Private Lives
Retired Detective Sergeant Bob Robbins, who has reluctantly obeyed a wartime summons to return to duty, has managed to obtain some days of leave and travelled from his home county of Cornwall to neighbouring Devon for a short holiday.
While on a country walk, he is alarmed by the sound of shots and investigates but when he comes upon an injured, elderly farmer, his offer of help is refused. Later he hears another shot and discovers a body that is not that of the injured farmer, who seems to have disappeared.
He reports these events to the local police who suggest he stay overnight while they make enquiries. The following day, he is dismayed to learn that he has been recalled from leave to assist the Devon police in their investigation of the shootings.
Bob, supported by a young recruit, Laurie Oliver, pursues his enquiries across a variety of locations. As he attempts to discover the secrets of two isolated farms, he finds himself also dealing with his guesthouse’s larger-than-life proprietress, her temperamental cook, and the troupe of touring actors who are her guests, while the local police are not as supportive as they might be.
J.G. Harlond deftly weaves the invisible web that connects her large and varied cast of characters and finally leads Bob to the truth. Shades of Cold Comfort Farm hover over this story of wartime, country murder that is not for the squeamish.
