The Burning

M. R. HALL

Publication: Mantle, 2014, London

First edition. Signed by the author. Fine in dust jacket. A dense, bitterly cold fog has settled over the Wye Valley when Bristol Coroner Jenny Cooper is called to the scene of a dreadful tragedy: in the village of Blackstone Ley, a house has burned to the ground with three members of a family inside. Though evidence of foul play is quickly uncovered, it isn’t long before the police investigation is drawn to a close. It seems certain that the fire was started by one of the victims, Ed Morgan, in a fit of jealous rage. Their infant son is still missing and Ed left a message for his surviving wife, Kelly Hart, telling her that she would never find the child. As Jenny prepares the inquest, she finds herself troubled by the official version of events. What could have provoked Ed’s murderous rampage?

Inventory Number: 35982