** spoiler alert ** My first Elizabeth George novel. Inspector or Lord Lynley and is sidekick Havers are a good combination. Along with St James his scientific friend and Deborah St James wife.

The story is set in Lancaster in the middle of winter. The vicar Robin Sage is found dead from accidental hemlock poisoning. Juliet Spence is cleared of murder but doubts remain about her innocence. Did the local constable Colin not look closely enough at the death and who is also sleeping with her. Maggie the 13 year old daughter of Juliet was close to the vicar and is also sleeping with her boyfriend. Lynley after a fight with his lover Helen a neurotic spoilt wealthy woman accepts the invitation to go to the village of Winslough and investigate the death of the vicar.

What follows is an exploration of a mothers life, the disappearance and possible death of Suzanna the vicars wife 15 years previously. What is the motive for the vicars death? Did Polly the vicars housekeeper cause his death and is she the good witch she appears to be? Digging into the vicars past we follow a story of social services, tragedy and ultimately a decision Lynley does not want to do but has no choice. A great story.