Cochran Wilder disappeared 15 years ago while on a walking holiday in Cornwall. Recently released from a psychiatric hospital after being convicted of indecent assault, he had been a serious embarrassment to his father, a prominent MP. Now his body has been found buried in the dunes and it is clear that he was murdered. Detective Superintendent Wycliffe suspects the involvement of six people, now well-established figures in the community, who at the time had been spending an illicit weekend at a chalet in the area. All are disturbed by Wycliffe’s interest and by a series of threatening anonymous communications. But when a second murder is committed, the investigation takes on a whole new urgency.
Dive into a gripping Cornish mystery with "Wycliffe and the Dunes Mystery," a thrilling installment in W.J. Burley's acclaimed Wycliffe series. This reprint edition from Orion Publishing plunges Detective Superintendent Charles Wycliffe into a complex and unsettling case involving secrets buried deep within the windswept dunes of Cornwall. Fifteen years ago, Cochran Wilder vanished without a trace during a walking holiday. His recent release from a psychiatric hospital, following a conviction for indecent assault, cast a long shadow on his prominent MP father, making his disappearance a delicate matter. Now, Wilder's remains have been unearthed, revealing a sinister truth: he was murdered. Wycliffe, a shrewd and observant detective known for his meticulous approach, finds himself navigating a web of suspects, all pillars of the community, whose lives were intertwined on a fateful weekend long ago. Six individuals, linked by an illicit gathering at a local chalet, become the focal point of his investigation. As Wycliffe delves deeper, these respected figures are unnerved by his inquiries and plagued by anonymous threats, hinting at a desperate attempt to conceal long-held secrets. The tension escalates when a second murder occurs, injecting a new level of urgency into the already intricate investigation. Is this a crime of passion, a calculated act of revenge, or something far more sinister? W.J. Burley, a master of the traditional detective novel, expertly crafts a compelling narrative filled with suspense, intrigue, and atmospheric detail. His meticulous plotting and believable characters create a truly immersive reading experience. Fans of Agatha Christie, P.D. James, and Colin Dexter will find themselves captivated by the intricacies of "Wycliffe and the Dunes Mystery." This edition, published in 2008, offers readers a chance to experience one of W.J. Burley's most intriguing mysteries. Explore the picturesque yet treacherous landscape of Cornwall as Wycliffe unearths dark secrets and confronts the hidden motives of those desperate to protect their reputations. Will Wycliffe solve the mystery before more lives are lost? Get ready to lose yourself in this classic detective novel, perfect for fans of traditional British crime fiction.