This is a gripping murder mystery set in 1655 against the
background of the crumbling government of Oliver Cromwell - a
regime beset by power hungry politicians, vengeful Royalists and
dissident army officers plotting to kill their leader. Cromwell is
obsessed by the murder of an obscure Somerset squire and sends Luke
Tremayne to investigate. On arrival in the county Luke discovers
that the squire's family and community are deeply divided, with
fire and flood the weapons of village conflict. These divisions
reveal a multitude of suspects - feuding relatives; corrupt
politicians, a secret Royalist society, clandestine militias,
Spanish agents, religious fanatics and wanton witches. An
unexpected romantic interest and the machinations of the secret
society complicate his investigation. He confronts the intrigues of
the gentry and aristocracy and the bawdiness, suspicion,
superstition and violence of village life. A popular religious
fanatic preaching sexual freedom and political murder increases
local tension. Further murders and revealing confessions force Luke
to focus on other issues which inadvertently lead to more sordid
revelations, and a brutal massacre. A mysterious stranger emerges
as the prime suspect for anti-government activity, and as the
murderer. Luke's friends are killed and he begins to doubt the
veracity of others. Eventually through the help of local villagers
he obtains the proof he needs and confronts the killer who is not
easily brought to justice. In a surprising final twist Luke's world
is turned upside down.
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