DCI Ted Darling hates being lied to.

When he finds out by chance that an officer lied to him in a previous case he demands an explanation. He’s not prepared for being told he must be a lousy boss if he wouldn’t do the same to protect one of his own.

Then a person close to him is falsely accused of a serious crime.

Ted has a moral mountain to climb to answer the burning question: are there any circumstances where he would condone a lie to protect someone else?

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In the heart of the Staffordshire Peak District, a sinister secret lurks beneath the tranquil surface…

When nineteen-year-old Tilley McCleave disappears without a trace, the historic market town of Leek is in shock.

Detective Jessica Ryan is assigned the case, but things take a chilling turn when she discovers a horrifying connection to five women who were abducted. Four remain lost, their fates unknown, while one survivor’s harrowing tale is etched into her traumatised soul.

Haunted by her ordeal, lone escapee Heidi Dawson has spent years confined to a psychiatric hospital. Could her shattered memories hold the key to unlocking the identity of the elusive abductor?

As past and present collide, Jess races against the clock to find Tilley and solve the disturbing case. But with deception at every turn, she finds herself questioning everything.

Can she confront her fears and protect her daughter from this devious predator?

The answer lies in the depths of the treacherous Peak District, waiting to be unveiled in a disturbing climax that will leave readers breathless.

Taken on the Peaks is the latest crime thriller from J.F. Burgess, the British author of the top-selling Detective Tom Blake murder mystery series, and is perfect for fans of Priscilla Masters, Mel Sherratt, LJ Ross, Joy Ellis, Rachel McClean, and Simon McCleave.

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE GRIPPING DI JESSICA RYAN SERIES:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Compelling read! Intense and well-written narrative, with great characters! This book will stay with you for a long time, don’t miss it!’ Goodreads

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Jon Burgess writes a really great book, all elements needed are here and it’s a great start to a new series set in a beautiful yet now tainted part of the Country.’ Goodreads

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Please tell me you have finished the next one! Loved it!’ Lisa Morris Horton. Facebook Reader

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Another fast-paced and gripping read. Great to see it being born.’ Christine Johnson

OUT NOW:
DETECTIVE JESSICA RYAN MURDER MYSTERY SERIES
Book 1: KILLER ON THE PEAKS
Book 2: TAKEN ON THE PEAKS
Book 3: ‘TBA’

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Discover the most gripping crime thriller this year.

EDGE-OF-YOUR-SEAT SUSPENSE WITH ONE TWIST AFTER ANOTHER.

Two-year-old Abigail is fast asleep in the back of the car, clutching her little red lion. Tony, her father, steps out onto the pavement. The man he’s meeting punches him in the face, knocking him to the ground. Before it all goes black, Tony sees his car speed away — with his little girl inside.

When he finally gets home after the worst day of his life, the house is empty. His wife is gone too. The place is ransacked and the kitchen is streaked with blood.

Someone out there has Tony’s little girl. And his wife may already be dead.

Detective April Fisher must race against time to find little Abi alive.

This brand-new, electrifying crime thriller packed with twist after shocking twist is perfect for fans of Charlie Gallagher, Angela Marsons, Rachel Abbott, D.S. Butler or Mark Billingham.

Readers are absolutely HOOKED by TAKEN WHILE SHE SLEPT:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Wow what a book! Pulls you in from the very first page and the twists and turns will keep you guessing to the very last page. You won’t regret picking up a copy!’ A reader in the UK

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A pulse-pounding crime thriller. So breathtakingly good . . . I loved every single page.’ Booklover B.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Oh my goodness this is a rollercoaster of a read. Just when you think you have an idea what’s going on, another twist hits you.’ Amanda

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Stayed with me for ages after I’d read it. Especially as it had me hooked right away and I couldn’t put it down.’ A reader in the UK

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Whoa! What a book! It had suspense, intrigue, action, murder, mystery and some crazy twists and turns!’ Debbie

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Goodness me, what a fantastic start to a new series. This is definitely every parent’s worst nightmare. The story is dark and intense, and had so many twists.’ Dee G.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Brings you chills, a heart-racing story that C.J. is quickly becoming known for. Trust me, you won’t be able to put this book down.’ Laura S.

MEET THE DETECTIVE
Thirty-four-year-old Detective Sergeant April Fisher needs to be tough. She’s seen too much out on the streets of Manchester to be any other way. And she’s experienced more than her share of tragedy in her personal life too. But she takes this all in her stride and keeps her head high, ready to tackle whatever is thrown at her — and there’s been a lot. She’s hardworking, focused and intelligent, but she has a tendency to make rash decisions without thinking about the consequences, which often gets her in trouble.

ALSO BY C.J. GRAYSON
DETECTIVE APRIL FISHER THRILLERS
Book 1: TAKEN WHILE SHE SLEPT

TANZY & BYRD THRILLERS
Book 1: THE TEES VALLEY KILLINGS
Book 2: THE DENES PARK KILLINGS
Book 3: THE LINGFIELD POINT KILLINGS

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