A REMOTE HOTEL. FIVE GUESTS. ONE MURDER.A rising star of Australian crime fiction '' SUNDAY TIMES''S. R. White is the real deal.'' CHRIS HAMMER, author of SCRUBLANDSDuring a broiling heatwave, the inner circle of a high-profile charity attend a critical meeting at White Ash Ridge, a small hotel nestled in the Australian wilderness. As the temperature rises, a body is found lying in the thick bush, bludgeoned to death.One of the four remaining guests is a murderer - but who, and why, is a mystery.Detective Dana Russo knows the national spotlight will be sharply focused on the case.The charity was formed when the founders'' teenage son was killed after intervening in a vicious assault - sparking public outrage and a damning verdict on the police investigation.But under huge pressure and with few clues - plus suspects who instinctively distrust the police - how can Dana unravel the truth?Praise for S. R. White:''A taut, beautifully observed slow-burner with an explosive finish'' Peter May''Original, compelling and highly recommended'' Chris Hammer''Gripping'' THE GUARDIAN''A fascinating case'' SUNDAY TIMES ''It draws you in - and rewards with a truly powerful ending'' HEAT''This slow-burn novel catches light'' THE SUN''The story takes place over less than 48 hours but the pace is slow-burn, relying on considerable psychological depth...the denouement hits like a knockout punch'' WEEKEND AUSTRALIAN''A dark and compulsive read'' WOMAN & HOME