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.

‘Mr Lewis is a master of his craft and he pilots Ward through the shoal waters of business chicanery and physical violence with a sure hand.’ Somerset Express

Dark dealings in the city of London.

Eric Ward is still uneasy on the board of merchant bankers Martin & Channing. Their defence against a hostile takeover is pushing the limits of the law.

But Ward soon has problems nearer home: his wife’s colleague is charged with the murder of his fiancée in his London flat. He asks Ward to represent him.

Ward discovers some very interesting facts about the dead woman.

Then Ward is called back to London to deal with the takeover gone wrong.

He finds his separate roles intertwining. Can he save his reputation and expose the dark side of London’s financial heart?

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 The Salamander Chill.

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.