This is the cult novel extraordinaire. It came out 17 years ago and still refuses to die. If you can find a copy, hang on to it - the value of a copy (as sold secondhand on Amazon) is now 500% of the original cost 17 years ago.

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A hundred years ago, a series of terrible murders was committed in the village of Morbing Vyle. Now the place lies hidden behind a forest of burned-out blackened trees, and people in neighboring towns prefer to forget it ever existed.

But Martin Smythe rediscovers it, following an old signpost and a hidden path. All that remains is a vicarage and a vast building site.

Eccentric characters inhabit the vicarage: Mr Quode, Melestrina Quode and their son, Baby Panker; Mr Caulkiss and his wife, Craylene; and Mr Scrab, kept outside in the back garden. They make Martin welcome - but there's a price to pay.

Ignorant of his own danger, Martin investigates. What strange religious belief drives these people to try and build the largest church in the world? If they're so religious, why is Mr Caulkiss obsessed with mechanical inventions, why is Mr Quode obsessed with gourmet cuisine? Martin is sure that the mysterious Vicar is at the bottom of it all.

Then he discovers that he is no longer free to leave . . .

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