A goldsmith from London who retired to Crediton with his daughter after the death of his wife has been found murdered and his daughter and bottler knocked unconscious. In the meantime anti-leper sentiment is growing in the town, with the potential for rioting not far away.

Another intriguing puzzle mixed with interesting period detail - particularly with regard to lepers. I couldn't help but think "These people have no idea what is heading their way in 25 years." ( )

I have virtually all of Jecks' works. I am new to Library Things so am not going to go into great detail except to say that he has given me many hours of reading pleasure and largley give him 5 stars. Although it has been some years since I found one of the later stories, I was, at the time, prompted to find the first in the series, etc. It is grand that both his former publisher and his new publisher (Simon & Schuster UK) are republishing his books in print and other formats. I have given Jecks 5 star reviews over the years since I stumbled on to him. As to his research, historically it is from primary sources wherein he writes plausible tales into the historical setting. ( )

Plots are getting better ( )