The Dying Hour

The wind still carries the memory of a recent storm across the Yorkshire hills. But it's not the weather that's set the dogs howling all day...

When police officer Josh Mason is sent to investigate a complaint at Cooper's Stables, he expects nothing more than an awkward conversation with the yard's notoriously difficult owner. What waits behind the locked gates will haunt him forever.

Amidst the carnage, two things give Josh pause – a cryptic note clutched in a corpse's hand: For Freddy. Tell Giles. But Giles Cooper is among the dead. So who was meant to receive this message? And two tarot cards. One viciously defaced with red slashes scored across a child's face.

What do the cards and the note mean? And why are Josh's superiors on the force so determined to ensure he never finds out?

A gripping and atmospheric crime thriller, perfect for fans of Val McDermid, Ann Cleeves and LJ Ross.

What readers are saying about Jane Jesmond:

'A truly surprising, original, and twisted story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I couldn't – and didn't want to – put it down.' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'A nail-biting tale... there is not a single dull moment. Gripping from start to finish with twists and turns that left me suspecting everyone.' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I ended up reading it all in one sitting, I loved it.' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Easily one of the best thrillers I have ever read... Highly recommend.' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I am an addict for this series!' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Edge of the seat stuff all the way – with a tense, mysterious opening that builds to a terrifying action-packed finale.' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Brilliantly unsettling, with characters so deftly woven that you never quite know who you can trust. The pages turn themselves!' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐