
In an unusual departure, Sara Woods takes her latest suspense novel back in time to 1947, when Antony Maitland, recently discharged from service, is reading law at the farm of a friend in Yorkshire. But the anticipated pastoral quietude is blemished by four seemingly disparate occurrences—the growth of gossip concerning the revival of local witchcraft, rumors of a treasure of gold plate hidden and then lost during the seventeenth-century Civil War, suspicions of lucrative black market activity in the vicinity, and the death of a woman from arsenic poisoning on a nearby farm. Weaving these incidents together against the rustic background of the Yorkshire countryside in what certainly must be Antony Maitland’s first big case, Miss Woods tells a fascinating and entertaining story that will surely please her many fans.“They love not poison that do poison need,Nor do I thee: though I did wish him dead,I hate the murderer, love him murdered.”—Richard II, Act V, scene vi
Antony Maitland, a recently discharged veteran, finds his quiet legal studies in 1947 Yorkshire interrupted by a suspicious death and a web of local intrigue. Maitland seeks to establish his footing in the legal profession while navigating a series of unsettling events, including rumors of witchcraft, black market operations, and the search for Civil War-era treasure. He faces opposition from local skeptics and those concealing illicit activities, requiring him to apply his nascent legal skills to untangle the truth. The narrative follows a traditional mystery structure, focusing on Maitland's investigation as he attempts to connect the disparate threads of the case.
Readers frequently highlight the effective atmosphere of post-war England that Sara Woods establishes in this early installment of the series. Discussion often centers on the transition of Antony Maitland from a veteran to a budding lawyer, noting the methodical pacing of his investigative work. Critics often point to the balance between the rustic setting and the complex, multi-layered mystery that keeps the narrative engaging. Many fans appreciate the inclusion of historical references and the way the author weaves seemingly unrelated local incidents into a cohesive legal puzzle. The book is widely regarded as a foundational entry for those interested in the development of the Maitland character.
Page Count:
215
Publication Date:
1972-01-01
Publisher:
Holt, Rinehart and Winston
ISBN-10:
0030014514
ISBN-13:
9780030014512
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