What would you do to protect the people and the lifestyle you love? These sixteen stories explore the nuances of family and community life through comedy, tragedy, crime and punishment. They expose secrets, grieve for relationships lost and celebrate new beginnings. They are also a tribute to that smiling army of determined women who ruthlessly run the world. ‘A fascinating collection by a master storyteller. The stories range from darkly humorous crime and witty character studies to haunting reminiscence.’ Carol Westron: author of The Galmouth Mysteries ‘These might be tales of crooks and pedants, oddballs and prima donnas, but there's a certain comfort in reading them: you know you're in the hands of a great storyteller.’ Richard Salsbury : author of Mute and Gifts of Anger