A drowned woman. A man who died by fire. Six years apart: and the missing link? Detective Hannah Scarlett’s partner!

Detective Hannah moves to a cosy new home in Ambleside, hoping to put the past behind her. But there’s no chance of that. Not with the infamous Serpent Pool, snaking just beyond her new back door.

Six years ago on Valentine’s Day, struggling writer Bethany Friend drowned in these same chill waters. Everyone says she wanted to die. But Hannah’s not so sure.

Now, she reopens the case, determined to get closure for Bethany’s grieving mother. But still waters run dangerously deep in this unsolved case. Bethany had history with various men around the village. Not least, Hannah’s own book-dealer boyfriend Marc.

Elsewhere, a man burns to death in his boathouse, surrounded by his treasured collection of antique books. Purchased from Hannah’s boyfriend.

As Marc’s name surfaces yet again, Hannah begins to think the unthinkable. What if the man she loves is a cold-blooded killer?

Discover an utterly addictive, emotionally charged mystery, steeped in all the atmosphere and intrigue of England’s beautiful Lake District. Perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves, Elly Griffiths, P.D. James, Val McDermid and Joy Ellis.

**Martin Edwards is the winner of three CWA Dagger Awards, including the prestigious Diamond Dagger — the highest honour in UK crime writing!**