"We have a dead child, and a crime scene that has been remarkably well kept for us. " A young child lies mummified in a barrel.

His hands, cable-tied, appear to be locked in prayer. As forensic officers remove the boy they are in for an even bigger shock-he is not alone.

With his near-fatal stabbing almost a memory, DI Bob Valentine is settling back into life on the force but he knows nothing will ever be the same. Haunted by unearthly visions that appear like waking dreams, he soon understands he is being inducted into one of Scotland's darkest secrets.

When the boy in the barrel is identified as a missing child from the 1980s, it re-opens a cold case previously thought unsolvable. When further remains are unearthed, the facts point to a pedophile ring and a political conspiracy leading all the way to the most hallowed corridors of power.

Critical Acclaim for Books by Tony Black "Black has created a sympathetic and fascinating character in Valentine. .

. Strong characters and tight pacing elevate this police procedural.

" -Publishers Weekly "Tony Black is my favourite British crime writer" -Irvine Welsh "If you're a fan of the Ian Rankins, Denise Minas and Irvine Welshes of this world, this is most certainly one for you" -The Scotsman "Black is one of those excellent perpetrators of Scottish noir: a compelling and convincing portrayer of raw emotions in a vicious milieu. " -The Times "This up-and-coming crime writer isn't portraying the Edinburgh in the Visit Scotland tourism brochures.

" -The Sun "Taut, with a heart-wrenchingly honest protagonist and impressive literary style, it is among the best of the new Tartan Noir" -The Daily Mail "Irvine Welsh adores him, Ken Bruen can't praise him highly enough-Tony Black is the new Scottish noir king you need on your bookshelf" -Shortlist Magazine "An accomplished and impressive piece of tartan noir" -The List "Black's visceral prose makes this a superior offering in a crowded market" -Big Issue. .