About the book: 2021 / TOP 20 BEST AMAZON BOOKS OF 2021 BEST THRILLER OF 2020 BY GUARDIAN, DAILY EXPRESS AND MIRROR GOLD DAGGER AWARD WINNER FOR BEST CRIME ROM ANBESTSELLER NEW YORK TIMES Shortlisted for such prestigious literary awards as the Steel Dagger Award and Theakston's Crime Novel of the Year. Amazon rating of more than 7,000 with an average rating of 4.5; Goodreads rating is over 26,000 with an average rating of 4.21. The highest marks from such masters of the genre as A.J. Finn, John Hart, Louise Penny, Kristin Hannah. This is not just a thriller, but high literature that can satisfy even the most demanding reader. And at the same time, it will definitely appeal to the average reader who loves fascinating, skillfully written action-packed stories. How to escape from the past if life is a vicious circle? Thirty years ago, Vincent King became a killer. After serving his entire sentence, he returns to his hometown on the California coast, where not everyone is happy to see him again. For example, Star Radley is Vincent's ex-girlfriend and... the sister of the one he killed. Thirty years ago, Sheriff Walker was Vincent King's best friend. He was never able to get rid of the overwhelming feeling of guilt. After all, it was because of his testimony that Vincent went to prison for several decades. Thirty years ago, Dutchess Radley was not yet born. She is only thirteen, but she already considers herself an “outlaw.” The rules were made for others, not for her. Only she is able to take care of her little brother and dissolute mother, whom Duchess, despite everything, fiercely protects. And now this rage sets off a chain of events that turns into a tragedy not only for her family, but for the entire city... A novel that everyone calls a masterpiece . A novel about murder and retribution. About secrets and lies. About the lengths people are willing to go to protect those they love. About the unbreakable bond between friends, family and lovers. About good and evil, and about us - living our whole lives somewhere between... “This magnificent novel became an instant classic... Once you turn its last page, you will find it very difficult - as it was for me - to describe this experience... The novel is distinctly American - and at the same time absolutely global." — A. J. Finn “This novel is the breakthrough every publisher dreams of. Rich in both plot and character, full of conflict and tension, humor and tragedy, a keen sense of writing... Add to this the most convincing young character, nothing like which has been seen in the last 10 years, and you get a story filled with deep meaning, a pleasure from the first pages to the last. Great job, Mr. Whitaker!” — John Hart “I really enjoyed this book, both the gripping plot and the elegant style. But the most important thing about it is the characters, especially young Dutchess. Fierce, brave and very vulnerable, she leaps from the pages to you as if alive. And Walk... What a good name! A police inspector on his own inexorable journey... This is a book to be read and reread - and to praise the author." — Louise Penny “A complete and deeply moving story of crime, punishment, love and redemption.” — Guardian “An epic drama and an absolute masterpiece. It’s unlikely we’ll read anything like this anytime soon.” — Mirror Chris Whitaker is not a new name in literature. His two previous novels received a lot of rave reviews from critics, and the book “Tall Oaks” won the CWA John Creasey New Blood Dagger Award for best debut. The novel presented to your attention has become a genuine event in the world of literature. An instant New York Times bestseller, it also received the status of the top thriller of 2020 according to a number of British periodicals, and also won the prestigious literary Gold Dagger Award. Chris lives in England with his wife and three children.