Looking for a classic British murder mystery from a critically acclaimed crime writer? Over one million books read!

Discover Eric Ward, policeman turned lawyer. Enjoy a beautifully told story from a time before smart phones and DNA testing. Full of twists and turns, this will have you gripped from start to finish.

‘Lewis writes with passion and intellect.’ Houston Chronicle

A woman found dead in a fancy London apartment. Dark dealings in the boardroom and on the streets.

Eileen O’Hara isn’t used to hearing ‘no’. She’s the stunning chairman of Broadlands construction. But now she is facing a management takeover, with rivals bidding for control of her company.

Both are crooked with old scores to settle. Who will she choose?

She calls on lawyer and financier Eric Ward for advice. Ward’s head is turned, much to his wife’s chagrin.

His conscience tells him he can’t walk away — whatever the implications for his marriage. Aided by Anne, he begins digging into the murky pasts of both bidders.

They expected to uncover corruption — but never murder.

In the fight for control of Broadlands, these men will stop at nothing. And Ward is becoming ever more entangled in their lethal web of lies.

They’ve already killed once. Could Ward or Anne be next?

This fast-paced mystery set in England in the 1980s is perfect for fans of Peter James, Ruth Rendell, P.D. James and Peter Robinson.

Please note this book was first published as A Necessary Dealing.

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.