Rebecca Shaw’s books are a like an updated version of the Miss Read novels. Life revolves around the village of Turnham Malpas, this first follows the arrival of the new rector and his wife and although these novels have the gentleness of Miss Read they are slightly edgier with some of the subject matter. Luckily there are plenty to keep you going as once you finish the first book you want to immediately start the next in the series.
Perfect for fans of Barbara Pym 'Rebecca's wit, humour and brilliant observational skills put her in the forefront of village storytelling. I never tire of reading her wonderful novels' Jack Sheffield
'Winning novels of village life' The Times
'A delightful beginning that suddenly gets darker and more dramatic than expected. Totally believable characters and a story line with unexpected twists' Margaret Dickinson
When Peter Harris arrives in Turnham Malpas as the new rector, he finds the village people welcoming but set in their ways. Yet despite his own weaknesses, and a deeply felt sadness his wife keeps hidden, he comforts and advises his new parishioners, growing more and more involved with the rural way of life.
Then the whole village is rocked by spiteful trick that goes terribly wrong, and a gruesome murder that points to a killer in its midst. Now, more than ever, Peter's pastoral role is crucial - and yet he is wrestling with his own private hell that may still wreck his own life.
