The Constant Lovers

The body of a young woman has been found outside Leeds in the early part of the 18th century.  Constable Richard Nottingham has been called out to investigate.  A few days later a man shows up at the constable's office announcing that his wife is missing.  His description matches that of the young woman.  Nottingham is informed that she is the daughter of a nearby aristocrat.

The initial investigation by Nottingham and his deputy John Sedgwick unveil the fact that the maid who travelled with the young woman is missing.  They also discover that her husband had paid her parents so that he could marry her and have access to nobility.

A few days later a suicide is discovered.  Looking through his papers, Nottingham, Sedgwick and their new man Rob Lister determine that he had been seeing the young woman who had been murdered.  The three men also have several thefts to solve involving servants who take on jobs and the shortly afterwards steal and disappear.

Sometime later a body is discovered.  It has been worried by animals and is badly decomposed.  Nottingham determines that it is the body of the maid.  Now he and his men have to discover who killed the young women and why.

Nottingham also has to contend with a battle between two pimps.  The younger one challenging the older more established one for supremacy.  Nottingham's plate is full.  How can he establish the truth of the murders and keep peace in Leeds?

Author Chris Nickson has provided the reader with an intriguing puzzle in a light, quick and enjoyable read.