ANY novel based in West Devon, as is 'Whispering Grass', assuredly will have allure for local readers.

Chagford and Dartmoor, while being the principal venues, are far from being the sole ones. For much action takes place in in Milan, New York and London, involves assorted villains, including the Mafia, plus diverse characters a touch more respectable and sympathetic.

It covers, evocatively, a time span of some 70 years, from the thirties to recent times, with the fraught years of the second world war featuring quite prominently.

The plot is, basically, a simple one. Its kernel is historical, the purchasing by wealthy mid-18th century land-owner, Nathan Alfred Fulford, of bespoke twin cabinets of quite exquisite craftsmanship and gargantuan size, and the installation of the precious pieces into the family's manor house, Cranmere, near Chagford.

This imposing old dwelling remains the home of this Fulford family right through to the dawning of the twenty first century, and is a central pillar to the story.

The event which provides the principle plot element is the disappearance of one of the, by then, priceless antique cabinets from Cranmere during the turbulent war years.

Attempts to locate this lost treasure sees the principal male character enter the story, Hal Wesson. He is a furniture expert and craftsman whose father was involved in the care of the cabinets at Cranmere during the pre-war days and who, unfortunately, was suspected of implication in the disappearance of the antique piece.

Determined to restore the reputation of his late father, Wesson involves himself in the search for, and restoration to Cranmere of the cabinet and, along the way, hopes to prove that Wesson Senior was innocent of any wrongdoing.

Richard Williamson's background gives him a distinct edge writing this novel, for he lived in the Chagford area from 1954 until quite recently, when he re-located with his wife Betty just a few miles to Okehampton.

Every bit as important is the fact he has a vast working knowledge of the antiques business as, for decades, he earned his living as a dealer, auctioneer and valuer, for some time being the owner of an antique shop in the square, Chagford.

It would appear that his present career move is to establish himself as a novelist — 'Whispering Grass' suggests that he is justified in 'giving up his day job', as his writing is crisp and without pretence, the dialogue sharp, the storyline strong, the characters, whether sympathetic or otherwise, well defined and, most important of all, completely believable.

For those who enjoy a mystery tale, 'Whispering Grass' is excellent reading; likewise for those who relish the unique background provided by the setting in 'Glorious Devon'.

Most importantly, though, it's a 'rattling good yarn'.

'Whispering Grass - A Chagford tale' by Richard Williamson is published by Edgemoor Publishing Limited priced £9.99 (ISBN 978-0-9564246-1-7), available from the publishers tel: 01837 659 224 and from local bookshops.

TED SHERRELL