Mystery in the Village

It's a time of turmoil for the village of Turnham Malpas...

Peter and Caroline Harris live a comfortable life at the rectory, but their cosy world is shaken up when Caroline's old flame Morgan Jefferson appears. He's intent on convincing her to pursue a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity - in America. What's more, it looks like Caroline's career isn't the only thing Morgan is interested in.

Newlyweds Chris and Deborah Templeton seem to be the perfect union. The old, unpredictable Chris has been replaced by a kinder and gentler man, yet he's still plagued by doubt. Where does Deborah disappear to for days on end? Why won't she tell her husband?

After the tragic death of his young grandson, Ron Bissett is further devastated when he loses his wife. Sheila Bissett has taken her own life, and no one can fathom why. But when an unexpected letter is received, it soon becomes clear that Sheila was hiding far darker secrets than anyone ever knew.

Village Rumours

You can't escape your past. At least that's what the residents of Turnham Malpas would say...

While clearing out the rectory's loft, Reverend Peter Harris makes an unsettling discovery and a dark secret is exposed that soon sets tongues wagging in the village.

Having received a letter from the sons she hasn't heard from in 15 years, local gossip Greta Jones is delighted at the prospect of seeing them after all this time - despite her husband's misgivings. And Craddock Fitch's unruly grandchildren, newly arrived in the village, are causing not a little trouble for the townsfolk.

Meanwhile Fran Charter-Plackett has a difficult decision to make. Her parents would like to see her settled with kind and reliable Alex Harris. But when Chris Templeton, the man whom Fran once lost her heart to, returns to the village, it seems he is all set to steal her affections once more. Is Chris really a changed man? And will Fran finally go with her heart or her head?

Village Fortunes

Things are heating up in the village of Turnham Malpas. Now comfortably settled in the Big House, Johnny and Alice Templeton are over the moon at the arrival of their second son. But Johnny's roguish younger brother, Chris Templeton, is visiting from Brazil and causing not a little trouble in the village.

For Ford and Mercedes Barclay, returning to the village after all these years - and after Ford's shameful imprisonment - is a big step. Will they be welcomed back or shunned? And will Ford be able to convince people he's a changed man? While most of the villagers greet the pair with open arms, there are those who still have their doubts.

Meanwhile, poor Fran Charter-Plackett has some important decisions to make about her future. With all her siblings having flown the nest, the pressure is on to decide what to do with her life. And when her parents discover Fran's shocking secret, things really start to get messy.
 

A Village In Jeopardy

Rivalries flare and scandal abounds in Rebecca Shaw's sparkling tale of love, loyalty and village life. The villagers of Turnham Malpas are in for a shock. With Sir Ralph now dead, his fortune and title go to a newcomer.

It swiftly becomes clear that Johnny Templeton could not be more different to his well-loved predecessor. Johnny soon finds himself in conflict with long-standing members of Turnham Malpas - particularly Craddock Fitch who is determined to obstruct Johnny's plan to buy back the Templeton estate.

Meanwhile, there are two other villagers in crises, but theirs is a much more private issue. Marcus and Alice March have longed for a child for years. But when Alice finally becomes pregnant, there are those in the village who harbour doubts about the child's progeny, knowing how close Alice has grown to Johnny. As gossip begins to circulate the village, Alice must make the most difficult of decisions - whether to follow her heart or her morals...

A Village Deception

When Harry Dickenson arrives in Turnham Malpas, the warm welcome he receives convinces him to stay.

Handsome and charming, Harry quickly earns his place in rural life. But despite his outward friendliness, Harry is a troubled man, hiding memories of a tragic past from which he is desperate to escape.

Just as Harry finds some measure of peace, he encounters the one woman in the village likely to turn any man's head. Soon, Harry is caught in an obsessive love that threatens to ruin everything that he has accomplished - and reveal his shocking secret to all.

But Harry isn't the only man in the village to fall head-over-heels. Paddy Cleary, the shy gardener, is smitten. But will Paddy find the confidence to reveal his true feelings? And will the young lady return his affections? The villagers must wait and watch, hoping the burgeoning friendship will lead to something more....

Rebecca Shaw is a storyteller like no other. Packed with tales of love and heart-break, passion and regret, A VILLAGE DECEPTION is alive with incident and drama - a perfect, glorious escape from the stresses of modern life.

The Village Newcomers

Ford and Mercedes Barclay have decided to spend their twilight years in the lovely village of Turnham Malpas - but will these two newcomers be made welcome? Ford, a former businessman who made his fortune in scrap metal, has ambitious plans for the village - including the funding of a youth club and the hosting of a mock Elizabethan ball, to which all the village is invited. But not everyone in Turnham Malpas welcomes the newcomers with open arms. Mr Fitch, the village benefactor, is less than impressed by Ford's generosity.

It isn't long before the two come to blows, leaving Ford and Mercedes to wonder whether village life is really for them. Meanwhile, a letter arrives at the village rectory that causes consternation. The rector's twin children, Alex and Beth, have never had contact with their birth mother. But now, finally, she wishes to build a relationship with them. After so many years of estrangement, should Alex and Beth get to know their real mother? And what of Caroline, the woman who has raised and loved them - will she be willing to let the twins forge their own path?

Sparkling with Rebecca Shaw's signature humour, this is another warm, witty and lively tale of village life.

The Village Green Affair

A mysterious visitor has arrived in Turnham Malpas. What can Titus Bellamy want? Is it true, the villagers ask each other, that he has discovered a medieval charter which grants the right to hold a market on their picturesque village green? And if it is true, can he be stopped? It appears not.

Meanwhile, after twenty-five years, the marriage of Liz and Neville Neal, the ambitious local accountant, is on the rocks. Or so the unhappy Liz thinks. But Neville, to celebrate their silver wedding anniversary, has decided to throw a lavish party. The anniversary party and the market on the green mark both the beginning and end of two quite different relationships. But is it really all the fault of Titus Bellamy? The village is divided - before a spate of burglaries on market day adds fuel to the hot debate. Feisty Grandmama Charter-Plackett decides to do something about it, and becomes both a militant protestor and England's oldest private detective...

The ancient village green has been at the centre of Turnham Malpas life for many lively centuries. But the events of this short passionate summer are a match for anything it has witnessed before.

The New Rector

The new rector of Turnham Malpas is young, vigorous, and very handsome. And, as Peter Harris encounters his flock, he discovers there is more to village life than he had anticipated. The local publicans are having trouble with their wayward daughter, Sharon, whilst at the village store, the Charter-Placketts are trying to bring a touch of Harrods to the neighbourhood. And then there is the beautiful, tragic Suzy Meadows. With the prospect of bringing up three children alone after the suicide of her husband, she turns to Peter for support - and the new rector finds himself facing a difficult decision.

Then the whole village is rocked by a spiteful trick that goes terribly wrong, and a gruesome murder that points to a killer in its midst. Now, more than ever, Peter's pastoral role is crucial - and yet he is wrestling with his own private hell that may still wreck his life.

Talk Of The Village

The village of Turnham Malpas is bedevilled by talk. In the Royal Oak, the usual banter has turned to bitter wrangling as Caroline causes controversy over an ancient country tradition. And what about Peter, her husband and the rector of the village? Are the rumours about him and pushy newcomer Venetia true? Even the older inhabitants are not exempt from gossip, as the Baxter sisters' eccentric lifestyle is the subject of cruel speculation. And what is the evil lurking behind village windows that almost costs a child her life?

Peter must put aside his own problems and use all his influence to try and unite the village - until he finds it is the very things the gossips miss which look set to bring about superstition, madness and tragedy.

Village Matters

Times are changing in Turnham Malpas. Wealthy, brash Craddock Fitch up at the Big House seems determined to make his mark on the village - and the village is equally determined to stop him. Sir Ralph, recently returned, is having trouble adjusting to his more modest status, while his new wife, Muriel, is struggling with her own changed circumstances.

But these concerns are eclipsed by tragedy when young Flick Charter-Plackett, adored by just about everyone in the village, is knocked down by the unpopular barman, Alan. Before the shock of the accident has passed, a new, bitter dispute springs up over houses Sir Ralph wants to build on his land. Reaction to the plan seems extreme, even by village standards - but is there a personal motive behind one particular source of opposition?

The Village Show

Craddock Fitch is a relative newcomer to the village of Turnham Malpas and is keen to make a splash by holding a village show - the best ever - in the grounds of his large house. Committee secretary and co-ordinator of the show Louise Bissett is the spoilt daughter of Sir Ron and Lady Sheila. Although a brilliant organiser, Louise is in deep personal trouble - and her growing obsession with the married rector can only end in tears.

As the weeks roll by into summer and nerves tighten in anticipation of the great day, romances heat up and then cool down, tempers flare and misunderstandings multiply . . .

Village Secrets

The village school is to get a new Head and the inhabitants of Turnham Malpas await her arrival with avid curiosity. At first sight Kate Pascoe seems ideal - young, pretty, and she obviously loves her job - but before long the villagers are beginning to think differently.

Mysterious lights are seen in Sykes Wood at night, a dog long dead comes to life, and a sudden shocking death plunges the village into a state of superstitious dread. And always at the heart of the storm is Kate Pascoe.

As May Day approaches, with its traditional celebrations, the rector Peter Harris makes it his job to discover the truth about the strange happenings in the village.

Scandal In The Village

When Jimbo asks his mother, Katherine, to come and live near him in Turnham Malpas, his kindness has rather more repercussions than he anticipated. Before long Katherine is organising the harvest festival display, and causes uproar with her high-handed ways. Worse still, she sets herself up as guardian of the villagers' morals, and spreads rumours and half-truths about her neighbours' lives. But Katherine goes too far when she organises a petition to try and rid the village of those she considers to be most at fault.

Only Peter, the rector, can control Katherine's more outrageous actions. Finding it hard to resist his natural charm and diplomacy she gradually begins to mellow as the village works its magic on her . . .

Village Gossip

For the locals in the village of Turnham Malpas the rural peace is shattered when a visitor comes to stay. Hugo, an old friend of Jimbo and Harriet's at the local store, is a famous actor and has come to the village to recuperate from a serious illness.

But Hugo is soon bored with the day-to-day pattern of country life and when he meets Caroline, the rector's wife, he is instantly attracted to her. Soon he has agreed to direct and star in a play with the villagers as his supporting cast - and Caroline as his leading lady. And it seems that the attraction between her and Hugo goes well beyond the scenes on stage.

Before long the villagers' lives are turned upside down: a marriage is wrecked, a proud man humbled and two people are brought closer together as gossip, scandal and jealousy mount . . .

Trouble In The Village

When the people of Turnham Malpas realise that all is not as it should be between Peter, the rector, and his wife Caroline, the smooth running of the village falters.

Then the appointment of a new verger causes trouble when events from his past return to haunt him, bringing violence and danger to the peace of the village. And there are the strange goings-on in the church at night, one of the villagers' houses is ransacked; a couple is beaten up...

But troubles in Turnham Malpas are put to rest as Bonfire Night at the Big House arrives and the celebrations unite the village once again.

A Village Dilemma

The inhabitants of Turnham Malpas are happily celebrating Stocks Day on the village green when the unwelcome reappearance of Bryn Fields, after several years' absence, causes surprise and dismay. It is difficult to believe that he dares to show his face in the village after running off with the barmaid and leaving his wife Georgie to run The Royal Oak alone. But Bryn has a reason for coming back, one which some of the villagers welcome: he plans to use the village as a key attraction for visiting Americans and is keen for it to remain just the way it has always been. It is inevitable that this causes very real dilemmas for the villagers.

But for the rector and his wife there is a dilemma of a more serious and personal nature. Peter and Caroline's twins start asking who their real mother is. Unable to have children of her own, Caroline accepted the result of Peter's indiscretion; facing up to it now after more than ten years is almost more than she can bear.

Intrigue In The Village

'He is a changed man, Greta. A changed man. Those frosty blue eyes of his are not nearly so chilling as they were.'

There is a mystery surrounding the invitation by Craddock Fitch to the Big House. It is billed as a celebration of his business, but as everyone in the village has been invited, it is obviously more exciting than that. When everyone is assembled, they find that it is a lavish wedding reception for two very surprising people.

With these festivities over, the inhabitants of Turnham Malpas are thrown into preparations of a different nature. It is the 150th anniversary of the village school and Kate - the head teacher - is arranging a big event. There is the problem of accommodating everyone's enthusiasm as they plan a cricket match, buffet teas, maypole dancing, plays and singing on the green. But there is one problem of which she is unaware. In asking the previous head teachers to attend she has unwittingly placed the rector and his wife Caroline in an impossible situation...

Whispers In The Village

When the rector, Peter, takes his family to Africa for a year so that he can work in a Mission, the villagers are bereft. They don't immediately take to the locum, Anna, who has rather modern ideas - but she does fill the church with parishioners determined to keep an eye on her. Then she brings a down-and-out petty thief into their midst causing conflict within the community.

Peter keeps in touch regularly by email, and the Women's Institute comes up with the idea of raising funds for his Mission. There's an upmarket pyjama party, midnight skinny dipping and an afternoon's horse racing, with more money than they dreamed of riding on a horse called Major Malpas. Then a message arrives from Peter with the most devastating news - and the villagers are more determined than ever to raise a substantial sum for Peter's Mission.

A Village Feud

With the Rector Peter Harris and his family back from Africa, the villagers of Turnham Malpas heave huge sighs of relief - everything is back to normal. But Peter has other ideas. He decides to return to Africa and fulfil his promise of working there for a year. The family he leaves behind is a very troubled one. Caroline's emails to Peter hide the fact that the twins, Beth and Alex, are traumatised by their experiences in Africa and her own distress that they will not share their feelings with her.

The villagers are also missing Peter's guidance - there are troublesome newcomers, Jenny and Andy, to contend with. Meanwhile Jimbo's store is the target of petty theft and violence. Closing it seems to be his only option; one which horrifies the villagers. Beth, who is struggling to lead a normal life again after her upsetting time in Africa, finds that she has further challenges to face at home. They are all banking on Peter's return to help restore harmony and stability in the village. But will he make it back before things get out of hand?

Rebecca Shaw's trademark sense of mischievous humour and wonderful insight into village life are present in this exceptional tale which follows the story of life in Turnham Malpas.

Love In The Country

When Seb joins Barleybridge, the last thing on his mind is romance. Keen to settle into his first real job and make a good impression he embraces the working life of a country vet.

He has almost forgotten his high maintenance ex-girlfriend Carly and concentrates on settling down to a job he really loves. He is welcomed by the other members of the Practice and is soon contending with a menagerie of very diverse clients which take Seb on an incredibly steep learning curve.

Seb is to find that his expertise with animals and their owners leads to a friendship with the upper-class Jilly and rather more than that with Maggie whose family is heartbroken when he diagnoses their alpacas with TB.

But when a surprise meeting in the Practice itself turns his world upside down...

A Country Affair

It is Kate's first day in her new job, and she is more apprehensive than she thought was possible. But there is no time for nerves, and her anxieties soon vanish as she finds herself flung headlong into the hectic world of the busy vet's practice and the clients who visit it.

But it's not just the animals who win Kate's affections: the staff are friendly and welcoming, particularly Scott, the Australian, whose wicked sense of humour and enthusiasm for life Kate finds hard to resist, despite his rather colourful reputation.

Before long, Kate begins to feel there are other changes she wants to make in her life - and her boyfriend, Adam, is not at all happy about it. As Kate struggles to cope with Adam's increasingly erratic behaviour, she realises she must make some very difficult decisions . . .

Country Wives

There's trouble afoot in Barleybridge. The vet's practice, which normally runs so smoothly, is disrupted by the new locum, Dan, who seems to be annoying just about everyone with his abrupt manner and unreasonable demands. And when he succeeds in losing an important client through his arrogant attitude, the wives connected to the practice are determined that something has to be done.

But Kate, who works at the practice, finds she rather likes Dan's no-nonsense approach, despite what everyone thinks of him.

Kate is determined to go to veterinary college and has already made some difficult decisions to fulfil her dream. Then, when she is suddenly confronted by a devastating tragedy at home, it is Dan, with a sad secret of his own, who helps her come to terms with her new situation . . .

Country Lovers

The lively Barleybridge Veterinary Hospital is bustling with energy. The vets and staff alike are working hard to ensure that the animals are brought into the surgery and those on the farms are treated and, just as important, that their owners understand their ailments. Theres troublesome Bingo, the big dog of doubtful ancestry; Adolf the Rottweiler, an old favourite with them all; Venus the cat, who hates injections; Chloe the stray cat; and Goliath the very tiny Yorkshire Terrier. Then theres trouble with the chickens at the Crispy Chicken Company.

At the same time the staff are coping with crises in their personal lives. Rhodri, the Welsh vet, is deeply in love with Megan, a local farmers daughter, but is struggling to find a solution to their problems with her invalid father. Kate is worrying about her A-level results and whether she will get into veterinary college. Dans wifes baby is due any moment, Letty is worried she may be seriously ill but is too afraid to tell anyone, and Joy, the Practice Manage finds that deep in her heart she still loves Mungo no wonder her husband Duncan leaves home

Country Passions

It is a shock to the staff at the Barleybridge Animal Hospital when Dan, one of the farm vets, is seriously injured in a car accident. It is even more of a shock when Scott Spencer, back from Australia, steps in to cover for him. Joy, the Practice Manager, remembers the hearts he broke when he last worked there and also his abrupt departure. She refuses to agree to this appointment, however temporary it turns out to be, and leaves immediately. Scott slips seamlessly into the Practice routine, not guessing what secrets are about to be revealed which will turn his life upside down and amend his callous attitude to women.

Once again the animals and their owners are as much a part of the story as are the members of the Practice. We meet Petunia and Zinnia, two dairy cows; Francesca Goodwood and her herd of organically reared pigs; Chang, the feisty pedigree dog who gets into a brawl with Goliath, the tiny Yorkshire Terrier.

One Hot Country Summer

In the middle of a sultry summer heat wave, the inhabitants of Barleybridge find love, conflict and much more

When Kate returns to Barleybridge, one of the changes she finds is the appointment of a new vet, Virginia Havelock, who causes trouble with her cock-sure mannerisms and her total lack of charm. She upsets Kate by constantly criticizing her and is the cause of a tragedy involving an important client. But all is not as it seems Kate soon discovers that there is a reason for Virginias sharp manner.

Meanwhile, Scott, very much in love with his wife Zoe, hates the idea that they have not yet had a second child. Convinced that the fault is not his, he refuses to seek help. The ensuing rows with Zoe drive a wedge between them. Will he look to someone else for comfort? Kate hopes that he might