A Montreal detective investigates when murder disturbs a college campus in this suspenseful mystery—"the best yet in one of my favorite series"―Lee Child, New York Times–bestselling author

A co-ed is found murdered on campus, her body scarcely touched. The killer paid meticulous attention to the aesthetics of his crime. Coincidentally (or not), a college custodian is also found dead. While an epic rainstorm assails the New Hampshire campus, overflowing rivers and taking down power lines, a third crime scene is revealed: a professor, formerly a spy, has been shot dead in his home. A mysterious note is found that warned him to run. Each victim is connected to the Dowbiggin School of International Relations, yet none seems connected to the other.

The dead student was a close friend of Sergeant-Detective Émile Cinq-Mars's niece, so he puts his nose in; when battles between police departments create a rift, he covertly slips into the crevice so he can be involved in the investigation. Coming up against campus secrets, Émile Cinq-Mars must uncover the links between disparate groups quickly before the next victim.

"Excellent . . . John Verdon fans will be pleased by Farrow's pitting of his well-rounded lead against a puzzle worthy of the detective's acuity." ―Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Farrow is an atmospheric storyteller who offers readers a complex literary mystery." ―Library Journal

"Farrow once again showcases his hero's sensitivity to subtleties of character. The perfect read-alike for Louise Penny's Armand Gamache novels." ―Booklist