It is 1940, with the Battle of Britain in full swing. Geoffrey Vintner has been summoned by his old college friend Gervase Fen to join him in Devon. Fen's rather mysterious telegram indicates that the Cathedral of Tolnbridge urgently requires an organist and Geoffrey would be an ideal replacement. It seems, however, that there are forces at work that are trying to prevent him even getting there. Fen tries to work out exactly what happened two nights running at the cathedral, including an attack on the organist. There is a history of witchcraft in the area, and at least one person has a very good knowledge, and library, on the subject. The situation becomes more sinister and dangerous, with Fen twice narrowly escaping death, but his new hobby, an interest in insects, proves rather useful.
Dr. Butler
Precentor at Tolnbridge Cathedral for the last seven years. He had a humble upbringing and is now aged about 50. He has cold eyes and the frame and height of a giant but is prematurely grey. Liked to be thought of as a scholar, but based his writings on the work of others. Travelled widely with his family on the continent before the war.
Frances Butler
Attractive dark haired 23 year old with "blue, humourous eyes, a tip-tilted nose, red lips and a slim, loose limbed body". She is the practical, self-possesed and intelligent housekeeper at the Clergy House at Tolnbridge and is the daughter of the Precentor.
Sir John Dallow
The neurotic and excitable Chancellor of Tolnbridge Cathedral. Ran the former choir school. Has a distinctive drawling speech and seems to thrust his face at people when talking to them. A little, thin, old man with "a sharp nose, small beady eyes… and a crown of sparse and wispy white hair". An expert on witchcraft.
Henry Fielding
Young man with a pink complexion. Has an aristocratic background but wants to see action as a secret agent because it is romantic. Works in a London store "as a joke" after being rejected for war service through shaky eyesight.
Canon Garbin
Tall, dark and morose with large bony hands, this low churchman likes nothing better than endless debate contradicting the views of Canon Spitshuker. Keeps a raven as a pet.
Inspector Garratt
In charge of the Tolnbridge Cathedral case. Does not rise to the offhand and sometimes rude way in which he is addressed by Gervase Fen. Shows much courage in pursuing an armed suspect. A loyal British subject, "treachery offended his sense of symmetry".
Harry James
Landlord of the "Whale and Coffin" public house. Known to have once been a cattle farmer in Argentina but has been in Tolnbridge for about five years. He is a "stocky, sinister, slightly ludicrous little figure" and is a staunch Presbyterian and a leading light in the local Conservative Club.
Justinian Peace
Dr. Butler's brother-in-law. A psycho-analyst by profession, he seems to have doubts, especially about the existence of the unconscious. Is not doing so well, financially.
Rev. July Savenake
Vicar at Maverley, 12 miles from Tolnbridge. He has expensive tastes and spend half the year buying books and wine rather than looking after his parish.
Canon Spitshuker
"Small, plump, excitable with white hair and a pink face". His high church views led him to be thought of as an Anglo-Catholic. He takes hot milk and rum before retiring each night.
Geoffrey Vintner
Composer aged over 40. A finical bachelor, moderately well-off he was at college with Gervase Fen. Afraid of women and usually feels that they are trying to trap him into marriage.
Page created 19 February 2002 and last
updated 19 April 2008