Two boys run into the woods—but only one returns—in this new mystery from the award-winning "first-rate British crime writer" (The Washington Post).

In the summer of 1996, two boys run from a playground into the adjoining woods, but only one comes out. DS Tom Thorne takes on the case—which quickly spirals out of control when two people connected to the missing boy are murdered.

As London prepares to host the European Soccer Championships, Thorne fights to keep on top of a baffling investigation while also dealing with the ugly fallout of his broken marriage . . .

A prequel to Mark Billingham's acclaimed debutSleepyhead―which the Sunday Times voted one of the 100 books that shaped the decade―this chilling, compelling novel is the latest in "a series to savor" (Booklist).

"With each of his books, Mark Billingham gets better and better. These are stories and characters you don't want to leave." ―Michael Connelly, author of the Harry Bosch series

"Mark Billingham has brought a rare and welcome blend of humanity, dimension, and excitement to the genre." ―George Pelecanos, bestselling author and Emmy-nominated writer