Ruth Dudley Edwards

When the chairperson of a prestigious literary prize dies suspiciously, fellow judge Robert Amiss summons Baroness 'Jack' Troutbeck to step into the breach. Whilst the judges continue cutting down the short-list, the killer is cutting down the judging panel, but Jack Troutbeck saves the day.

A senior civil servant, Sir Nicholas Clark, has been murdered. Who could possibly want him dead? Detective Superintendent James Milton finds the whole situation puzzling.

Robert at last feels settled in his personal life as he contemplates marriage to Rachel, but he is not entirely happy with his lot at work. Ideological battles and rampant eccentricity are poisoning the atmosphere at the paper!

Recently elevated to the House of Lords, Ida Troutbeck decides to scupper an anti-hunting bill. With the help of her friend Robert Amiss, the baroness feels confident about winning, but she underestimates the campaign of the animal activists.