THE MULTIMILLION-COPY BESTSELLING ADAM DALGLIESH SERIES FROM THE ‘QUEEN OF ENGLISH CRIME’ (Guardian)

‘A legend.’ VAL MCDERMID

‘P. D. James took the classic crime novel and turned up the dial.’ MICK HERRON

‘One of the best mysteries I have had the pleasure to read.’ 5* reader review

PERFECT FOR FANS OF VAL MCDERMID, RUTH RENDELL AND ELLY GRIFFITHS

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No one joins the murder squad who hasn’t a taste for death.

Two men lie in a welter of blood in the vestry of St Matthew's Church, Paddington. Their throats have been brutally slashed. One is Sir Paul Berowne, a recently-resigned government minister; the other is a homeless man known only as a local alcoholic.

Their deaths will be the first case for Commander Dalgliesh’s new team, who have been tasked with investigating crimes of particular sensitivity. But as the Berowne family's veneer of prosperous gentility begins to crack and Dalgliesh uncovers more about the dead men, he struggles to keep his customary objectivity.

Can he get to the bottom of the ugly and dangerous secrets swirling this case in time to prevent yet another death?

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‘A cunningly compulsive work . . . with a breathless, bravura finale of heart-pounding suspense.’ Sunday Times

‘Splendidly suspenseful . . . a triumph and a treat.' Guardian

‘It’s oh so compelling. Enjoy.’ Sunday Telegraph

**Now a major Channel 5 series**

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READERS LOVE THE ADAM DALGLEISH SERIES:

‘Adam Dalgleish is one of the best characters in modern detective fiction.’ 5* reader review

‘If you are not already an Adam Dalgliesh fan, I urge you to become one . . . James can describe a scene or delineate a character with precision and depth, like no other writer I have read . . . I usually stay up all night to read a P. D. James novel once I start one.’ 5* reader review

‘I would never give less than 5 stars to any P. D. James book. She is one of a kind, always constant, always wonderful writing, always great characters, and always a good mystery that you cannot put down.’ 5* reader review

‘P.D. James writes mysteries for ordinary people. Her characters are relatable and her hero is dynamic. But don't expect cell phones or computers. Her stories are strictly old school, which is what I love about them.’ 5* reader review

‘Crime writing at its very best!’ 5* reader review

PRAISE FOR P. D. JAMES:

‘P. D. James is the crème de la crème of crime writers. Her books are shrewd puzzles, full of wit and depth.’ IAN RANKIN

‘Nobody can put the reader in the eye of the storm quite like P. D. James.’ SUNDAY EXPRESS

‘One of the literary greats. Her sense of place was exquisite, characterisation and plotting unrivalled.’ MARI HANNAH

‘James manages a depth and intelligence that few in her trade can match.’ THE TIMES

‘There are very few thriller writers who can compete with P. D. James at her best.’ SPECTATOR

‘The queen of English crime.’ GUARDIAN