The Burnings (The Bone Ritual)

'Lees' strikingly descriptive writing transports you directly to the streets of Jakarta... this will make you want to book a flight right now' Independent


A killer hides in plain sight on the crowded streets of Jakarta . . .

When a woman's scorched remains are discovered in her burnt-out car, Ruud Pujasumarta and his team are brought in to investigate what appears to be a routine homicide. But when another woman's charred body is found a few days later, Ruud also finds a banner unfurled by the corpse's feet. A verse from the Quran is scribbled across it, calling for unbelievers to be burned. Suspicions that the team have a religiously-motivated serial killer on their hands seem to be confirmed when a third body turns up with the same MO.

But who is responsible? Is it the Australian diplomat who was obsessed with the first victim? The imam who preaches Sharia law? Or the military general taking backhanders and living a life of luxury in Jakarta? Despite the many possible suspects, Ruud is suspicious that the killer may actually be someone much closer to home, someone he has trusted for many years. What unravels next is a terrifying chain of events . . . And what Ruud discovers puts his life, and the lives of those around him, in danger.

Praise for Julian Lees

'Lee's striking descriptive writing transports you directly to the streets of Jakarta' Irish Independent

'A darkly compelling tale of family secrets, lies and murder' Crime Review