Meet Peter Maxwell: widower, film buff, golden-hearted cynic, bow-tied eccentric teacher . . . and reluctant amateur sleuth.

Peter Maxwell is perfectly content with his routine; by day, inspire students and, if lucky, annoy the headmaster and governing body. By evening, return home to explain the finer points of classic films to his long-suffering cat, Count Metternich.

Until Leighford High student Jennifer Hyde is murdered.

The victim’s body is discovered at a derelict house in Kissing Tree Lane in the quaint seaside town. She’d been strangled.

The police have very few leads. And even less motivation. But for Maxwell, students are late for class. They are not murdered. And Jennifer was one of his students.

But this is not a textbook case.

If you love Faith Martin, Richard Osman, Ian Moore, Rob Rinder, Sarah Yarwood-Lovett, Janice Hallett, or Simon Brett, prepare to be hooked by this character-driven thrilling mystery!