When a young archaeologist studying on a site at Whalsay discovers a set of human remains, the island settlers are intrigued. Is it an ancient find - or a more contemporary mystery?

Then an elderly woman is shot in a tragic accident in the middle of the night. Shetland detective Jimmy Perez is called in by her grandson - his own colleague, Sandy Wilson.

The sparse landscape and the emptiness of the sea have bred a fierce and secretive people. Mima Wilson was a recluse. She had her land, her pride and her family. As Jimmy looks to the islanders for answers, he finds instead two feuding families whose envy, greed and bitterness have lasted generations.

Surrounded by people he doesn't know and in unfamiliar territory, Jimmy finds himself out of his depth. Then there's another death and, as the spring weather shrouds the island in claustrophobic mists, Jimmy must dig up old secrets to stop a new killer from striking again . . .

Another excellent addition to the series, with a rather surprising ending. Cleeves is very adept at writing well plotted mysteries populated with very believable characters in realistic relationships. Family, and parent-offspring relations in particular, play a large part in this narrative, with the many threads slowly coming together. It was good to see Sandy's character develop in this offering although he still has some way to go .
Really can't fault the writing or the setting either.


Unfortunately the last dozen or so pages of the book are loose, but it is still perfectly readable with a little extra care.

Great series, but there’s really no need to read in order.


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