A Deadly Summer - Prologue - 1984 - Pembrokeshire Coastal Path

Jul 30, 2026

Upload by Himbo

A Deadly Summer unfolds through a tense prologue set in 1984 along the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, where a man, driven by fear and desperation, plans his next move in worsening weather. A secluded lay-by, heavy drizzle, sea mist, and an isolated sinkhole on the cliffs become central to his plan to conceal a rucksack and disappear from scrutiny. The scene emphasizes suspense, isolation, and the careful timing of action while the narrative prepares for later uncovering of secrets and a present-day crime investigation.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryStory & Novel

FormatPDF

Pages243

Reading Time6 h 14 min

AccessFree to download

Prologue

1984

Pembrokeshire Coastal Path

Praise for A Deadly Summer ‘Accomplished and tight, with pacing and narrative that reads like someone’s tenth novel, not their ﬁrst. The detail is immaculate and the writing is beautiful. I fell into this world completely and would happily fall into it again with a follow-up please! Loved it.’ – Caroline Corcoran, author of Tiny Daggers ‘An intriguing mystery with a clever and satisfying conclusion, all delivered with a waft of sea air from the beautiful Pembrokeshire coast.’ – Claire Cooper, author of The Book Club and The Couple on the Train ‘A compelling story where family secrets and past wrongs explode into a present day crime investigation. A wonderful debut.’– Sarah Ward, author of The Birthday Girl ‘A beautifully written, evocative and compelling tale of past and present secrets.’– Caroline England, author of My Husband’s Lies ‘A fabulous debut with a brilliant twisty end.’ – Louise Minchin, broadcaster and author of Isolation Island ‘A gripping whodunnit with an unexpected twist. I was hooked from start to ﬁnish.’– Colette Lewis, author of Without Good Reason ‘A slow-burn mystery packed with twists and a genuinely surprising ending.’– Ann Smythe, author of The Secrets of Lostmor [OceanofPDF.com](OceanofPDF.com) Copyright © Claire Back (2026) The right of Claire Back to be identiﬁed as author of this work has been asserted by them in accordance with section 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers. Any person who commits any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages. This book is a work of ﬁction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either products of the author ’s imagination or are used ﬁctitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. First published by Cranthorpe Millner Publishers (2026) ISBN 9781803783925 (eBook) [www.cranthorpemillner.com](www.cranthorpemillner.com) Cranthorpe Millner Publishers [OceanofPDF.com](OceanofPDF.com) Whilst the town of Penroth is ﬁctional, the wider setting of A Deadly Summer incorporates real locations in the Pembrokeshire National Park. Places visited by the characters in 1984 – including Broad Haven South, Elegug Stacks, Bosherston Lily Ponds and Barafundle Bay – are beautiful, much-loved parts of the renowned Wales Coast Path. [OceanofPDF.com](OceanofPDF.com) For my daughter, Elise [OceanofPDF.com](OceanofPDF.com) Prologue 1984 Pembrokeshire Coastal Path The lay-by was just large enough for one car to pull up – merely a curve carved into the side of sand-fringed tarmac. He withdrew the key from the ignition, cutting off the blaring cassette tape midway through the guitar solo. On an ordinary day, he would have been tapping the steering wheel and nodding along in rhythm but, on this dismal morning, he was oblivious to the music. His mind was on other things. During the night, teetering on the verge of panic, he had ricocheted from one plan to another. He had paced for hours with a dizzying pulse and sweat-soaked shirt, each idea more harebrained and reckless than the last. Then, when the whisper of a solution emerged with the ﬁrst pink streaks of dawn, he felt delirious. As the plan took shape and a way out of this nightmarish predicament ﬁnally seemed possible, he had almost cried with relief. Now, he got out of the car, zipped his waterproof jacket right up to the chin, and pulled the hood around his head, knotting the cords. The weather was on his side. A buffeting wind whipped in off the cliffs, driving heavy drizzle at his face and ﬂattening his trousers against his thighs. Low clouds formed a grey blanket across

FAQs

Where does the prologue of A Deadly Summer take place?

It takes place along the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path in 1984, featuring a lay-by and a path through coastal heath and cliffs.

What is the key location used in the prologue?

A sinkhole caused by a collapsing cave in the cliff, camouflaged by gorse and bell heather, is used to conceal a rucksack.

What mood and conflict drive the character’s actions in 1984?

The character is overwhelmed by panic and desperation, repeatedly shifting plans until a solution emerges, then acting under drizzle and sea mist to vanish.

Jul 30, 2026

Upload by Himbo