Detective Inspector Bob Valentine returns to duty, after a narrow escape with death, only to be confronted with the discovery of a corpse on a kitchen table with a horrific neck wound. A mystery also surrounds the victim's missing partner and her daughter.

When the murder investigation reveals a tragic family drama, Valentine struggles with rapidly unfolding events and the terrifying visions that haunt him.

As he uncovers the family's illicit secrets, can he keep a grip on the case and on his own sanity before the body count starts to rise?

Praise for Books by Tony Black:

"Tony Black is my favourite British crime writer." -Irvine Welsh

"If you're a fan of the Ian Rankins, Denise Minas and Irvine Welshes of this world, this is most certainly one for you." -The Scotsman

"Black is one of those excellent perpetrators of Scottish noir: a compelling and convincing portrayer of raw emotions in a vicious milieu." -The Times

"This up-and-coming crime writer isn't portraying the Edinburgh in the Visit Scotland tourism brochures." -The Sun

"Taut, with a heart-wrenchingly honest protagonist and impressive literary style, it is among the best of the new Tartan Noir." -The Daily Mail

"Irvine Welsh adores him, Ken Bruen can't praise him highly enough-Tony Black is the new Scottish noir king you need on your bookshelf." -Shortlist Magazine

"An accomplished and impressive piece of tartan noir." -The List

"Black's visceral prose makes this a superior offering in a crowded market." -Big Issue