Hit Song

Michael McLaren and fiancée Dena Ellison share a rare relaxing day touring Rufford Abbey, a 12th century religious house taken over in 1626 as a grand private residence. McLaren's sense of workmanship kicks in when he sees a crookedly-aligned brick in the old ice house. When he tries to straighten it he discovers a brooch and a scrap of a newspaper wedged behind the brick. Why would anyone hide a piece of jewelry in such a spot?Of course his curiosity as well as his detective instincts...
More Description

Michael McLaren and fiancée Dena Ellison share a rare relaxing day touring Rufford Abbey, a 12th century religious house taken over in 1626 as a grand private residence. McLaren's sense of workmanship kicks in when he sees a crookedly-aligned brick in the old ice house. When he tries to straighten it he discovers a brooch and a scrap of a newspaper wedged behind the brick. Why would anyone hide a piece of jewelry in such a spot?Of course his curiosity as well as his detective instincts are aroused. He returns home and immediately begins investigating.The date on the newspaper corresponds to the death of a university art student who was murdered while doing a watercolor near South Wingfield Manor. The man suspected in Amy's murder was released by the police due to lack of evidence. The public, however, were not so forgiving and a vigilante group formed to accuse and harass the man. A sarcastic song parody was written and sung outside the man's home.The inquiry soon leads McLaren to a controversial radio DJ who revels in stirring up the emotions of the community. Amy Jarvis' case seems tailor made for the DJ, who latched on to the song and played it over the air, turning the song into a hit.During his investigation, McLaren becomes the target of pranks, some nearly fatal. Are they linked to the Jarvis case, or has someone released from prison come back to avenge himself on McLaren? Or is his nemesis from his police days, Charlie Harvester, somehow involved?It isn't until McLaren discovers a hidden identity and the meaning of the brooch that he untangles the web surrounding Amy's murder. And escapes his own planned murder.