Addie is an adopted American girl, who would love to know more about her family. Her English mother, touring in America, died when she was born, and there was no sign of a husband or partner. All Addie knows is that her grandparents didn't want anything to do with her. But out of the blue, Addie discovers that an elderly man has left her a house in Surrey. What can she do but come over post haste to find out about it? Could it be the grandfather who has relented? Will the trail lead her to more family, perhaps even to her father? And what secrets will be revealed when she's given access to old letters and diaries?; Tainted Tree is set in Surrey and the West Country in 1991, and is a family history that spans the 20th century, going back to World War 1. It's a genealogical novel with a mystery, a history and a love affair, in addition.