Meet Peter Maxwell: widower, film buff, golden-hearted cynic, bow-tied eccentric teacher . . . and reluctant amateur sleuth.

Unearthing the past to unmask a killer.

A school trip to a Saxon burial ground is the highlight of Peter Maxwell’s year. But his class are less enthusiastic about watching a team of archaeologists dig up the suspected body of Alfred the Great.

Until the body turns out to be 1400 years newer, put there yesterday and belonging to the lead archaeologist on the dig, Dr David Radley.

Taking his failed history lesson personally, Maxwell starts to dig into Radley’s life . . . and death.

But when another archaeologist is found swinging from a rope in her garage, it appears there’s more to this dig than studying an ancient burial ground. And Maxwell soon uncovers a sinister web of secrets and academic rivalries.

Then the investigating officer is found dead at the wheel of his car. And Maxwell’s girlfriend, DS Jacquie Carpenter, goes missing.

The killer will silence anyone who digs into their secrets.

Can Maxwell unearth the truth before it’s too late, or will the shadows of history claim another victim?

If you love Faith Martin, Richard Osman, Ian Moore, Rob Rinder, Sarah Yarwood-Lovett, Janice Hallett, M.C. Beaton or Simon Brett, prepare to be hooked by this character-driven thrilling mystery!