The dynamic duo of Simon Mason's acclaimed Ryan Wilkins Mysteries return in an explosive oxford-set mystery.

At 3:35 am, Greta Emmett wakes to a call from the Emergency Centre. Her husband's fall alarm had been activated five minutes ago and since then he's been unresponsive. He isn't in bed beside her and on further inspection she realises he's not even in the house.

By 6:00am at St Aldates police station DCS Rebecca Wainwright, multi-decorated hero of celebrated investigations, is reading notes on her new team. On DI Ryan Wilkins she reads: Trailer Park boy. Mother of his infant son deceased. OD. Sees things. Do not, repeat not, give him responsibility. On his partner DI Ray Wilkins she reads: Posh boy. Lucky cop. Thinks too highly of himself. More experience needed at the wet end.

Wainwright has assigned her first high profile case since arriving - the murder of a security guard at the Pelzer Institute of Egyptology - to the reliable DI Hare. Now she must deal with the death of an Elderly gentleman at a hotel in Sandford. Likely cardiac. One for the lower ranks, a perfect case for the Wilkinses.

On top of these cases, there is also the spate of organised shoplifting at the Co-Op where Ryan's sister Jade works. A low priority. Until Jade, her daughter and little Ryan are threatened by the gang.

How will Ray and Ryan prove themselves to their new DCS? How will Wainwright navigate the personalities that threaten to disrupt? In this fourth book in the DI Ryan Wilkins Mysteries, shocking truths and twisty turns of fate shatter the foundations of the force, only to determine new routes into Oxford's shadowy corners.

PRAISE FOR SIMON MASON

'Terrific' Mick Herron

'This moody, atmospheric novel is full of surprises' Sunday Times (Crime Book of the Month)

'[W]ell plotted and very funny' Sun

'This has a TV series written all over it' Daily Mail