Stumbling to the ground, he claws at the earth around him, trying to stabilise himself, but his attacker is on him in seconds. As he stares at the lights of the bustling streets on the other side of the park gates, he doesn’t even have time to shout for help before everything goes black.

When the body of wealthy businessman Charles Stott is found dead on Wimbledon Common, covered in bruises just feet away from his luxury home, Detective Dan Lockhart is called to investigate the shocking scene. Examining the sickeningly disfigured body before him, Lockhart knows he’s dealing with a brutal killer. Looking more closely, he notices something on the victim’s neck: a small, crudely drawn symbol in black ink. It seems the murderer has marked his victim, but why? Dan needs to get inside the perpetrator’s mind, so he contacts psychologist Dr Lexi Green.

As the ensuing media circus puts pressure on Dan and Lexi’s investigation, another victim is found and the headlines are quick to report a serial killer is on the loose. The body of a successful lawyer has been discovered in a park with the same bruising and hand-drawn symbol on his neck. Dan fears that more victims will follow.

As the case intensifies, Dan uncovers a new lead on his missing wife, Jess, who disappeared eleven years ago. Determined to follow it up, he must choose between tracking down a serial murderer and finding Jess. Can he make the impossible decision before the killer strikes once more?

Fans of Angela Marsons, Rachel Abbott and Cara Hunter will love this thrilling new series from Chris Merritt. From an explosive start to a heart-stopping finale, you will not want to put this book down!

What readers are saying about Chris Merritt:

‘Eeee. OMG! Ahhh! Where do I start? I have a new favourite author… a belter of a book!… I don’t have the words to describe how much I loved this book!’ Between the Pages Book Club, 5 stars

‘Gripping from the get go… Impossible to put down once you start… A compelling read.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘My heart beating so fast! I couldn’t believe what I was reading. It had me in shock. Every page, every chapter was a page turner… What a rollercoaster.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘Oh wow… I am a huge fan of this author’s work… These are the books that I love!… This book is just great, greater, the greatest!’ B for Bookreview, 5 stars

‘Loved the book. It’s edge-of-your-seat reading.’ Goodreads reviewer

‘Wow! This is one of the best books I have read this year… Incredible!’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘Oh, this was good, very, very good… I was blown away… It’s one hell of a good thriller.’ Goodreads reviewer