When parts of a man’s body are found in a box of sausages at the Royal Welsh Show, Dyfed-Powys Police Inspector Daf Dafis is on a mission to uncover the truth of the bizarre case in the latest novel by Montgomeryshire author and broadcaster Myfanwy Alexander.

The former Powys County Council cabinet member’s fifth novel Coblyn o Sioe (One Hell of a Show) is set in what is considered to be one of the most major events in the British agricultural calendar which is the perfect setting for the book launch on Wednesday (July 26).

With four days of competitions, entertainment and attractions, the novel centres around the equine department at the show, where Inspector Dafis is looking after his daughter’s pony.

But when a man's finger is found in a box of sausages in the Food Hall, poor Daf has to forget about his holiday and investigate the complex history of some of the horse people.

The author who lives near Llanfair Caereinion said: “I started recording the adventures of Inspector Daf Dafis from the Dyfed-Powys Police at the National Eisteddfod as it was a very suitable location for a murder due to the cross section of people from all corners of Wales who meet there.

“And in the following three novels, Daf remained busy in his own patch in Montgomeryshire.

“But I was eager mix to things up, and where better than another iconic event in the nation's calendar, the Royal Welsh.

“I've always enjoyed the show (except for the Young People’s Village, who’s antics cause me a lot of grief!), but I had the opportunity to learn a little bit more about the show when Montgomeryshire was the Feature County.

“The show is a phenomenon: a shop window for the agricultural industry, a networking event, and an opportunity for business and pleasure.

“And within the Royal Welsh, there are many different cultures, from the evolved discussions about sweet peas in the morning, to the closing time conversation over your 15th gin and tonic in the bar of the Welsh Pony and Cob Society.

“I do hope that I have given a taste of what is the rich and unique world of the Royal Welsh Show in this novel.”

Wales Farmer: The Royal Welsh is hoping for a return to the 'good old days'.

Myfanwy’s faithful readers will be familiar with the author’s protagonist, Daf Dafis - the handsome police officer who does everything in Welsh.

Myfanwy herself admits: "I’ve fallen head over heels with Daf Dafis, and I enjoy spending time thinking about him.

“He may not be a saint, but he is a good man, and although he always tries to do his best, he doesn't always succeed.

“And despite his apparent strength, in this novel he is desperate to be accepted by the Bryn y Ceffylau community.

“I very much enjoyed putting him in a situation where he was out of his comfort zone!”

Coblyn o Sioe is being launched at the Welsh Books Council’s stand on the Royal Welsh Showground on Wednesday, July 26, at 12pm.

The novel is available in all Welsh bookshops, via www.carreg-gwalch.cymru or www.gwales.com.