Detective McAvoy investigates a murder and a missing person case in this dark and compelling thriller, for fans of Stuart MacBride and Peter May.

The police think Crystal Heathers isn't missing.

The trainee detective assigned to the case isn't so sure.

McAvoy thinks someone was being held at the derelict building where they just found a body pinned to the wall...and that all the signs point to it being a little girl.

But why would anyone not report a kidnapping?

And how far would someone go to get revenge?

The case will test McAvoy to breaking point - as the crimes of the present lead him to a final violent confrontation with an enemy from his own past.

"Praise for David Mark" - .

"There is a good array of villains, and Mark is impressive in his sensitive portrayals of the relationships between the principal characters at work and home." - The Times

"Aficionados of the grittiest, most trenchant fare love Mark's copper Aector McAvoy, who customarily moves in a darkly realised Hull." - Financial Times

"Mark's rich, distinctive prose style and damaged characters compel you to keep reading... shaping up to be an essential crime series" - Crime Scene Magazine

"A brilliant read." - Sun

"Dark, compelling crime writing of the highest order" - Daily Mail

"To call Mark's novels police procedurals is like calling the Mona Lisa a pretty painting. Beautifully crafted, filled with flashbacks, horror, angst, and chilling detail, this one is his most complex and best yet." - Kirkus starred review

"Highly entertaining" - The Sunday Times