling author of A Beautiful SpyShe doesn&’t know if she can trust him. But she&’s determined to save him . . .Nebraska, 1943: Jenni Fields's husband Danny was killed in action two months ago. Now pregnant with another man's child, Jenni is determined to keep her secret from the small community of Meadow Hills. Max Koenig fled Germany in 1938, escaping the Nazis and leaving behind a dark secret of his own. Employed to translate a historic German-language diary, Max moves to Meadow Hills, but the overly patriotic community isn&’t happy to have a German in their midst. When the diary goes missing, the whole town thinks Max is the thief. And when local businesses and landmarks start being vandalized with German graffiti, the residents naturally point the finger his way. Jenni is the only one who believes Max is innocent. Clearly, the diary holds information someone in the town would rather keep quiet. What happened in Meadow Hills all those years ago? And will Jenni be able to prove Max&’s innocence before it&’s too late?A gripping and emotional WWII mystery with a love story at its heart, The Stranger From Berlin is perfect for fans of Suzanne Goldring and Angela Petch. 'Mellissa hooks her reader in from the very first page with a compelling narrative… Two unlikely characters connect, both harboring their own dark secret that highlights the prejudice of that time that builds to a gripping and heart-wrenching conclusion' Suzanne Kelman, author of Under a Sky on Fire 'I love historical fiction that takes a period we think we know, and finds an unexplored element - this is an intriguing glimpse into smalltown America in WWII, wrapped up in a thoroughly gripping mystery' Frances Quinn, author of The Smallest Man 'A searing look at the toll which divisiveness, shame, and fear can take on one man, one town, and even one nation' James R. Benn, author of Road of Bones and other Billy Boyle mysteries? '[A] well-researched and assured debut novel … both a tender love story and a thoughtful examination of national and individual guilt, shame, responsibility, and healing' Susan Elia MacNeal, author of the New York Times-bestselling Maggie Hope novels'A spellbinding story about a town secret that might be revealed due to the relentless undertow of World War II… This is historical fiction at its finest' Patrick Hicks, author of In the Shadow of Dora 'An eye-opening and poignant love story' Rhys Bowen, author of The Venice Sketchbook
The Stranger Game
by Peter Gadol“The Stranger Game is a sharp-toothed commentary on the ways in which Ôfollowing’ can foster a pretense of intimacy between strangers, and how the falsity of this intimacy—its utter lack of substance—often creates a perilous hunger for more: more access, more communion, more knowledge. It’s also a fun, moody, twisty thriller, with a sun-touched, West Coast vibe...as much Joan Didion as Patricia Highsmith.” —Scott Smith, author of A Simple Plan and The Ruins A literary suspense novel in which an eerie social game goes viral and spins perilously—and criminally—out of control.Rebecca’s on-again, off-again boyfriend, Ezra, has gone missing, but when she notifies the police, they seem surprisingly unconcerned. They suspect he has been playing the “stranger game,” a viral hit in which players start following others in real life, as they might otherwise do on social media. As the game spreads, however, the rules begin to change, play grows more intense and disappearances are reported across the country.Curious about this popular new obsession, and hoping that she might be able to track down Ezra, Rebecca tries the game for herself. She also meets Carey, who is willing to take the game further than she imagined possible. As her relationship with Carey and involvement in the game deepen, she begins to uncover an unsettling subculture that has infiltrated the world around her. In playing the stranger game, what may lead her closer to finding Ezra may take her further and further from the life she once lived.A thought-provoking, haunting novel, The Stranger Game unearths the connections, both imagined and real, that we build with the people around us in the physical and digital world, and where the boundaries blur between them.
A Stranger Here Below: A Gideon Stoltz Mystery (Gideon Stoltz Mystery Series)
by Charles FergusFor fans of C.J. Box's Joe Pickett series, a fabulous historical mystery series set in early America. Set in 1835 in the Pennsylvania town of Adamant, Fergus’s first novel in a new mystery series introduces Sheriff Gideon Stoltz, who, as a young deputy, is thrust into his position by the death of the previous sheriff. Gideon faces his first real challenge as death rocks the small town again when the respected judge Hiram Biddle commits suicide. No one is more distraught than Gideon, whom the old judge had befriended as a mentor and hunting partner. Gideon is regarded with suspicion as an outsider: he’s new to town, and Pennsylvania Dutch in the back-country Scotch-Irish settlement. And he found the judge’s body. Making things even tougher is the way the judge’s death stirs up vivid memories of Gideon’s mother’s murder, the trauma that drove him west from his home in the settled Dutch country of eastern Pennsylvania. He had also discovered her body. At first Gideon simply wants to learn why Judge Biddle killed himself. But as he finds out more about the judge’s past, he realizes that his friend's suicide was spurred by much more than the man’s despair. Gideon’s quest soon becomes more complex as it takes him down a dangerous path into the past.A Stranger Here Below is so atmospheric, so compelling and convincing, that readers will taste the grit of the dirt roads, cringe at the unsanitary conditions and medical superstitions that inflame a flu epidemic, and marvel at the immensely arduous task of carrying out an investigation using the primitive tools of the early 1800s. Fergus leaves us breathlessly waiting for the next Gideon Stoltz mystery.
The Stranger House
by Reginald HillFor more than five hundred years weary travelers have been coming to the Stranger House--an out-of-the-way inn in the tiny village of Illthwaite in Cumbria, England. Now two very different visitors have arrived here onthe same dank and dreary autumn afternoon, each one driven by curiosity . . . and perilous purpose.Australian math wizard Samantha "Sam" Flood is here searching for answers to a disturbing family mystery. Miguel Madero, former novice priest-turned-historical scholar, is exploring the links between an ancestor's bizarre disappearance and the people of Illthwaite. But Sam and Mig are not welcome in this town of secrets and silences. And when their personal quests become strangely intertwined, two determined seekers will find themselves drawn ever deeper into a fetid morass of deceit, mystery, and violence as they race to uncover the shocking truth about who they really are.
The Stranger House
by Reginald HillFor more than five hundred years weary travelers have been coming to the Stranger House--an out-of-the-way inn in the tiny village of Illthwaite in Cumbria, England. Now two very different visitors have arrived here onthe same dank and dreary autumn afternoon, each one driven by curiosity . . . and perilous purpose.Australian math wizard Samantha "Sam" Flood is here searching for answers to a disturbing family mystery. Miguel Madero, former novice priest-turned-historical scholar, is exploring the links between an ancestor's bizarre disappearance and the people of Illthwaite. But Sam and Mig are not welcome in this town of secrets and silences. And when their personal quests become strangely intertwined, two determined seekers will find themselves drawn ever deeper into a fetid morass of deceit, mystery, and violence as they race to uncover the shocking truth about who they really are.
Stranger in a Small Town
by Kerry Connor"When's the last time you had somebody who cared about you?" She asked gently, even as she was painfully afraid she knew the answer. "It doesn't matter. I don't need anybody." "I don't believe you. And it's too bad, because you have me." His eyes tracked over her face, lingering at her mouth, his own working slightly. She knew what was about to happen. And this time she didn't step away.
Stranger in Cold Creek: Stranger In Cold Creek Shotgun Justice Private Bodyguard (The Gates: Most Wanted)
by Paula GravesIn this romantic suspense, a secret agent blows his cover to rescue a small town Texas cop, then joins forces with her to take down a killer.It wasn’t an accident—it was an ambush. And the minute John Blake rescues Deputy Miranda Duncan from a murder attempt, the Gates undercover operative is committed to keeping her safe. But he’s here in Texas to lie low, not to seduce a tough, resourceful cop. If only he can discover who’s after her and whether or not he is the true target. As Blake and Miranda investigate, their closeness deepens with each secret shared . . . until both fall into an unsuspected killer’s trap. Blake’s temporary stay in Cold Creek may become all too permanent. But if they survive, Blake knows he can’t walk away from the woman who upended his life.
Stranger in Galah
by Michael BarrettStranger in Galah, first published in 1958, is a murder mystery set in the drought-stricken outback of northern Australia. The story revolves around John Deane, who, while driving his old truck toward the remote town of Galah, comes across an aborigine hanging from a tree. A short time before he had seen the young man alive and being pursued by a group of men. He brings the body to the authorities in Galah but little action is taken. Deane, considered a troublemaker and outsider by the townsfolk, then sets out on a single-handed mission to bring a measure of justice to the murdered man.But among the people of Galah, Deane can arouse no curiosity about the corpse he has recovered. It is in the interest of everyone in Galah to deny the reality, to admit nothing, to turn a deaf ear and a blind eye towards him — Deane the troublemaker, the intruder, the “pommie.” Deane is no hero, in his own eyes least of all, but partly from cussedness, partly from a slow deep-down sense of pity towards a murdered aborigine, he sets himself single-handed against a hostile population to see justice done.This is the starting-point of Michael Barrett’s story. Tautly written, with fine descriptions of the macabre impact of drought on the forlorn countryside, it is first and foremost an exciting story, moving tensely and inevitably from crisis to crisis. The savage actions that spring from lives of stark existence are impressively narrated.
Stranger in Her Arms
by Lorna MichaelsWhen the doorbell rang in the middle of adevastating summer storm, Christy Matthewsfound a bruised, rain-battered stranger on herporch. While the wind howled, she tended tohis injuries. Stranded with him in her islandsanctuary, she found it impossible to ignore hisrugged sensuality…and the growing desire tolose herself in his embrace.No wallet. No driver's license. Not a clue to hisidentity. Yet this beautiful healing angel trustedhim to keep her safe. With a killer on the loose,protecting Christy became his most vital mission,but the passion she awakened could thrust themboth into harm's way. He had no memory ofyesterday, but he'd risk everything to lie in herarms today, tomorrow and always….
Stranger in Her Bed
by Bonnie GardnerA slight case of mistaken identity...WELCOME HOME, ROBIN DIGBY....Now, a few things have changed while you've been away. For instance, there's a perfect stranger-well, maybe not perfect, but pretty darn close-sleeping in your bed. But there's a good explanation for that. You see, everybody thinks you're dead....Well, somebody with your name was murdered, and it looks as if whoever did it means to finish the job. And if you and T. J. Swift-the drop-dead-gorgeous guy you've suddenly found yourself living with-don't get to the bottom of this mystery, it could be too late for you both.And that would be a real shame-because your brand-new "roommate" is sexy enough to give any woman a reason to live....
Stranger in His Arms
by Charlotte DouglasLOVER IN DISGUISE? When Officer Dylan Blackburn learned Jennifer Reid was back in town, he wondered if she remembered the innocent kiss they'd shared as children. But this sensual, aloof stranger who stole his heart was nothing like the girl he remembered. This Jennifer was hiding something-- something dangerous. Surely she could trust him, a friend, with the truth? The problem was, Jennifer didn't seem to remember him at all Falling in love with Dylan Blackburn was not the smartest thing Jennifer could have done. But with a hired killer on her trail, she'd had little choice. She'd been an innocent witness to a horrible crime and there was no one to turn to. Only Dylan. And she'd made him think she was someone else!
Stranger in His Arms (Identity Swap)
by Charlotte DouglasLover in disguise?When Officer Dylan Blackburn learned Jennifer Reid was back in town, he wondered if she remembered the innocent kiss they'd shared as children. But this sensual, aloof stranger who stole his heart was nothing like the girl he remembered.This Jennifer was hiding something-something dangerous. Surely she could trust him, a friend, with the truth? The problem was, Jennifer didn't seem to remember him at all...Falling in love with Dylan Blackburn was not the smartest thing Jennifer could have done. But with a hired killer on her trail, she'd had little choice. She'd been an innocent witness to a horrible crime and there was no one to turn to. Only Dylan. And she'd made him think she was someone else!
A Stranger in Mayfair
by Charles FinchReturning from a continental honeymoon with his lifelong friend and new wife, Lady Jane Grey, Charles Lenox is asked by a colleague in Parliament to consult in the murder of a footman, bludgeoned to death with a brick. His investigation uncovers both unsettling facts about the family he served and a strange, second identity that the footman himself cultivated.Going into the boxing clubs and public houses, the Mayfair mansions and servants' quarters of Victorian London, Lenox gradually realizes that an old friend may be implicated in the footman's death. Soon a suspect is arrested, but Lenox has his doubts. Desperately trying to balance the opening of Parliament and what he feels sure is a dark secret, he soon discovers that the killer is someone shockingly innocuous - who may be prepared to spill blood again, even a detective's...
A Stranger in My Grave
by Margaret MillarYoung housewife Daisy Harker's world is upended when a blank spot in her memory and a reoccurring nightmare link her to an unsolved murder and a decades-old conspiracyJim and Daisy Harker are a young, well-to-do couple in San Felice, California, and though childless they maintain the sort of domestic happiness that others can only aspire to. But a darkness exists at the outer edges of Daisy's mind and she has no idea why it's there. In a series of reoccurring nightmares she wanders a cemetery, eventually finding her own gravestone. According to the dream, December 2nd, 1955 is the day she died. Street smart but honorable, Stevens Pinata is a man with his own mysteries. An orphan left on a church doorstep as a child, he isn't even certain of his ethnicity, let alone his goals in life. As a private investigator he works with bail bonds and quick shakedowns. But when a pretty young woman like Daisy Harker comes into his office with a crazy request to "find her lost day" he is intrigued. He is too decent to take advantage of a crazy woman, but Mr. Harker is a wealthy man and who is Pinata to turn down money?What unfolds is a masterpiece of suspense and one of the books that forever changed the domestic thriller. Millar's razor sharp prose cuts a masterful plot and slashes at the racism, sexism, and entitlement endemic to an era otherwise celebrated for its prosperity.
The Stranger In My Home: The stunning domestic noir from the No. 1 Sunday Times bestselling author of BOTH OF YOU
by Adele ParksThe Stranger In My Home is the utterly compelling new contemporary novel from Adele Parks, Sunday Times bestselling author of The State We're In, sure to move, grip and delight her fans along with readers of Liane Moriarty, Jane Shemilt and Lisa Jewell. When you have everything you dreamed of, there is everything to lose.Alison is lucky and she knows it. She has the life she always craved, including a happy home with Jeff and their brilliant, vivacious teenage daughter, Katherine - the absolute centre of Alison's world.Then a knock at the door ends life as they know it.Fifteen years ago, someone else took Alison's baby from the hospital. And now Alison is facing the unthinkable.Her daughter belongs to someone else.What would you do if you discovered your beloved child is not yours?(P)2016 Headline Digital
The Stranger In My Home: The stunning domestic noir from the No. 1 Sunday Times bestselling author of BOTH OF YOU
by Adele ParksFrom the No. 1 Sunday Times bestselling author of Just My Luck.Don't miss Adele's gripping new novel, the Sunday Times bestseller Both of You, out now!'TIGHTLY PLOTTED, BRILLIANTLY CONCEIVED AND TOTALLY GRIPPING' LISA JEWELL'GRIPPING, TWISTY AND HEARTBREAKING, THIS STANDOUT STORY IS A TRIUMPH' ISABELLE BROOM, HEAT'TWISTY, UNPUTDOWNABLE AND UTTERLY ENGROSSING' JENNY COLGANWhat would YOU do if your child wasn't yours?Utterly compelling, this stunning domestic noir from No. 1 Sunday Times bestseller Adele Parks, is sure to move, grip and delight her fans, along with readers of Liane Moriarty, Lisa Jewell and Shari Lapena. Alison is lucky and she knows it. She has the life she always craved, including a happy home with Jeff and their brilliant, vivacious teenage daughter, Katherine - the absolute centre of Alison's world.Then a knock at the door ends life as they know it.Fifteen years ago, someone else took Alison's baby from the hospital. And now Alison is facing the unthinkable.The daughter she brought home doesn't belong to her.When you have everything you dreamed of, there is everything to lose.Includes a preview of The Image of You, another gripping story of family, deception, lies and secrets, out now!
The Stranger In My Home: The stunning domestic noir from the No. 1 Sunday Times bestselling author of BOTH OF YOU
by Adele ParksFrom the No. 1 Sunday Times bestselling author of Just My Luck.Don't miss Adele's gripping new novel, the Sunday Times bestseller Both of You, out now!'TIGHTLY PLOTTED, BRILLIANTLY CONCEIVED AND TOTALLY GRIPPING' LISA JEWELL'GRIPPING, TWISTY AND HEARTBREAKING, THIS STANDOUT STORY IS A TRIUMPH' ISABELLE BROOM, HEAT'TWISTY, UNPUTDOWNABLE AND UTTERLY ENGROSSING' JENNY COLGANWhat would YOU do if your child wasn't yours?Utterly compelling, this stunning domestic noir from No. 1 Sunday Times bestseller Adele Parks, is sure to move, grip and delight her fans, along with readers of Liane Moriarty, Lisa Jewell and Shari Lapena. Alison is lucky and she knows it. She has the life she always craved, including a happy home with Jeff and their brilliant, vivacious teenage daughter, Katherine - the absolute centre of Alison's world.Then a knock at the door ends life as they know it.Fifteen years ago, someone else took Alison's baby from the hospital. And now Alison is facing the unthinkable.The daughter she brought home doesn't belong to her.When you have everything you dreamed of, there is everything to lose.Includes a preview of The Image of You, another gripping story of family, deception, lies and secrets, out now!
Stranger In Paradise (A Jesse Stone Novel, #7)
by Robert B. ParkerAn Apache hit man arrives in Paradise to find a missing girl and snuff out her mother. But his conscience is getting the best of him. If he doesn't make the hit, he'll pay for it. So might Jesse Stone, who's been enlisted to protect them all.
Stranger in Paradise (Jesse Stone)
by Robert B. Parker Robert B. Parker'One of the great series in the history of the detective story' New York Times Book ReviewThere's trouble in Paradise, Massachusetts...Jesse Stone is an ex LA cop who has taken the job of police chief in Paradise, Massachusetts. His drinking and his damaged relationship with his wife, define him as much as his supreme skill at policing his patch. When Crow, an Apache hitman, turns up in Jesse Stone's office, he is intrigued and very much on his guard. Ten years before, Crow was part of a gang that had taken a woman in the town hostage when a bank raid went wrong. The hostages were released unharmed, thanks to Crow's moral view that you didn't kill women, but he also got away with enough money not to have to work again. So why is Crow back in town? Why has he come to see Jesse? And why has he taken a job of kidnapping a young girl and her mother?'When it comes to detective novels, 90 per cent of us admit he's an influence, and the rest of us lie about it'Harlan Coben, bestselling author of Run Away
Stranger in Paradise (Dangerous Men #13)
by Amanda StevensDiscover the mysteries that unfold in Stranger in Paradise by Amanda Stevens, which was originally published by Harlequin Intrigue in 1996.When Emily planned on hyping her new B&B by republicizing a 15-year-old unsolved murder, she never dreamed the townspeople would react so bitterly. Or that attempts on her life would be part of the deal... Her life in Paradise quickly became a living hell. But then Matthew Steele blew into town... and everything changed. As Emily sized up the mysterious stranger astride his motorcycle, she found herself lost in his arresting gray eyes. Was it a mere coincidence that he resembled the alleged killer from all those years ago, or could he possibly be her knight in shining black leather?
Stranger In The Room: A chilling murder mystery to set your pulse racing (Keye Street #2)
by Amanda Kyle WilliamsIn Creeklaw County the bodies are piling up...Stranger in the Room sees the return of the brilliant Keye Street as another deeply disturbing case puts her detective skills to the ultimate test. Amanda Kyle Williams' gripping Keye Street crime series will enthral fans of Lee Child and Karin Slaughter. 'Readers of this fast-paced thriller will be eager for the next Street tale' - Publishers WeeklyKeye Street, ex-FBI profiler and private detective, always looks out for those closest to her. But sometimes looking after herself is quite enough to handle. She's teetering on the brink, not quite sure if she's winning or losing in her battle with herself. But when her cousin, Miki Ashton, sees a stranger inside her house, it's time for Keye to lend a hand.Meanwhile, Keye's mentor, Lieutenant Aaron Rauser, is embroiled in a disturbing case. When a dog returns alone from its walk, the hunt is on for the missing boy. As the mystery deepens and the bodies pile up, Rauser needs Keye's expert profiling skills to unravel the killer's bizarre signature - tears. Battling her demons takes up a lot of Keye's time. But on top of that she's battling the bad guys. If she can ignore the voice from her past, that is...What readers are saying about Stranger In The Room:'Keye is feisty, funny and very believable. The location is also very vividly described - we can almost feel the steamy heat of Atlanta. The novel is quirky with a lot of humour, some of it quite dark. Undoubtedly an exciting read' 'Thrill a minute action and a rollercoaster of a ride to the end''Streets ahead of other thrillers. Contains plenty of humour amongst the gore and the police procedural elements - this book is well worth a read'
Stranger In The Room: A chilling murder mystery to set your pulse racing (Keye Street Ser. #Bk. 2)
by Amanda Kyle WilliamsIn Creeklaw County the bodies are piling up...Stranger in the Room sees the return of the brilliant Keye Street as another deeply disturbing case puts her detective skills to the ultimate test. Amanda Kyle Williams' gripping Keye Street crime series will enthral fans of Lee Child and Karin Slaughter. 'Readers of this fast-paced thriller will be eager for the next Street tale' - Publishers WeeklyKeye Street, ex-FBI profiler and private detective, always looks out for those closest to her. But sometimes looking after herself is quite enough to handle. She's teetering on the brink, not quite sure if she's winning or losing in her battle with herself. But when her cousin, Miki Ashton, sees a stranger inside her house, it's time for Keye to lend a hand.Meanwhile, Keye's mentor, Lieutenant Aaron Rauser, is embroiled in a disturbing case. When a dog returns alone from its walk, the hunt is on for the missing boy. As the mystery deepens and the bodies pile up, Rauser needs Keye's expert profiling skills to unravel the killer's bizarre signature - tears. Battling her demons takes up a lot of Keye's time. But on top of that she's battling the bad guys. If she can ignore the voice from her past, that is...What readers are saying about Stranger In The Room:'Keye is feisty, funnyand very believable. The location is also very vividly described - we can almost feel the steamy heat of Atlanta. The novel is quirky with a lot of humour, some of it quite dark. Undoubtedly an exciting read' 'Thrill a minute action and a rollercoaster of a ride to the end''Streets ahead of other thrillers. Contains plenty of humouramongst the gore and the police procedural elements - this book is well worth a read'
Stranger In The Room: A chilling murder mystery to set your pulse racing (Keye Street #2)
by Amanda Kyle WilliamsKeye Street, ex-FBI profiler and private detective, always looks out for those closest to her. But sometimes looking after herself is quite enough to handle. She's teetering on the brink, not quite sure if she's winning or losing in her battle with herself. But when her cousin, Miki Ashton, sees a stranger inside her house, it's time for Keye to lend a hand.Meanwhile, Keye's mentor, Lieutenant Aaron Rauser, is embroiled in a disturbing case. When a dog returns alone from its walk, the hunt is on for the missing boy. As the mystery deepens and the bodies pile up, Rauser needs Keye's expert profiling skills to unravel the killer's bizarre signature - tears. Battling her demons takes up a lot of Keye's time. But on top of that she's battling the bad guys. If she can ignore the voice from her past, that is...(P)2012 Headline Digital
The Stranger in the Asylum (A World's End Bureau Mystery #4)
by Alys ClareLondon, April 1882. When cool-headed Phyllida visits the World's End Investigation Bureau to offer a curious case concerning her fiance, proprietor Lily Raynor is intrigued—and privately excited. For accepting the case means taking an unexpected trip abroad, to France. Phyllida's fiance, Wilberforce, is currently in an asylum in Brittany, after a tragic incident which resulted in the death of his father. Did he kill him on purpose—or was it an accident? Wilberforce's innocence looks increasingly in doubt when another murder happens at the asylum—and the evidence points to Wilberforce being the culprit. Phyllida fears for Wilberforce's wellbeing, but she can't marry a murderer! With the engagement hanging in the balance, Phyllida wants to know the truth before it's too late. Lily and her assistant, Felix Wilbraham, journey to rural France to uncover the truth, but the case takes an unexpected turn when they discover that the accused man has escaped the asylum and is nowhere to be found. Soon the intrepid investigators are in over their heads with much greater and unexpected powers at play...