''I really loved this . . . the beginning of an excellent series'' 5 stars, Netgalley reader

A killer stalks the streets of London . . .

When a priest is found crucified in a derelict North London chapel, it makes a dramatic change for DI Charlie George and his squad at Essex Road. The brutal murder could not be further from their routine of domestic violence and stabbings on the estates.

And that''s only the beginning . . .

On Christmas Eve, a police officer goes missing and his colleagues can''t help but anticipate the worst. It turns out they''re right to when eventually the body is found and they discover he''s been stoned to death.

As tensions rise, it''s up to Charlie and his team to venture into the city''s cold underbelly to try and find an answer to the madness . . . before anyone else dies a martyr''s death.

Praise for Colin Falconer:

''Dripping with authenticity. Packed full of characters you genuinely care about . . . An absolute triumph'' M. W. Craven

''This one doesn''t disappoint!'' 5 stars, Netgalley reader

''Once you read [a] Colin Falconer [book], you''ll want to read everything he''s ever written'' Crystal Book Reviews

''Falconer''s grasp of period and places is almost flawless ... He''s my kind of writer'' Peter Corris, The Australian

''It held my attention from start to finish . . . I have no hesitation in recommending'' 4 stars, Netgalley reader

''Falconer demonstrates exceptional characterisation'' Bookgeeks

''A compelling piece of crime fiction . . . An entertaining and gritty read'' 4 stars, Netgalley reader