The Ruth Rendell Mysteries

Stephen Whalby is a young man living on the edge of the Moor, where since childhood he has spent most of his time alone. A string of young women, all with fair hair, are killed on the Moor, and suddenly Stephen finds himself the principal police suspect.

Part two of three. Stephen's passion for the moor fuels the detective's suspicions, as his neglected wife is driven into the arms of danger.

Conclusion. A secret hideaway from Stephen's childhood leads to him uncovering the identity of the Master of the Moor.