Part of Inspector Lynley, book 17
First published 2012
Inspector Thomas Lynley receives an unusual assignment. Bernard Fairclough, a powerful and wealthy man, wants Lynley to investigate his nephew Ian Cresswell's death. Officials ruled it an accidental drowning. Nothing suggests otherwise. Lynley works undercover and calls on Simon and Deborah St. James for help. The trio digs into the Fairclough family and uncovers layers of deception. Deborah focuses on Nicholas Fairclough, Bernard's son and a former drug addict who appears to be the main suspect. She meets Nicholas's wife and feels an immediate connection to this beautiful, protective woman. Lynley and Simon question other family members. They speak with Ian's angry ex-wife and the man Ian left her for. They also interview Bernard himself. Each conversation reveals more secrets. The investigation exposes the family's carefully maintained facade. Lies and self-deception threaten to destroy everyone, from Bernard at the top to Tim, the troubled boy Ian left behind.
Genres: suspense, mystery, crime, detective
Vibes: dark, emotional, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: deception, unreliable-narrator
Setting: Fairclough Family
610 pages · Hardcover · Dutton
Content warnings: emotional-abuse