The Inner Temple is a labyrinth of shady courtyards and ancient buildings, forming the hidden heart of London's legal world. It is a place where tradition reigns supreme and murder exists only in case files. When lawyer Gabriel Ward steps out of his chambers on a sunny May day in 1901, his mind is occupied with his latest case—the disputed authorship of the bestselling children's book "Millie, the Temple Church Mouse." He barely registers the body of the Lord Chief Justice of England lying at his doorstep. However, he cannot overlook the dusty, bare feet of the judge, which stand in shocking contrast to his immaculate evening suit, nor the silver carving knife protruding from his chest. The police can only enter the Temple with permission, so who better to investigate this tragic breach of law and order than a man who values both above all else? Yet murder obeys neither logic nor reasonable argument, and Gabriel soon discovers that the heavy oak doors of the Temple conceal more surprising secrets than he ever thought possible. This is the first part of a brand new series featuring a wonderfully eccentric detective, perfect for fans of S.J. Bennett and Richard Coles.