‘The queen of crime is still at the top of her game’ Independent

‘No one can tell a story like she can’ Daily Express

‘One of today’s most accomplished crime writers’ Literary Review

‘We are all creatures of habit. Even murderers…’

When human remains are discovered in the grounds of an old convent, it quickly becomes clear that someone has been using the site as their personal burial ground. But with the convent abandoned long ago and the remains dating back many years, could this be the work of more than one obsessive killer?

It’s an investigation that throws up more questions as the evidence mounts, and after their last case ended catastrophically, Tony Hill and Carol Jordan can only watch from afar. As they deal with the consequences of previous actions, someone with a terrifying routine is biding their time – and both Tony and Carol find themselves closer to the edge than they have ever been before . . .

Electrifying and filled with masterful suspense, this is the most eagerly anticipated thriller yet from number one bestseller and queen of crime Val McDermid.

‘McDermid is writing at the top of her game’ – Starred Review, Publisher’s Weekly

‘The ingenuity with which Val McDermid keepers her crime-fighting duo fresh is as captivating as her the deftly plotted denouement’ – Scotland on Sunday

‘McDermid’s storytelling is as classy and compelling as ever’ – Observer

‘This is McDermid on exemplary form, generating the requisite suspense but never forgetting that the characterisation of Hill and Jordan is a key ingredient’ – Financial Times

‘The queen of crime is still at the top of her game‘ – Independent