Philip Miller Libri

Set against the backdrop of Edinburgh, Thomas Tallis, an inspector of provenance, faces a complex task of authenticating a valuable painting amidst personal turmoil and a series of murders. As he grapples with a threatening parcel and the weight of his past, journalist Shona Sandison, determined to uncover the truth, becomes embroiled in the chaos. Their paths converge as they unravel the dark connections between the painting and the escalating violence, creating a richly layered mystery that explores human fragility and the city's haunting beauty.

The story follows Shona Sandison, a freelance investigative journalist, as she grapples with the suicide of Dan, a friend of her colleague Vivienne, just before Vivienne's wedding. Shona, the sole witness, is drawn into a haunting investigation of Dan's occult tattoos and cryptic phrases, while also seeking answers about Vivienne's long-missing brother. Her journey leads her to a small, obscure town where a group of classmates harbors a dark secret, forcing Shona to confront the potential loss of her friendship with Vivienne.