It should have been a cosy scene
- log fire sheepskin rug Vivaldi on the stereo Christmas lights & tree. But appearances can be deceptive. For Caroline Hartley lying quietly on the couch has been brutally murdered. Inspector Alan Banks is called to the grim scene. & he soon has more suspects than he ever imagined. As he delves into her past he realises that for Caroline secrecy was a way of life & her death is no different. His ensuing investigation is full of hidden passions & desperate violence.. . The characterizations are unfailingly sharp & subtle."
- " New York Times". "A definite contender for fiction's new top cop."
- " Independent on Sunday". " Watch for those twists
- they'll get you every time."
- Ian Rankin."