Short Synopsis
The murder of a teenage girl incites hatred, a shocking travesty of justice, and the devastation of a community in this chilling classic from the international bestselling author of Close to Home.

Full Synopsis
The worst that can possibly happen...has.

A beautiful child is dead—defiled and murdered in a lonely graveyard on a fog-shrouded evening. It is the sort of horrific crime Chief Inspector Alan Banks fled the city to escape. But the slaying of a bright and lovely teenager from a wealthy, respected family is not the end of a nightmare. Lies, dark secrets, unholy accusations, and hints of sexual depravity swirl around this abomination like leaves in an autumn wind, leading to a shattering travesty of justice that will brutally divide a devastated community with suspicion and hatred. But Banks must remain vigilant in his hunt—because when the devil is left free to pursue his terrible calling, more blood will surely flow.

"Langton's main success is in capturing the many moods of the hapless Pierce---confusion, arrogance, petulance, self-pity, despair, and, eventually, fierce anger---as he faces the growing circumstantial case against him. It's a performance that adds a punch to the book's powerful conclusion." ---Publishers Weekly Audio Review

"Entertaining and sophisticated, crime writing of a high order." ---The Washington Post

"Exquisitely complex and atmospheric." ---Los Angeles Times Book Review

"[A] painful but enlightening journey into the past." ---The New York Times Book Review