Looking for a gripping mystery by a bestselling author? Packed full of twists, this crime thriller will keep you turning the pages until the satisfying conclusion.

Ten-year-old Amy Birkbeck is checking her bat boxes late one cold January evening in the woods by her house.

She witnesses something no child should ever see — a group of men rolling a body into the deep pool of the disused old clay pit.

Meanwhile, DCI Sophie Allen’s team is falling apart.

Local officer — and suspected bent copper — DS Stu Blackman is missing.

And new recruit, DC Tommy Carter, is knocked off his bike in a serious hit and run.

Then a second body is found in the disused clay pit. And it seems the dead man is connected to a suspected arms dealer . . .

There are dangerous goings-on in Detective Allen’s quiet patch of Dorset, and she doesn’t know who to trust.

Discover a captivating crime mystery which will have you gripped from start to finish.

If you like Line of Duty, Angela Marsons, Rachel Abbott, Colin Dexter, Ruth Rendell, Joy Ellis, Mark Billingham or Janice Frost you will be gripped by this thrilling crime mystery.

What readers are saying about Michael Hambling:

“Very well written and highly recommended.” Viv

“An utterly compelling book from Michael Hambling.” Ron

“The characters were a diverse, mixed bag of well-developed, realistic personalities.” Nicki

“This book is a must-read.” Barbara

“This was a good book, I love Sophie as a character.” Hannelore

THE DETECTIVES
DCI Sophie Allen is Dorset’s acknowledged expert on murder and violent crime. She is 42 as the series starts, and lives with her husband and younger daughter in Wareham. Her elder daughter is studying in London. Sophie has a law degree and a master’s in criminal psychology. Her brilliant mind conceals some dark secrets from her past.

DS Barry Marsh is based at Swanage police station. He’s quiet, methodical and dedicated, the perfect foil for Sophie’s hidden fragility.

THE SETTING
Dorset. A beautiful English county which includes a stunning section of the coastline, but whose beauty belies darkness beneath the surface.

DISCOVER YOUR NEXT FAVOURITE MYSTERY SERIES NOW.

THE DCI SOPHIE ALLEN BOOKS
Book 1: DARK CRIMES
Book 2: DEADLY CRIMES
Book 3: SECRET CRIMES
Book 4: BURIED CRIMES
Book 5: TWISTED CRIMES
Book 6: EVIL CRIMES
Book 7: SHADOW CRIMES
Book 8: SILENT CRIMES
Book 9: RUTHLESS CRIMES
Book 10: BRUTAL CRIMES