The third novel in the Lindsay Gordon series. When Alison Maxwell, a well-known Glaswegian journalist with an irresistible sexual attraction to both sexes, is found murdered the police look no further than the owner of the scarf used to strangle her. Lindsay Gordon, however, has other ideas. Maxwell was a serial seductress who kept a secret record of her encounters – including one with Lindsay herself. Recalling the threats that followed the end of the relationship, Lindsay knows all too well the feelings of rage, fear and passion that Alison Maxwell could invoke. Soon Lindsay is embroiled in an investigation involving blackmail, stolen government documents and the vested interests of a group of people determined to keep her from finding the truth. "The real mistress of psychological gripping thrillers; no one can plot or tell a story like she can." DAILY EXPRESS "The Queen of Crime reigns." INDEPENDENT "McDermid remains unrivalled . . . Brilliant." OBSERVER "With the deaths of PD James and Ruth Rendell, Val McDermid is the obvious successor as Britain's Queen of Crime. For me, she has already held that title for many years." THE TIMES "McDermid still writes with the telltale verve that's won her the accolade queen of psychological thrillers." GUARDIAN "No one rivals Val McDermid's skill at writing truly terrifying thrillers." GOOD HOUSEKEEPING