Clive moved into a bed and breakfast in a Swiss Cottage where he practiced the Twist, anticipated poetical masterpieces and worried about his wardrobe.

Caroline Hartley, lying quietly on the couch, has been murdered. Inspector Alan Banks is called to the scene. And he has more suspects than he imagined. As he delves into her past, he realises that for Caroline, secrecy was a way of life, and her death is no different. His ensuing investigation is full of hidden passions and desperate violence.

Two social workers, investigating reports of child abuse, appear at Brenda's door. They take her daughter Gemma away for tests. They fail to return Gemma the following day. At the same time, Banks is investigating a murder. Gradually, the leads in the two cases converge, guiding Banks to one of the terrifying criminals.

The 15th Inspector Rebus novel from the Sunday Times No. 1 bestselling author

The book that began Ian Rankin's phenomenal career

The 14th Inspector Rebus novel - and No.1 bestseller