Publisher's Summary

In the midst of the hop-picking season in the village of Heronsdene, Kent, Maisie Dobbs, psychologist and investigator, undertakes an assignment from James Compton, son of her long-time supporter, Lady Rowan Compton, to look into aspects of a land purchase on his behalf. Quickly drawn into the local community, with its prejudices against the seasonal workers from London and the traveling gypsies who flock to Kent at harvest-time, Maisie soon becomes involved in an effort to discover the source of petty crime in the area, as well as a spate of fires that has blighted Heronsdene for years.

As she is pulled deeper into the investigation, Maisie is increasingly intrigued by the peculiar mood of melancholy and secrecy that shrouds the village, a feeling that is inflamed by the villagers' fear - but just what has caused them to be so afraid? The beloved sleuth must draw on all her training and experience to discover the truth in this gripping, atmospheric installment of the best-selling series.

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©2008 Jacqueline Winspear; (P)2008 Macmillan Audio