The Hope that Kills

The past is never completely behind you...however much you hope it might be...

South Devon, England. A body is discovered on a remote headland overlooking the deep, tranquil waters of Tor Bay.

Why would a prominent local councillor leave the comfort of his home in the middle of a cold November night to travel there and who would want him dead? These are the questions that face DCI Bobby Redhill as he surveys the scene early the next morning. Despite the bright winter sunshine, the investigation threatens to revive memories from the DCI's past that hang over him like a dark cloud.

On the face of it, the victim appears to have been well respected but, as Bobby digs deeper, a different picture begins to emerge. Who really was their victim and what were his true motivations for travelling to such an isolated place that night?

Investigative reporter Peter Norton has returned to the bay, his childhood home, after several years working in London. He's been reporting on plans to develop Oldway Mansion, the former stately home of the Singer family, famous the world over for their eponymous brand of sewing machines. With the councillor's unfortunate death, Peter sees an opportunity to resurrect his stalled career. As he jumps headfirst into his own investigation, is he really helping or simply chasing demons borne out of event in his own past?

In a town where nobody is quite who they appear to be, can DCI Bobby Redhill unravel the mystery behind the death of Councillor Irving Hargreaves and, if so, will he do it with the help of Peter Norton, or despite it?