On the sudden death of her Uncle Henry, Hannah inherits Mandlake House, isolated on an island, situated off the coast of the fishing village of Trecoran. She discovers that Henry has been researching the family history, a story of smuggling and violence involving the Durrants and the Watkins family, who own The Whistleblower, a pub on the beach of Trecoran. From Henry's notes, she discerns that he believes someone is still using the cellar and the passageway leading to a cove on the lee of the island for illicit purposes. Investigations into the family history uncover facts that affect the present, and it appears Henry's death was not an accident. However, some of his paperwork is missing. Hannah renews her friendship with Beth Watkins, and together they search for clues. Paul, her brother and a childhood friend, is a dark, moody character and has caused Hannah uneasiness on many occasions. Now, he appears anxious to help. But has he outgrown his obsession with her? Are the Watkins family her friends or are they hiding secrets too? Hannah spent school holidays at Mandlake and formed a close friendship with James, Henry's son. Hannah, aware that James is her cousin, has tried to control the forbidden feelings she has for him. James has disappeared and the solicitor is trying, unsuccessfully, to trace him to complete probate, and also to solve the mystery of a codicil that Henry made immediately before his death for: my home on the island to be left to Sofia. Who is Sofia? And which island? Hannah is disturbed by noises at night and, on venturing into the cellar, she discovers the trapdoor to the passage has been recently used, which confirms her uncle's suspicions of intruders. As the treacherous past becomes entangled with the present, Hannah is determined to uncover the truth. Who is using the old smugglers passage from the cellar and invading her privacy? Was her uncle's death an accident? Who is Sofia, who is left the legacy in Henry's will? With revelations comes danger and confrontation. Hannah finds she is unable to trust anyone, even those closest to her, as her quest for answers leads her on travels in England and abroad.
About the Author: Fay Wentworth is a writer of short stories and novellas. Her short stories, novellas and articles for children and adults have been published in magazines, anthologies, online and have won awards in national competitions. She has pursued her love of creative writing since childhood - her first short story written at the age of eleven, a tragic tale about a rabbit in a thunderstorm! She gives talks and readings to W.I.s, social and writing groups on The ups and downs of a short story writer; in which she tells of her determination to be a short story writer and how, over the intervening years, she has achieved her dream. During that time she has led, as her family would say, a 'normal' life, which includes marriage, motherhood and a career. She has also appeared and read at Literary Festivals, Garden Fetes and performed at Malvern Theatres - achieving her ambition to encourage others into the joys of creative writing. Two novellas, published in large print, are available from libraries only: 'Chase a Rainbow' and 'Winds of Change'. Her collection of short stories, 'Destiny's Footprints', is an eclectic compilation of thought-provoking stories that will intrigue, surprise and amuse. The characters congregate between the pages from different eras and walks of life to inspire the imagination and leave the reader wondering. Her trilogy of novellas, 'Sweet Destiny', contains three stories of mystery and intrigue, villainy and romance, that will keep the reader turning the pages to discover the truth and final destiny of the characters. She has recently triumphed over e-book publishing and, using Kindle Direct Publishing, has uploaded her work. Her booklet, 'Inspiration to Creation', is a quick guide to publishing short stories. Her novella, 'Tangled Web', is a story of treachery and murder, past betrayals affecting present relationships and, as mysteries become untangled, danger and violence erupt.