Beyond the Cane

James Royston had sent his twelve-year-old son, Fredrick, to a private boarding school where he learned he was being excessively caned by one of the masters.
As private investigators, he and his partner Fred Baker wanted to know why, so set about uncovering what skulduggery was going on. They set out to learn who the master was and his background. Anthony Oliver, a ruthless businessman who had purchased the school only to make money was the villain around what the school was about. In the process of investigation, blackmail, attempted murder, illegal gun-running and skeletons in cupboards were discovered. Criminal exploits including military service were exposed, and family reputations ruined. It was a good case to solve, to sell to a newspaper and a good story for the reader to enjoy.
Read on!

After leaving school at fifteen, James Harley served an Engineering apprenticeship and joined the Merchant Navy as an engineer officer for six years. He spent the rest of his working life with the Ministry of Defence, their ships and the sea.
James had to retire at 55, but did not start writing until he was 70 when he wrote his unpublished autobiography. He is enjoying a very happy retirement with his wife of fifty-five years and enjoys playing golf, gardening, DIY and writing for pleasure