Clearing, The / Simon Toyne

From the author of the Sanctus series comes a brilliant new serial killer thriller featuring forensic specialist Dr Laughton Rees and Detective Inspector Tannahill Khan

Women are going missing. Something deadly lurks in the forest around Cinderfield. Locals put the unusually high number of disappearances down to transients or runaways; some even blame the Cinderman, a figure of local legend rumoured to haunt the woods looking for unsuspecting victims.Vanishing without a traceForensic specialist Laughton Rees doesn't believe in monsters.

Already investigating the area's history of missing women, news of the latest 'runaway' Maddie Friar brings her to Cinderfield to find out the truth.No one's talkingBut, from the gruff leader of an off-grid commune to the mysterious Earl who presides over the crumbling abbey in the heart of the forest, everyone in Cinderfield has something to hideBut what lies in the shadows?As Laughton searches for answers, with the help of DCI Tannahil Khan back in London, someone is watching - cataloguing her every move, prepared to do anything to keep their dark secrets from coming to light