Roland R Peach

Luke Baynard... Private Dick!: 'at the Beethorpe' Roland R Peach

Publisher Marketing: Luke Baynard...'AT THE BEETHORPE' is the second Baynard book, a sequel to Luke Baynard...private dick! Baynard goes to Jeffery's Cross, to visit old friends. Bill Evans remarks, 'If you're staying at the Beethorpe Luke, then there must be something afoot' During the cabaret, there's a murder. Baynard immediately takes charge of the situation, the local constabulary is not up to much. More often than not, the Inspector and his sergeant are down in the local pub. A murder ought to sober-up a few minds. Baynard immediately signs-up Bill Evans as his deputy, with other buddies there on call. They drink mostly in Margaret's bar. Margaret is 100 years old, and still pulling pints in the public bar. She dosen't say much, but is useful to Baynard with her observations. Baynard's mind gets a little respite now and again, with other diversifications. Like the company of two delightful bedmates. But only one at a time. The Hotel remains open despite the murder. The proprietress Jessica Fairchild is doing a roaring trade. She mentions to Baynard that she is thinking in terms of building a new wing! Trainspotters abound, and all hoping for more. As is the press, local and otherwise. Camera's hardly hidden, Jessica is squeezing them in. Doubling them up in any spare bed she can find. Characters abound too. Some of the long-stay guests are quite eccentric. Especially the Brolly Woman. She's always in Baynard's way, as he pursues his investigations. She carries her gamp at all times, rain or shine. The odd copper posted at the foot of the stairs is often the painful recipient of it. Jessica tells Baynard, that she cannot get rid of her, and is here for life. Baynard tells the Brolly Woman, that she might be here for death!