Eve Houston
Drama Comes to Prior's Ford

Who is about to disturb the peace in Prior's Ford? Actress Meredith Whitelaw, axed from a popular television soap, has descended upon Prior's Ford to 'rest' - but instead she creates havoc for the local dramatic society. Clarissa Ramsay, travelling the world, keeps in contact with her friend Alastair Marshall, who finds himself missing her more with each letter that arrives. Then C1arissa's aloof stepdaughter Alexandra bursts into his life, in search of refuge and consolation. With unexpected news, long-lost stepdaughters and difficult teenagers, this is a very enjoyable romp through village life, in the style of Jam and Jerusalem.

Ruth Rendell
The Monster in the Box

Wexford had almost made up his mind that he would never again set eyes on Eric Targo. And yet there he was, back in Kingsmarkham, still with that cocky, strutting walk. Years earlier, when Wexford was a young police officer, a woman called Elsie Carroll had been found strangled in her bedroom. Although many still had their suspicions that her husband was guilty, no-one was convicted. Another woman was strangled shortly afterwards, and every instinct told Wexford that the killer was still at large. And it was Eric Targo; a psychopath who would kill again. As the Chief Inspector investigates a new case, Ruth Rendell looks back to the beginning of Wexford's career.

Ray Weiss is a cop's son, and a cop's grandson. All he's ever wanted is to follow in their footsteps. And when he finally gets to wear the badge, it seems everything is falling into place. But first Ray needs to pass his initiation test. He'll have to break the law to earn the respect of the team. It goes against everything he believes in, but he has no choice. When it all goes wrong he can't help but think this isn't a coincidence. Faced with a dead body and forced to make a false arrest, Ray begins to wonder if being one of the boys is worth it.

'Theresa Schwegel is one of the genre's next generation of heroes' - New York Times