The Tinder Box - Softcover

Walters, Minette

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0330438506 ISBN 13: 9780330438506

Publisher: Pan Books, 2005

Synopsis

In the small Hampshire village of Sowerbridge, Irish labourer Patrick O’Riordan has been arrested for the brutal murder of elderly Lavinia Fanshaw and her live-in nurse, Dorothy Jenkins. As shock turns to fury, the village residents form a united front against Patrick’s parents and cousin, who report incidents of vicious threats and violence.

But friend and neighbour Siobhan Lavenham remains convinced that Patrick has fallen victim to a prejudiced investigation and, putting her own position within the bigoted community in serious jeopardy, stands firmly by his family in defence of the O’Riordan name.

Days before the trial, terrible secrets about the O’Riordans’ past are revealed to Siobhan, and the family’s only supporter is forced to question her loyalties. Could Patrick be capable of murder after all? Could his parents’ tales of attacks be devious fabrications? And if so, what other lies lurk beneath the surface of their world?

As the truth rapidly unfurls, it seems that Sowerbridge residents need to be very afraid. For beneath a cunning façade, someone’s chilling ambition is about to ignite . . .

About this title

Review:

'A staggeringly talented writer.' (The Observer)

'This is contemporary crime writing at its absolute peak.' (Val McDermid)

'... top class ... Walters has an extraordinary capacity to enter warped minds.' (The Times)

'Grips like steel.' (The Mail on Sunday)

Book Description:

A chilling tale of prejudice, ambition and cunning in which villagers react to a brutal double murder . . .

About this edition

• Publisher: Pan Books
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0330438506
• ISBN 13: 9780330438506
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 149