Hollywood has come to Paradise, Massachusetts.

And Police Chief Jesse Stone has been distracted from his duty by a beautiful young producer.

But before Jesse can get too cozy, the leading star of the movie approaches him for help. Her ex is terrorizing her, and she is frightened for her life. As if he’s not got enough to be dealing with, Jesse’s also juggling an ongoing investigation. Not one to give up a fight, Jesse throws himself into it with his characteristic bullish vigour. But he quickly realizes that those that seem to present the least danger will prove to be the deadliest.

When it comes to detective novels, 90 per cent of us admit he’s an influence, and the rest of us lie about it HARLAN COBEN