Published in the U.K. as Fear for Miss Betony

Wartime England - Retired governess Emma Betony faces a future of genteel poverty until former pupil Grace Avram sends her a rather desperately-worded job offer. Grace is now headmistress of an exclusive private school that has been evacuated from the coast to a safer location inland, in a building until recently occupied by a nursing home.

Who is trying to murder the unpleasant old lady who refused to leave with the other residents? Miss Betony becomes a threat to a devious and despicable pair of schemers when she discovers more than she bargained for.