Richard Gardner lives in the peaceful commuter village of Haverscot, struggling with the mood-swings of his wife and the rebellious conduct of her two sons. Close by is The Willows whose frail owner has recently died, leaving behind a sinister legacy in the form of a hidden murder weapon. The owner is determined to reclaim it and to finish a job begun years ago.
Unaware that her purchase of The Willows will upset the plans of a convicted killer, its new occupant is drawn into the troubled lives of her neighbours and discovers criminal undercurrents threatening the apparent calm of Haverscot.
Serious Intent is a masterfully measured exploration of criminal behaviour both nascent and mature. With devastating skill Margaret Yorke shows us the frightening rapidity with which ordinary lives can descend into shocking violence, exposing in the process the fine line between high jinks and serious intent.