A Body in the Lakes — Graham Smith

The woman's limbs were so thin; the skin on her arms as translucent as tracing paper. Around her neck lay a faint string of purple bruises. In one so frail, darker, angrier marks might be expected but Beth knew the bruising would have stopped the moment her heart stopped beating.

When a hiker finds the body of a woman by the shores of Lake Ullswater, the police are put on high alert. Felicia Evans was known to be a tough character, but who would have strangled her?

Detective Beth Young quickly spots the links to three cold cases. Three women strangled and discarded in the stunning, wild hills of the Lake District.

As Beth begins tracking down witnesses, the team receives an anonymous letter claiming the charming mayor of Carlisle is behind the murders. There's pressure from the top to clear his name. But Beth is determined to find the truth no matter whose feathers she ruffles in the process.

Beth knows the clock is ticking. The killer is hunting again. And it's down to her to find who's responsible before another woman becomes his prey…

A gripping edge-of-your-seat thriller from bestselling author Graham Smith, perfect for fans of Joy Ellis, LJ Ross, and J.R. Ellis.

‘Boy did I love every minute of it!... Everything that a true crime junkie wants and needs to satisfy that craving of thrills and chills… A Body In The Lakes is a dark and brooding read that totally held me captive. Parts chilled me to the core whilst other parts caught me off guard, causing an array of emotions. British crime writing at its best.' By the Letter Book Reviews, 5 stars

‘If I was to sum up in 3 words: Exciting, spine-tingling and unpredictable. It had me on the edge of my seat at times, especially when we got a glimpse into the killer's mind, and it literally kept me guessing until the very end.' Booked up Girl

‘A thrilling edge of your seat story.' Star Crossed Reviews, 5 stars

‘Excelled all expectations and this is a series that is right up there with my favourites… The book is set in one of my favourite places the Lake District with its beautiful scenery but the storyline is gruesome, disturbing and complex.. A gripping, fast paced thriller that grabs all your attention and doesn't let go, it's a real whodunnit and I would urge you not to miss it. Highly recommended.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘Once I started this book I didn't want it to finish, it's a great read and a must for crime thriller fans.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘Action packed, gritty, grisly in parts but also with some humour…and with a nail-biting build-up of tension this novel delivers on all counts for me. Great characterization and skilfully woven plot strands all add up to a captivating and very enjoyable read. Loved it and comes highly recommended.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘Plenty of red herrings and twists kept my brain engaged.' Chapter in my Life, 5 stars

‘A compelling crime thriller that keeps you on your toes.' Goodreads reviewer

‘A very well written book, plenty of tension, yet a compelling read… I highly recommend this book to every crime fiction fan.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘An engaging and entertaining read. I can't wait for the next book.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘A good, tense police procedural… Beth is a likeable character, fiercely dedicated to her job and empathetic to the victims she fights to find justice for. Highly recommended.' Goodreads reviewer

‘An exciting, well-paced story that links cold cases with a current one. It left me breathless.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars