pJohn Slim Hardy, heavy drinker and disgraced soldier turned bumbling private detective, is hired to investigate Ted Douglas, an investment banker who slips out of work every Friday to visit a desolate cove on the Lancashire coast. There, he walks to the shore, opens an old book, and begins to read aloud. pHis wife thinks he's having an affair. pSlim thinks he's insane. pThe truth is more incredible than either could imagine. pemThe Man by the Seaem is the sensational debut novel by Jack Benton, a classic story of love, betrayal, murder, and intrigue.p