This is one of Aline Templeton's stand-alone books and a very good one it is too, as are all of her books. It took me a while to find this one, as it is an old book and constantly out of print. However, I eventually managed to get a copy on line. The story here starts with an account of a young girl's sad and tragic life in 1967. Her mother has died and then, her older brother is killed in an accident, leaving her with a cold and distant father, who gives her no love and almost resents her. She has a make-believe friend called, Missy, who likes to create mischief. Then, the story forwards to over 20 years later. The Rev. Margaret Moon has a new parish, where well-to-do villagers seem to lead far from the idyllic lives they appear to lead. There are spiteful, anonymous letters being sent around the village and then, when a fire is set in the garage of one of the locals, things take a nasty turn. "Missy" is back and is now creating more than mischief, she is downright dangerous. So, who is "Missy". There are four women, all friends, and all who could fit the bill. It is a guessing game and a race against time for her identity to be revealed. Clever and intriguing and a good old-fashioned mystery. Really liked it.
