Description: First Edition Thus. Hardcover. Signed by Author. Fine / Fine. 8vo. Deluxe limited edition. Number 81 of an exceptionally small run of only 99 copies printed. Signed by Reginald Hill directly onto the limitation page. Features an exclusive introductory appreciation written by fellow master mystery novelist Peter Lovesey. Bound in the publisher's original navy quarter-leather over multi-coloured marbled paper boards blending navy, cream, sand, duck egg blue, and red tones. Spine features bright gilt lettering. Issued without a traditional paper dust wrapper, this rare edition features the original clear protective acetate jacket. Condition: A spectacular, investment-grade copy. The navy leather spine is immaculate, perfectly vibrant, and completely free of rubbing, scuffing, or edge wear. The marbled boards are clean, brightly coloured, and square with razor-sharp corners. The internal pages are crisp, white, and entirely free of foxing, toning, or previous owner marks, other than just a hint of toning to the upper edges of the leaves. The author's signature is bold and distinct. The clear acetate jacket is in pristine condition, showing no splits, chips, or surface scuffing. A flawless, collection-defining copy of the 13th Dalziel and Pascoe mystery. Synopsis: In 1963, a brutal triple murder at Mickledore Hall shocked the nation, ending with Cissy Kohler sentenced to life imprisonment for a crime she claimed she did not commit. Nearly thirty years later, structural failures in the forensic evidence finally secure her release, throwing the old investigation back into the spotlight. Detective Superintendent Andy Dalziel, who was a young constable on the original case, is forced to re-examine the past alongside his partner Peter Pascoe. As they dig through decades of buried secrets, political conspiracies, and personal betrayals spanning from Yorkshire to America, they discover that some people will stop at nothing to ensure the true secrets of Mickledore Hall stay dead and buried.