Detective James Corstorphine’s blood ran cold. His wife never left her clinic door unlocked. Inside, her receptionist sat bound and gagged, tears streaming down her face. “He’s taken Shamila.”

But Shamila’s abduction is just the beginning. When human remains are discovered dressed as a scarecrow in a Highland farmer’s field, Corstorphine realizes the cases are connected. The victim worked at Carstairs State Hospital – the same institution where Shamila once treated the criminally insane.

As Corstorphine traces the killer’s obsession with Shamila, another body is found – a young woman strangled in the village, her face hidden beneath a scarecrow’s mask.

With the ancient festival of Samhain approaching and shadows lengthening across the glens, a book of cryptic clues arrives at Corstorphine’s door. As Corstorphine races to decode the killer’s macabre messages can he save Shamila before she becomes the final victim?

An atmospheric page-turning Scottish crime thriller from CWA New Blood Dagger Longlist author Andrew James Greig. Perfect for fans of LJ Ross, Ian Rankin, and Ann Cleeves.

Readers love the Detective Corstorphine series:

‘Absolutely blew my socks off, it's brilliant! A real page turner that I finished in a few hours - once I had started I just didn't want to stop. Continuing from book one I really like the characters that the author has created for this series. Easy to connect with them. So this is much more than just a Police procedural. There are things to make you laugh too. (Like a taser firing, very much ouch!)’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Packed with action and very entertaining, this gripping crime thriller will keep you on alert… will make you guess until the very end. Also set at Scottish highlands, this gem is a must read for all the mystery thriller lovers. Highly recommend!’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Another amazingly clever plot featuring DI Corstorphine and his team…The twists are unbelievable and it has you hooked from the start. I couldn't put it down.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Simply awesome!… Fast paced and unrelenting, one twist after the next. Superb.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Oooh I absolutely loved this book! First book in a new series and it was a great start! It definitely got the heart pumping!!… It had great suspense... fantastic characters and some wild twists and turns! I highly recommend reading this book and series!’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A must-read for fans of Val McDermid, Ann Cleeves, and anyone who loves their thrillers dark, intelligent, and utterly unputdownable. Prepare to be up all night!’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A chilling and atmospheric tale... Greig's writing is razor-sharp, his descriptions immersive, painting the Highlands as both breathtaking and sinister. The intricate plotting, combined with a deeply compelling protagonist, makes for an utterly engrossing read.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘This was an absolute 5 star read, amazing read... got me hooked in a way that I had to finish it!... This book had tons of mystery and lots of twists that I love. Set in Highlands it fits perfectly with the book's vibe. I absolutely love this book.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐