In a quiet Manchester suburb, a man sets himself on fire in a petrol station. Nearby, a fourteen-year-old girl murders her mother in cold blood.

At the Coroner's Officer, Detective Inspector Ridpath is called in to investigate both of these baffling deaths. Is one a suicide and and the other an unexplained murder? Or does something more sinister link the two seemingly unconnected tragedies?

As Ridpath delves deeper, he must confront the darkness lurking in the most unexpected places, where even innocent facades can hide the darkest of truths. Can he prevent more deaths?

An unputdownable and suspenseful crime thriller from the bestselling author, perfect for fans of Mark Billingham and Trevor Wood.

'The best in the series so far, with the tension turning with every page' Reader review

'Gripping I was drawn in very quickly, unable to put the book down' Reader review

'Keeps you on the edge of your seat once again MJ Lee serves up another masterpiece' Reader review

'Wow, a fantastic suspenseful crime thriller!! I highly recommend reading this book' Reader review

'Absolutely brilliant story. Grabs you from the beginning. I can't wait for the next book' Reader review

'Another superb Ridpath book by the brilliant MJ Lee. I love this series of books, and as soon as I have finished one I am desperate to read another' Reader review

'Well-crafted, realistic characters and a twisted plot' Reader review

M J Lee has worked as a university researcher in history, a social worker with Vietnamese refugees, and as the creative director of an advertising agency. He has spent 25 years of his life working outside the north of England, in London, Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok and Shanghai.