The fourth mystery novel in the Palmer-Jones series by Ann Cleeves, winner of the 2017 CWA Diamond Dagger.

Ann Cleeves Classic Crime - engaging mysteries to savour, beloved characters to meet again

A Prey to Murder is the fourth mystery novel featuring George and Molly Palmer-Jones by Ann Cleeves, author of the Shetland and Vera Stanhope crime series.

The huge and powerful hawk dominated the scene. Its talons pierced the woman’s flesh and the beak pointed towards her eyes . . .

The sight is a particularly horrible shock for George Palmer-Jones, ornithologist and amateur detective, as he was an old friend of the victim Eleanor Masefield. George and his wife Molly are staying at Eleanor’s family-run hotel, and whilst George believed Eleanor was a beautiful and charming widow, Molly has other ideas.

Is Molly a little jealous? Or was Eleanor more a black widow – a ruthless manipulator of all those caught in her far-reaching web? Can Molly prove it in time to prevent another death?

"A fine writer" - Sunday Telegraph

"Cleeves is quietly carving out a reputation as the new Queen of Crime" - Sunday Mirror

"Ann Cleeves is a skilful technician, keeping our interest alive and building slowly up to the denouement. Her easy use of language and clever story construction make her one of the best natural writers of detective fiction" - Daily Express

"Ann Cleeves has an enviable talent . . . I love these books" - CrimeSquad