Death Count

Art shop owner Kent Cross is intrigued by his friend's sudden request that he pay him a visit. But Robin Riverton has bad news. One of the paintings which adorned the walls of his huge house has been stolen.

Instinct tells Kent not to get involved. But instead he enlists the support of his assistant and confidante, Cora, and sets off in pursuit of the missing painting.

He soon begins to wonder if there is any truth in the tales of old prophecies and dark secrets, shared casually around the fireplace in the old house. His own demons are enough to contend with without opening his mind to the possibility that these stories are true.

But then, what happened to the members of the gang who entered the County Wicklow house in the dead of night, searching for just one prize? And exactly what did go on when the painting was hung in a Lyon mansion so long ago?

Perhaps it is best if he never finds out.

Playing cat and mouse with forces on both sides of the law is bad enough. And that comes before he agrees to meet a troubled killer with his own agenda.

And as the death count gets higher, Kent has no idea how deep into his world tragedy is about to strike.

Approximate length 102,000 words.