The Archery Party

- Blurb -

The Archery Party is an evocative, gripping and atmospheric detective novel set in rural Britain. Detective Inspector Derek Pringle and his associate Thomas Warford chart their way through three murders where everyone is a suspect. With excellent characterisation, the novel grips readers as it builds to an epic climax. Having retired to West Sussex after working tirelessly for many years, Thomas Warford is content spending his time sculpturing. At the local village fete Thomas witnesses his neighbour's daughter, Emma, strike Sylvia, the headmaster's cousin, on the cheek. Emma has always been known to be disturbed and it becomes apparent that she is suffering a psychotic breakdown. Following the assault Sylvia takes to her bed to rest, but when her cousin checks on her an hour later he finds her dead, having been stabbed in the neck with a bread knife. What enfolds is a fast-paced murder mystery that sees further deaths of villagers in quick succession. A neurotic, alcoholic socialite is found drowned in her own swimming pool and the local stud, renowned for cheating and blackmail, is found shot in the chest. The Archery Party will appeal to fans of crime and mystery novels, particularly readers who like to be kept guessing until the very end.