The Dungeon House (Lake District Mysteries) (25 page)

As with the other books in this series, I’ve made a few changes to the detailed topography of the setting in order to avoid confusion between my fictional world and real life. Ravenglass Knoll does not exist (in fact, its quarry garden was inspired by a visit to a beautiful garden in Cheshire); nor does Lower Drigg. The characters who appear are imaginary, and not intended to resemble any living (or dead) person; the same applies to the events of the story. The organisations and businesses mentioned are fictitious, with a few obvious exceptions, such as the Sellafield nuclear plant, and Muncaster Castle. My description of Cumbria Constabulary, and the people who work for it, is intended as a portrayal of an imagined equivalent of the real force, and Hannah and her colleagues do not represent real life counterparts. Similarly, the murders and kidnappings in the story are not based on abductions, family annihilations, or other events in real life. The Eskdale Arms, Saltcoats
View, and Scott Durham’s cottage were all invented for the purpose of the story.

I have, once again, been fortunate to receive a great deal of help in writing this book, and trying to strike a sensible and entertaining balance between invention and authenticity. My researches in Ravenglass and the surrounding area were assisted by several people, but I’d like to make special mention of my gratitude towards Neil Anderson of Rosegarth Guest House, and Mark A. Pearce, a gifted local artist, who gave me a great deal of invaluable information about life and work in the locality. Details about Rosegarth, and Mark’s work are available online; I can recommend both. Liz Gilbey supplied me with photos and insight relating to western Cumbria with her customary generosity. Gary and Linda Stratmann gave me welcome help in relation to Malcolm Whiteley’s weaponry, whilst Roger Forsdyke’s guidance on police procedure proved as invaluable as ever. I’d also like to thank my agent, James Wills, and my publishers here and overseas, for all their support. Most of all, my thanks go to my readers, not least those who take the trouble to get in touch with kind words about the books. Your continuing enthusiasm for the Lake District Mysteries is as rewarding as it is motivational.

THE COFFIN TRAIL

THE CIPHER GARDEN

THE ARSENIC LABYRINTH

THE SERPENT POOL

THE HANGING WOOD

THE FROZEN SHROUD

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M
ARTIN
E
DWARDS
was born in Cheshire. He read law at Oxford and then trained as a solicitor. He is married with two children, and is currently a partner at Weightmans LLP, a leading national law firm. He writes the hugely popular crime series set in the Lake District, featuring
The Coffin Trail
, which saw him shortlisted for the Theakstons Crime Novel of the Year Award. He is also a critic and has edited various short story collections.

www.martinedwardsbooks.com

L
AKE
D
ISTRICT
M
YSTERIES

The Coffin Trail

The Cipher Garden

The Arsenic Labyrinth

The Serpent Pool

The Hanging Wood

The Frozen Shroud

The Dungeon House

H
ARRY
D
EVLIN
N
OVELS

Waterloo Sunset