Christopher Aird

The new series picks up where the last story ended - with Havers shot in the line of duty, and Lynley estranged from his wife Helen. How will these traumas affect their ability to do their jobs?

After spending some of her compensation money learning Aikido at a retreat in Cornwall, Havers has been invited by Lynley's mother, Lady Asherton, to stay at the family estate. Lynley is also in Cornwall visiting his mother, but avoiding answering any questions about his relationship with Helen. So when horse trainer Jim Fenner, who lives on a neighboring estate, is found hanged in his stable, it is a welcome diversion to delay the inevitable questioning....

Lynley and Havers are called to Smithfields Market, where the body of a man has been found frozen inside a meat truck. The victim is carrying a forged British passport and a parchment covered in Arabic script ... The page turns out to be part of an immensely valuable ancient golden Koran, more than enough motive for murder. -- container.

Takes us on a journey beyond the glamour and facade of the smiling faces and glittering chandeliers and into the frenetic, nonstop world of the staff.