Meet ex-detectives Slater and Norman, an unlikely crime-solving duo. They might seem like they have nothing in common, except a love of doughnuts and banter. But they never give up on a case, no matter how tough things get . . .

Please note, this book was previously published as A Puzzle of Old Bones.

Newly promoted Detective Inspector Dave Slater can’t believe his luck. Or lack thereof . . . On his first day on the job, Forensics turn up the skeleton of a young child, at the bottom of a ditch in the middle of nowhere.

As Slater gazes down at the tiny bones, something shiny catches his eye among the muck. A striking silver pendant.

Now it’s up to Slater to start some digging of his own. He soon stumbles on a cold case, a missing child named Sonny Randall whose body was never found. Nor his favourite silver pendant.

Slater calls on Sonny’s parents to break the news, certain that he’s cracked the case. But Slater’s the one who’s in for a shock when Sonny’s hostile parents say the body in the ditch can’t possibly be their son.

But there’s an unfortunate fact about digging — once you start, you never know what else you might find.

When a second body is unearthed in the very same ditch, Slater realizes he’s up against a ruthless killer. Someone with a talent for burying the truth. And more besides.

This absolutely gripping detective mystery full of twists and turns is perfect for fans of Rachel McLean, J.D. Kirk, Pauline Rowson, Elly Griffiths, Matt Brolly and Simon McCleave.