The market town of Tawrbach is deeply shocked at the accidental death of ex-actress Rhonwen Spencer Griffith, rich widow and leading light of the Operatic Society. The strange death of her son Elwyn soon after is less remarked and it is at first assumed that he died from natural causes. But when Inspector Merlin Parry receives evidence to suggest that Elwyn was not above blackmail, he starts to have very different ideas.

The following investigation threatens to unearth blistering scandal, amongst other things involving intimate house parties, and rectory misconduct, the whole arising from Madam Rhonwen's alleged, explicit diaries. DCI Parry and DS Gomer Lloyd, David William's new and refreshingly original Welsh duo, sift the evidence and reach conclusions that suggest Tawrbach will never be the same again.

'At the sheer carpentry of detection Williams has never been more skilful'

ANTHONY LEJEUNE, 'The Tablet'

'The author...has delivered another richly characterised read'

JAMES MELVILLE, 'Ham & High'