Five novellas detailing a variety of cases from DI Frank Lyle's police career. Reluctant Witness A young woman, Kate Martindale, is abducted and the only witness is a frightened young man. Dead of winter A park-keeper finds a mutilated body in the pond. Help from an unexpected source helps solve the mystery, but can it be done before another related murder occurs? The Wasteland When a first year student is found dead, DI Lyle is called in to investigate. Will a diary found at the scene reveal a vital clue? Call of the wild The body of Tony Hickman, a young male volunteer, is found at Ashbeck's animal welfare shelter. As DI Lyle discovers, the truth is actually far more sinister than he could ever have contemplated. Sanctuary When Reverend Tom Berry, a hospice chaplain with controversial views, is injured in a hit and run, DI Lyle has to find out who is responsible. With the help of a witness and his friend, Canon Thomas Rice, DI Lyle sets about solving the mystery.