Looking for a classic British murder mystery from a critically acclaimed crime writer?

Discover Eric Ward, policeman turned lawyer. Over one million books read!

‘Plenty of twists and surprises.’ Daily Telegraph

An innocent freed? Or a murderer unleashed?

A dangerous killer with a penchant for the Zodiac symbols is abducting, torturing and murdering women.

Eric Ward and Sharon Owen are in court defending the man accused of these crimes, and due to a technicality, the suspect walks free.

But is he really guilty?

Meanwhile, DCI Charlie Spate is tracking the alleged Zodiac Killer but loses his trail.

Ward receives an urgent call asking him to go to a remote Northumberland farmhouse to meet the man who walked free, but when he arrives, it’s carnage. He finds bloody clothing and an unconscious Sharon Owen.

Can he stop the killer before anyone else gets hurt?

This gripping, well-crafted mystery is perfect for fans of Peter James, Ruth Rendell, P.D. James and Peter Robinson.

Please note this book was first published as Design For Murder.

THE DETECTIVE

Eric Ward is forced to retire from the police when he discovers he suffers from glaucoma. He qualifies as a solicitor (lawyer) and sets up his practice on the Quayside in Newcastle, where he deals with the seamier side of the law. When he marries a wealthy young woman she attempts to persuade him to settle in Northumberland and work with wealthier clients but he stubbornly refuses to give up his criminal practice in Newcastle. Although she draws him into the world of high finance he still insists on continuing at the Quayside — which causes tensions within his marriage, and leads to fatal consequences.