
Haunted by the shadows of a past he can’t escape, DCI Ryan finds himself drawn back to the rugged beauty of Northumberland, a place rife with memories and secrets. As a chilling murder disrupts the tranquility of the coastal village of Longstone, he uncovers a web of deceit that intertwines the lives of its residents. Each clue reveals not just a crime, but a tapestry of hidden grievances and buried truths that challenge Ryan’s instincts and morality. The victim, a beloved local artist, had painted a vibrant picture of community and warmth, yet behind this façade lay a tumultuous world of jealousy and betrayal. Ryan must navigate the intricate dynamics of the tight-knit community, where every resident has something to protect and everything to lose. As he delves deeper, he encounters enigmatic figures, from a reclusive widow with a penchant for the supernatural to a charming newcomer whose intentions remain cloaked in mystery. Themes of loss, redemption, and the struggle for justice resonate throughout the investigation, as Ryan grapples with his own demons and the lingering specter of guilt that threatens to consume him. With each revelation, the stakes rise, and the line between right and wrong blurs, forcing Ryan to confront not only the murderer but also the darker sides of his own nature. As the sea crashes against the cliffs and the mist rolls over the landscape, the picturesque setting of Longstone becomes a character in its own right, echoing the tumult of the human heart. What lies beneath the surface is often more treacherous than the waves that crash against the shore, and Ryan must rely on his instincts and the support of his loyal team to untangle the intricate threads of this chilling mystery. In a race against time, as the community's trust begins to erode, can Ryan piece together the puzzle before more lives are claimed, or will his past sins catch up to him in a way he never expected? The answer lies in the heart of Longstone, where every brushstroke tells a story, and every glance may hold the key to the truth.
Number of pages:
352