An intriguing Victorian mystery, rich in period detail. Devonshire 1873. Inspector Josiah Abbs and Sergeant Ned Reeve investigate their first case. A wealthy spinster has been poisoned in the quiet, seaside town of Seaborough. Beneath the elaborate mourning rituals, who wanted Miss Chorley dead? Residents and visitors have their schemes and secrets. Did she stand in the way of ambitious locals, or might the answer lie closer to home? When a second body is found, Abbs and Reeve must untangle the past to find answers. Though, for one detective, uncovering the truth may prove deadly… This book was originally published under the pen-name John Bainbridge.