A Nye of Pheasants

Prior to assuming his new role with a different constabulary, Danny Maik has taken a short holiday in Singapore to reconcile with an old friend, Guy Trueman (from A Pitying of Doves). When a street brawl turns deadly, Danny is facing a charge of manslaughter, but when evidence emerges that he may have planned the victim’s murder, Danny Maik is looking at the death penalty. He isn’t sure whether his lawyer’s questionable methods are due to inexperience or something more sinister, but either way, his only hope seems to be reaching out to those he can trust back in the UK.

Back in Saltmarsh, Norfolk, Maik’s replacement is trying to resurrect his career after a catastrophic earlier error caused permanent injury to a fellow officer. At first, the signs are promising. His astute observations of clues even DI Domenic Jejeune has missed turns the apparent suicide of a local pheasant farmer into murder. Domenic should be monitoring his new charge’s progress closely, but he is too distracted by Danny’s plight. Others are watching, though, and they are disturbed by what they’re seeing. With the situation heading to a deadly climax, Domenic must decide whether his duty lies in helping his new partner or his old one. The fate of both men lies in his hands. But he can help only one.