From the CWA Diamond Dagger Award Winner comes the all-new eighth book in the beloved Vera Stanhope series. The highest honor in British Crime writing, past Diamond Dagger winners include Dick Francis, John Le Carre, and P.D. James.
"Ann Cleeves is one of my favorite mystery writers! I relish learning more about Vera with each book." --Louise Penny on The Seagull
"Engrossing. this nuanced, adroitly paced tale should satisfy both series fans and new readers." --Publishers Weekly on The Seagull
"[Vera] catches criminals, often by understanding the emotional bonds among the residents of this cold, rain-soaked North Sea community. The barmy-but-brilliant auntie we all wish we had." --Booklist on The Seagull
A visit to a local prison brings Inspector DI Vera Stanhope face to face with an old enemy--former detective superintendent, now inmate, John Brace. Notorious wheeler and dealer Robbie Marshall has been presumed missing, but Brace knows he's dead and points Vera in the direction of his grave.
The cold case takes Vera back in time--and close to home. Brace, Marshall, and a mysterious stranger known only as 'the Prof', were all close friends of her father, Hector. Hector was one of the last people to see Marshall alive before he disappeared.
To dig up the truth, Vera must overcome her prejudices, confront unwanted memories, and deal with killers who thought they had gotten away with murder.
