The sixth novel in the bestselling series that inspired BBC's Lynley

When Deborah St James hears of the 'death by misadventure' of Reverend Sage, her sadness has a very personal tinge. Their paths had crossed some months earlier, when she found herself confessing her intimate anguish to this sympathetic stranger.

When she realizes that his death is far from accidental, Deborah, with her husband, Simon, enlists the help of Inspector Lynley.

Who was the mysterious woman who met with the vicar on the night he died and fed him a dinner laced with poison?

What lies beneath the surface of this seemingly peaceful northern village, home to witches, unfaithful grooms and hedonistic teens?

And what secrets was the vicar himself hiding?

To answer these questions, the trio embark upon an investigation that hinges upon the overriding - and ultimately destructive - power of parental love.

Praise for Missing Joseph

'An enthralling read'

Mail on Sunday

'Superbly constructed . . . George wastes not a single strand of her virtuoso plot'

Scotsman

'She writes extremely well, plots brilliantly and reaches an emotional level deeper than most . . . Captivating'

The Times

'A juicy murder mystery based on the provocative theme of parental love and protectiveness - and their dangerous outer limits'

New York Times Book Review