Every Body Lies — Julia Hughes

An escaped convict flees the country, never to be seen again. An aging rock star on the brink of a new career commits suicide. A talented young ballet student boards a train in London and never arrives at her destination. The last time they met, Kathy Raven threatened to kill DI Crombie. But when her half-sister disappears a distraught Kathy begs for his help. The girls' father recently took his own life and although Marnie's known as a wild child, Kathy is convinced nothing would stop her sister from attending his funeral. No way is Crombie getting involved. The entire Raven clan are madder than a sack full of cats. But then a senior Home Office official rocks up on his doorstep, along with a fish and chip take-out and an offer he can't refuse. It turns out Kathy has information they want ... badly. Kathy wants her little sister back. Both regard Crombie as their best hope. But Crombie's mind is already made up. His initial refusal was knee jerk. A vulnerable young woman is missing. It's his job to find her. However, hopes fade when a search of the countryside surrounding the Raven's family home uncovers a shallow grave. Except Kathy doesn't seem terribly concerned ... almost as though she expected the corpse of her fiancé to be discovered. Almost as though she's playing a game using her sister as bait and everyone else as expendable pawns. If Marnie's safety is the prize; Crombie intends to win, even if it means tearing up the rule book.