About the book
It is almost midnight on Halloween. Firefighters following up yet another hoax call to Druids Altar, a local beauty spot high on Harden Moor, discover the body of Shayla Richards, a young black girl. The post-mortem shows that Shayla was suffocated and sexually assaulted; photographs of her body at the crime-scene suggest a ritual sacrifice.
DI John Handford and DS Khalid Ali soon discover that Shayla's past is anything but straightforward. Over a year before her death, she accused a teacher of a sexual attack while in school. Although the teacher was suspended, the case collapsed when it came to trial.
The murder investigation is never going to be easy and the police find themselves caught between factions who insist the dead girl had been a compulsive liar. Yet events take a more sinister turn when Handford discovers his prime suspect seems to be a man without a past. In fact, he doesn't even seem to exist...
Journal & Events
-
3 Tips For Squeezing More Reading Time Into 2025
David HeadleyDetermined to read more books this year, but struggling to see where you’ll find the time? You’re certainly not alone! But worry not - our booksellers share their favourite tips...
David Headley3 Tips For Squeezing More Reading Time Into 2025
Determined to read more books this year, but struggling to see where you’ll find the time? You’re certainly not alone! But worry not - our booksellers share their favourite tips...
-
10 Must-Read Books Released This January
David HeadleyReady to kick off the new year with some of the most unmissable new releases of 2025?We asked our booksellers to share which titles they’re most looking forward to reading...
David Headley10 Must-Read Books Released This January
Ready to kick off the new year with some of the most unmissable new releases of 2025?We asked our booksellers to share which titles they’re most looking forward to reading...
-
Goldsboro's 2024 Bestsellers Revealed
David Headley2024 has been a triumphant year for book lovers, with the release of so many original tales from authors both old and new. And as the year draws to an...
David HeadleyGoldsboro's 2024 Bestsellers Revealed
2024 has been a triumphant year for book lovers, with the release of so many original tales from authors both old and new. And as the year draws to an...
-
5 Supernatural Tales For The Festive Season
David HeadleyThere’s a certain magic to gathering under the twinkling tree lights with a ghost story in hand. A flickering candle, a crackling fire, and a tale that sends shivers down...
David Headley5 Supernatural Tales For The Festive Season
There’s a certain magic to gathering under the twinkling tree lights with a ghost story in hand. A flickering candle, a crackling fire, and a tale that sends shivers down...
