Constable at the Gate — Nicholas Rhea

Rural Yorskhire.

Dealing with the local population of this rural village shouldn't provide too much crime.

Yet the days are never boring for Constable Nick…

Settled into his family life, he is now a popular resident of Aidensfield.

Regularly approached when he's off-duty to help his neighbours with their current emergencies.

Rhea often finds himself in a situation where he must decipher the fact from the gossip.

Rumours are rampant and scandalous, but he must remain objective to carry out his job.

Easier said than done when you are living in a tight-knit community.

Returning the wandering elderly villagers to their family and ensuring the local pubs close on time are part of his normal routine.

Throw in a dramatic rescue of a much-loved pet and his work becomes exciting.

But the exposing of a small burglary ring whilst searching for a truant child hunting for a mythical bird really makes his job unique.

Constable at the Gate is a tale of life and work in a rural Yorkshire community that will make you laugh, cry and beg for more.

Praise for The Constable Series

‘Stories of a constable on his village beat in North Yorkshire. All very gentle and far, far removed from the hurly burly of modern day city policing.' â€" Daily Telegraph

‘A fascinating insight into the life of a rural constable … the book makes splendid reading,' â€" Police Journal

‘The colourful as much as the criminal side of life is his professional lot, and in a whole series of attractively written anecdotes he reveals how the waywardness which leads both young and old into awkward individualism, as well as into evil, keeps him busy.' â€" Countryman

‘Rhea's real strengths are his sharp portraits of people, and absorbing detail of a country copper practising his craft … As with the Herriot series, the best humour comes from the author's close understanding and affectionate portrayals of the character of Yorkshire country folk. Life as a North Riding copper must have been rich indeed.' â€" Northern Echo

‘An account of the hilarious happenings to the county's rural policemen over the years.' â€"Yorkshire Post

‘Filled with Yorkshire characters to make you laugh and cry … shows rural life through the eyes of a village bobby.' â€" Whitby Gazette

‘An excellent, well-written, humorous journey through the life of a village bobby.' â€" Police Box

Nicholas Rhea, now retired, spent 30 years in the force, having started as a Police Cadet for the North Riding Constabulary. His best-known work, the Constable series, provided the inspiration for the hugely popular TV series, Heartbeat and he remained involved with the series as a consultant until filming ended in 2009.