The New Rector - The new rector of Turnham Malpas is young, vigorous, and very handsome. And, as Peter Harris encounters his flock, he discovers there's more to village life than he had anticipated. The local publicans are having trouble with their wayward daughter, whilst the village store is trying to bring a touch of Harrods to the neighbourhood. And there's Suzy Meadows; with three children to bring up alone after the suicide of her husband, she turns to Peter for support and the new rector finds himself facing a difficult decision. Then the whole village is rocked by a tragedy. Peter's pastoral role is crucial - and yet he is wrestling with his own private hell that may still wreck his life.

Talk Of The Village - The village of Turnham Malpas is bedevilled by talk. In the Royal Oak, the usual banter has turned to bitter wrangling as Caroline causes controversy over and ancient country tradition. And what about Peter, her husband and rector of the village? Are the rumours about him and pushy newcomer Venetia true? Even he older inhabitants are not exempt from gossip, as the Baxter sisters' eccentric lifestyle is the subject of cruel speculation. And what is the evil lurking behind village windows that almost cost a child her life? Peter must put aside his own problems and use all his influence to try to unite the village - until he finds it is the very things the gossips miss which look set to bring about superstition, madness and tragedy.