The Corpse Bridge

The body of a woman has been found on Halloween at The Corpse Bridge, which crosses the River Dove, which in turn is the border between Staffordshire and Derbyshire.  DS Ben Cooper is representing the Derbyshire police and when he questions the young man who found her, he is surprised when he identifies her.

Nearby Ben's team finds a straw effigy laid out on a coffin stone, while across the river their Staffordshire colleagues have found a rope fashioned into a noose.  What could they mean, and do they relate to the body?  Or is it just simply a guy?  Will the public appeal bring any witnesses forward or just the usual nutters?

Despite having secured a transfer, DS Diane Fry decides to accompany Ben as he begins his investigation.  He is unsure as to why she wants to accompany him. Based on what he learns, Ben is sure that someone has a grudge against the local earl.

Later Ben is told to look into the graveyard.  He finds out that the earl is planning on selling the church, which has been deconsecrated.  This means that the graves could possibly be dug up and moved.  At the same time a second body has been found.  Because there is a second suspicious death, major crimes takes over the case with Diane Fry in charge.

Ben is confident that another victim will turn up.  Will his intuition prove correct once again?  Author Stephen Booth has a few surprises up his sleeve as this murder mystery reaches its climax.  A well written page turner, hard to put down.