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

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

‘An arresting look at nasty goings-on in acceptance houses, merchant banks and marine insurance brokers, all on the shady side of sharp.’ Irish Times

Piracy, conspiracy . . . Murder?

An influential shipping firm, Goldwaters, pays Eric Ward a large retainer to work for them, much to his surprise. Then one of the Goldwaters fleet, the Sierra Nova, is ‘arrested’ and is unable to leave port.

The reason?

A crew member, Edwards, has been caught in possession of drugs and is accused of smuggling — but now he’s been removed from the ship, why can’t the voyage go ahead?

Then Edwards is murdered on his way to the courtroom.

Ward soon finds himself sinking into the dangerous world of international conspiracy and modern-day piracy.

This fast-paced mystery set in 1990s England is perfect for fans of Peter James, Ruth Rendell, P.D. James and Peter Robinson.

Please note this book was first published as Phantom.

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.