It's 1898. Ever on the hunt for a good story, redoubtable journalist Verity Mallard enters Chase Manor, a utopian community nestled in the English countryside. Posing as an aspiring member of the commune, she soon senses dark undercurrents beneath its veneer of simplicity, harmony, and dedication to the ideals of the Arts and Crafts movement.
The sudden disappearance of wealthy, mild-mannered Gregory Manning brings matters to a head, confirming Verity's worst fears about the true motives of the commune's leaders, Oswald and Ursula Lamont.
Summoning the aid of resourceful private investigator George Benson, Verity sets in train a headlong race to save Gregory's life. Deep in the wild, rugged hinterland of West Wales, George must confront the brilliant and sinister Dr Maynard Floate, while back at Chase Manor, Verity is menaced by the brutish, unhinged medievalist, Aquinas Thorpe.
Once again, Verity and George are drawn into a high-stakes game of life and death.
The fabulous fourth instalment of the Mallard Melodramas.
