''A star in our galaxy of crime writers'' FINANCIAL TIMES

Superb crime fiction from the CWA Diamond Dagger Award Winner

''Yorke practised deception artfully and with style'' GUARDIAN

''Mistress of the skilfully spun suspense novel'' SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Nesta Falconer, an attractive widow, lives with her fifteen-year-old daughter Philippa, managing brother-in-law Charles Falconer''s household after the breakdown of his marriage. Nesta''s comfortable position is threatened when her sister Claire, returning from America, comes to stay at her cottage.

Charles realises that Nesta is a menace to Philippa''s happiness, and that she has been responsible for much distress. His mother, a formidable old lady, plays a part in revealing Nesta not only to her family but to herself as a negative person who contributes little to the happiness of others.