Seven year old Gemma's incredibly stupid and slatternly mother gives her child to two people who say they are from child protective services and are investigating "abuse" allegations. They promise to return her the next morning. However, she is "busy" and doesn't get around to calling the police until late in the day. Then a body of a young man turns up in an abandoned lead mine. The two don't seem to be related. Peter Robinson is one of the authors who is at the top of my crime-reading list. One article I read said that he is underrated. He truly is. He writes so incredibly well - clearly and with warmth and intelligence. This book is often said to be his finest. It certainly is a fascinating look into what people will do to satisfy their emotional needs. Don't miss this one!