Welcome to the Lake District — a breathtaking wilderness where still waters hide the darkest secrets . . .

Gardener Warren Howe has been buried ten long years. But the villagers of Old Sawrey still shudder at the mention of his name. It’s not his tattooed biceps or his infidelities that they remember. Or even his long-suffering wife and kids. It’s his grisly murder. Cut down by his own scythe while he was out tending a tangled cottage garden.

DCI Hannah Scarlett of Cumbria’s cold-case team has given up hope of ever catching his killer. Until she gets an anonymous tip-off, pointing the finger at Warren’s wife, Tina.

Tina’s alibi seemed solid at the time. But Detective Hannah’s done some digging of her own and now she’s not so sure.

It’s not long before a second body is found, in another of the village’s lush green gardens.

Can Detective Hannah solve the case — with a helping hand from historian Daniel Kind — before the reaper’s scythe takes another swing . . . ?

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!**