The year is 1890. Detective Sergeant John Billings is an honest and hard working man who has risen swiftly through the ranks to become one of Scotland Yard's youngest detectives. But in his private life he struggles with the demons of loneliness and morphine addiction.
While Scotland Yard is in the midst of foiling a Russian counterfeiting operation, Billings is asked to investigate the cold blooded murder of Lord Palmer. The main suspect is a rough looking vagrant called Brendan Lochrane who was employed by Lord Palmer to live as an 'ornamental hermit' in a grotto in his estate. When Billings visits Lochrane in his holding cell, he is moved by the look in the man's eyes. This is not the 'Wild Man' the press have made him out to be. Lochrane is mute, docile and unresponsive. A gut feeling leads Billings to suspect that the man is being framed. But who is framing him? And why?
Billings travels the length and breadth of Britain investigating the case. As he pieces together the fragments of Lochrane's extraordinary life, he slowly finds himself becoming embroiled in a web of corruption and deceit which goes right to the heart of Scotland Yard.
'The Ornamental Hermit' is a thrilling mystery which leads the listener on a colourful journey into Victorian England.
CAST
David Ault as Billings
Bob Lawrence as Clarkson
Ivan Wilkinson as Flynt
Sarah Bowers as Mary/Jack
Tanya Rich as Mrs Jacobs/Mrs Appleby
Anthony Hewson as Jacobs
Mike Young as Krimski/Crooke
Aubrey Parsons as the Neighbour
Shaun Mendum as the Policeman/Desk Sergeant
Luke Mulloy as Archie
Flloyd Kennedy as Ruthie
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