Are you seeking an enticing new mystery series, filled with first-rate characters, and breathtaking twists and turns? Then meet Arnold Landon, mild-mannered history buff turned amateur sleuth.

"The skilful Mr Lewis has made Arnold Landon an unforgettable character." New York Times

Originally published as Suddenly as a Shadow.

Wild, windswept Ravenstone Fell has a secret.

It was once an ancient burial ground. Now, the developers have it in their sights - to the outrage of every local archaeologist.

Professor Cate Nicholas is on a mission to scupper the developers' plans. She even goes on live TV to badmouth them.

As usual, Arnold is sent in to keep the peace. But it's too late for that.

Cate's car is pushed into the river. And she is certain she's being followed.

Rattled, Cate retreats to her country cottage. The place is miles from anywhere and it's always been her safe haven.

Until now?

As the row over Ravenstone intensifies, is Cate about to pay the ultimate price?

Fans of Elly Griffiths, Peter James, P.D. James, Damien Boyd, Helen H. Durrant, J.D. Kirk, Bill Kitson and Peter Robinson will devour this intriguing mystery.

What everyone is saying about the Arnold Landon mysteries:

"Assembling layer upon layer of details . . . Lewis brings an insidious cleverness to his latest offering . . . canny enough to keep us enthralled." Publishers Weekly

"A pleasure to pick up." Irish Times

"Right atmosphere of menace in this highly charged mystery." Booklist

"This intelligent, nicely textured mystery gathers speed and races to a thrilling conclusion." Kirkus

"Good Northern atmosphere and neatly satisfying plot." Times Literary Supplement

"Always a good read." Berys

THE DETECTIVE Planning Officer Arnold Landon is inhibited and painfully aware of his lack of academic credentials. He lives in the North East of England and as self-taught archaeologist he confounds academic experts with his detailed knowledge, which involves him in a local murder. His expertise brings him promotion to the Archaeology Department where he meets frustration, which he nevertheless overcomes by making important discoveries of ancient artefacts while playing a leading role in solving local crimes. A succession of opportunities for further promotion pass him by because of his desire to remain in touch with the detailed history of sites in Northumberland and this leads to more conflict, first with his inadequate superior and then with the stunningly beautiful Karen Stannard and, later in his career, the Italian archaeologist Carmela Cacciatore.

ARNOLD LANDON SERIES Book 1: MURDER IN THE BARN Book 2: MURDER IN THE MANOR Book 3: MURDER IN THE FARMHOUSE Book 4: MURDER IN THE STABLEYARD Book 5: MURDER IN THE CHURCH Book 6: MURDER IN THE HOUSE Book 7: MURDER IN THE TOWER Book 8: MURDER UNDER THE BRIDGE Book 9: MURDER BY THE QUAY Book 10: MURDER AT THE FOLLY Book 11: MURDER IN THE FIELD Book 12: MURDER IN THE COTTAGE