Manna From Abaddon

A simple decision to buy a second family car by Police Sergeant Decker leads to unexpectedly dangerous consequences. 'Why in God's name' Decker asks himself, 'does a man who was so eager for him to buy the car in the first place suddenly change his mind and try to buy it back at an inflated price?' It did not make sense, but then neither does the inexplicable disappearence of an old lady with dementia. Lady Lucinda Cashmore vanished without a trace from a securely locked house. Her son, the former MP Sir Gerald Cashmore needs enquiries to be discreet and Decker is asked to organise a search. Anger flares when the area's main employer, Baldwin's Brickworks is abruptly closed without consultation and local men lose their jobs. Violent industrial action is planned. In addition an unusual series of burgularies takes place. An ambitious young policewoman, Brenda Coggles assists Edward Decker with his enquiries, yet neither he nor she realise just how much their lives will be at risk.