Shawlworth is an idyllic English village in the heart of the Cornish countryside. A thriving rural community steeped in tradition, the village is home to a large estate, with regular hunts and balls, a local shop, a parish church and a friendly pub. It is a haven of peace in a picture-postcard setting. Or at least it was. In 1992, along came Leroy Leonard - an ageing rocker enjoying a comeback - with a penchant for loud music and animal rights. Installing himself as the new lord of the manor at Shawlworth Hall, it is not long before Leonard manages to ruffle the feathers of each and every villager, with plans that will tear the heart out of this small community. But it is not just Leonard's rent increases, ban on hunting or even his plans for open-air concerts that cause upset. His arrival also reveals dark secrets from the past. One by one the villagers - from the vicar to the doctor to Leonard's own long-suffering wife - fuelled by their hatred, consider drastic action to protect Shawlworth's way of life. It soon becomes clear that this is less a case of whodunit and more a case of who will do it. and when? Howard R Smith was born in the North East, but, as a young child, moved to Cornwall. He returned to the North East after marrying his wife, Trish, where they raised their two daughters, Tracey and Kirsty. He and his wife still live there with their two young dogs, Norman and Katie.