Not everyone knows the difference between a Poacher's knot, a Scaffold knot, a Noose knot, or a Hangman's knot, let alone how to tie them. Whether or not Horace Appleby knew is something no-one will ever know, but the knot pulled tightly around the neck of his dangling, putrid corpse was clear testimony to the fact that just such a fatal error had been made. 

According to his neighbours, Mr Appleby was a little odd, a reclusive old man whose regimented life and meagre allowance took him no further than the small train station at the top of the brow, where he would consume a single sandwich alone before returning to the house in which he had lived since birth.

Doctor Goodier's knowledge of knots was due to his father's expert guidance as a Knotter. Under his tuition, the doctor's young hands were taught the differences and the dangers of mixing up one knot with another. But was the knot around the old man's neck of his own making? Or was something more sinister at play?

The doctor has his suspicions from the outset, but even he is unprepared for the discoveries he and his good friend, Harry, make during their investigation.

Acknowledgement to Tama66 for their kind permission to modify and use their cover image.