A killer is stalking the illustrious Fitzwarren family. And any of the clan could be next . . . 

Lord Hugo may be heir to the Fitzwarren millions. But everyone knows who rules the roost in his noble old family. His formidable mother, Lady Beatrice. It’s been that way since her husband met his watery end. In a boating accident, poor thing. 

Now, on the eve of her seventieth birthday, Lord Hugo plans to give his mama a gift she’ll never forget: a portrait of her dear, departed husband. 

Guests gather at the Fitzwarrens’ decadent ancestral pile, waiting with bated breath for a glimpse of the painting. Detective Jack Dawes is among them, his wife Corrie on his arm. A cord is pulled. The curtain falls . . . and Lady B lets out a blood-curdling scream. 

It’s not the likeness that has her spooked. It’s the dagger, plunged deep in her husband’s chest. Scrawled beneath, in blood-red paint, there’s a single word. Killer. 

Is it a spiteful prank . . . or something more? 

Detective Jack’s determined to find out. But he’s got his work cut out — with the frosty Fitzwarrens seeking to shut him down at every turn and Lord Hugo himself mysteriously missing. 

Lord Hugo’s family are certain he’ll turn up in his own time. But Jack knows the clock is ticking to solve this baffling case. 

Before something worse than paint is spilled . . . 

This entertaining and absorbing mystery is perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, LJ Ross, J.R. Ellis, Faith Martin, Catherine Moloney and P.F. Ford. 

READERS LOVE THE DETECTIVE JACK DAWES MYSTERIES: 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A well-drawn cast of eclectic and credible characters populate a swiftly moving, compelling plot and an engaging narrative.’ Ruth G. 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A really enjoyable read . . . A great mystery with a few laugh out loud moments which I couldn’t put down.’ Kate B. 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘A clever, entertaining and thought-provoking read.’ Misfits farm 

⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I really enjoyed this book . . . I would happily read more from this author.’ Lorraine W. 

⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Great plot twist and some crazy twists and turns! The storyline was very interesting and kept me glued to my Kindle!’ Debbie B. 

MEET THE DETECTIVE 

Detective Inspector Jack Dawes, tall and handsome, looks like the fuzz even when he’s off-duty. He rose up through the ranks at Scotland Yard and now is a well-respected detective in the murder squad. A career copper, he was married to the job until he met Coriander during a money laundering investigation, the case which earned him his promotion to DI. He has logical analytical skills. She has intuitive people skills. So he bounces ideas off her. They make a formidable and funny couple whose skills combine to solve crimes.