A Persistence of Evil

Sir Harry Farleigh was hanged in 1669, convicted of murdering his first and second wives by poisoning. No one doubted his guilt, though many were surprised that a man known for his probity, generosity, and warmth would commit such crimes merely to ensure a male heir by a third marriage.

Over 300 years later, Dr Nick Holmforth, a historian from Oxford University, is sent to examine some papers discovered in an attic, and finds himself reading through the accounts of the Farleigh estate. Combining the evidence from these new documents with a contemporary diary kept by Sir Harry's chaplain, Nick begins to see a sinister pattern emerging - a pattern that could prove Sir Harry to have been an innocent man.

As Nick delves deeper into the mystery, history begins to catch up with him and his hosts, Desmond Craige and his beautiful niece, Anitra. Craige too is haunted by history, and his own secrets soon mingle with those of the past with fatal results.