'Fantastic. Ann Cleeves is a stone cold genius' - Marian Keyes, Sunday Times bestselling author of My Favorite Mistake

When a violent storm descends upon Orkney, the body of Archie Stout is left in its wake. An unusual murder weapon, a Neolithic stone bearing ancient inscriptions, is found discarded nearby. Archie was a popular, larger-than-life character, and his death is a shocking blow to the community.

Detective Jimmy Perez, no stranger to the complexity of human nature and the darkness it can harbour, is soon on the scene. He counted Archie as a childhood friend, so this case is more personal than most. Now living in Orkney with his partner, Willow, and their son, Perez is soon drawn into the lives of the islanders, many of whom hold secrets. Dark secrets, which could have led to the man’s murder.

Here, in these ancient lands where history runs deep, Perez must discern the truth from legend before a desperate killer strikes again . . .

'Expertly plotted and mesmerizing" - Mick Herron, author of Slow Horses

"Bold and dramatic, with a restless love of landscape" - Val McDermid, author of Past Lying

'Like snuggling up with dear friends . . . a complex mystery with vivid setting and beloved characters' - Tess Gerritsen, author of The Summer Guests

'A masterpiece in character and location. Welcome back, Jimmy Perez!' - M. W. Craven, author of Nobody's Hero

'Unmatched elegance, ingenious plots, and deep characters. Worth every minute' - David Baldacci, author of The 6:20 Man

'Jimmy Perez is a fine creation' - Peter Robinson, author of the DCI Banks series