Jack Haldean's weekend entertainment at the country estate of Birchen Bower is cut short by the discovery of a body, mauled to death as if by a wild animal. Birchen Bower has a long and colourful history, and is rumoured to be haunted. Refusing to believe the wild tales of man-eating beasts prowling the grounds, Jack sets out to uncover the truth.

Jack and Betty Haldean's weekend in the country is disrupted by sudden, violent death in this intricately-plotted 1920s mystery. 
"The surprising revelations just keep coming. This is a real treat for those who enjoy Agatha Christie village murders" - Publishers Weekly Starred Review
"There's something in those woods that shouldn't be there . . ." Enjoying a weekend in the country with his cousin Isabelle, Jack Haldean is intrigued to learn that the neighbouring estate of Birchen Bower has been bought by wealthy Canadian businessman Tom Jago. Determined to restore the place to its former glory, Jago has invited the local villagers to a fete to celebrate the grand re-opening of the 17th century family chapel. But the afternoon's entertainment is cut short by the discovery of a body, mauled to death as if by a wild animal. Previously owned by the eccentric Cayden family, Birchen Bower has a long and colourful history, and is rumoured to be haunted. Is there any truth to the ancient family legend of the Jaguar Princess . . . and could she have claimed another victim? And what's happened to Jago's employee, Derek Martin and his wife, who have disappeared without trace . . . along with Mrs Jago's diamonds? Refusing to believe the wild tales of man-eating beasts prowling the grounds, Jack sets out to uncover the truth. But then a second badly-ravaged body is discovered . . . Could the rumours be true after all?

Dolores Gordon-Smith lives in Greater Manchester and is married, with five daughters and assorted dogs and cats.  She is the author of ten previous Jack Haldean mysteries.