When Oxford journalist-turned-therapist Janna Rose is called to identify the body of her old flame Daniel, she is plunged into a conspiracy that threatens all she holds dear.
Janna must follow a trail of cryptic clues, and deploy all her insights into the human mind, to outwit her ruthless adversary and expose the truth.
“Groundbreaking and fascinating... Not just another whodunnit” Oxford Mail
“Gripping… a fresh and original voice”
Crimespree Book Blog
“The authors craft a masterpiece that challenges perceptions and redefines investigative storytelling”
Gloria Laker, Peace Journalism Foundation
Oxford is hosting the English Parliament under the 'merry monarch', King Charles II. As politicians and their hangers-on converge on the divided city, an MP is found murdered, triggering tensions that threaten mayhem on the streets.
Luke Sandys, Chief Officer of the Oxford Bailiffs, must solve the crime and thwart a treasonous plot. On his side is the respect for evidence and logic he absorbed in his student days, as a follower of the new science. On the other, a group of political conspirators are stirring up sectarian hatreds in their scheme to overthrow the Crown.
Struggling to protect all he holds dear, Luke leans heavily on his cavalry officer brother, his friends, and his faithful deputy, Robshaw. But he has a secret, which may be clouding his judgement. At the moment of truth, will he choose love or duty?
“An absorbing and ultimately compelling read… a gripping narrative, based on well-rounded characters, in a convincingly recreated milieu of time and place” – Oxford Mail.
“Fast-moving and fascinating, with a number of entertaining sub-plots” – Telegraph.
“Sharply-focussed… the pace and sense of danger accelerate. Layers of fine historical, architectural and personal detail bring the City of Oxford and the characters (both historical and fictional) alive” – Sydney University historian Dr Kenneth Macnab, Online Opinion.
“Very enjoyable. Fast-moving and highly entertaining” – Peter Tickler, author of the Blood in Oxford series.