Detective Inspector Ruth Hunter lives with the pain of her partner’s unsolved disappearance. Now pushing fifty, the veteran police officer trades in the crime-ridden streets of London for a more peaceful post in rural North Wales. But Ruth has barely settled in when the body of a teacher is discovered… with strange symbols carved into her skin.

Teaming up with an obstinate deputy, Ruth struggles to eliminate anyone from a long line of suspects. But she’s forced to tear up her shortlist when they discover another slain victim with the same cryptic markings…

Has Ruth got what it takes to solve the case before the next deadly bell rings?