The second Campbell and Carter mystery from one of the nation's best-loved crime writers.

The discovery of a dead body shatters the tranquillity of a Cotswold village in Ann Granger's second Campbell and Carter mystery.

When old Monty Bickerstaffe finds a dead body in his drawing room it comes as a nasty surprise - the first of many. Monty lives alone in a crumbling Cotswold manor house and the last thing he wants is the police sniffing around his property. Not that he has anything to hide...

The identity of the corpse and how and why it was left in Monty's home remain a mystery. The locals swear they've seen nothing unusual and Monty's relatives claim they've never set eyes on the stiff before. But Inspector Jess Campbell is convinced that someone's lying and, with the help of Superintendent Ian Carter, she must dig deep into Monty's family history to reveal the shocking truth...

"Praise for Ann Granger's previous crime novels: 'Characterisation, as ever with Granger, is sharp and astringent'" - The Times

"'The plot is neat and ingenious, the characters rounded and touchingly credible, and the writing of this darkly humorous but humane and generous novel fluent, supple and a pleasure to read'" - Ham and High

"'The reader can expect a treat. Lively, different and fun'" - Yorkshire Post

"'Ann Granger's skill with character together with her sprightly writing make the most of the story....she is on to another winner'" - Birmingham Post

"'One of crime fiction's most engaging heroines'" - Yorkshire Post