Martin LaBurdge sets out to rebuild his shattered life after the death of his wife by focusing his energy on an invention that is certain to revive his stale career.  Only before he has the opportunity to do so, news of his uncle's death sends misfortune his way once again.  With an unexpected twist in his professional objectives, Martin departs Chicago for England, into the remote countryside of Devon where he is faced with the task of settling his uncle's affairs.  Little did he know that this journey would forever change his life.

Drawing on a system of living cultivated from his late wife, Martin uses his intuition to lead him to a horrific discovery.  Now, with the knowledge of his uncle's murder fueling him, he manipulates circumstances for Sara Jenkins who soon learns the truth behind her father' s death.

Joined by tragedy and driven by an obsession to bring justice to a double murder, Martin and Sara begin sorting through inconsistencies and delve into the quirky personalities of those connected to the estate of Buxton.  After finding the first of three mechanical drawings, the motive for the murders is exposed, but the danger ahead could never have been anticipated.

William Foster divides his time between the Great Lakes Region of America and the Florida Keys; these diverse cultures provide him with endless inspiration. He has been featured as a mystery writer on national television and in several publications. His interests in historic preservation, collecting, early music, gardening, and gourmet cooking has brought him further recognition and are subjects cleverly woven into his writings and speaking engagements. In addition to writing mysteries, William Foster's works include political espionage, short stories and a recently completed children's story.

The scene in the emergency room was one of feverish commotion.  Moments earlier, victims from an accident had been brought in, leaving the hospital staff running in all directions.  Martin and Sara made their way past a row of gurneys to the nurses’ station, where they were able to get directions to the room Lillian had been taken to.  Through the doorway they could see Dr. Greff by her side.  His face was strained with concern. 

“Martin, Sara. Please come in.  She is stabilized for now, but I’m afraid she is going to need to stay here for several days so she can regain her strength.  She has had a rough night.  It was quite an ordeal for a woman her age.  It’s a good thing she is so healthy.  This could have killed her.  Tell me, what happened tonight at Buxton?”

Martin told Dr. Greff all that he had observed and handed him the handkerchief containing the corn he had removed from Lillian’s plate.

“Good work, Martin.  This will help us determine her treatment.  Her throat is burned. I’m afraid the poor thing has been poisoned.  Who would do a thing like this to such a sweet lady?”

Dr. Greff’s statement hit Sara with a jolt.  She felt lightheaded and off balance, her ears ringing.  Her hand slid along the wall, guiding her to a chair in the corner of the room.

“Are you all right?” Martin asked, as he stepped over to her.

“That was meant for me,” Sara said in a faint whisper.  “She was in my chair.”

Dr. Greff looked up at Martin, his face revealing the shock of Sara’s remark and the truth in it.  “Look, Martin. Something is going on at Buxton and the two of you are right in the middle of it.  Jim McGowan, from the police department, was in my office today asking about you.  I know he has been trying to reach you by phone.  They are conducting an investigation into the death of your uncle, and he knows an autopsy will be performed on Robert Jenkins.”

“We haven’t done anything wrong.”

“I’m not implying you have.  But the police have a funny way of wanting to conduct their investigations themselves, and they don’t like help from civilians.”

A knock on the open door startled them, and the presence of the man who stepped into the room had a looming affect.