The Skeleton in the Grass Hardcover – January 1, 1987 by Robert Barnard
 
SYNOPSIS: "Set in a small English village in 1936, as Franco's troops are conquering Spain and Hitler's legions are preparing to overrun Europe. Life at the country seat of the glamorous and renowned Hallam family still represents the ultimate in British civilization. Helen and Dennis Hallam care about peace and principle and Dennis conveys these views to the nation in his controversial weekly review column but the villagers mistrust and fear their pacifist political stance. When a Fascist major gains control over some of the local youths, nasty pranks are directed against the Hallams and their sons. The Hallam's nursery governess watches as the Hallams' world begins to disintegrate and the villagers grow more hostile. An unexpected encounter leads to a shocking murder."
 
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