The first rays of sun filter through the tall trees, casting a faint light on the girl, lying at the water’s edge. Her tears have frozen on her pale face; a black orchid resting against her cold white skin.

When hikers find the body of a beautiful, young girl, on the banks of the Potomac River, Detective Amanda Steele is shaken and confused. What is the significance of the delicate flower resting on the girl’s torso? A sign of affection, or a twisted killer’s calling card?

The girl is Chloe Somner, a local 19-year-old ecology student, well-known to the park rangers, and loved by all her classmates. Searching Chloe’s home, Amanda can’t work out who could have tempted her to the water in the early hours of the morning. But, a long night hunting through cold cases gives her a possible lead: Twenty years ago, another local girl was murdered, with a red rose left on her body. But why would this killer strike again now

Focused on the past, the last thing Amanda expects is the news that Chloe’s roommate has been found dead, another black orchid left behind. Terrified that more innocent victims will follow, can Amanda uncover the significance of the flowers, and stop this cold-hearted killer before he returns for the next orchid girl?

A totally compulsive crime thriller! Perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Robert Dugoni, and Rachel Caine.