A murder in a public place, a victim who hides his killer's intent…

A German citizen is murdered in Belfast Botanic Gardens. Investigating, DCI Gawn Girvin concludes it is a revenge killing. But she draws a blank from CCTV and forensics.

The only clue is the top of a perfume bottle found at the scene. As frustration sets in, Girvin develops a hunch that by tracing the victim's criminal connections, they've followed the wrong scent.

A young female university student seen nearby may hold the only key to unlocking the case. And like a bloodhound, Girvin follows the new leads.

But being ex-army, her cold demeanour is a magnet for risk takers. It means she gets results, but also puts herself in danger. And she could be charging into her biggest challenge yet.

THE PERFUME KILLER is Linda Hagan's debut novel.