A girl in white is found dead beneath an ancient folly—and a small town's darkest legend suddenly becomes terrifyingly real.

From the bestselling author hailed as “the new master of the atmospheric thriller” comes a chilling crime novel packed with twists, secrets and small-town suspense.

On Halloween night, a party in the woods ends in tragedy.

By sunrise, a young woman is dead.

Her body lies at the foot of an ancient stone folly, carefully posed in a white dress—the same image at the heart of Thorncombe's darkest legend.

For generations, locals have whispered about the haunted woods where birds refuse to sing and the ghost of a murdered bride wanders among the trees, luring the unwary to their deaths. Most dismiss it as folklore.

Until now.

Detective Ben Chase is determined to uncover the truth. With a teenage daughter of his own, the case feels dangerously personal. Was the victim caught up in a cruel prank gone wrong, or is something far more sinister stalking the town?

As fear spreads through Thorncombe and suspicion falls on friends, neighbours and family members, Ben discovers that the killer may be closer than anyone imagined. And when the investigation begins to threaten those he loves most, solving the case becomes a race against time.

Dark, atmospheric and impossible to pause, this gripping thriller is perfect for fans of Sally Hepworth, Jane Harper, Chris Hammer and mysteries where folklore, family secrets and murder collide.

A haunting small-town thriller where everyone has something to hide—and no one is safe.

“Thrilling and page-turning!” — Sally Hepworth
“The new master of the atmospheric thriller.” — Ali Lowe
“Delivers suspense until the very end.” — Books+Publishing