... it is good to see a publisher investing in fresh work that, although definitely contemporary in mood and content, falls four-square within the genre’s traditions.
- Martin Edwards, author of the highly acclaimed Harry Devlin Mysteries
Creme de la Crime… so far have not put a foot wrong.
- Reviewing the Evidence
First published in 2007 by Crème de la Crime P O Box 523, Chesterfield, S40 9AT
Copyright © 2007 Roz Southey
The moral right of Roz Southey to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by her in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the publisher nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published.
All the characters in this book are fictitious and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
Typesetting by Yvette Warren Cover design by Yvette Warren Front cover image by Peter Roman
Printed and bound in Germany by Bercker.
ISBN 978-0-9551589-3-3
A CIP catalogue reference for this book is available from the British Library
www.cremedelacrime.com
Contents
About the author:
Roz Southey is a musicologist and historian, and lives in the North East of England.
My thanks …
… to Lynne Patrick and Crème de la Crime for allowing me to achieve a lifelong ambition, and to my editor, Douglas Hill, for his insightful and patient advice, and unfailing encouragement.
… to Jackie, Jenny, Laura, Anuradha and Sandra for their support during rejections and disappointments. Without their insistence, I would never have dusted off the manuscript of Broken Harmony and put it in the post.
… to all the staff of many libraries who over the years have hunted out old newspapers, diaries, tradesmen’s accounts and music manuscripts for me, particularly the staff of Newcastle Central Library’s Local Studies Department.
… and to all my family, especially my husband Chris who has listened to the same stories again and again without complaint, and brewed untold cups of Yellow Label tea …
Wind sweeps across the fell, shivering the reeds and cotton grass at the pond’s edge. The water is misty in the early morning light. Cold drills into my bones; a thin drizzle chills my face. I am talking to a dead man, trying to persuade him to give up the name of his murderer. Trying to persuade him that justice is more than private vengeance. And getting nowhere.
His spirit is as secretive as the man himself ever was. It is infuriating, especially when spirits, as everyone knows, are generally eager to tell the whole world exactly how they died.
I have never even liked the fellow. Over these past few months he has done everything he can to drive me out of the town. He has been rude to my face and disparaging behind my back. He has belittled my abilities and looked down that long nose of his as if he smelt something unpleasant every time he looked at me. Why should I care who killed him?
Because, of course, there is more at stake here than ‘mere’ justice. Because there has been more than one attack already, and who knows who may be the next victim? It may be me. Or someone close to me.
The cold air chills my bones. A sheen lies upon the water.
“Tell me,” I say again to the spirit.
He is silent.