Abandoned as a baby, twenty-five-year-old Lizzie Bartholomew spent her childhood moving between foster homes and has had more than her fair share of troubles.

Now a holiday in Morocco seems to be the perfect escape. Especially when she meets Philip, a fellow tourist. After a brief affair, Lizzie returns to England, only to find a solicitor's letter waiting for her.

Philip Samson has died and has left Lizzie a gift of £15,000 in his will. But there are conditions attached to this unexpected legacy that will soon force Lizzie to confront terrifying secrets from her past life . . .

‘A traditional mystery of the best sort’ – The Guardian

‘Combines a flair for evoking sense of place with a thoughtful, complex plot’ – The Mail on Sunday

‘One of the best starts to a murder-thriller I can remember’

‘As always with Ann Cleeves, it is excellently written. I certainly wouldn't hesitate to recommend it’

‘The plot kept me turning the pages and was full of surprises. Well worth a read’

‘Difficult to put down! I will definitely read others by this author’

‘Keeps your attention glued to the last page. An excellent whodunnit’