Francis Froxwell is fascinated by his grandfather's 'Book of Life', a ledger that details the immense wealth he and his relatives will inherit when the old man dies. While he dreams of riches and a possible baronetcy, however, his only friends draw him into a deadly chain of events.
An elderly bachelor's kindly intended interference in a young couple's relationship has unexpected consequences. He finds himself caught up in a complicated triangle involving blackmail, a mysterious death, and courtroom intrigue. Will Francis's well-meaning manipulations lead to a happy ending for his two young friends, or will his meddling end in tragedy and disaster?
'There we were, all gathered together for a Christmas party, and plunged suddenly into gloom.'It's Christmas at Hampstead's Beresford Lodge. A group of relatives and intimate friends gather to celebrate the festive season, but their party is rudely interrupted by a violent death.
When a body washes up on the shore of a peaceful seaside town, it's up to detective Malcolm Warren to solve the case. But as he digs deeper, he uncovers a web of secrets and lies that threaten to destroy the idyllic community he has grown to love. A gripping whodunit that will keep readers guessing until the very end.