A tense locked-room mystery set in a crumbling country estate, this novel blends classic whodunnit suspense with sharp social commentary. When a priceless Turner vanishes during a private dinner party, Mel must uncover the thief before her in-laws return—while hiding her worsening illness and navigating simmering class resentment, old betrayals, and a fraught reunion with estranged lover Derrin.When a priceless family heirloom goes missing during a small private dinner party, Mel must find the culprit, and the painting, before Lord Jonathan and Lady Laura return home.Despite their moment of passion, Mel and Derrin are now estranged because there is still too much anger. Still trying to find her place as a ‘Greenway’ in the new world, Mel holds a small reunion soiree for her pre-war friends at Avonby while Lady Laura and Lord Jonathan are away in London for the season. Mel invites Derrin to try and patch up their relationship. But when a priceless Turner painting disappears from Jonathan’s study, Mel learns there is a thief at Avonby.With Derrin’s reluctant assistance, Mel locks in the guests and servants. No one is getting out until the painting is returned. But where has the culprit hidden it, and why? Locked in together the real motives, nature and resentment of her guests begin to emerge. Mel learns how little the Greenways are liked by the locals. She is forced to hide her increasingly debilitating illness from them, even as they surround her like a pack of feral wolves. A short flashback hints at the cause of Mel’s war induced trauma.As the truth comes to light, and a shock reveal brings Mel face to face with the culprit, she realises there are more enemies than friends in Avonby’s close-knit community, and there are those willing to do anything to get revenge – even commit murder. Autorid: Samantha Lee Howe