The world's deadliest spider. A detective terrified of the creatures. A ruthless psychopath who will use her fears against her.Detective Kate Hamblin is called out to a reported theft at Moat House in the marshy wilds of the Somerset Levels. The evidence points to a random break-in by a passing vagrant - but when she questions the wealthy homeowner, Professor Dunbar, and his warring family, Kate realizes there's more to this burglary than meets the eye.Professor Dunbar is a world-famous arachnologist. His extensive collection of live tropical spiders includes the world's deadliest specimen, a Brazilian wandering spider, whose bite is instantly fatal. He's named her Martha.Then a family member is found dying in agony in the professor's laboratory. It appears to be a tragic accident when it's discovered Martha has escaped from her supposedly secure tank. But Kate is not so sure.Could there be a killer on the loose?Kate is terrified of spiders because of a traumatic childhood experience. But she's hunting a killer who uses the creatures to pursue a deadly agenda. Can she survive long enough to unmask a murderer . . . and avoid the spider's lethal bite?