ASKHAM ACCUSATION

Autumn clouds are drawing in over the village of Askham, at the edge of the picturesque Lake District, and mourners including Simmy Henderson are heading to the funeral of Humphrey Craig. Taking a quiet moment later to visit the grave and admire the flowers with her florist's eye, Simmy meets two women - academic Lindsay Wilson and 90 year old matriarch Pauline Parsons. Just 24 hours later, Mrs Parsons is found dead on Askham Fell, and Simmy faces questioning at Penrith police station. An accusation has been made, but if Simmy is to avoid arrest for a murder she did not commit, she will have to uncover the killer herself. As with other titles in this series, the action is set in a real village. The pub, church and Askham Hall are actual places, but other properties have been changed or invented. Includes map. 318pp, paperback.