He watches them from afar. He knows who they are and where they are. He is waiting in the dark...

A stranger stalks the streets of Houghton le Spring and he is getting too close for comfort for Detective Inspector Lorraine Hunt.

Selina, the daughter of Lorraine's partner, DS Luke Daniels, is a beautiful and wilful sixteen year-old with a dark past. Just as it seems she's finally getting back on her feet, she's attacked. Is Selina's past catching up with her? Or is there an even more sinister motive to the assault?

Before long, Lorraine and Luke's worst fears are realised, and a body is found. A young woman, brutally murdered, her heart cut out, and in its place - a single white rose.

Soon the White Rose Killer steps up his campaign. Is DI Hunt imagining it, or does he have a message specially for her? As he circles ever closer, nobody escapes suspicion and Lorraine faces her toughest case yet.

The closer the killer gets, the more elusive he becomes. Lorraine is tested to the limit by a killer with no conscience, no remorse. Just a pitiless hatred for the girls who inspire desire within him...