When the body of a baby is found wrapped in a swan's wing deep in the woods, archaeology professor and expert consultant Carla James is brought in to assist on the case. The unusual burial must signify something, but what exactly is unclear.

Meanwhile, a student from Jericho College has gone missing. Police say she left of her own accord, but this doesn't seem right to Carla. The young woman didn't tell anyone she was leaving. No one has heard from her since. And she's not the first student to disappear.

As Carla delves further into both cases, she finds a rotten history beneath both the college's and the town's facade, perpetuated by lies and cover-ups. How deep does the corruption go?

A gripping and unsettling crime thriller about privilege and the dark underbelly of institutions we so easily trust. Perfect for fans of Kathy Reichs and Elly Griffiths.

'Carla James is a wonderful creation' William Shaw

'Dark, engaging and beautifully written' Michael Wood

'Addictive' Marion Todd

'Strongly atmospheric' Crime Time

'Clever and compelling' Woman's Weekly

Sarah Ward is a critically acclaimed crime and gothic thriller writer. Her book, A Patient Fury, was an Observer book of the month and The Quickening, written as Rhiannon Ward, was a Radio Times book of the year. Sarah is a former Vice-Chair of the Crime Writers Association, Trustee of Gwyl Crime Cymru Festival and an RLF Fellow at Sheffield University.