A stunning, dynamic novel with a fascinating and solid plot, which only confirms that Stuart McBride is one of the best authors in the detective thriller genre. Twelve years ago, a girl disappeared in Oldcastle on the eve of her thirteenth birthday. A year later, on their daughter’s birthday, the parents received a “postcard”: an unknown person had photographed their daughter in a dark basement. The girl was tied to a chair, her mouth was sealed with tape, and there was mortal horror in her eyes. Exactly one year later - another photograph where burns and cuts are already visible on the victim’s body. And so - every year, until the parents realize that the girl has been dead for a long time. And the elusive maniac, whom the police nicknamed “Birthday Boy,” has probably already found several new victims.