Heads You Lose

‘I wouldn’t be seen dead in a ditch in a hat like that!’ Those were the last words of mousy Grace Morland before she was found brutally murdered behind Squire Stephen Pendock’s gracious mansion, her body in a ditch, her severed head obscenely garbed in Francesca Hart’s new feathered hat. Six people at Pigeonsford Cottage heard Grace Morland utter those bitter, jealous words, including the dazzling Francesca herself, her twin sister Venetia, and dashing Pendock, whose attention Grace had so desperately wanted, and who had eyes only for Francesca. Surely Grace’s killer must have been one of the six. Now it’s up to Inspector Cockrill of Kent County Police to ensure that justice will out—and with it long-buried lusts and jealousies— before the ghastly executioner strikes again…