'The Elder Queen- a modern fair tale' is John Kruse's third novel and is set in North Cornwall and North Devon, between Bude and Bideford, centred on the fictional village of Darracombe. The story follows the experiences of Darren Carter, whose family life is turned upside down when he meets a fairy woman at a local ancient monument. Marriage breakdown, eviction, loss of money and possessions follow, before redemption comes through saving the local area from test drilling for shale gas (with the help of the fairies). Darren has a range of issues to confront and overcome: the struggles of life on benefits, the difficulties of searching for work, petty crime and police investigation, infidelity and the arguments over hunting, the badger cull and fracking. More difficult than all of these, though, is the question of the fairies- who are they? What are they? What are their motivations and intentions? His encounters with the fairies both ruin and rebuild Darren's life. The Elder Queen is a serious fairy tale for adults. It features strong language throughout.