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

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

‘Emotionally tense, suspense-filled thriller from a master of investigative crime.’ Kirkus

A curious will. A cursed relic. A case Eric Ward cannot escape.

When wealthy Colonel Delamere dies after a botched burglary, it’s up to Eric Ward to manage his estate — and catch the killers.

But the Colonel’s will contains perplexing instructions for the disposal of an ancient Egyptian statuette, first discovered by Howard Carter in the Valley of the Kings in 1922. The artefact was supposed to be handed to the Foreign Office — but it was stolen by the burglars.

The allegedly cursed statuette could change the course of the entire middle east.

Ward simply wants to carry out his friend’s last wishes.

But along the way he runs up against an Israeli secret agent, the Foreign Office and various dangerous factions — who all want the ancient artefact . . .

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 Guardian of the Dead.

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.