Graham Ison 
Hardcastle’s Actress 

The strangled body of actress Victoria Hart is found in Windsor Great Park in the early hours of Christmas Day. Hardcastle and Marriott are sent from Scotland Yard to investigate — much to the irritation of their respective wives. The trail leads to the Beaux Belles revue at the Windsor Empire, where a scantily clad Victoria Hart persuaded young men to enlist with the promise of a kiss. It seems the alluring actress had many admirers — some not quite as gentlemanly as others — and when the recruiting sergeant is also found dead, a link to the army can no longer be ignored . . .