A Savage Hunger (Paula Maguire 4): An Irish crime thriller of spine-tingling suspense

Blood stains the altar. Can she be found?

Paula Maguire, forensic psychologist is called in to investigate a missing girl and the disappearance of a holy relic in Claire McGowan''s exhilarating fourth novel in the series, A SAVAGE HUNTER. The Paula Maguire series is sure to enthral fans of Stuart MacBride and Lee Child.

''A complex, disturbing, resonant novel that remains light on its feet and immensely entertaining'' - Irish Times

Victim: Female. Twenty-two years of age.
Reason for investigation: Missing person.
ID: Alice Morgan. Student. Last seen at a remote religious shrine in Ballyterrin.

Alice Morgan''s disappearance raises immediate questions for forensic psychologist Paula Maguire. Alice, the daughter of a life pee0r in the Home Office, has vanished along with a holy relic - the bones of a saint - and the only trace is the bloodstains on the altar.

With no body to confirm death, the pressure in this high-profile case is all-consuming, and Paula knows that she will have to put her own life, including her imminent marriage, on hold, if they are to find the truth.

A connection to a decades-old murder immediately indicates that all may not be as it seems; as the summer heat rises and tempers fray, can Alice be found or will they learn that those that are hungry for vengeance may be the most savage of all?

What readers are saying about A Savage Hunter:

''A compelling story with twists and turns, intelligently written to include history and current issues''

''An excellent, well-written series, giving you an insight into the troubles that have plagued Northern Ireland and how all their lives have been affected''

''I found the twisty threadsreally engrossing and couldn''t wait to see how they were brought to a climax. And boy, talk about explosive ending!''