The discovery of a dead banker sends shockwaves through the sleepy coastal town of Ayr. And it's up to DI Bob Valentine, recently back on the force after his near-fatal stabbing, to find the killer.

But leads are hard to find and the pressure is on from an anxious Chief Superintendent who is being hounded by the media and still has serious concerns about her DI's mental health. And as it becomes clear that there's a serial killer on the loose, Bob Valentine must battle the demons of his post-traumatic stress, an investigation team that's leaking like a sieve and frightening visions that might just be the key to unlocking the mystery.

Valentine is close to breaking point, but can he crack the case before he cracks up?

Praise for Books by Tony Black:

"Tony Black is my favourite British crime writer." -Irvine Welsh

"If you're a fan of the Ian Rankins, Denise Minas and Irvine Welshes of this world, this is most certainly one for you." -The Scotsman

"Black is one of those excellent perpetrators of Scottish noir: a compelling and convincing portrayer of raw emotions in a vicious milieu." -The Times

"This up-and-coming crime writer isn't portraying the Edinburgh in the Visit Scotland tourism brochures." -The Sun

"Taut, with a heart-wrenchingly honest protagonist and impressive literary style, it is among the best of the new Tartan Noir." -The Daily Mail

"Irvine Welsh adores him, Ken Bruen can't praise him highly enough-Tony Black is the new Scottish noir king you need on your bookshelf." -Shortlist Magazine

"An accomplished and impressive piece of tartan noir." -The List

"Black's visceral prose makes this a superior offering in a crowded market." -Big Issue