Welcome to the Lake District. A beautiful wilderness of craggy peaks, misty fells and peaceful, glassy waters that run deep with secrets. Delve beneath the surface and you’ll soon discover there’s more to this place than meets the eye . . .

**Shortlisted for Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year**

Historian Daniel Kind moves back to Brackdale, the sleepy little village where he grew up — and his father’s old patch as a detective inspector.

Daniel buys Tarn Cottage on a whim. But his new house has a dark past. It was once home to a cold-blooded killer.

Barrie Gilpin was just thirteen years old when he lured a pretty young tourist on to the twisty Coffin Trail. He left her mutilated body on the ancient Sacrifice Stone, then took his own life.

Everyone in the village thinks he was guilty. Everyone except for Daniel.

Now Daniel’s father’s protégée, DCI Hannah Scarlett, reopens the case. And Daniel can’t help but be drawn back into the mystery.

But where does this treacherous trail end for Daniel?

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!**