by Diana Evans
First published 2017
Diana Evans follows a group of churchwardens and building trustees as they confront a wave of metal theft targeting their historic structures. The protagonist, a dedicated fabric officer, discovers that thieves have stripped lead from the church roof overnight. The theft leaves the building exposed to weather damage and the congregation facing crushing repair costs. As more attacks strike neighboring parishes, the wardens must balance preservation of their historic buildings with practical security measures. Insurance premiums climb while replacement materials grow scarce. The fabric officer rallies volunteers and works with Historic England advisors to develop prevention strategies. Evans captures the frustration and determination of ordinary people protecting irreplaceable architecture. The story reveals how metal theft threatens not just buildings but entire communities that depend on these sacred spaces. At its heart, the novel explores the tension between accessibility and security in preserving cultural heritage.
Genres: historical-fiction, mystery, crime, architecture
Vibes: suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: amateur-sleuth, found-family
Setting: England
Period: 21st-century
34 pages · Paperback · Historic England