Can the familiar turn sinister?

A new drug network is spreading its toxic reach into the quiet cathedral town of Lafferton. Detective Chief Superintendent Simon Serrailler has always viewed small-time drug cases as a waste of resources, but when the body of a young addict is discovered, he is plunged into a sophisticated and dangerous underworld.

A compelling psychological thriller for fans of Ruth Rendell and P.D. James.

In the eleventh installment of Susan Hill's acclaimed British mystery series, Serrailler must expose an elaborate drug operation that preys on the town's most vulnerable:

• The new faces of crime: The network's foot soldiers are local children, groomed and exploited by ruthless operators.
• A town in crisis: Lafferton's quiet facade is shattered, revealing a dark underbelly that threatens to consume its own.
• A family on the edge: Serrailler's own sister, Dr. Cat Deerbon, faces personal and professional struggles, highlighting the heavy toll this new wave of crime is taking on the community.

Dark, character-rich, and utterly gripping. This novel delivers a powerful look at how a change in circumstance can expose the deep-seated vulnerabilities of a seemingly tranquil town. It is a compelling addition to the Simon Serrailler series that will enthral both new and longtime fans