DI Wesley Peterson is called to an unusual crime scene. The victim, Charles Marrick, has been murdered, his body drained of blood. Described by those who knew him as 'evil', it seems that Wesley isn't going to have any shortage of suspects. But when a popular local vet is murdered in an identical fashion, Wesley wonders what the two men could possibly have in common.

Meanwhile, Wesley's archaeologist friend, Neil Watson, is alarmed when he starts getting disturbing anonymous letters written in gory detail about macabre events at a medieval abbey. Neil fears that his letters are being sent by the killer Wesley is looking for.

However, Wesley's investigation takes an unexpected twist when a third body is discovered many miles away in Chester. And Wesley has the additional problem of a skeleton found in nearby woodland, possibly that of a sex offender who disappeared twenty years earlier. Could there be a connection between all these deaths and Neil's letters? And is Neil himself in danger?

As the sinister truth unfolds, both Wesley and Neil are forced to face tragedy and shocking revelations...and a killer who bears the scars of past sins.

Reviews

"Intriguing, full of twists and just what good crime writing should be." Lovereading

"Arguably the best yet. A first rate example of the traditional mystery brought up to date. A thoroughly enjoyable piece of work." Tangled Web

"I think this Devon-based series, which always has an archaeological dual-time sub-plot, is the best thing on the Piatkus list " The Bookseller

"An unstopable read with twists & turns that will keep you in suspense. A perfect must-read for all those who love crime novels." Seren - University of Bangor Magazine