Get ready to be hooked by the thrilling and atmospheric murder mystery from the million-copy-selling crime writer, where a woman wants her missing husband to be declared dead. DC Smith isn’t convinced it’s true.

'Had me gripped from the very start to the extremely satisfying ending.' ***** Reader Review
'I read a LOT of murder mysteries and this series is one of the best!' ***** Reader Review

Jo told him the phone call had been about a woman who wanted to have her husband declared dead. Smith thought for a moment and then said, ‘Hmm. There must be a few million women in this country who feel like that. I take it her husband’s been missing for a while and she’s decided it’s time to move on. In the absence of a body, which is always a nuisance, she wants Diver and Diver to confirm there’s no proof he’s alive. And I’ve told Jason a dozen times I’m not getting involved in anything matrimonial. I have enough trouble sorting out my own relationships.’

But on this occasion Smith has it wrong. The insurance company which will have to pay out a very substantial amount of money if Amanda Fitch obtains her certificate of presumed death has engaged Diver and Diver Associates to look into the disappearance of Gerald Fitch, more than five years ago now. As Jason Diver says, he has the very man for the job. All he has to do is to persuade that man to take it on.

'Where has Peter Grainger been my whole life?' ***** Reader Review
'An excellent, intelligent and believable crime series which just gets better.' ***** Reader Review
'Engaging characters, intriguing plots and occasional humour make for a page-turning read.' ***** Reader Review
'Ensconced in Kings Lake, in the company of Smith and his team, I didn’t want to leave.' FINANCIAL TIMES
'The books are comforting, the writing is subtle and the plots are gripping.' THE TIMES