A REMOTE HOTEL. FIVE GUESTS. ONE MURDER.

A rising star of Australian crime fiction ' SUNDAY TIMES'S. R. White is the real deal.' CHRIS HAMMER, author of SCRUBLANDSDuring a broiling heatwave, the inner circle of a high-profile charity attend a critical meeting at White Ash Ridge, a small hotel nestled in the Australian wilderness.

As the temperature rises, a body is found lying in the thick bush, bludgeoned to death. One of the four remaining guests is a murderer - but who, and why, is a mystery. Detective Dana Russo knows the national spotlight will be sharply focused on the case.

The charity was formed when the founders' teenage son was killed after intervening in a vicious assault - sparking public outrage and a damning verdict on the police investigation. But under huge pressure and with few clues - plus suspects who instinctively distrust the police - how can Dana unravel the truth?Praise for S. R.

White:'A taut, beautifully observed slow-burner with an explosive finish' Peter May'Original, compelling and highly recommended' Chris Hammer'Gripping' THE GUARDIAN'A fascinating case' SUNDAY TIMES 'It draws you in - and rewards with a truly powerful ending' HEAT'This slow-burn novel catches light' THE SUN'The story takes place over less than 48 hours but the pace is slow-burn, relying on considerable psychological depth...the denouement hits like a knockout punch' WEEKEND AUSTRALIAN'A dark and compulsive read' WOMAN & HOME