A Village Scandal

Diane Allen

LEFT alone to run a popular pub in the Yorkshire Dales countryside when her husband signs up to fight in May of 1941, Flora Whitaker finds herself caught up in an old secret which still has the power to cause ripples in the close-knit village of Giggleswick.

The rural beauty and wild charms of the Dales once again form the alluring backdrop to a compelling tale of family bonds, hidden truths and courage from popular storyteller Diane Allen (pictured below) who was born in Leeds but raised at her family’s farm deep in the Yorkshire Dales.

Using the stunning countryside surrounding her home near the historic market town of Settle as her inspiration, Allen’s gritty and heartfelt novels are proof that she has her finger firmly on the pulse of northern saga writing, and the hardy Yorkshire folk who have for centuries made their home amongst the hills and dales. Flora Whitaker is a familiar face at the Cunning Vixen Inn, a small pub in the centre of Giggleswick. 

When her husband, Bill, re-enlists with his regiment from the last war, despite being over forty and still suffering pain from old battle injuries, he leaves Flora to run the pub with help from their 18-year-old cleaner May, the next-door neighbour’s daughter.

Flora, a typical landlady with her winning smile and a twinkle in her eye, has several money-saving and illegal schemes running to keep them afloat, and when young May starts courting local policeman, PC Trevor Whinray, he seems to show interest in Flora’s illegal activities.

Trying to alleviate their seemingly endless money troubles, Flora decides to let a room at the pub to Matt Walker, who has arrived on behalf of the War Office to oversee the smooth transfer of Italian prisoners of war to Whitefriars, a large house in Settle. Flora finds out that Matt’s mother, Maisy Walker, was once the landlady of the Cunning Vixen and they become good friends, even though her own down-to-earth mother, Mary Towler – who never approved of Flora marrying Bill – and the rest of the town do not welcome Matt’s presence.

Meanwhile, Bill – notorious for his jealous streak – hears from sources about Matt staying at the pub and becomes increasingly suspicious. Matt has a big secret, and he is about to share it with the unsuspecting Flora. Will it shatter her world, or will it bring her and her mother closer together?

Allen, an observant and insightful writer, brings us a fascinating cast of authentic northern characters in an intriguing, mystery-laced tale set in the picturesque and historic village of Giggleswick.

Packed with emotion, drama and the realities and struggles of everyday life during the Second World War, A Village Scandal sees Allen at her best as she uses her natural compassion and understanding of human frailty to shine a light on the warmth and joy that comes from family, friendship and community, and the power of love to heal both hearts and minds.
(Pan, paperback, £9.99)