INTO THE VALLEY OF
DEATH is the third and final book featuring governess Harriet Unwin
written by H R F Keating as “Evelyn Hervey”.
Set in the latter part
of the nineteenth century, Miss Unwin is called to Chipping Compton
by Vilkins an old friend from their orphanage days. Vilkins is
working as a maid but is currently helping out at the pub as the
landlord is due to be hanged in a few days time for murder unless
Miss Unwin can use her detective skills and find the true killer.
Jack Steadman, the
landlord, was found unconscious in the woods next to the dead body of
Alfie Goode. He is an ex-soldier and well-respected and yet the
evidence is pointing to him. Miss Unwin, assisted by Mr Heavitree, a
retired Scotland Yard inspector, must dig around and go undercover to
save the poor man's life. Will she make it in time?
Miss Unwin is a
resourceful, brave investigator who doesn't yield to threats and puts
the doubting men in their places. She has managed to elevate herself
in society from a humble start and is sometimes reluctant to go back
down but she does it, as well as some other unladylike behaviour, in
her quest to save Jack Steadman.
INTO THE VALLEY OF
DEATH is an enjoyable historical crime novel, splendidly narrated by
Sheila Mitchell, which tells an interesting story in a mere six cds.
The first two books, THE GOVERNESS and THE MAN OF GOLD are also
available on audio book.