In the sleepy village of Middleclere, peace never lasts for long.

Annie Geraghty thought she'd left the chaos behind when she took over The Black Dog pub. But when a man is found dead beneath the ancient oak on the edge of the estate, the calm she hoped for begins to unravel.

Whispers of scandal, a lost manuscript page, and long-held village secrets begin to surface?drawing Annie into a mystery that runs deeper than she ever imagined. With her old friend Mike Beatty entangled in new responsibilities and DI Eddie Reid treading carefully, Annie is left to follow the clues others are too afraid to see.

What she uncovers could upend everything?and someone will do anything to keep the truth buried beneath the roots of The Hanging Tree.