The major publishing debut from the internationally bestselling author with over four million copies sold, about a detective who’s drawn into a chilling series of murders that force him to confront secrets from his past.

Haunted by a failed operation in Edinburgh that left an innocent girl dead, Detective Inspector Jack McNaughton came home to the quiet island of Orkney, hoping for a fresh start, but that peace doesn't last for long.

When a priest is found brutally murdered before the altar of Orkney's ancient St. Magnus Cathedral, Jack is faced with solving the most shocking crime the island has seen in generations. Other murders follow, and as Jack's investigation gathers pace, cryptic photographs, ritualistic symbolism and long-buried secrets begin to point not toward the victims but toward Jack and his past. Just as he’s about to crack the case, the killer kidnaps Jack’s daughter, and it’s a race against time to save her and put an end to the murders.

Featuring a breathtaking Scottish setting and deeply nuanced protagonist, this is the first novel in a new series perfect for readers of Tana French, and the first time Dalgliesh will be published by a trade publisher.