Dangerous Deceits

When Thomas Coates, the Vicar of St Pauls, Ellingwood, disappears, Gawaine St Clair, a reluctant amateur detective, is called in to investigate. A list of suspects includes Frank Reed, John Bretton, Stella Bretton, Andrew Danby, Henry Hartley, Richard Coates, and the local doctors receptionist. The significance of Fr Thomas's missing pectoral cross and the role of others in the crime are revealed as the investigation progresses.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 28 January 2019
Publisher: Troubador Publishing

When Thomas Coates, the Vicar of St Paul's, Ellingwood, vanishes from his vestry minutes before the Sunday morning service, he is later found dead on the North Downs. In response, reluctant amateur detective Gawaine St Clair is called in to investigate the mysterious disappearance. Gawaine and his companions, Frank Reed, John Bretton, Stella Bretton, and Andrew Danby, compile a list of suspects. These suspects include Frank Reed, whose wife Ruth was refused Communion by Fr. Thomas due to her divorce; John Bretton, who had clashed with Fr. Thomas over his chaplaincy of the local prep school; Stella Bretton and Andrew Danby, who have been engaging in extramarital affairs; Henry Hartley, the Church Treasurer, who appears to have more money than he should have; and Richard Coates, Fr. Thomas' brother, who inherits shares that give him control of the family business.

Further complications arise when it is discovered that the local doctor's receptionist is hopelessly infatuated with the doctor. This revelation raises the possibility that her suicide could be connected to Fr. Thomas' murder. As the investigation progresses, Gawaine and his team unearth several clues that point to a complex web of lies and deceit. They discover that Fr. Thomas had been carrying a hidden ledger that detailed his financial transactions, which could implicate several individuals in the crime.

Furthermore, they discover that Fr. Thomas had a missing pectoral cross, which holds significant religious significance. They begin to suspect that someone else had a role to play in the crime, and they begin to narrow down their list of suspects.

Finally, after weeks of diligent investigation, Gawaine and his team are able to piece together the truth behind Fr. Thomas' murder. They discover that Richard Coates, Fr. Thomas' brother, was the one who orchestrated the crime in order to gain control of the family business. He had been embezzling money from the church for years and had used Fr. Thomas as a scapegoat to cover his tracks.

In the end, Richard Coates is arrested and charged with Fr. Thomas' murder. The case brings to light the dark secrets and corruption that exist within the church and the community. Gawaine St Clair emerges as a hero, and his investigation inspires others to speak out against injustice and corruption.

In conclusion, "The Vicar of Ellingwood" is a thrilling mystery that delves into the depths of human nature and the power of greed. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of seeking the truth in the face of adversity.

Weight: 268g
Dimension: 130 x 199 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789016154