In the gripping fifth book of this “compulsively readable” (People) series, Galbraith’s “irresistible hero and heroine” (USA Today) dive into what may be their most chilling mystery yet—a decades-old disappearance that refuses to stay buried.

While visiting family in Cornwall, Private Detective Cormoran Strike is approached by a woman seeking answers about her mother, Margot Bamborough, who vanished under strange circumstances back in 1974.

Strike has never worked a cold case before—especially one this old—but despite the slim odds, he’s intrigued and agrees to investigate. The case quickly joins the growing pile on his and partner Robin Ellacott’s desk. Meanwhile, Robin is dealing with a messy divorce, unwanted advances, and her complicated feelings toward Strike.

As the duo digs into Margot’s disappearance, they find themselves entangled in a labyrinth of tarot symbolism, unreliable witnesses, and a sinister serial killer. What begins as a long-shot investigation soon becomes a deadly pursuit for the truth—even after all these years.