Game in Diamonds

Most of the inhabitants of the peaceful and rural countryside around the English village of Ellstream, having chosen this area of Somerset because of its relative inaccessibility and  a pleasing lack of neighbours, wished for no change in their surroundings.  Only Lady Charlotte Merrion had not chosen Ellstream, but when she had inherited a large hillside estate outside the town, had demolished the crumbling old ruin upon it, and provided herself with large and comfortable house.  The only old building she retained was a small, graceful statue of Hermes standing on a stone plinth. which graced her drive. Her only neighbours were her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Merrion,  and the retired Mr. Ainstey, who lived quietly nearby with his wife and her sister.

But this peaceful existence was about to change.   Mrs. Merrion’s son Paul appeared, without the rich and beautiful girl to whom he was supposed to be engaged.   Lady Charlotte’s brother (the two had been sworn enemies for most of their lives) had also arrived, and was staying in Mrs. Merrion’s small guest cottage.  Mrs. Ainstey was away, making her yearly visit to her daughters - but Lydia, the youngest, was to spend her holidays with her stepfather, a surprise invitation given to her for his own reasons, which he did not intend to share.   And to Lady Charlotte’s house had come other guests - an elderly professor and Yolanda, his confident, outspoken niece.  Nothing, however, had suggested to anyone that they were about to be involved in a fascinating treasure hunt, which would bring changes to all their lives....