A series of strange happenings is threatening the idyllic existence of a quiet Cornish village. First the May Day crown mysteriously disappears, then the village church is desecrated the day the vicar's daughter is due to get married. But with the arson attack on the village bookshop the frightened inhabitants of St Breddaford are convinced they have discoverd what lies behind this sudden crime wave, for only ex-Inspector Reynolds' mystery novels have been destroyed. The finger of blame is pointing clearly to their local author.
So not only does Reynolds find himself ostracised by the villagers, but Sergeant Derrymore, friend and former colleague, makes it very clear that Reynolds' assistance is not welcome in the ensuing investigation. Until the real trouble begins . . .
In a deserted quarry, a favourite haunt of courting couples, a landslide crushes two lovers in their car. An examination of the site suggests that this is no accident. As Reynolds digs around to determine the source of the rumours against him, he begins to put together the pieces of a sinister jigsaw of evil and vengeance.
