From an “outstanding police procedural” series, an “ingenious” suspense novel about a cop’s search for a killer as he grieves his wife’s suspicious death (Marilyn Stasio, The New York Times Book Review).

Autumn has arrived in Algonquin Bay, and with it an unusual spate of suicides. The most shocking victim yet is Detective John Cardinal’s wife, who has finally succumbed to her battle with manic depression. As Cardinal takes time to grieve, his partner, Lise Delorme, handles an unsavory assignment: a young girl appears in a series of unspeakable photos being traded online, and background elements indicate she lives in Algonquin Bay. Delorme is desperate to find the girl before she suffers more abuse.

When Cardinal receives a string of hateful anonymous notes about his wife’s death, he begins to suspect homicide. His colleagues believe he is too distraught to think clearly, and he’s forced to investigate alone. In doing so, he comes up against a brand of killer neither he—nor the reader—has ever seen before.

“The most beautifully written, deeply felt page-turner of the year.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Emotionally involving and intellectually challenging, with all the excitements of a good crime story.” —Reginald Hill, author of The Stranger House

“A thought-provoking, complex novel of suspense, with one of the most chilling literary villains since Hannibal Lecter.” —Bookpage
“The fourth crime novel featuring Detective John Cardinal may give acclaimed Canadian author Blunt the popular recognition he is due.” —Booklist, starred review

“An unexpected yet utterly realistic twist lifts this novel into extremely exciting (and entertaining) territory. Sharp dialogue, complex characters and a satisfying conclusion.” —Publisher’s Weekly

Giles Blunt