“A book which well justifies a description as a good read, with more twists than the river Severn.” – Nation Cymru

“...another fast paced, thrilling romp through the criminal underworld of Victorian Society.” – Grumpy Old Book Reviews

The third volume of the Inspector Chard series takes Chard back to his native Shrewsbury, revealing the circumstances under which he left for South Wales so abruptly. Now under arrest for a horrific double murder, and imprisoned in the notorious Shrewsbury gaol, he must fight to clear his name or face execution.

A missing woman, human trafficking, trade-offs, foul play, scheming and brutal Victorian gentlemen, civic corruption, and a gang of “Peaky Blinders” stand between Chard and proving his innocence. With the help of faithful Constable Idris Morgan and May Roper, Chard must be more resourceful than he has ever been, and he must also find the answer to the riddle of Sabrina's Teardrop, the fabulous sapphire which sits at the centre of events.

As tensions rise, can Chard and his associates solve the mystery before it's too late?

Leslie Scase takes us back to a time and place where, despite the pretensions of Victorian society, life is cheap and passions strong. He brings Victorian Shrewsbury vividly to life in this page-turning adventure that keeps you guessing until the final page.