The Shadow of a Crime: A Cumbrian Romance
1885
The Shadow of a Crime: A Cumbrian Romance, published in 1885 by Sir Caine Hall, is set in the rural village of Wythburn, England, during the era of Charles II. The narrative centers on the mysterious death of local tailor Sim Stagg, accused of espionage, and its impact on his daughter Rotha and the young man Ralph Ray, who supports her through the ensuing turmoil. The novel explores themes of justice, innocence, and the moral complexities of human relationships amid the backdrop of local folklore and societal tensions.











