"It was a Hellish way to die"Those words, written over a century ago, return to haunt DS Roy Pilkington as he strives to solve a series of murders that have all too suddenly become far too personal.Past and present collide with murderous results as an ancient relic seems to be the only link between two serial killers whose modus operandi is identical despite the gulf of years between their crimes. Sex workers are being slaughtered and, for those true believers, it is irrefutable proof that evil never dies -it just waits for the right moment to strike again.Enforced retirement and a potentially fatal diagnosis means that this will be DS Pilkington's last case and it is one he is determined to solve. Or die trying.