Minette Walters

Muna's fortunes changed for the better on the day that Mr and Mrs Songoli?s younger son failed to come home from school. Before then her bedroom was a dark windowless cellar, her activities confined to cooking and cleaning. She?d grown used to being maltreated by the Songoli family; to being a slave. She?s never been outside, doesn?t know how to read or write, and cannot speak English. At least that?s what the Songolis believe. But Muna is far cleverer...

As the year 1349 approaches, the Black Death continues its devastating course across England. In Dorseteshire, the quarantined people of Develish question whether they are the only survivors. Guided by their beloved young mistress, Lady Anne, they wait, knowing that when their dwindling stores are finally gone they will have no choice but to leave. But where will they find safety in the desolate wasteland outside? One man has the courage to find out....

The people of Streech village had never trusted the three women living up at the Grange - not since Phoebe Maybury's husband suddenly, inexplicably vanished. Ten years later a corpse is discovered in the grounds and Phoebe's nightmare begins.

With private security firms supplying bodyguards in every theatre of war, who will notice the emergence of a sexual psychopath from the ranks of the mercenaries?