Description
The third book in the Danutia Dranchuk mystery series reunites RCMP constable Danutia Dranchuk with her friend, drama critic Arthur Fairweather. Danutia is observing a youth rehabilitation program in England when Arthur returns to the Peak District to attend his mother's funeral. Suspecting foul play in her death, Danutia and Arthur question the feuding villagers. They soon discover the dark and dangerous side of ancient Celtic rituals still practiced in the town.
In a region with chilling reminders of child labour during the Industrial Revolution, Danutia must navigate through a community with a complex and layered history. When a boy from the village is abducted, the race to save him leads Arthur into extreme danger. Only Danutia has a chance of rescuing both Arthur and the child from an "unholy rite."
Editorial Reviews
As much of an examination of cultural practices - all of which are fascinating - as it is a straight-up mystery. Stewart and Bullock do a marvellous job of describing and explaining the various traditions and linking them to the violence of the present day of the novel and a brutal event of many years earlier. —Times Colonist
Craft-y Crime An interesting guest blog by Kay Stewart, who writes about the ancient custom of well dressing, a feature in the new Danutia Dranchuk mystery.
Partners in crime . . . Writing. Kay Stewart and Chris Bullock talk to the Coastal Spectator about working and writing together.
The setting is marvelous . . . The writers have drawn on a wealth of information about pagan rites and current ceremonies, which is all fascinating... A strong series with interesting characters and always, unusual plots. I look forward to seeing where the next book takes them. —Mystery Maven Canada
The authors have researched their background material in depth and quite accurately which lends a vivid local colour to the tale . . . A worthy example of its genre and a very good read. —You're Booked, Harrogate International Festivals
