Two women are brutally murdered within a year of each other. John Coffin, Commander of the Police, investigates. From one of the most highly praised English crime writers, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie. Student Amy Dean has disappeared with her boyfriend Martin - a year after Martin's former girlfriend Virginia was found beaten to death. Then Amy's body is found, encased in a crude wooden box. The connection between the two incidents seems clear – but John Coffin, Commander of the Police, discovers that both girls worked at Star Court House, a home for battered women and children. Coffin is under pressure – personal and professional – to untangle a tragic web of murder and lies.