The Dark Secret of Widdecombe — Lionel Fanthorpe

The novel is set in the early 19th Century. Major Leo Tremaine has retired from the Royal Dragoons, having played a significant part in defeating Napoleon and is appointed as Vicar of Widecombe. The story features the characters from the famous folksong about Tom Pearce and his grey mare, living in and around Widecombe. Squire Cobley is the leader of a cruel and dangerous gang including Jan Stewer, a brothel keeper, and Bill Brewer who distils illegal alcohol. Cobley's gang kidnap Tom's beautiful young wife, Rahab, who is rescued by the immensely powerful Leo Tremaine and his sons Kenver and Petrok. Kenver is an officer in the Royal Dragoons, as Leo was before he retired. Petrok is captain of the Defiant - a redoubtable British warship, with a crew of battle-hardened Marines. His beautiful Arabian wife Selma is also captured by Cobley's gang, but is rescued as Rahab was. The story is filled with powerful action as the formidable Tremaine family lead the battle against Cobley's brutal thugs.