She doesn't trust the police. She used to be one of them. Hardened by ten years on the murder squad, DNA analyst Doctor Sian Love has seen it all. So when she finds human remains in the basement of her new home, she knows the drill. Except this time it's different. This time, it's personal... 'Monaghan's novel is direct and deceptively simple. In spite of suffering there are surprising touches of humour and tenderness that bloom like flowers on asphalt.' — Times 'Monaghan's convincing characters swing unpredictably between terrifying and tender, and the often violent encounters usually have a bleakly funny edge.' — Independent (London) 'Monaghan's is a powerful, loving, and honest new voice.' — A. L. Kennedy, author of Paradise and So I Am Glad 'A gripping, mile-a-minute British debut...Enthralling.' — Kirkus Reviews 'Tension builds slowly but surely in this dark gripper.' — Sunday Sport 'This is an intriguing murder mystery...Monaghan has a flair for leading the reader in a certain direction only to shift path further along.' — NB Magazine 'Old murders, family secrets and long-told lies are the ingredients of this splendid, gripping crime debut.' — William Ryan 'Nicola Monaghan has a talent for making characters real in remarkably few words.' — The Bookbag