The Accomplice

Secrets should stay buried. Passion, betrayal, and murder in the Russian Revolution

When the remains of a child are found beneath the rose bed in Jean Loftus’s garden, the police struggle to identify the victim – and to find out if Jean has any links with the killing.

Then Xenia, a mysterious Russian student, arrives. Can she be a link to Jean’s own secrets, to her childhood in Russia during the Revolution, to her life in Latvia between the wars, and the competing passions of two lost lovers? What secret is Xenia herself concealing?

Lawyer Zita Daunsey gradually uncovers the truth, or thinks she does. But how far should she go to unearth old crimes? And what would the price be in letting them them lie, when doing so will make her an accomplice to murder?

Praise for Elizabeth Ironside

‘Excellent local colour and culture, good adventure and an admirable denouement’ Marcel Berlins

‘She joins those few mystery writers you unreservedly look forward to reading … a thoroughly satisfying psychological thriller’ Harriet Waugh, Spectator

‘A fine, stylish book to be savoured’ James Melville

‘Superbly handled … a masterly example of classic crime fiction’ Birmingham Post

‘A spell-binding story of love, murder and deception’ Coventry Evening Telegraph

‘Enticing murder mystery’ Manchester Evening News