No, not a nature book, but a crime novel from the prolific and popular writer of historical sagas.
The setting is 19th-century Cornwall where the County Constabulary is in its infancy and Amos Hawk is a senior policeman.
He is joined by Constable Tom Churchyard who received it beating while working undercover in the murky streets and taverns of London's slums.
Churchyard's knowledge of the London ruffians was invaluable the pair investigate a gang of city thieves planning to plunder the mansions of the Cornish gentry.
When a brutal murder is committed during the police investigation the case proves far more complex than appears at first glance.
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