Hettie Shaw

"Perfect Peril" unfolds in the enchanting landscape of rural Wales, where Hettie's world comes crashing down when a mysterious late-night call jolts her from a whisky-fueled haze. Once a brilliant private investigator, Hettie is now drowning in her grief and guilt, haunted by a past that includes a terrible, deadly mistake. A desperate plea to give tarot card readings at a pagan festival interrupts Hettie's reclusive spiral. Reluctantly, Hettie agrees, driven by a promise of much-needed cash and the faint hope that reconnecting with her psychic roots might bring her some clarity-and maybe even the comforting voice of her deceased grandmother, who has gone silent since Hettie's life fell apart. Meanwhile, Sir Charles, Hettie's former partner-in-crime-solving, is on the hunt himself. Chasing cars on his bike, fending off incompetent private eyes, and managing a chaotic personal life, Charles wishes for Hettie's sharp mind and fiery spirit to help him navigate a web of infidelity and intrigue. But Hettie's whereabouts remain a mystery, even as she steps back into the world she had left behind, unaware that the festival's tarot tent will become the stage for a confrontation with her darkest fears. In a tale of mysticism, murder, and redemption, Hettie is thrust into a twisted path that might just lead her to a new beginning-or pull her deeper into the shadows. As the pagan festival kicks into high gear, Hettie will need every ounce of courage and cunning she possesses to face the demons of her past and the dangers lurking in her present. Through moments of tension and introspection, the characters navigate their vulnerabilities and strengths, forging connections that transcend individual quests. Hettie's evolution reflects the community's struggle with its own history and future, unearthing truths that redefine notions of justice, belonging, and the quest for truth. "Perfect Peril" is more than a gripping mystery-it's a poignant exploration of identity, resilience, and the enduring spirit of humanity. Set against the backdrop of rural Wales, where ancient traditions meet contemporary complexities, the novel resonates with universal themes of courage and compassion. As Hettie and her allies unravel the enigma surrounding Blanche Sidebotham's mysterious ordeal, they navigate a landscape where each revelation brings new understanding, propelling every character towards transformation. In its climactic moments, amidst whispers of wind and the embrace of ancient oaks, "Perfect Peril" invites readers into a world where the pursuit of truth challenges assumptions, celebrates resilience, and reaffirms the profound connections that bind us all together.

Broken-hearted after a tragic accident killed her husband and daughter, Hettie Shaw, in her mid-fifties, finds escape in the arms of younger men. When military-trained, Sir Charles reluctantly hires Hettie to solve a blackmail case, it leads to a growing partnership. Their investigation causes a chain reaction that reveals a sinister web surrounding the Welsh town. As they dig deeper, Hettie bites off more than she can chew, and only Gran's words of wisdom from beyond the grave stop Hettie from becoming a murder victim herself. Set in present-day Wales, UK., free-spirited, PI Hettie Shaw is a feisty, fun, femme fatale, who strides into every situation with head high and a druid insight at full throttle. When troubled Lady Gwen falls to her death from Castle Cliff, everyone thinks she committed suicide. But, when the police accuse her twin brother, Lord Ambrose of murder, he hires Sir Charles and Hettie Shaw to clear his name. As they investigate the twisting trail through the underbelly of Wales, it leads Hettie to insist they exhume the bodies of Lord Ambrose's parents, which uncovers a terrible family secret. Meanwhile, Charles is battling his own problems with his new fiancé-an out-of-control spendthrift. Finally, the brutal murder of a young girl leads them to a dungeon where both Hettie and Charles race against time to save themselves from falling victim to the deadly killer. Within the novel's environment is a wide diversity of settings, including a traditional pub, Manor House, creepy Castle, seedy slum, a decaying dockyard, and the moody, misty Welsh seashore. As different as Hettie and Sir Charles appear, a bond develops based on their joint reverence for justice, Welsh trivia, and young lovers. The quickening pace moves forward amidst embarrassments, setbacks, detours, and the growing threat of their own deaths. The historical knowledge that Sir Charles and Hettie share creates a supercharged, well-written mystery with a unique cast of characters.