Sky High

For the villagers of Brimberley, the worst thing looming on the horizon is the chance of being outshone by the rival village choir of Bramshott - that is, until Brimberley's lead tenor is blown up in his home by an explosion that rocks the whole community. While the police muster their forces, the motorcycling choir leader Liz enlists her ex-commando son and a retired general to help investigate the shocking murder. Together, they step into a case swirling with secrets: dark revelations from the Second World War, lurking parochial grudges, the local mystery of a burglar with a mythical reputation - and the identity of a volatile killer poised to strike again. First published in 1955, this classic village mystery with lashings of spy fiction showcases Gilbert's ingenious plotting, sharp humour, and ability to blow the reader's expectations sky high through taut pacing and explosive twists.