Discover a series of British crime mysteries set on the Dorset coast from bestselling author Michael Hambling.Meet Detective Sophie Allen, head of the newly formed Violent Crime Unit in Dorset. She is pushed to the limit in her first major case as the team's head.On a cold November night, a young woman's body is discovered on a deserted footpath in a Dorset seaside town. She has been stabbed through the heart.It seems like a simple case for DCI Sophie Allen and her team to solve. But not when the victim's mother is found strangled the next morning . . .The case grows more complex as Sophie and her team begin to realize that each victim has secret histories, involving violence and intimidation. There's an obvious suspect but Sophie isn't convinced.Could someone else be lurking in the shadows, someone savagely violent, looking for a warped revenge?This totally addictive mystery is perfect for fans of Joy Ellis, Ann Cleeves, J.D. Kirk, J.M. Dalgleish and Pauline Rowson.READERS LOVE DARK CRIMES: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Complex and engaging with plenty of clues and red herrings to keep you guessing. The tension and suspense build right up to the satisfying conclusion. Thoroughly recommended.' Jeff W.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Well written, couldn't put this book down! Well worth reading. Look forward to reading more from this author.' Kindle customer⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'The characters are excellent, especially DCI Sophie Allen . . . I really enjoyed this and would recommend to anyone who enjoys a good crime novel.' Paul H.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I was hooked from the start. What looked like a straightforward crime was nothing of the kind. And I would never have guessed the final outcome. Brilliant.' Lelly⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Wow, this book had me hooked from the first page. An enthralling plot, with a big twist at the end.' Blue and WhiteTHE DETECTIVESDCI Sophie Allen is Dorset's acknowledged expert on murder and violent crime. She's head of the newly formed Violent Crime Unit in Dorset and is pushed to the limit in her first major case. She's in her forties, and lives with her husband in Wareham. She has two grown-up daughters. Sophie has a law degree and a master's in criminal psychology. Her brilliant mind conceals some dark secrets from her past.DS Barry Marsh is based at Swanage police station. He's quiet, methodical and dedicated, the perfect foil for Sophie's hidden fragility.THE SETTINGDorset is beautiful county in the south-west of England, made up of picturesque market towns, traditional farmland and a stunning section of the coastline. Its beauty belies a darkness beneath the surface.