A Penknife in My Heart — Nicholas Blake

It was shortly after entering the bar of the Nelson Arms on a Saturday in August 1955, that Charles Hammer first perceived how he might commit the perfect murder.

Hammer was ruthless and predatory; he needed money quickly, and he would get it if a certain person died. “We might,” he suggested to Ned Stowe, “make a contract for the disposal of each other's rubbish.”

Ned was not ruthless -- but he was desperate. Passionately in love with the beautiful, copper-haired Laura, he was tied to a neurotic, clinging wife. He had reached the end of his tether.