A breath of sky broke through the canopy of trees in the small clearing. A wooden cross had been pushed into the earth, and four candles surrounded the boy. He looked as if he was sleeping, but the rotting leaves upon which he lay were his grave.

In the early hours, Head of the Ritualistic Behavioural Crime unit, Dr Harrison Lane, is called to a woodland to find the lifeless body of a young boy. Scrawled across his chest is a Latin satanic exorcism prayer and scraps of paper covered in quotes from the Old Testament are stuffed in his mouth. Who would want this innocent child dead?

Harrison is certain the killer has links with a religious group, and the clue lies in the twisted individual's childhood.

As he delves further, Harrison visits a cemetery and realises he's been there before, dredging up a chilling memory from his past. When he was a little boy, his mother, dressed in a black cloak, had brought him there just before she died.

While Harrison tries to make sense of his traumatic flashback and how it might be linked to the case, a child goes missing while on his way to a leisure centre on a busy Saturday morning.

Can Harrison battle the demons of his own past and find the killer before the life of another innocent child is taken?

Fans of Angela Marsons, LJ Ross and Matt Brolly will love this gripping and unputdownable crime series introducing Dr Harrison Lane.

This book was previously published under the title Preacher Boy by Gwyn GB.

What readers are saying about this book:

"I'm in love with this new series. He's a character that could live on in book after book. A great first book in the series and I am hooked!" Online reviewer, 5 stars

"This one kept me glued to my seat. I finished it and wanted more. Action-packed and a pageturner. Made the hair on my arms stand up." Online reviewer, 5 stars

"The twist and turns will take you on a rollercoaster ride in the best way. The story is so vivid you can't help but become invested. You won't want to pull yourself away." Online reviewer, 5 stars

"I am so in love with Dr. Lane." Online reviewer, 5 stars

"I couldn't put the book down, it was so exciting." Online reviewer, 5 stars

"I loved it from start to finish. I've just bought the second book in the series and would definitely recommend it." Online reviewer, 5 stars

"I've already purchased the next two in the series, and have books 4 and 5 on preorder. So yes, I loved this book! Harrison Lane is one of the best characters I've come across in years. I can't wait to start book two." Online reviewer, 5 stars