DI McAvoy must prevent a dangerous convict from being released on parole in the latest instalment of this acclaimed gritty police procedural series.

"An outstanding read for those who like their crime thrillers gritty, graphic, and gripping" Booklist Starred Review

Decland Parfitt, one of Northumberland’s most dangerous criminals, is about to be released after fourteen years in prison. It’s up to DCS Trish Pharaoh and DI Aector McAvoy to prevent this from happening.

Parfitt’s foster daughter Ruby doesn’t believe her father is guilty of some of the worst crimes imaginable and is appealing to the parole board for him. McAvoy has to try and convince Ruby to see the real predator in Parfitt.

Meanwhile, Trish has her own investigation which could lead to more answers: tracking down a mysterious, extremely violent vigilante.

But will the duo and their team be able to stop Parfitt’s release and what does a body in the middle of a deserted road have to do with their investigation? Are there even darker forces at play that will make McAvoy question his own sanity?

Fans of Val McDermid, Ian Rankin, Denise Mina and Peter Robinson will find DI McAvoy “a true original” (Mick Herron). Another dark and immersive case from the Sunday Times bestselling, Kindle chart-topping author.