Twisting and turning its way through great cities and towns is the eternal navigation: a network of canals that fed the industrial growth of our country.

Nowadays we might consider our waterways a place to find peace and relaxation, but under that tranquil surface hides a turbulent past.

Storyteller and narrowboat dweller Ian Douglas has salvaged a wealth of stories from the depths. Murder and mystery, heroes and love, devils and oatcakes are all wrapped up in this wonderful book – but beware … you will never see the towpath in the same way again!