The first gripping mystery novel in the Inspector Ramsay series by New York Times bestseller Ann Cleeves, author of the Vera Stanhope, Shetland, and Two Rivers series.

Inspector Stephen Ramsay is called to investigate the suspicious death of headmaster Harold Medburn in the close-knit Northumberland community. But, who could have hanged the headmaster in the school playground on the night of the Halloween Party? And why?

Almost everyone in Heppleburn either hated or feared the viper-tongued Harold Medburn. Inspector Ramsay is convinced the headmaster's enigmatic wife is the culprit, but the school caretaker, Jack Robson, is determined to prove her innocence. With the help of his restless daughter Patty, Jack digs into the secrets of Heppleburn, and uncovers a cesspit of lies, adultery, blackmail and madness.

Hampered by false leads and powerless to pre-empt the killer's next move, Ramsay finds his own reputation is on the line in Ann Cleeves's "quietly entertaining mystery" (Sunday Telegraph).

Continue the Inspector Ramsay series with the second mystery, Murder in My Backyard.