The first manned mission from Earth to Mars in 2033 attempts to colonize the red planet.

War veteran turned private detective Cormoran Strike solves brutal murders with the help of his trusted assistant Robin Ellacott.

Peter, his new partner Katy and her son John return home to Dorking from their first holiday together in France. Hiding in the boot of their car is Sami, a Syrian refugee.

Robin receives a dismembered female leg in the post, accompanied by a lyric from Leda, Cormoran's late mother's best-loved song. Cormoran suspects both Whittaker, the man he believes killed Leda, and Niall Brockbank, father of abuse victim Brittany, whom he investigated as a policeman. Robin, having dumped cheating boyfriend Matthew, locates Whittaker but Cormoran is questioned after Kelsey, a woman he was due to meet, is murdered. Written by don @ minifie-1