Constable 'Thorny' Deepbriar expects to enjoy a few days of peace and quiet as Minecliff prepares for its summer fete, but he is called to an unpleasant incident involving an illegal mantrap. Then there is a death on the arterial road that may not have been accidental and suddenly he has more than enough to keep him busy.To add to his troubles, Deepbriar's childhood friend has returned home, bringing his fiancee and planning a fairytale wedding, unaware that the village is harbouring dark secrets.With a madman causing mayhem on the local byways, and a malicious writer of anonymous letters targeting some of Minecliff's most respected residents, the constable faces a serious challenge to his detective abilities, and ultimately a threat to his life.