The Primrose Pursuit (The Francis Oughterard Series)

1950s Lewes, South Downs. Following her brother's heroic death rescuing a parishioner from impalement on a gargoyle, eccentric artist Primrose Oughterard feels duty-bound to take responsibility for Maurice and Bouncer, his discerning cat and dog.

Hubert Topping, the new Latin master at the local prep school, is a man of seemingly impeccable conduct. Primrose, however, takes an instant dislike to him, denouncing everything from his penchant for ancient languages to his floral buttonholes. When a body is found on top of the downs, Primrose is certain of Topping's involvement and sets out to prove it, while Bouncer and Maurice are bemused spectators to the ensuing human skulduggery. Inevitably, Primrose is caught up in a series of calamities, including murder, foiled intentions, and concealment of evidence, before a conclusion on a notorious Sussex clifftop.