Holy Island. From the Archive of Senior Inspector of Criminal Police Ryan

Chief Inspector Ryan goes on a creative vacation to Holy Island to rest from his duties as a detective and from investigating grim crimes. But just a few days before Christmas, his peace is disrupted— a young woman is found dead among the ancient ruins of a nearby monastery.

At the same time, Dr. Anna Taylor, who grew up in these parts, returns to the island as a police consultant. She and Ryan try to track down the murderer, who hides in plain sight. Anna is overwhelmed by painful memories, and she once again comes face to face with her difficult past. Meanwhile, pagan rituals and customs of the small town cloud the waters of their investigation.

Murder and detective work are seasoned with romance and humor in this dynamic crime thriller. The action unfolds on the picturesque Northumbrian island of Lindisfarne, cut off from mainland England by a tidal causeway.