Discover a series of British crime mysteries set on the Dorset coast from bestselling author Michael Hambling. Detective Sophie Allen investigates a spate of ruthless crimes with ties to the government. Two victims with no pasts. A man is found stabbed to death on the Southampton morning commuter train. But why can't Detective Sophie Allen's team find out anything about his history? And why was he staying in a house that seems to be owned by a government security unit? Then there is another stabbing. This time in a refuge for abused women. And again, Sophie can find very little about the victim's life. How does all this connect to desperate migrants arriving on the beaches? The Dorset-based detective team discovers duplicity that reaches to the top echelons of government in this twisting tale of treachery, tragedy and hope. This totally addictive mystery is perfect for fans of Joy Ellis, Ann Cleeves, J.D. Kirk, J.M. Dalgliesh and Pauline Rowson. READERS LOVE RUTHLESS CRIMES: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'This is far and away my favourite recent detective series. Very nicely developed over the nine books.' alwayshopeful ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Another excellent Sophie Allen tale with a really topical storyline.' Chester S. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Thoroughly enjoyed this book and I recommend the series as a good read.' Mrs H. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Highly complex and utterly intriguing.' Kindle customer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I love these books, the stories are gripping and the mix of characters are just right.' Anjo THE DETECTIVES DCI Sophie Allen is Dorset's acknowledged expert on murder and violent crime. She's head of the newly formed Violent Crime Unit in Dorset and is pushed to the limit in her first major case. She's in her forties, and lives with her husband in Wareham. She has two grown-up daughters. Sophie has a law degree and a master's in criminal psychology. Her brilliant mind conceals some dark secrets from her past. DS Barry Marsh is based at Swanage police station. He's quiet, methodical and dedicated, the perfect foil for Sophie's hidden fragility. THE SETTING Dorset is beautiful county in the south-west of England, made up of picturesque market towns, traditional farmland and a stunning section of the coastline. Its beauty belies a darkness beneath the surface.