DCI Brendan Moran's last minute break in the West Country proves anything but restful as he becomes embroiled in the mysterious disappearance of an American tourist.Does the village harbour some dark and dreadful secret? The brooding presence of the old manor house and the dysfunctional de Courcy family may hold the answer but Moran soon finds that the residents of Cernham have a rather unorthodox approach to the problem of dealing with outsiders.As Moran is drawn deeper into Cernham's mysterious past a cold-blooded execution in Berkshire plunges deputising DI Charlie Pepper into a maelstrom of murder, double cross and treachery ...Praise for the DCI Brendan Moran series: 'The story grabbed me from the start and never let up until the final pages, taking me through perfectly credible and well orchestrated twists and turns throughout.''Well written, a good solid story, with believable main characters. I like Moran's human frailty, and though this particular tale is bleak and harsh, it rhymes well with Moran's own problems. A good read all round.''A well-planned, well-written novel ... the second book I have read by this author ... the writer has a fertile imagination and an attractive narrative style.''I have read both of the books in this series and they are an excellent read. very good story lines and fast paced. Looking forward to more.'