When senior detective Saul Catchpole takes his family to a production of the Mikado, he has no idea that soon he will be investigating a gruesome murder on the stage and finding out that within the operatic society things are seldom what they seem. Soon the enquiry is delving into the history of several members of the cast with surprising results. Not only does it challenge him and his team, as he introduces a new second in command, but within his own family, unexpected things are happening, when his brother, Jake, rediscovers a long-lost love in one of Saul's acquaintances.

1558: Elizabeth I is on the throne, though still challenged by Mary, and her Protestant faith threatens the Catholic Morland family. The reign of Elizabeth I means that the Morlands must seek new spheres of influence to restore their fortunes. John, heir to Morland Place, rides north to wed the daughter of Black Will Percy, the Borders cattle lord, and learns that the way to win her heart is through blood and battle. His gentle sister, Lettice, has also travelled north to marry the ruthless Scottish baron, Lord Robert Hamilton, and in the treacherous court of Mary, Queen of Scots, she has to learn the bleak and bitter lessons of survival.

- What do highly successful communicators know that the rest of us don't? - Do they have a secret recipe for success? - Is there a special alchemy at work? Whatever your situation or motivation, 'Secrets of Confident Communicators' reveals the 50 things you need to know to express yourself with assurance and get your message across effectively. Some will surprise you, and all will inspire you. Put these 50 simple strategies together and you have a recipe for brilliant communication skills, a proven formula that will unlock the secrets and uncover your potential.