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.

‘Excellent characterisation and a tense climax against Northumbrian scenery. Highly recommended.’ Sunday Telegraph

A suspicious death and a large inheritance without anyone to receive it.

Eric Ward thinks there is something odd about Arthur Egan’s life and death. But Ward is a former police inspector, and trained to be suspicious.

Egan left a large sum. But Ward makes no progress tracing the dead man’s offspring. A photograph of an unknown tombstone is his only clue.

He discovers Egan served a term for manslaughter, and that the evidence against him may have been planted. Why had he accepted his fate so meekly?

Despite warnings that he is wasting the firm’s time, Ward persists in his investigations — and his persistence leads to murder.

By the time he realizes why, he finds his life and career are both at risk.

And what is the connection to Lord Morcomb at Sedleigh Hall?

This fast-paced mystery set in England in the late 1970s is perfect for fans of Peter James, Ruth Rendell, P.D. James and Peter Robinson.

Please note this book was first published as A Certain Blindness.

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.