Looking for a classic British murder mystery from a critically acclaimed crime writer?

Discover Eric Ward, policeman turned lawyer. Over one million books read!

‘Admirable, absorbing . . . marvellously imagined.’ Literary Review

Obsessions can turn deadly . . .

Eric Ward has a new client: Dieter Barschell. He’s an ex-professional footballer charged with dealing drugs at a Newcastle racecourse.

Ward secures bail for his client. He also precipitates a murder investigation.

While defending Barschell, Ward antagonises one of the prosecution witnesses, DCI Charlie Spate.

Can the two men work together to try to resolve this mess?

This time Ward’s client has connections that stretch far beyond Tyneside.

He soon finds himself having to protect a German journalist, Hannah Witt, who believes the case is connected to her homeland.

Will he be able to tie up all the loose ends before more people get hurt?

This gripping, well-crafted mystery is perfect for fans of Peter James, Ruth Rendell, P.D. James and Peter Robinson.

Please note this book was first published as Death Squad.

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.