Ladder to Murder
When the body of Reverend Robert de Beaumont is discovered buried in someone else’s grave, the quiet village of Meadowhaven is rocked by a murder that shatters its idyllic charm.
Philippa Abbott, a retired forensic psychologist, thought she had left her former life behind until she’s reluctantly drawn into the investigation by the irascible DCI Garry Alexander of Kent Police. Together, they form an unlikely but compelling partnership.
As the body count rises and long-buried secrets come to light, Philippa and Garry uncover whispers of a powerful myth tied to the village’s past, a myth someone is willing to kill to protect.
Meet the Author
Patrick Gillan
Patrick Gillan was born and raised in Glasgow and later made his home in Tunbridge Wells in the heart of Kent. He has always enjoyed telling stories with humour at the heart, “making people laugh is the best medicine in the world.” Ladder to Murder is the first in his Philippa Abbott Murder Mystery Series, inspired by his love of village life and his experience as a parish councillor. He is also the author and illustrator of two children’s books and a passionate painter. When not writing, he can be found exploring the Kent countryside or chatting with neighbours some of whom may just inspire his next mystery.
Discover the Book
Philippa felt the village’s buried truths rising along with its ghosts.
Behind the Tales:
Reader FAQs
What kind of books do you write?
Murder mysteries set in villages that look peaceful but really aren’t stories about people, secrets, and what happens when the past won’t stay buried.
Who is Philippa Abbott?
Philippa is a retired clinical psychologist in her seventies. Quietly observant, curious, and very good at noticing what others overlook.
What inspired Ladder to Murder?
After reading one too many tired murder mysteries, I decided to write the book I wanted to read.
Where is it set?
In Kent, in and around the fictional village of Meadowhaven the sort of place where everyone thinks they know one another.
Is it part of a series?
Yes. Ladder to Murder is the first in the Philippa Abbott mystery series.
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