The Havell Hundred Mysteries

 This sand and gravel ridge was left behind at the end of the last ice age, about 10,000 to 15,000 years ago. It was part of the local ecclesiastical holdings, historically used to graze sheep. Angry reactions to the executions of the monks of the nearby priory initiated legends of evil. When the thin pathetic remains of the six witches of Havell-on-the-Marsh swung on gallows in the summer breezes, a myth, that the mound was intrinsically malevolent began and persisted into the 20th century. Although these fables angered historians, they were unable dispel them.     

 It is difficult to explore almost anywhere in England without coming across the ruins of a former priory, monastery or abbey. They grace parks and gardens all over the country. The Havell Hundred is no exception to these ubiquitous features of the English landscape. The monastic ruins above are typically and usefully near a pub.

  It's February 1986 and freelance photojournalist Margery Moore lives in the shadow of the mysterious and legendary Glebe Mound, by the ruins of the old priory in Great Havell. A stroppy detective from Scotland Yard is enlisted by the mayor to assist the local police to probe two sudden deaths. Are the two people victims of the supernatural, ancient "curse of the mound"?   Are the stories behind the local newspaper's headlines able to offer a satisfactory explanation? Do the two coroner's inquests throw light on everything? Or does DI Barker's cynical attitude towards the provinces ultimately solve the case?          https://www.austinmacauley.com/book/death-behind-headlines ISBN No:  9781528999694