A Preacher is run down on the by-pass, a Right Reverend falls under the London Express; a fisherman drowns in the canal. Accident suicide, or murder? Inspector Walter Darriteau of Chester police doesn't believe in coincidences. His doubts are confirmed with another killing. Maggie O'Brien on a bench in the forest, dew dripping from her nose, a cobweb from her hat to the bench, death by carbon monoxide poisoning, yet no car in the damp car park. There's a killer at large, a random killer, a serial killer, a ruthless killer who'll stop at nothing. Why? What's the purpose behind these unrelated deaths? It's a race against time; he or she must be stopped before they kill again. The Murder Diaries is set in the City of Chester. Darriteau is an adopted Cestrian, he's nearing retirement, and his oppo Sergeant Karen Greenwood covets his job. Walter isn't ready to end things on a sour note. He knows this case will define his career. He determines to trap the killer, putting his own life on the line.