Easy Lad — David North

After the relief of retirement and leaving London in search of a quieter life in Wiltshire, Horatio Tiny wondered how he became involved in murder. It was 1985 and Tiny (as everyone knew him) was struggling to keep pace with a rapidly changing world. After a distinguished career as a barrister and judge, he was looking forward to settling into rural life in Oakshaw, a small village situated just north of the Marlborough Downs. He had only agreed to look into the death of a local man to comfort a friend but the more questions he asked, the more suspicious he became and the more he found himself being dragged into a world of intrigue, crime and deceit. Accompanied by his old colleague George Rawlings, their investigations quickly draw attention especially within the local Ashbury Estate, who's growing reputation in international horseracing, is something they are keen to protect. Befriending the owners of the Estate, Tiny and Rawlings are invited to race meetings at Newbury and Royal Ascot but whilst enjoying the high life in the owner's enclosure, tragedy strikes. Tapping into his old network of criminal contacts, Tiny's ongoing enquiries seem to concern more than just the police, who are less than impressed by his meddling. Determined to see the investigation through to the end, Tiny soon discovers he's out of his depth. Has he a greater number of friends than he thought or is it more the case of staying close to your enemies?