A Dark Mystery Unfolds in Rural Worcestershire…

In the autumn of 2017, Inspector Harcourt of West Mercia Police returns in the second gripping installment of this critically acclaimed crime series. Set in the picturesque yet increasingly troubled countryside of Worcestershire, this contemporary thriller is packed with twists, suspense, and unforgettable characters.

A Drowning That Doesn’t Add Up

When Gary Jones is found dead in the tranquil lake at Pickerton, a quiet village nestled at the foot of the Malvern Hills, it seems like a tragic accident. But the discovery of a second, eerily similar drowning – this time of Zoya Agarwal, who walks into the River Severn and perishes – raises troubling questions. Could these two deaths be connected? And if so, what dark secret ties them together?

A Race Against Time

As Inspector Harcourt and his team dig deeper into the case, the clues seem to slip further from their grasp. And when Daniel Reed, a sharp-witted proofreader with a knack for seeing what others miss, is drawn into the investigation, he quickly uncovers more than he bargained for. With the water seemingly claiming more victims, Harcourt and Reed must work together to untangle the mystery – before it’s too late.

Taut, Atmospheric, and Full of Surprises

Set against the stunning yet foreboding backdrop of the Malvern Hills, this is a complex and atmospheric crime thriller that will keep readers on edge. As Harcourt faces the unsettling changes sweeping through his adopted countryside, he’s forced to confront the dark undercurrents of a place that may not be as peaceful as it seems.

Will the truth surface before more lives are lost? Find out in this thrilling, character-driven crime novel that explores the secrets lurking beneath the calmest of waters.