The Cage

A John Tedesco Cathedral Murder Mystery

by Radu Herklots

Enjoying an overdue break in Venice, the Bishop of Rhyminster has a chance encounter with Oliver Canford; a flamboyant tour guide, staying at the same hotel who grew up in a vicarage and read Theology at Cambridge. Despite misgivings from his wife, Bishop Bob offers him the post of Bishop’s Lay assistant.

But Canford neglects his duties in favour of flirting with the Chorister Mums, pursuing eligible widows around Cathedral Close and disappearing to London to sing with his refined choir. When one of his absences extends to 48 hours, the Bishop worries. He calls in his old friend John Tedesco, who runs a bespoke detective agency with his colleague Lynne Davey.

When a body is discovered in the Rhyme Chantry, a forbidding structure known as “the Cage”, the tiny tourist city is thrust under the media spotlight, suspicion falling on a leading member of the Cathedral staff.

Join Tedesco and Davey as they encounter a byzantine world of rival voluntary groups, hard pressed clergy and warring choral societies. Can they cut through the confusion and solve the mystery of “The Cage” before DCI Bloomfield jumps to the wrong conclusion?

Author news

The Cage, the first in the John Tedesco cathedral murder mystery series, has just been featured on BBC Wiltshire , where I was interviewed about the book , the writing process , and my love of football as part of the "Wiltshire Lives" series.

Press Coverage

Salisbury Friends Newsletter, Easter 2022

Diocese of Salisbury Grapevine Newsletter 17/03/2022

Book Reviews

Highly recommended. A really good plot, with believable characters and a nice dash of humour too! I could really visualise the setting and could see it working on TV. Looking forward to book number 2 already!

by Barbara Barclay

Anyone who loves a good muder mystery will love this one!
Excellent characters and Tedesco and Davey (not forgetting Barker of course) prove to be a perfect team in a perfect setting. We definitely want more!

by Beverley Richings

I really enjoyed this book. Believable characters and a lovely dog! John Tredesco is a very appealing presence - as are his assistant Lynne and sister Nikki. A satisfyingly convoluted plot bringing in lots of murky suspects. Ending on a cliffhanger - can't wait for the next book!

by Thelma Ball

A debut novel with appealing characters - not the least of whom is Barker the terrier. This book gleefully explores the Cathedral fraternity and legal profession. There are some nicely humorous touches and a pleasingly convoluted murder mystery. I hope John Tedesco, Barker and his compatriots return soon.

by Thelma Ball

About the Author

Radu Herklots

After growing up in Plymouth, Radu studied law at Kingston University, London and the College of Law, Guildford.

He practised as a solicitor for over thirty years and now lives in Salisbury where he divides his time between writing the John Tedesco crime series, volunteering at the cathedral and following his local football club.