London police had no idea they were dealing with a serial killer until they discovered the fourth victim - a white teenager whose body was found on an ancient tombstone in St George's Gardens. Since the three previous victims were black, the case suddenly takes on a social dimension. Scotland Yard begins a hasty investigation, involving detective Thomas Linley, whose thoughts are busy caring for his pregnant wife, and his constant assistant Barbara Havers, who is again not doing well with her promotion. None of them can imagine what a sophisticated and persistent criminal they are facing this time. Elizabeth George is an outstanding master of the detective novel. Her work has won recognition from readers all over the world, including in Russia. Her books are published in millions of copies, become the basis for television films, and receive prestigious literary awards.