A brand-new British crime mystery set on the Dorset coast from bestselling author Michael Hambling.
Meet Detective Sophie Allen. She’s an expert on murder and violent crime. Her brilliant mind works tirelessly to put the most vicious criminals behind bars, but conceals dark secrets from her own past.
‘Hello? Is that the police? I think I’m being stalked . . .’
Two weeks later, Linzi Brightman’s body is pulled from Christchurch Harbour. Killed by a vicious blow to the head — and left to drown.
At first glance, Linzi’s life is spotless. A respected university lecturer. Popular. Outgoing. Uncomplicated.
But Sophie Allen knows better.
Because someone was watching Linzi in the weeks before she died.
Witnesses remember a heated argument in a local Italian restaurant, between Linzi and a man no one can identity. No name. No trace. Just anger . . . and something darker beneath it.
Then another body surfaces.
A young woman pulled from the River Avon, just a few miles away. Dead for months.
Two victims. One pattern.
This wasn’t random.
Someone is choosing his targets. Studying them. Waiting.
And he’s not finished yet.
Discover a captivating crime mystery which will have you gripped from start to finish.
Perfect for fans of Joy Ellis, Ann Cleeves, J.D. Kirk, J.M. Dalgleish, or Pauline Rowson.
READERS LOVE THE SOPHIE ALLEN MYSTERIES:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Another cracker . . . A real fast-paced page-turner with great characters and a chilling storyline.’ Phil R.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Wow! Bursting at the seams with atmosphere and tension . . . Unforgettable.’ Diane T.
⭐'''⭐⭐ ‘The best one I’ve read so far . . . A cracking read.’ Mary R.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Excellent . . . Keeps the reader enthralled until the final pages.’ Rita H.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A twisty and complex mystery . . . Will keep you turning those pages into the night.’ Bonita S.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Twisty and dark . . . I couldn’t stop reading it.’ Anni S.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A gripping, chilling plot.’ Ellen W.
THE DETECTIVE
DCI Sophie Allen is Dorset’s acknowledged expert on murder and violent crime. She has recently been promoted to Chief Superintendent of the Wessex Serious Crimes Unit, overseeing investigations across Dorset, Wiltshire and Somerset. She is in her early fifties, and lives with her husband in Wareham. She has two grown-up daughters. Sophie has a law degree and a master’s in criminal psychology. Her brilliant mind conceals some dark secrets from her past.
THE SETTING
Christchurch is the most easterly coastal town in Dorset, situated on the edge of the New Forest. The town centre lies between the rivers Avon and Stour, which flow directly into Christchurch Harbour. But the fine, sandy beaches and stunning waterfront hide a darker undercurrent.
Genre: Mystery
Meet Detective Sophie Allen. She’s an expert on murder and violent crime. Her brilliant mind works tirelessly to put the most vicious criminals behind bars, but conceals dark secrets from her own past.
‘Hello? Is that the police? I think I’m being stalked . . .’
Two weeks later, Linzi Brightman’s body is pulled from Christchurch Harbour. Killed by a vicious blow to the head — and left to drown.
At first glance, Linzi’s life is spotless. A respected university lecturer. Popular. Outgoing. Uncomplicated.
But Sophie Allen knows better.
Because someone was watching Linzi in the weeks before she died.
Witnesses remember a heated argument in a local Italian restaurant, between Linzi and a man no one can identity. No name. No trace. Just anger . . . and something darker beneath it.
Then another body surfaces.
A young woman pulled from the River Avon, just a few miles away. Dead for months.
Two victims. One pattern.
This wasn’t random.
Someone is choosing his targets. Studying them. Waiting.
And he’s not finished yet.
Discover a captivating crime mystery which will have you gripped from start to finish.
Perfect for fans of Joy Ellis, Ann Cleeves, J.D. Kirk, J.M. Dalgleish, or Pauline Rowson.
READERS LOVE THE SOPHIE ALLEN MYSTERIES:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Another cracker . . . A real fast-paced page-turner with great characters and a chilling storyline.’ Phil R.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Wow! Bursting at the seams with atmosphere and tension . . . Unforgettable.’ Diane T.
⭐'''⭐⭐ ‘The best one I’ve read so far . . . A cracking read.’ Mary R.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Excellent . . . Keeps the reader enthralled until the final pages.’ Rita H.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A twisty and complex mystery . . . Will keep you turning those pages into the night.’ Bonita S.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Twisty and dark . . . I couldn’t stop reading it.’ Anni S.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A gripping, chilling plot.’ Ellen W.
THE DETECTIVE
DCI Sophie Allen is Dorset’s acknowledged expert on murder and violent crime. She has recently been promoted to Chief Superintendent of the Wessex Serious Crimes Unit, overseeing investigations across Dorset, Wiltshire and Somerset. She is in her early fifties, and lives with her husband in Wareham. She has two grown-up daughters. Sophie has a law degree and a master’s in criminal psychology. Her brilliant mind conceals some dark secrets from her past.
THE SETTING
Christchurch is the most easterly coastal town in Dorset, situated on the edge of the New Forest. The town centre lies between the rivers Avon and Stour, which flow directly into Christchurch Harbour. But the fine, sandy beaches and stunning waterfront hide a darker undercurrent.
Genre: Mystery