Snake in the grass

the long version

Lydia Taylor's dog is dead. A gift from her ex-boyfriend, Prize has been her companion for more years than she cares to think about. Now, nearing 40, in mourning and haunted by the ghost of her mother, Lydia finds herself acting in ways she never expectednot least when she seduces 18-year-old Dean Morley by the side of a country lane. In trying to extricate herself from this moment of madness, Lydia unwittingly gets involved in organizing an exhibition of village artwork. The exhibition takes on a life of its own, but to Lydia it is an imposition; to Imelda Darkleylady of the manor and doyenne of the parish councilthe exhibition is anathema; but to Dean's mother Gwen it proves to be unexpectedly liberating. With a cast of superbly drawn characters this witty and insightful story delves deep into village life and captures finely depicted personalities with all their strengths, desires, and foibles.