When bookstore owner Greer Roberts discovers a body behind her shop on a winter morning in Lakes End, the quiet lakeside town is thrust into its first murder investigation in decades. The victim is Michael Williams, a local antiques dealer whose death sends shockwaves through the tight-knit community.

Inspector Alba Mauzer arrives from the city, transferred to this picturesque location after a career setback. She must navigate small-town politics, inexperienced local officers, and a case that proves more complex than anyone anticipated. In Lakes End, where everyone knows everyone else's business, motives and secrets run surprisingly deep.

Greer finds herself reluctantly drawn into the investigation, her literary sensibilities clashing with the harsh reality of murder. The Book Distillery becomes an unofficial hub for speculation and amateur detective work, despite her attempts to focus on books rather than bodies.

Blake's debut mystery combines cosy crime traditions with contemporary detective fiction, alternating between Greer's perspective and Alba's professional challenges. Set against stunning lake views and cozy bookstores, the novel explores themes of loyalty, deception and community secrets while delivering a satisfying puzzle that establishes the foundation for a compelling new series.