A Sparrow Hawk Loves Yew

A late promise delivered is still one kept. Kory Vanon makes a vow to his great-grandmother minutes before she dies. Her last breath warns of danger traveling to England to fulfill his oath. Facing death would dissuade most people, except Kory. He misses the taste of fear. Kory keeps his word fifty years later. He discovers his family's history after falling into abandoned well. Within the brackish water, Kory also finds himself waist deep in the town's dirty secrets. As every muddy handful brings him closer to the truth, the vicar and his God-fearing flock prefer their pasts remain in the muck. Since they now need a deeper hole with Kory in it, Saturday's confession line is longer than usual. The vicar is willing to absolve the most unspeakable sins, providing transgressors show up for mass ready to sing with pounds in their hands for the collection plate. While trying to rid the town of their American nuisance, residents of Wytherton realize Kory is not the same man as his great-grandfather. Killing the grandson may turn out to be harder than bashing the skull of their old neighbor. Death and Kory Vanon are -- shall we say -- well acquainted.