The Askham Accusation: A murder mystery in the heart of the English countryside

As autumn clouds gather over Askham, mourners gather for Humphrey Craig's funeral. Simmy Henderson meets two women, Lindsay Wilson and Pauline Parsons, and twenty-four hours later, Mrs. Parsons is found dead on Askham Fell. Simmy must uncover the killer to avoid arrest.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 19 January 2023
Publisher: Allison & Busby

The autumnal clouds are gradually enveloping the picturesque village of Askham, situated at the fringe of the breathtaking Lake District. As the mourners, including the esteemed Simmy Henderson, make their way to the funeral of Humphrey Craig, a sense of sorrow and melancholy permeates the air.

After the funeral, Simmy takes a moment of solitude to pay her respects at the grave, her eyes filled with admiration for the vibrant flowers adorning it. In this quiet interlude, she encounters two remarkable women: Lindsay Wilson, an academic diligently engrossed in writing her thesis on the renowned Charles Dickens, and Pauline Parsons, a ninety-year-old matriarch with a wealth of wisdom and experience.

Little did Simmy know that her encounter with these two women would set in motion a series of events that would ultimately lead to a tragic turn of events. Just twenty-four hours later, Mrs. Parsons is found lifeless on the treacherous terrain of Askham Fell, her body battered and bruised. The police, led by Detective Sergeant Johnson, immediately begin questioning Simmy, suspecting her involvement in the murder.

The accusation hangs heavy over Simmy's head, threatening to tarnish her reputation and send her to prison for a crime she did not commit. However, determined to clear her name and expose the true culprit, Simmy embarks on a perilous journey to unravel the mystery surrounding Mrs. Parsons' death.

Through her investigation, Simmy encounters a cast of characters, each with their own secrets and motivations. She delves into the intricate web of relationships within the village, unearthing hidden alliances and betrayals. As she pieces together the puzzle, Simmy realizes that the murder is not as straightforward as it seems, and the truth lies buried deep within the folds of the community.

With each step forward, Simmy faces increasing danger and obstacles. She must navigate through a labyrinth of lies and deceit, using her wits and intuition to outsmart the killer who is determined to keep his or her identity a secret. As the stakes rise, Simmy finds herself in a race against time to uncover the truth and bring the perpetrator to justice.

In this gripping tale of suspense and intrigue, Simmy Henderson emerges as a strong and resilient heroine. Her determination to clear her name and protect the innocent drives her forward, even in the face of overwhelming odds. Alongside her allies, Simmy confronts the darkest corners of human nature, exposing the true nature of evil and the power of justice to triumph over adversity.

As the mystery unfolds, the village of Askham is transformed into a place of fear and suspicion. The once close-knit community is torn apart by the secrets and lies that have been hidden for years. Simmy's journey not only uncovers the truth but also brings about a sense of healing and reconciliation, as the villagers come together to face the consequences of their actions and work towards a brighter future.

In the end, Simmy emerges victorious, having solved the murder and brought the killer to justice. Her bravery and determination inspire the villagers, and her legacy as a hero continues to be remembered for generations to come.

The autumnal clouds continue to loom over Askham, a reminder of the darker side of human nature and the importance of seeking justice and truth. As Simmy Henderson walks away from the village, she carries with her the lessons learned from her harrowing experience, forever changed by the events that unfolded in the picturesque Lake District.

Weight: 430g
Dimension: 145 x 223 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780749029715