draws on the characters of Jane Austen's Persuasion. When Sir Walter Elliot is found dead in his bed there are no obvious signs to explain his death but the handsome Dr Darnley has the skills to find the cause. Does he also have the skills to touch the cold heart of Sir Walter's daughter, Elizabeth? Most of the original characters from Persuasion are here, with the addition of Dr Darnley and an investigator called Cuff. Between them, they discover the cause Sir Walter's death and the probable perpetrator. The tale begins in Bath and moves to London for the trial, which becomes a society sensation. The legal system of the time does not allow the accused to give evidence and they can only answer questions. They can, however, have witnesses to their character. Will Sir Walter will be avenged, or will the murderer get clean away?