'A gripping and sinister tale... The plot is complicated as is the author's exploration into the psychology of guilt, revenge and fear'

Independent 'Tough and authentic-sounding thriller... unlikely to be endorsed by the Scottish Tourist Board, but highly recommended to anyone weary of the tartan'

Literary Review Once John Rebus was a Para, served in the elite SAS. Now he's an Edinburgh policeman who spends time evading his memories and missing promotion opportunities. Then there is the small matter of the brutal abduction and murder of two young girls and a third missing. Detective Sergeant John Rebus, smoking and drinking too much, his own daughter spirited away by his estranged wife, is one of many policemen hunting the killer. Then .the messages begin: knotted string and matchstick crosses taunt Rebus with a puzzle only he can solve.