William Arrowood and his assistant, Norman Barnett, have taken on the
case of Birdie Barclay. Her parents are concerned because after her
recent marriage, she seems to have disappeared. When they travel to the
farm where she now lives, they are put off by her new husband and
sister-in-law. Arrowood is sure that she is there, but there is nothing
he can do.
When Barnett finally gets a few minutes with Birdie, he is shocked by
what he learns. Unfortunately, they are unable to get Birdie away. How
will they get to her to see exactly how she is doing?
Arrowood’s sister offers to go in their place as a destitute in need of
work. However, her voice is too refined, so it is agreed that she will
pretend to be a mute, and take along little Ned, a lad who has helped
out on previous cases, as her son.
Sadly out at the farm the body of an old gypsy woman who had provided
them with information is found. Who is the killer? It can’t be one of
the men who worked there because he had provided evidence of her
murder. Can the two detectives find the culprit and save Birdie?
Author Mick Finlay’s novel is based on historical facts of the late
nineteenth century regarding people who were placed in asylums for a
variety of reasons. Arrowood’s task is not an easy one and the
resulting inquiry makes his and Barnett’s task very difficult. A good
read.
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