Comical (humorous) crime and mystery

Book SynopsisTHE INSTANTLY ICONIC NO. 1 BESTSELLER''Devotees of Midsomer Murders and Agatha Christie''s Miss Marple stories will feel most at home here'' Guardian''I''ve been waiting for a novel with vicars, rude old ladies, murder and sausage dogs... et voila!'' Dawn French''Cosy crime with a cutting edge'' Telegraph''Whodunnit fans can give praise and rejoice'' Ian Rankin''Charming and funny'' ObserverEven better than I knew it would be'' India Knight''Quintessentially English'' Sunday Express''An absolute joy'' Adam Kay''''Wry, tongue-in cheek and whimsical'' Daily Mail''Glorious'' Robert Webb ''Beautifully written, charming, funny, intelligent and mordant too'' Sunday Times''Pitch perfect'' Philip Pullman''A cunning whodunnit'' Daily ExpressCanon Daniel Clement is Rector of Trade ReviewI've been waiting for a novel with vicars, rude old ladies, murder and sausage dogs ... et voila! * Dawn French *The Reverend Richard Coles gives us a serpent in England's pastoral Eden - and whodunit fans can give praise and rejoice. * Ian Rankin *Cosy and charming, Murder Before Evensong is less about the shock and gore of murder than its ripple effect on a small, close-knit community. Devotees of Midsomer Murders and Agatha Christie's Miss Marple stories will feel most at home here. -- Fiona Sturges * GUARDIAN, Audiobook of the week review *Britain's favourite vicar might be hanging up the dog collar, but in Murder Before Evensong he proves to be the unlikely heir to Barbara Pym...Coles is free here to unleash a splendidly caustic wit on those parishioners who deserve it... as Daniel locks horns with his flock over the matter of whether the vintage pews in St Mary's can be moved to make way for a new lavatory, Coles rivals Barbara Pym in his ability to make supremely low-stake conflict gripping... Like all the best cosy mysteries, this is comforting but not anodyne. And the style suits the content perfectly: wonderfully feline when it comes to jokes, but moving easily to unselfconscious wisdom when required. Auden would have admired this novel for meeting his requirements for the classical detective story: but he might also have recognised Coles as being, at his best, a fellow artist with words. -- Jake Kerridge * THE DAILY TELEGRAPH *Even better than I knew it would be. Really well plotted... beautifully written, charming without being twee, funny, intelligent and mordant too. It's cosy, yes, but waaay better than "cosy crime" suggests. -- India Knight * SUNDAY TIMES *Murder Before Evensong is like a walk in the country on a warm summer's evening... one during which your fellow ramblers can be murdered horribly at any moment. Canon Daniel Clement is an inscrutable and erudite detective, while four-legged sidekicks Hilda and Cosmo are his delightful foils. You'll want to take a front row pew in Champton while this delicious series unfolds. * Janice Hallett, author of The Appeal *An absolute joy from cover to cover - funny, clever and wonderfully plotted. Praise be! * Adam Kay *Beautifully written and a warm funny joy from start to finish. * Sarah Millican *Perfect for those who like their cosy crime to have a cutting edge. * Ben Aaronovitch *Glorious. * Robert Webb *Champton joins St Mary Mead and Midsomer in the great atlas of fictional English villages where the crimes are as dastardly as the residents delightful. Canon Daniel Clement must solve mysteries temporal and theological while surviving his parishioners tender ministries. Delightful! And only Richard Coles could pull this off so joyfully and with such style. Biscuit-thieving Cosmo, too, will soon have his own fan club. * Damian Barr *Coles has a gift for subtle comic writing... beyond the fascinating story with its rich characters, the real discovery here is the sniffing out of the author's formidable talent for writing about English life with English humour. Roll on the rest of the series! -- The Reverend Jonathan Aitken * THE OLDIE *Coles does a wonderful job of bringing his congregation to life... [and] moves seamlessly between humour and something deeper... Charming and funny, it is just what you'd expect from the excellent Coles. -- Alison Flood * THE OBSERVER, Thriller of the Month *Coles' murderous take on a quintessentially English parish makes for a likeable, cosy crime caper. -- Jon Coates * SUNDAY EXPRESS *Cosy crime with a cutting edge. * SUNDAY TELEGRAPH *A good old page-turner with brilliantly drawn characters, from the aristocratic de Floures to Daniel's astute, snobbish mother, and dachshunds so real you can almost smell them. -- Rose Shepherd * SAGA, Book of the Month *[A] cunning whodunnit... This wise and often beautifully written novel remains most memorable as a sharp but sympathetic portrayal of everyday life in a small community and a clergyman's role within it. -- Jake Kerridge * DAILY EXPRESS *Richard Coles is one of the most sparkling, entertaining, clever and lovable people in public life, as rare and precious to British culture as a Norman cathedral. * Victoria Coren Mitchell *Murder Before Evensong has all the elements that make up a classic detective story: a pitch-perfect setting, a genuine puzzle, a gruesome murder (or more) and engaging characters. I enjoyed it very much. * Philip Pullman *Coles' rendering of his fictional church, St Mary's, in the village of Champton, twinkles with quirky detail and sharp humour. -- Paul Connolly * METRO *A wry, tongue-in cheek and whimsical debut with more than a trace of G. K. Chesterton's Father Brown... charming. -- Geoffrey Wansell * DAILY MAIL *Violent deaths aside, it's a cosy world of Desert Island Discs, flower rotas and walnut cakes, beautifully written and evocative, run through with the comforting, ancient liturgical rhythms that transport you to Evensong and gentle organ music in a cool country church on a summer's evening. -- Kate Green * COUNTRY LIFE *This has all the ingredients of a brilliant new cosy crime series. -- Susan Watson * MY WEEKLY *A brilliant crime romp set in a village full of gossip and secrets. -- Zoe West * WOMAN'S WEEKLY *A deliciously thrilling murder mystery. -- Susan Watson * WOMAN'S WEEKLY SUMMER SPECIAL *He's very good on the nitty-gritty of a clergyman's life. His likable protagonist Canon Daniel Clement's struggle to get parishioners to accept the installation of a new church toilet is every bit as gripping as his investigation of the inevitable series of mystifying murders. -- John Williams * MAIL ON SUNDAY *Coles is a sharp observer of human nature, but his observations are tempered with both humour and compassion, and much of the pleasure in the book lies in the incidental asides. -- CAROLINE CHARTRES * CHURCH TIMES *Coles adds another string to his bow with this witty, Barbara Pym-ish village whodunnit about a crime-solving cleric. * THE DAILY TELEGRAPH, Best Holiday Reads *

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Book SynopsisTHE THIRD NOVEL IN THE RECORD-BREAKING, MILLION-COPY BESTSELLING THURSDAY MURDER CLUB SERIES.YOU KNOW WHO WILL LOVE READING THIS? EVERYONE!----------''Full of Osman''s trademark charm, insight and intelligence'' Lee Child''Tender, hopeful and funny'' Marian Keyes''I adored this thrilling adventure. His best yet!'' Claire Douglas''Infectious, charming and full of heart'' Gillian McAllisterIt is an ordinary Thursday and things should finally be returning to normal.Except trouble is never far away where the Thursday Murder Club is concerned. A decade-old cold case leads them to a local news legend and a murder with no body and no answers.Then a new foe pays Elizabeth a visit. Her mission? Kill...or be killed.As the cold case turns white hot, Elizabeth wrestles with her conscience (and a gun), while Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim chase down clues with help from old friends and new. But can the gang solve the mystery and save Elizabeth before the murderer strikes again?----------WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB SERIES''Infectious, charming and full of heart'' GILLIAN MCALLISTER''I adored this thrilling adventure. His best yet!'' CLAIRE DOUGLAS''Another witty, charming and hugely entertaining read ... his best yet'' SUNDAY EXPRESS''A joy to be back...intrigue, red herrings and loads of charm'' GOOD HOUSEKEEPING''I snickered so much reading this one'' THE OBSERVER''Opening the new Osman is like sitting down to dinner with treasured friends you know are going to kill you - deliciously!'' PETER JAMES''Full of humour and heart, Osman delivers another must-read. I loved it'' HARLAN COBEN''A warm, wise and witty warning never to underestimate the elderly'' VAL MCDERMID''So smart and funny. Deplorably good'' IAN RANKIN''Thrilling, moving, laugh-out-loud funny'' MARK BILLINGHAMRichard Osman, Sunday Times bestseller, March 2024The Bullet that Missed broke the record for the fastest-selling adult fiction hardback ever, September 2022Trade ReviewHumour is gently threaded through every element * Observer *Unlike the bullet, Richard Osman seems incapable of missing * The Times *Delivered with the sharp wit that we associate with Osman * Financial Times *

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Book SynopsisTracy Whitwell's second novel Gin Palace picks up with the unwilling crime-solver, Tanz, from the hilarious The Accidental Medium, as she grows accustomed to her rather unusual gift . . .Tanz can talk to ghosts, although she’d prefer it if she couldn’t. Struggling to make ends meet as an actress and wholly unsuited to supply teaching, Tanz is only one bad day away from a meltdown. And the babbling ghosts aren’t helping.So when Tanz is offered a paid acting gig in her hometown, things start to look up. But Newcastle’s dead won’t stay quiet for long, and soon Tanz becomes haunted with visions of a mysterious Gin Palace guarded by a sinister figure. As Tanz starts to piece together a terrible tragedy, it becomes clear there’s no limit to what the poltergeist will do to keep his secrets his own.Unfortunately, he’s never met anyone quite like Tanz before . . .Trade ReviewCompelling, wasp-tongued and very funny -- Caroline Smailes, author of The Drowning of Arthur Braxton on The Accidental Medium Spooky and hilarious and brimming with oddball characters, I love this book! -- Mandasue Heller, author of Running Scared on The Accidental Medium I loved The Accidental Medium. A hilarious journey into a ghostly world of psychics and the like that’s guaranteed to put you in high spirits. I’m no clairvoyant but, trust me, this medium is about to go large! -- Trevor Wood, author of Dead End Street on The Accidental Medium

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Book Synopsis When a middle-aged couple downsizes to the countryside for an easier life, their two daughters become isolated, argumentative and violent … A chilling, vicious and darkly funny psychological thriller from bestselling author Helen FitzGerald. ‘Sharp, shocking and savagely funny. Helen Fitzgerald is a wonderfully original storyteller’ Chris Whitaker ‘A new novel from Helen Fitzgerald is always a major event … magnificent’ Mark Billingham ‘I devoured Keep Her Sweet … shite parenting and a dysfunctional sister relationship goes to fatal extremes’ Erin Kelly–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Desperate to enjoy their empty nest, Penny and Andeep downsize to the countryside, to forage, upcycle and fall in love again, only to be joined by their two twenty-something daughters, Asha and Camille.Living on top of each other in a tiny house, with no way to make money, tensions simmer, and as Penny and Andeep focus increasingly on themselves, the girls become isolated, argumentative and violent.When Asha injures Camille, a family therapist is called in, but she shrugs off the escalating violence between the sisters as a classic case of sibling rivalry … and the stress of the family move. But this is not sibling rivalry. The sisters are in far too deep for that.This is a murder, just waiting to happen…Chilling, vicious and darkly funny, Keep Her Sweet is not just a tense, sinister psychological thriller, but a startling look at sister relationships and they bonds they share … or shatter. –––––––––––––––––––––––––‘A wonderful book about a toxic family … funny, shocking and full of heart. FitzGerald at her coruscating best' Doug Johnstone ‘Definitely one for those who love deadly dysfunctional families, whip-smart writing, and their stories dark, dark, deliciously dark’ Amanda Jennings ‘A novel rippling with power and intensity. A true page-turner’ Michael Wood ‘Wickedly funny, breath-stealingly tense and utterly chilling … a book you’ll want to talk about’ Miranda Dickinson ‘Helen Fitzgerald has an uncanny ability to balance savagery and hilarity … an absolute banger of a book’ Matt Wesolowski 'A crazy but addictive, dark and funny, read’ Louise Beech ‘Dark humour sings from the pages’ Russel McLean ‘A fascinating and original tale of a family in rapid decline’ Jen Med’s Book Reviews‘You will canter through this psychological thriller’ Café Thinking Praise for Helen FitzGerald*Worst Case Scenario was Guardian, Telegraph, Herald Scotland AND The Week BOOK OF THE YEAR**Sunday Times TOP 40 Crime Novels in the Last 5 Years**Longlisted for Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award 2020* ‘The main character is one of the most extraordinary you’ll meet between the pages of a book’ Ian Rankin‘Sublime’ Guardian ‘This darkly, funny, shocking and surprisingly emotional thriller is unlike anything you’ve ever read before’ Fabulous ‘A dark, comic masterpiece which manages to be both excruciatingly tense and laugh out loud funny at the same time’ Mark Edwards ‘Urgent, angry, absolutely terrifying, yet suffused with the humanity and humour you expect from a Helen Fitzgerald novel’ Erin Kelly‘Tantalisingly powerful’ The Times‘Ash Mountain is the author at her masterly best … I loved it!’ Louise Candlish‘The classic thriller gets a hell of a twist’ Heat‘FitzGerald writes like a more focused Irvine Welsh or a less misogynist Philip Roth’ Daily Telegraph‘Domestic life is rarely served up quite so dark as this – but that only makes you hungry for more’ The Sun

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Book SynopsisJulia Chapman is the pseudonym of Julia Stagg, writer of the Fogas Chronicles set in the French Pyrenees. She is also the author of the Dales Detective series which follows the adventures of Samson O'Brien and Delilah Metcalfe as they solve cases in the Yorkshire Dales.Born with a wanderlust that keeps her moving, Julia has followed her restless feet to Japan, Australia, the USA and France. She spent the majority of that time as a teacher of English as a Foreign Language but also dabbled in bookselling, pawnbroking, waitressing and was once checkout chick of the month' at a supermarket in South Australia. She also ran an auberge in the French Pyrenees for six years with her husband.Having spent many years wandering, she is now glad to call the Yorkshire Dales home. Its distinctive landscape and way of life provide the setting for her latest set of novels, the Dales Detective series.Trade ReviewBags of Yorkshire charm and wit * The Northern Echo *A delightful read * The Dalesman *A classic whodunnit set in the spectacular landscape of the Yorkshire Dales, written with affection for the area and its people. A satisfying read riddled with dry Yorkshire humour (and dry-stone walls) -- Cath Staincliffe, author of The Silence Between BreathsGreat fun! -- Carol Drinkwater, actress (All Creatures Great and Small) and author of The Olive FarmThe barbed electricity flowing between the two central protagonists . . . bring fire and drive to the narrative * The Yorkshire Times *

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Book SynopsisRita, a small, tough Scottish make-up artist, is on Madeira investigating who killed Kim-Jim, an American make-up supremo. Also anchored off the island is Dolly, the yacht of Johnson Johnson with whom Rita teams up to get to the bottom of this foul deed. Rita’s fighting spirits are aroused despite the danger. She is not one for quitting, even when she learns she is caught up in an international drug-smuggling ring. But she also discovers that dealing with the maddeningly enigmatic Johnson Johnson is, by no stretch of the imagination, plain sailing.Trade ReviewPRAISE FOR THE DOLLY MYSTERY SERIES ‘The Dolly novels are… delicious, funny, ingenious, glamorous, clever’ Listener'Dunnett tempts her fans with buried clues and red herrings that keep them reading and rereading the books’ New York Times'[Dunnett’s] women are among her strongest characters' Guardian

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Book SynopsisRichard is a middle-aged Englishman who runs a B&B in the fictional Val de Follet in the Loire Valley. Nothing ever happens to Richard, and really that’s the way he likes it. One day, however, one of his older guests disappears, leaving behind a bloody handprint on the wallpaper. Another guest, the exotic Valérie, persuades a reluctant Richard to join her in investigating the disappearance. Richard remains a dazed passenger in the case until things become really serious and someone murders Ava Gardner, one of his beloved hens... and you don’t mess with a fellow’s hens! Unputdownable mystery set in rural France, by TV/radio regular and bestselling author Ian Moore – perfect for fans of Richard Osman's The Thursday Murder ClubTrade Review'A very funny page-turner. Fantastique!' Adam Kay'A joyous read!' Alan Carr'A writer of immense wit and charm' Paul Sinha'Ian is one of my favourite writers; this is hilarious and a great mystery too' Janey Godley'Good food and a laugh-out-loud mystery. What more could anyone want in these dark times' Mark Billingham'Like going on a joyous romp through the Loire valley with Agatha Christie, PG Woodhouse and Mc Beaton. A delight.' C. K. McDonnell'Ian Moore is a brilliant, funny writer who perfectly captures the foibles of rural France but judging by this book I will never be visiting his bed and breakfast’ Josh Widdicombe'Beautifully done. Very funny indeed. I can’t imagine how one plots something like that. Tremendous work' Miles Jupp'I'm so punchdrunk from the sheer entertainment of it I've got a sore jaw. Encore!' Matt Forde'This is like two great books in one, a tricksy whodunnit, and a really, really funny story' Jason Manford'Such a brilliant read, smart, funny and his sharp writing captures the nuances of “Anglo-French” relations beautifully' Zoe Lyons'This book is a fun and funny read and I’m very much looking forward to the next one' Ian Stone'Funny, pacey and very entertaining' Robin Ince

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Book SynopsisA Nest of Vipers is the twenty-first novel in Andrea Camilleri’s irresistible Inspector Montalbano series.On what should be a quiet Sunday morning, Inspector Montalbano is called to a murder scene on the Sicilian coast. A man has discovered his father dead in his Vigàtan beach house, his body slumped on the dining room floor, his morning coffee spilled across the table, and a single gunshot wound at the base of his skull.First appearances point to the son having the most to gain from his father’s untimely death, a notion his sister can’t help but reinforce. But when Montalbano delves deeper into the case, and learns of the dishonourable life the victim led, it soon becomes clear half of Vigàta has a motive for his murder and this won’t be as simple as the inspector had once hoped . . .A Nest of Vipers is followed by the twenty-second gripping mystery, The Pyramid of Mud.Trade ReviewMontalbano’s colleagues, chance encounters, Sicilian mores, even the contents of his fridge are described with the wit and gusto that make this narrator the best company in crime fiction today * Guardian *Among the most exquisitely crafted pieces of crime writing available today . . . Simply superb * Sunday Times *One of fiction’s greatest detectives and Camilleri is one of Europe’s greatest crime writers * Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisA mystery lands – literally – at Tom Winscombe’s feet, and another riotous mathematical adventure begins… Tom Winscombe and Dorothy Chan haven’t managed to go on a date for some time, so it’s a shame that their outing to a Promenade Concert is cut short when a mysterious cowled figure plummets from the gallery to the floor of the arena close to where they are standing. But when they find out who he was, all thoughts of romance fly out of the window. Just who are the Fractal Monks, and what does Isaac, last of the Vavasors and custodian of the papers of famed dead mathematical geniuses Archie and Pye, want with them? How will other figures from the past also demand a slice of the action? And what other mysteries are there lurking at the bottom of the sea and at the top of mountains? The answers lie in The Riddle of Fractal Monks.Trade ReviewPraise for Jonathan Pinnock: ‘Lovely stuff’ Ian Rankin'A series of humorous, riotous mathematical mysteries' David Nicholls ‘He makes funny and self-deprecating company’ The Herald‘Jonathan Pinnock writes compelling tales with a deliciously wicked glint in his eye’ Ian Skillicorn, National Short Story Week‘Jonathan Pinnock is Roald Dahl’s natural successor’ Vanessa Gebbie‘Funny, clever, and sometimes brilliantly daft. A comedy that I am sure would have made Pythagoras, Archimedes and Douglas Adams all laugh out loud’ Scott Pack on The Truth About Archie and Pye

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Book SynopsisThe razor-sharp, violent and darkly comic second novel from actor, comedian and writer Ardal O'Hanlon.Dove Connolly is dead. That's not good for anyone in Tullyanna, never mind Dove. Now his best friend Sharkey is home asking awkward questions about Dove's death, about the strange graphic novel he left behind, and, most of all, about Sandra. Sandra Mohan. Missing now for over a decade, whereabouts unknown.This, however, is a town dead-set on keeping its secrets. And Sharkey is already drawing attention from all the wrong quartersA mystery, a black comedy, a satire on Ireland's tangled politics of memory, Brouhaha is set in a small town on the Irish border during the uneasy transition to peace. And peace doesn't come easy in these parts.*****Over the past few days, Kevin, no flies on him, had sensed a tension in the town thanks to Dove Connolly's poor decision to blow his own head off. It wasn't just the act of self-harm itself, the pointless splattering of blood and bone and brain all over his bedroom wall, that was the issue, unsettling as that was. In so doing, poor Dove had spread panic amongst the townspeople, raising all sorts of ugly questions, reviving all sorts of rumours, and inviting all sorts of unwelcome attention upon them. In Kevin's mind, there was method in Dove's madness. Showing a shocking assertiveness for possibly the first time in his life, and the last, says you, Dove blew the lid off the whole town.Trade Review‘Funny, tragic and deliciously readable, Brouhaha confirms Ardal O’Hanlon as a novelist of the first rank.’ Irish Times ‘Humane, clever, funny, gripping, complex, serious and surprising.’ Scotsman

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Book SynopsisThere’s no thrill like breaking the rules…Trade Review‘I devoured this delicious debut in one sitting … Darkly funny but with real soul, Love & Other Scams deserves to be a huge bestseller’ SARRA MANNING, RED *The 10 Best Books of April 2023* ‘I don't think I've ever had such a blast reading a romcom. Totally outstanding – it will, for sure, be the book of the summer’ LAURA JANE WILLIAMS ‘Mischievous, magnetic, touching and heaps of fun. No matter how you’re feeling, the pages instantly cheer you up’ EMMA GANNON ‘Hold onto your diamonds – the romcom of 2023 is here, and it’s an absolute riot. I am PJ Ellis’ number one fan’ LIZZY DENT ‘I completely adored Love & Other Scams. I can't wait to tell everyone I know to read it immediately – because this book is all I want to talk about. PJ Ellis is officially a genius’ LUCY VINE ‘The most brilliant read. Blisteringly funny, genuinely sexy, cancel-all-plans gripping and with tender moments so beautifully written I’m still a little weepy. The solid gold article, no grifting here!’ LAUREN BRAVO ‘Fresh, fast paced and funny with a wonderfully warm cast of characters – it's everything you want and more from a book about diamonds, deceit and desire. I adored it’ LAURA KAY ‘If you’ve ever had your weekend ruined and your budget broken by a so-called friend’s over-the-top wedding, Love & Other Scams is the book for you. You’ll feel seen in the best possible way’ KATHERINE HEINY ‘An entertaining romantic caper with heart, heat, and sass – perfect for anyone who's ever dreamed of taking revenge on perfection’ JUSTIN MYERS ‘Big beach read energy’ BRYDIE LEE-KENNEDY ‘Sharp and entertaining … puts the con in unconventional romance’ BOOKLIST ‘Ellis combines a heist with a romantic comedy and creates something exciting and vibrant … laugh-out-loud hilarious. A delightful, fast-paced escapade full of snappy dialogue’ KIRKUS REVIEWS

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Book SynopsisThe sleeper book of the year so much fun to read that you forget to even try and solve the case. And good luck solving it anyway, with twists within twists within twists' ?????Donna Nightshade's first rule of composting: shred. Things rot quicker that way cabbages, flowers, dead bodiesWhen Donna branches out from floristry to private investigation and opens The Edge of the World Detective Agency, the last thing she expects is to have a murder fall into her lap almost immediately. Now, normally she wouldn't be one to look a gift horse in the mouth, but there's one significant problem with the case all the evidence points to Donna as the murderer!Donna may have hated the man, but she's not the only one who had the means and motive, so she dons her deerstalker. Staying two steps ahead of the police specifically her ex, Detective Sergeant Joe Enys won't be easy, but with pirate blood in her veins nothing can stop deadly' Donna from claiming her bounty and making the real culprit walk tTrade Review‘Reflects (exaggerates) the eccentricities of the British people, in particular the Cornish… the author brought wicked sarcasm and snark into her characters’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Book SynopsisSeven high profile guestsAn island cut off by a stormWill there be a murder before the weekend is out?After six long months with no new cases for her Cornish detective agency, Donna Deadly' Nightshade jumps at the chance to spend a weekend undercover on St Michael's Mount.With seven high profile attendees including the Home Secretary this is a high stakes case. As a storm descends on the tidal island, they're cut off from the rest of the world. Friends turn to enemies and before the rain has ceased it's not just one murder Donna has to worry about it's twoBook 2 in The Edge of the World Detective Agency series, which follows Donna Deadly' Nightshade former florist turned private eye solve a new mystery amidst the dramatic cliffs and secret coves of Cornwall.Readers love Jo Silva:I was very impressed with the whole bookan excellent read with a lovely Cornish feel, one amazing method of murder, a talking parrot and the continuing promise of romance for Donna and Joe' ?????A classic Trade Review‘The sleeper book of the year… so much fun to read that you forget to even try and solve the case. And good luck solving it anyway, with twists within twists within twists’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Set in beautiful Cornwall, the characters were quirky and slightly magical, the writing was good and the mystery was totally unpredictable. Well done to the author for writing an excellent cosy mystery whilst avoiding some of the normal characteristics of the genre.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Intelligently written with comedy, sarcasm, murder and peculiarity at its heart making for an entertaining and intriguing read’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘There aren’t enough words to tell you how much I enjoyed this book. Odd. Funny. Engaging. Brilliant. I absolutely loved it. I am not often lost for words when trying to explain what makes a book special’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I didn’t put it down until I was finished…and slightly sleep deprived as a result…and I’m thrilled!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Kept me reading and put a smile on my face. And I can’t ask more than that. A really promising debut’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Reflects (exaggerates) the eccentricities of the British people, in particular the Cornish… the author brought wicked sarcasm and snark into her characters’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘More than a fun read, it is a good cozy mystery with fascinating characters, sneaky twists, and incredible red herrings’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Book SynopsisTibor Fischer was born in Stockport in 1959 of Hungarian parents. Brought up in South London, where he now lives, he was educated at Cambridge and worked as a journalist. He was shortlisted for the Booker Prize for his first novel, Under the Frog, which also won the Betty Trask Award, and he was nominated as one of Granta's Best of Young British Novelists.Trade ReviewHilarious, fast-moving stuff * Independent *Not since Woody Allen has philosophy had such a hilarious application * Guardian *A fast-paced, off-beat thriller... It's a zany novel with depth and a fresh, almost controversial prose style that gives you the creeping impression that you have just hitched a lift with one hell of an imagination * List *Acerbic, dashingly inventive, very funny indeed -- Christopher Hitchens * Mail on Sunday *Fischer has a unique ability to hinge the most unlikely concepts together... charcoaling ideas to gem-hardened, irresistibly funny insights * Time Out *

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Book SynopsisBrought to you by Penguin.In a peaceful retirement village, four unlikely friends meet up once a week to investigate unsolved killings.But when a local property developer shows up dead, ''The Thursday Murder Club'' find themselves in the middle of their first live case.The four friends, Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron, might be pushing eighty but they still have a few tricks up their sleeves. Can our unorthodox but brilliant gang catch the killer before it''s too late?****WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB''A superb debut. Thrilling, moving, laugh-out-loud funny and packed with characters you will want to see a LOT more of'' Mark Billingham''Compelling. Mystery fans are going to be enthralled'' Harlan Coben''Smart, compassionate, warm, moving and so VERY funny. I smiled a million times. This book will make a lot of people very, very happy'' Marian Keyes''FuTrade Review'A little beacon of pleasure' -- Kate Atkinson'Funny, clever and achingly British' -- Adam Kay'Compelling. Mystery fans are going to be enthralled' -- Harlan Coben 'A total pleasure . . . very, very funny' -- Abigail Dean

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Book SynopsisBrought to you by Penguin.THE SECOND NOVEL IN THE RECORD-BREAKING, MILLION-COPY BESTSELLING THURSDAY MURDER CLUB SERIES BY RICHARD OSMANIt''s the following Thursday.Elizabeth has received a letter from an old colleague, a man with whom she has a long history. He''s made a big mistake, and he needs her help. His story involves stolen diamonds, a violent mobster, and a very real threat to his life.As bodies start piling up, Elizabeth enlists Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron in the hunt for a ruthless murderer. And if they find the diamonds too? Well, wouldn''t that be a bonus?But this time they are up against an enemy who wouldn''t bat an eyelid at knocking off four septuagenarians. Can The Thursday Murder Club find the killer (and the diamonds) before the killer finds them?What people are saying about THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB:''A warm, wise and witty warning never to underestimate the elderly'' VAL MCDERMID''STrade Review'This slick sequel will leave you buzzing' * The Times *'Superbly entertaining' * Guardian *'Warm, funny and oh-so British' * I Paper *

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Book SynopsisBrought to you by Penguin.A new mystery is afoot in the third book in the Thursday Murder Club series from record-breaking, bestselling author Richard Osman.It is an ordinary Thursday and things should finally be returning to normal. Except trouble is never far away where the Thursday Murder Club are concerned. A decade-old cold case leads them to a local news legend and a murder with no body and no answers. Then a new foe pays Elizabeth a visit. Her mission? Kill. . . or be killed. As the cold case turns white hot, Elizabeth wrestles with her conscience (and a gun), while Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim chase down clues with help from old friends and new. But can the gang solve the mystery and save Elizabeth before the murderer strikes again?2022 Richard Osman (P)2022 Penguin AudioTrade ReviewHumour is gently threaded through every element * Observer *Unlike the bullet, Richard Osman seems incapable of missing * The Times *Delivered with the sharp wit that we associate with Osman * Financial Times *

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Book SynopsisLONGLISTED FOR THE COMEDY WOMEN IN PRINT AWARD''Sharp, funny . . . the best sort of murder mystery'' Tatler''A perfect antidote to all the real-life craziness going on'' Daily MailSir Ecgbert Tode of Tode Hall has survived to a grand old age - much to the despair of his younger wife, Emma. But at ninety-three he has, at last, shuffled off the mortal coil.Emma, Lady Tode, thoroughly fed up with being a dutiful Lady of the Manor, wants to leave the country to spend her remaining years in Capri. Unfortunately her three tiresome children are either unwilling or unable (too mad, too lefty or too happy in Australia) to take on management of their large and important home, so the mantle passes to a distant relative and his glamorous wife.Not long after the new owners take over, Lady Tode is found dead in the mausoleum. Accident? Or is there more going on behind the scenes of TodTrade ReviewFans of PG Wodehouse and Agatha Christie should bag this madcap comedy whodunnit . . . Outrageous and over-the-top, a perfect antidote to all real-life craziness going on * Daily Mail *It's sharp, funny and just the right amount of farcical - the best sort of murder mystery * Tatler *I couldn't put it down -- Santa MontefioreWhat a triumph! It gave me enormous pleasure to read, plus of course a few appropriate shudders. [In the Crypt] lightens the darkness in a way that is both dark and light -- Antonia FraserAn irresistible champagne bubble of pleasure and laughter -- Rachel JohnsonAgatha Christie but with a bit of Julian Fellowes's Snobs and Downtown Abbey thrown in . . . A masterclass in how to write a rollicking good read -- Sarah VineA jolly farce that never takes itself too seriously * Red Magazine *Fizzles, crackles and sparklesAn irresistible, high-camp crime caper - deliciously entertainingA perfect antidote to wintry gloom * The Literary Review *An effervescent madcap whodunnit * Metro *A country-house murder mystery with nods to Agatha Christie and Evelyn Waugh. From the deceased's name (Sir Ecgbert Tode of Tode Hall) to the art deco cover, it's a delightful treat * The Lady *A work of sublime silliness. The knife-edge between crime and comedy is a tricky one, but Daisy Waugh negotiates it magnificently. The story is preposterous, as it should be in a book of this kind, and the author is clearly less interested in the finer points of crime plotting than she is in sharp observations and social satire. The result is a delightful book, witty, pacy and beautifully written.This is a marvellous rollicking read with brilliantly drawn characters. I finished it within 24 hours -- Mary KillenShe's spot on; she's skewered her targets brilliantly -- Imogen Edwards-JonesOne imagines that Waugh had nearly as much fun writing it as we do reading it * Catholic Herald *This whodunnit, set in a twisted version of PG Wodehouse's terrain, is deeply funny * Morning Star *

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Book Synopsis''Daisy Waugh''s featherlight satires are as refreshing and uplifting as a glass of chilled vintage champagne. . . Imagine Agatha Christie on laughing gas'' TimesThe Todes are back, and they''re taking on Hollywood . . .When Hollywood wants to do a remake of the film that made Tode Hall famous, India and Egbert are delighted. They envisage a summer of free money and star-studded dinner parties ahead . . . But the Hall is soon overrun by wardrobe trucks and catering tents, and lusty, insecure actors squabbling about nudity clauses. When the movie''s producers threaten to sue over the exact colour of Tode Hall''s rolling lawns, India and Egbert realise that having a film crew on their doorstep isn''t such a breeze after all. With so many egos in one place things were bound to end badly, but no one would have predicted quite so literal a backstabbing . . .''A glorious satire on aristocratic manners anTrade ReviewPraise for the Todes of Tode Hall series:Fans of PG Wodehouse and Agatha Christie should bag this madcap comedy whodunnit . . . Outrageous and over-the-top, a perfect antidote to all real-life craziness going on * Daily Mail *It's sharp, funny and just the right amount of farcical - the best sort of murder mystery * Tatler *I couldn't put it down -- Santa MontefioreWhat a triumph! It gave me enormous pleasure to read, plus of course a few appropriate shudders. [In the Crypt] lightens the darkness in a way that is both dark and light -- Antonia FraserAn irresistible champagne bubble of pleasure and laughter -- Rachel JohnsonAgatha Christie but with a bit of Julian Fellowes's Snobs and Downtown Abbey thrown in . . . A masterclass in how to write a rollicking good read -- Sarah VineA jolly farce that never takes itself too seriously * Red Magazine *Fizzles, crackles and sparkles -- Elizabeth BuchanAn irresistible, high-camp crime caper - deliciously entertaining -- Andrew WilsonA perfect antidote to wintry gloom * The Literary Review *A country-house murder mystery with nods to Agatha Christie and Evelyn Waugh . . . a delightful treat * The Lady *An effervescent madcap whodunnit * Metro *A work of sublime silliness. The knife-edge between crime and comedy is a tricky one, but Daisy Waugh negotiates it magnificently . . . a delightful book, witty, pacy and beautifully written -- Simon BrettThis is a marvellous rollicking read with brilliantly drawn characters. I finished it within 24 hours -- Mary KillenShe's spot on; she's skewered her targets brilliantly -- Imogen Edwards-Jones

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Book Synopsis''Daisy Waugh''s featherlight satires are as refreshing and uplifting as a glass of chilled vintage champagne. . . Imagine Agatha Christie on laughing gas'' TimesThe Todes are back, and they''re taking on Hollywood . . .When Hollywood wants to do a remake of the film that made Tode Hall famous, India and Egbert are delighted. They envisage a summer of free money and star-studded dinner parties ahead . . . But the Hall is soon overrun by wardrobe trucks and catering tents, and lusty, insecure actors squabbling about nudity clauses. When the movie''s producers threaten to sue over the exact colour of Tode Hall''s rolling lawns, India and Egbert realise that having a film crew on their doorstep isn''t such a breeze after all. With so many egos in one place things were bound to end badly, but no one would have predicted quite so literal a backstabbing . . .''A glorious satire on aristocratic manners anTrade ReviewPraise for the Todes of Tode Hall series:Fans of PG Wodehouse and Agatha Christie should bag this madcap comedy whodunnit . . . Outrageous and over-the-top, a perfect antidote to all real-life craziness going on * Daily Mail *It's sharp, funny and just the right amount of farcical - the best sort of murder mystery * Tatler *I couldn't put it down -- Santa MontefioreWhat a triumph! It gave me enormous pleasure to read, plus of course a few appropriate shudders. [In the Crypt] lightens the darkness in a way that is both dark and light -- Antonia FraserAn irresistible champagne bubble of pleasure and laughter -- Rachel JohnsonAgatha Christie but with a bit of Julian Fellowes's Snobs and Downtown Abbey thrown in . . . A masterclass in how to write a rollicking good read -- Sarah VineA jolly farce that never takes itself too seriously * Red Magazine *Fizzles, crackles and sparkles -- Elizabeth BuchanAn irresistible, high-camp crime caper - deliciously entertaining -- Andrew WilsonA perfect antidote to wintry gloom * The Literary Review *A country-house murder mystery with nods to Agatha Christie and Evelyn Waugh . . . a delightful treat * The Lady *An effervescent madcap whodunnit * Metro *A work of sublime silliness. The knife-edge between crime and comedy is a tricky one, but Daisy Waugh negotiates it magnificently . . . a delightful book, witty, pacy and beautifully written -- Simon BrettThis is a marvellous rollicking read with brilliantly drawn characters. I finished it within 24 hours -- Mary KillenShe's spot on; she's skewered her targets brilliantly -- Imogen Edwards-Jones

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Book SynopsisSuperb. . .a fast-moving and gripping plot Publishers Weekly Starred Review of The Merchant MurderersMarch, 1557. Jack Blackjack is back in London and enjoying a sedentary life - after his treacherous voyage back to his beloved city the previous year, he desires nothing more than the simple pleasures - women, wine, beer and more women.But his new parish of St Helen''s has different ideas for him. . . a week after first laying eyes on the tempting Miss Rachel Nailor, she turns up horribly dead on the church vestry floor. . . and someone is trying to frame him for her murder!A fellow Lady Elizabeth sympathiser, it appears Rachel Nailor was a woman with many secrets. But was she murdered in a fit of lustful rage, or was it part of a wider political play? Who would want Rachel dead - and Jack hanged for it? The suspects are plenty and Jack is running out of time. With his master breathing down his neck, and old foes crawling out of the woodwork to add to Jack''s wine-fuelled headache, Jack has never been in more danger!

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Book SynopsisMagdalena Yoder is accused of murdering her ex-husband in this delightfully quirky cozy mystery set among Pennsylvania''s Amish-Mennonite community. You''re going to be sorry, Aaron Paul Miller. Before I''m through with you, you''re going to wish that you were dead. Shockwaves are running through the small town of Hernia with the news that an enormous, biblical-themed amusement park is to be built on its doorstep, destroying the community''s peaceful way of life for ever. And the man spearheading this so-called Armageddonland? None other than Magdalena''s ex-husband, the duplicitous Aaron Miller. At a public demonstration to showcase his plans for the new park, Aaron bites into a delicious homemade tart - with fatal consequences. It''s clear the tart was poisoned . . . but who baked it? As the leader of the local resistance against the project and her acrimonious history with her ex well known, Magdalena immediately falls under s

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Book SynopsisPoet-sleuth Geoffrey Chaucer is caught up in the chaos of the Peasants'' Revolt as he attempts to track down a brutal killer.June, 1381. Embarking on his annual pilgrimage to Canterbury, Geoffrey Chaucer and his fellow travellers are forced to turn back when confronted with a horde of armed and angry peasants, intent on marching to London. Returning to the city to warn the authorities of the approaching danger, the pilgrims hole up at the Tabard Inn and prepare for the coming invasion.That same night, a woman''s body is fished out of the River Thames, her throat cut. When he discovers that the victim was the wife of one of his fellow pilgrims, Chaucer determines to investigate. Could the woman''s henpecked husband be responsible for her death? A jealous business rival? Or was she murdered by one of the pilgrims? Does a cold-hearted killer lurk within the Tabard? As the army of rebellious peasants approaches, Chaucer finds himself in a ra

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Book SynopsisMovie premieres, murder charges and celebrity shenanigans? It''s all in a day''s work for New Jersey prosecutor turned LA family lawyer Sandy Moss.Copperman knows how to entertain - Publishers Weekly Starred ReviewFormer New Jersey prosecutor Sandy Moss moved to a prestigious Los Angeles law firm to make a new start as a family lawyer. So it seems a little unfair that Seaton, Taylor have created a criminal law division specifically for her. Just because she''s successfully defended two murder trials, it doesn''t mean she likes them!But when abrasive Hollywood movie director Robert Reeves is accused of murdering a stuntman on set, Sandy finds she can''t say no when he demands her help. Robert might be an unpleasant, egotistical liar, but something tells Sandy that he''s innocent - even if no one else can see it.At least this time, she reassures herself, her charismatic, adorable, and oh-so annoying TV star boyfriend Patrick McNabb isn''t involved in the case. He isn''t . . . right?The third in the fast-paced, funny legal mystery series starring pitch-perfect heroine Sandy Moss, who could give Perry Mason a run for his money (Kirkus Reviews), is a great pick for fans of cozy mysteries, legal dramas and anyone who likes to laugh!

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Book SynopsisHollywood, house hunting . . . and hand grenades?! Life turns explosive for New Jersey prosecutor turned LA family lawyer Sandy Moss when she takes on an unexpected new client: pre-teen millionaire Riley Schoenberg.When Riley Schoenberg strides into family lawyer Sandy Moss''s office without knocking and coolly sits down, Sandy''s more irritated than amused. She has a client meeting to prepare for, and being interrupted by an eleven-year-old girl is not on her to-do list. But then Sandy hears Riley''s pitch, and it''s a killer one: Riley''s father''s been convicted of murdering her mother . . . and the oddly intimidating pre-teen will do anything to get him out of jail.Sandy, in turn, will do anything to get Riley out of her office. Which includes agreeing to look into her dad''s case for free. A decision she regrets when it turns out Riley''s inheritance has made her a multi-millionaire.Still, Sandy''s determined to get Riley the answer

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Book SynopsisSuperb. . .a fast-moving and gripping plot- Publishers Weekly Starred ReviewAugust, 1556. Jack Blackjack is on a simple mission: make it back home to his beloved London. It should be simple, right? Wrong. He''s made it as far as Exeter, but before he can secure a fresh steed in that hellish city, he''s faced with a dead priest, ruthless thieves, and a devious Dean who''s determined to see the back of Jack. That suits Jack just fine - he wants to leave!So when wealthy merchant Wolfe, offers passage to London via sea, Jack jumps at the chance . . . and unwittingly into further danger! With thieves, pirates and potential murderers at every turn who can Jack trust? Will he uncover the truth behind the dead priest and missing merchant ships? But more importantly, will he ever make it home to London with his purse strings and limbs intact? Set during the brief but exceedingly troubled reign of Queen Mary I, elder half-sister to the future Elizabeth I, (1553-1558) the Bloody Mary series features the amoral former cutpurse turned paid assassin, Jack Blackjack, as its cowardly, lecherous, yet strangely likeable amateur sleuth protagonist. The joke is always on Jack as he lurches from one crisis to the next, never quite sure what''s going on, yet always - just about - managing to keep one step ahead of his many enemies and those who, for whatever reason, are trying to kill him.

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Book Synopsis''I love the voice. I love the dark streets. I love the story.'' Harlan CobenDan, an Irishman who''s ended up in New Jersey, finds himself embroiled in a world of murder, kidnapping and corrupt cops.Dan works as a bouncer in a seedy club, half in love with hostess Connie. When Connie is murdered on the premises, a vengeful Dan finds himself embroiled in an increasingly deadly sequence of events in which his doctor friend Zeb goes mysteriously missing, a cop-killing female cop becomes his only ally, and he makes an enemy of ruthless drug-dealer Mike Madden. Written with the warmth and wit that make the Artemis Fowl novels so irresistible, though with additional torture and violence, PLUGGED is a brilliant crime debut from a naturally gifted writer with a huge fanbase.Trade Review'Artemis Fowl creator Eoin Colfer heads off into zanily comic adult noir territory with Plugged . . . McEvoy finds himself sucked into a maelstrom of outlandish criminal shenanigans, a knockabout farce with Elmore Leonard-style wisecracking at every turn' * Metro *'I loved the voice. I loved the dark streets. I love the story' * Harlan Coben *'Eoin Colfer . . . is hugely inventive and intelligent and an instinctive storyteller, who happens to write beautifully and elegantly as well' * Michael Morpurgo *'Violent, surreal and eccentric, this offering couldn't be further from his Artemis Fowl series' * Sun *'A non-stop, fever-pitched crime thriller . . . Genius at work' * Ridley Pearson *'Colfer is an engaging and inventive writer with a strong sense of the rhythm of a story . . . always entertaining page by page' * Guardian *'This is Sopranos territory - where terrible deeds are mixed with the painful banalities of life in a way that brings laughter among the tears and gnaws at your heart. It's a fine debut' * Daily Mail *'DON'T PICK UP THIS BOOK if you want to get anything else done for the next day or two. It's too sharp, too funny, and it won't let you go' * Don Winslow *'Colfer . . . has transplanted his style seamlessly into the adult genre' * The Times *'This might lead you to think you're in Elmore Leonard, Carl Hiaasen or even Damon Runyon country, but you're not. Although there are echoes of all three writers in Plugged, Colfer's novel is dominated, driven and fully animated by a refreshingly original voice' * Washington Post *'A laugh-out-loud adventure that is as close as the genre gets to a hug' * The Sunday Times (Ireland) *'Scabrously funny, furiously paced and distinctively idiosyncratic, PLUGGED . . . suggests Colfer's first adult crime novel will not be his last' * Irish Times *'His rapid-fire surreal wit is packed with off kilter ideas . . . it's a highly entertaining ride' * Financial Times *'This is the author's first adult tale and the humour and gritty setting make it a good 'un' * Sun *'Elmore Leonard-inspired world of semi-surreal pulp crime fiction' * Daily Telegraph *'Pitch-perfect comic noir. Outrageous characters, uproariously funny plot twists, and brutal, nonstop action make this a sure-fire winner' * Publishers Weekly *'Funny, acerbic, crazed, riveting, sardonic...everything you want in a summer read' * New York Journal of Books *

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Book SynopsisEx-army sergeant Daniel McEvoy is ready to say goodbye New Jersey''s lawless underworld and concentrate on his new life as club owner and bona fide boyfriend. But when he''s abducted and driven into the Hudson by a vengeful crime boss, he realises that the New Jersey underworld isn''t ready to say goodbye to him.If Dan is to survive, he will have to evade bad guys on both sides of the law and find the missing aunt who once taught him how to handle boobs. Eoin Colfer, author of the Artemis Fowl novels, turns his outstanding talent to a world as criminally funny as it is dark and compelling.

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Book SynopsisSuspicious goings-on at a retirement home lead to an intriguing investigation in Date with Malice, the second cosy crime novel in Julia Chapman's Dales Detective series. Perfect for fans of Richard Osman's The Thursday Murder Club and M.C. Beaton.'A Yorkshire Agatha Raisin' – DalesmanIt’s dark in the Dales this winter . . .When Mrs Shepherd arrives at the Dales Detective Agency, quite convinced that someone is trying to kill her, Samson O’Brien dismisses her fears as the ramblings of a confused elderly lady. But, after a series of disturbing incidents at Fellside Court retirement home, he begins to wonder if there is something to her claims after all . . .With Christmas around the corner, Samson is thrown into a complex investigation – one that will require him to regain the trust of the Dales community. Faced with no choice, he enlists the help of a local: the tempestuous DeliTrade ReviewBags of Yorkshire charm and wit * The Northern Echo *A Yorkshire Agatha Raisin * The Dalesman *This second in the Dales Detective Series has Chapman well into her stride. With her eye for detail, we feel the chill of a Yorkshire deep midwinter, while taking comfort from the warmth of a close-knit community * Daily Mail *Chapman delivers on every level in this intriguing murder mystery . . . a big helping of recognizable small-town life, a suitably menacing air of malevolence, an undercurrent of suspense, lashings of Yorkshire wit and a seductively simmering relationship between handsome Sansom and the delightful Delilah * Lancashire Evening Post *Great fun * Carol Drinkwater *An engaging cast of characters and a cleverly clued puzzle move Chapman’s debut to the top of the English village murder list * Kirkus *As village murder mysteries go, this clever, witty and realistic series is quite out of the ordinary and strongly recommended * Crime Review *A classic whodunnit featuring two very likeable characters . . . A satisfying read riddled with dry Yorkshire humour (and dry-stone walls) -- Cath Staincliffe, author of Blue MurderNicely told and rather charming, so it should give traditionalists hours of innocent delight * Literary Review *

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Book Synopsis''Full of twists, the emphasis is on comedy . . . but the extraordinary Holmes can pull the heartstrings too.'' THE TIMESThe McMasters Conservatory for the Applied Arts - a luxurious, clandestine college dedicated to the fine art of murder where earnest students study how best to delete their most deserving victim.Who hasn''t wondered for a split second what the world would be like the object of your affliction ceased to exist? But then you''ve probably never heard of The McMasters Conservatory, dedicated to the consummate execution of the homicidal arts. To gain admission, a student must have an ethical reason for erasing someone who deeply deserves a fate no worse (nor better) than death.The campus of this Poison Ivy League college-its location unknown to even those who study there-is where you might find yourself the practice target of a classmate...and where one''s mandatory graduation thesis is getting away with the perfect murder of someone whose death will make the world a much better place to live.Prepare for an education you''ll never forget. A delightful mix of witty wordplay, breathtaking twists and genuine intrigue, Murder Your Employer will gain you admission into a wholly original world, cocooned within the most entertaining book about well-intentioned would-be murderers you''ll ever read.''A case study in the droll amusements of homicide, Rupert Holmes''s send-up of higher education and even higher crimes and misdemeanors will keep you up at night-alternately turning pages and checking to make sure the front door is locked.'' Gregory Maguire, author of Wicked''With dry humor and an eye for hidden clues, Rupert Holmes imagines a secret Hogwarts-like school that teaches the fine art of pulling off the perfect (and perfectly deserved) murder. An utterly creative and deliciously diabolical read.'' Alafair Burke, New York Times bestselling author''A college with a degree in Homicide? Only Rupert Holmes could make murder laugh-out-loud funny. This book isn''t clever-it''s fiendishly clever. And the twists and tricks and endless surprises make me want to sign up for another semester!'' R.L. Stine, author of Goosebumps and Fear StreetTrade ReviewAlthough this beautifully designed DIY manual is full of twists, the emphasis is on comedy . . . but the extraordinary Holmes can pull the heartstrings too. * THE TIMES *A funny, fast-paced, flip-the-playbook mystery in which three ordinary citizens are trained in murder on a luxurious hidden estate . . . a fantasy academy laid out like a combination of Hogwarts, Downton Abbey, and a White Lotus-style resort. . . . Holmes can clearly do anything. * THE LOS ANGELES TIMES *How has no one thought of this before? Murders set at an imaginary academy set up to train murderers . . . Holmes delights in wordplay that includes puns, literary terms, cultural references, and twists. . . . As Holmes takes hairpin turns from irony back to sincerity for his three McMasters pupils, his zany storytelling will delight fans of The Twyford Code by Janice Hallett, all Sherlock Holmes stories, and even those who love tales of arcane and Gothic institutions. * NPR *

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Book SynopsisNew York Times bestselling author Donna Andrews first introduced us to Meg Langslow as a crime-solving bridesmaid. In her 31st mystery, Round Up the Usual Peacocks, Meg returns to her roots, juggling cold cases and wedding guests.Kevin, Meg''s cyber-savvy nephew who lives in the basement, comes to her with a problem. He''s become involved as the techie for a true-crime podcast, one that focuses on Virginia cold cases and unsolved crimes. And he thinks their podcast has hit a nerve with someone . . . one of the podcast team has had a brush with death that Kevin thinks was an attempted murder, not an accident.Kevin rather sheepishly asks for Meg''s help in checking out the people involved in a couple of the cases. Given your ability to find out stuff online, why do you need MY help? she asks. Um . . . because I''ve already done everything I can online. This''ll take going around and TALKING to people, he exclaims, with visible horror. In person! N

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Book Synopsis''Billed as Agatha Christie meets Beatrix Potter . . . Sometimes you just need an entertaining, escapist read to while away the hours'' ?????????? CULTURE FLYIt''s spring in Shady Hollow, and romance is in the air. Even reporter Vera Vixen is caught up in the season as her relationship with new police chief Orville Braun blossoms. But true love is not always smooth sailing, as two of the hollow''s young residents come to find. Jonah Atwater and Stasia von Beaverpelt find themselves battling their families in order to be together. And when Alan''s father, Shelby, goes over the top of Twilight Falls, all signs point to Stasia being the murderer.The evidence against Stasia appears overwhelming, and Orville arrests her. It looks like the case is closed, but Vera isn''t so sure. There are almost too many clues indicating Stasia is the killer, leading her to suspect someone is setting Stasia up. Besides, what about the mysterious ghostly creature skulk

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Book Synopsis''A fast-paced tale of sex, lies and murder'' StylistWhat if you could take the life you''d always wanted?Alvie has always been in the shadow of her glamorous sister Beth.So when she''s invited to her identical twin''s luxurious Sicilian villa, Alvie accepts.Who wouldn''t want seven days in the sun?With Beth''s hot husband, the cute baby, the fast car and of course, the money.The thing is it''s all too good to let go . . . and her sister Beth isn''t the golden girl she appears.It''s Alvie''s chance to steal the life that she deserves.If she can get away with it.''The must-have beach read'' Telegraph''Sizzlingly glamorous'' Guardian________________Can''t get enough of Alvie? Why not read her next book, Bad?Trade ReviewSizzlingly glamorous * Guardian *This summer's raciest read . . . The must-have beach read for millennials this summer * Telegraph *A summer read to make you hotter than the weather outside . . . you'd be mad not to find room for this in your case * Sun *A fast-paced tale of sex, lies and murder . . . Sex and the City dialled up several notches * Stylist *The white-hot debut * Glamour *Gone Girl plus . . . Esposito has added a dollop of Bridget Jones to the mix * Telegraph *So begins this caper that has Alvina up to her neck in designer labels, hot sex and trouble . . . outrageous - it kept me reading * Daily Mail *I just read Mad in one go. I bloody LOVED it. Like Gone Girl, if Amy Schumer had written it. SUCH fun -- Bryony Gordon * bestselling author of Mad Girl *One of the most compelling and hilarious characters we've come across in a long time. Warning: this brilliant and dark book is not for the faint-hearted * New Magazine *Like The Devil Wears Prada - fast-paced, but funnier and more readable * Independent, 10 Best Debut Novels by Women Authors *She's an evil hot mess is what she is, and I kinda like it! -- Sarah Knight * bestselling author of The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F**k *Allergic to chick lit? Meet Alvie Knightly . . . Insane as its title promises * Mail on Sunday *Raunchy, fun * Guardian *Trust us when we say that you won't ever have encountered a character quite like Alvie Knightly - the often-drunk, sex-mad, always-sassy heroine . . . A brilliantly bonkers read * Heat *If you loved [Paula Hawkins'] Into the Water, try Mad * Red *Pure, unadulterated entertainment. There is nothing Chloé Esposito's Alvie won't do. Strap in for a fun, fast and fresh read -- Ali Land * author of Sunday Times bestseller Good Me Bad Me *Chloe Esposito introduces a compelling and uncensored antiheroine * US Weekly *Using Sicily as a backdrop with its gorgeous architecture, villas and sexy men, Esposito pens an unforgettable summer debut headed by a no-holds-barred protagonist * Library Journal *Mad is deliciously over-the-top, with a protagonist you'll never forget and an ending that promises more chaos to come * Bookpage *Chloe [has] a fantastic natural vibrancy and humour in her work -- Richard Skinner, Director of Fiction at the Faber AcademyWhat readers are saying about Mad * - *100% MAD about this book * NetGalley Reviewer *A page-turner, compelling and delightfully crazy. I can't wait for books two and three * NetGalley Reviewer *Chloé Esposito has broken the mould. The unconventional heroine and plot breaks so many conventions leading to an enjoyable, fast-paced read, which manages to be well-written and funny. It is perfect for the beach or a long journey * NetGalley Reviewer *Absolutely loved this book, a real page turner and I didn't want to come to the end * NetGalley Reviewer *Whoa! Yeah I started my review like that . . . but that's what this book is whoooaaa! it truly is M.A.D. . . . Mental Addictive * NetGalley Reviewer *Insane for all the right reasons - once you meet Alvie Knightly you won't want to turn your back on her, no way! * NetGalley Reviewer *This novel cracks along with frenetic, addictive style, beautifully descriptive in hot and heavy fashion . . . highly recommended * NetGalley Reviewer *Mad is certainly mad! I was hooked on our hero, Alvie * NetGalley Reviewer *

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Book SynopsisEVERYONE IN MY FAMILY IS A KILLER. EVERYONE IN MY FAMILY IS A SUSPECT.BUT WHICH OF THEM IS A MURDERER?''The best thing I''ve read in ages'' STUART MACBRIDE''Fun, witty and exciting. This is not one to miss!'' 5***** READER REVIEW''A must-read for every fan of the mystery genre'' JANE HARPER_________I knew our family reunion wouldn''t end well. But I didn''t expect murder.Maybe I should have known better. After all, everyone in my family is a killer. My parents, my siblings, my in-laws . . . even me. The deaths weren''t all deliberate, of course. Accidents happen.So when a body is found in the snow, it''s clear it''s the work of a Cunningham. But which one? And why?I''ll give you one clue: it wasn''t me.But a piece of advice? Never trust a Cunningham . . ._________''I absolutely LOVED it. Engaging, entertaining and charming'' MARIAN KEYES''Clever, unexpeTrade ReviewI absolutely loved it. Utterly original, hugely entertaining, and a must-read for every fan of the mystery genre. What an exceptionally fresh, smart, funny book - I've never read anything like this before. -- Jane HarperAn ingenious and hilarious meta-murder mystery . . . strangely moving * Sunday Times 'Best Crime Books of 2022' *As fresh and zingy as a salted lime. It's Knives Out meets Richard Osman. Or Dexter by way of Agatha Christie. Or Schitt's Creek with a body count. It's also the most luxuriantly enjoyable novel I've read in years. And years. I began toting my copy around town so that strangers would ask me about it - who could resist that title? I only wish there were more members of the Cunningham clan, so that this raucous, matchlessly entertaining mystery could go on longer. Benjamin Stevenson, I've got a lot to learn from you -- A.J. FinnThe best thing I've read in ages. I absolutely loved it. Whip-smart, twisted, funny, and constructed with the pinpoint precision of a bloodthirsty watchmaker. -- Stuart MacBrideThis book had me hooked from the first chapter. Deliciously funny, dark and intriguing -- Alex PavesiI absolutely loved it. It's so engaging, entertaining and charming. I don't think I've ever read anything like it, and it's such a fun read -- Marian KeyesClever, unexpected, and not to be missed -- Karin SlaughterAn exceptionally clever and amusing mystery. Stevenson carries off this tour de force with all the aplomb of a master magician who conducts his tricks in plain view * Publishers Weekly *This was such a clever, compelling read. It's a must for anyone who loves the rules of crime fiction, but it still packs plenty of twists. It had me laughing and turning the pages in equal measure. Bravo Mr Stevenson! -- S.J. BennettAn engrossing whodunnit, with an ingenious twist on the classic crime genre. The type of book you finish and want to immediately read again -- Kyle PerryIf you're a classic murder mystery fan looking for something fresh and original, you will absolutely love this -- Anna DownesSurprising, darkly funny, clever and charming - you won't want to put this one down * Living Edge *My go-to recommendation this year. It has everything I love about great twisty mystery, presented in a hugely original package -- Jane Harper * Daily Express *A mystery for anyone who thinks they know all too well how mysteries are supposed to work -- Gabriel BergmoserA homage to a golden age whodunnit, with a page-turner plot . . . Smart and funny * Business Post *A really fresh take on classic crime -- Jane Harper * Good Housekeeping *

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Book SynopsisBath''s top detective, Peter Diamond, doesn''t believe in jinxes. So when he''s asked to investigate a top TV show plagued by a series of misfortunes, Diamond is unmoved. He''s no fan of the show - which glorifies criminals and mocks the police - and the incidents were spread across six years. It''s clear this is the press making a sensation out of nothing. So Diamond puts the junior member of his squad on the case.But when young officer Paul Gilbert goes on location with the TV unit and witnesses another near-death incident, Diamond is forced to take an interest. To make matters worse, the press get wind of his involvement and Diamond his under pressure from all quarters. But his troubles have scarcely started. Devastating traps and surprises make this the most baffling case of his entire career.Trade ReviewMore than 30 years into this series, Lovesey shows no signs of losing steam or ingenuity * Publisher's Weekly *Another triumph for a veteran sleuth who's pretty unstoppable himself * Kirkus *Pure pleasure, as always: traditional clues and red herrings, humour, and a central character who becomes more real with every book. * Morning Star *An intriguing tale with a surprising ending. Highly recommended. * MYSTERY PEOPLE *

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Book SynopsisBath''s top detective, Peter Diamond, doesn''t believe in jinxes. So when he''s asked to investigate a top TV show plagued by a series of misfortunes, Diamond is unmoved. He''s no fan of the show - which glorifies criminals and mocks the police - and the incidents were spread across six years. It''s clear this is the press making a sensation out of nothing. So Diamond puts the junior member of his squad on the case.But when young officer Paul Gilbert goes on location with the TV unit and witnesses another near-death incident, Diamond is forced to take an interest. To make matters worse, the press get wind of his involvement and Diamond his under pressure from all quarters. But his troubles have scarcely started. Devastating traps and surprises make this the most baffling case of his entire career.Trade ReviewMore than 30 years into this series, Lovesey shows no signs of losing steam or ingenuity * Publisher's Weekly *Another triumph for a veteran sleuth who's pretty unstoppable himself * Kirkus *Pure pleasure, as always: traditional clues and red herrings, humour, and a central character who becomes more real with every book. * Morning Star *An intriguing tale with a surprising ending. Highly recommended. * MYSTERY PEOPLE *

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Book SynopsisMadame Katerina, Detective ''Nine Nails'' McGray''s most trusted clairvoyant, hosts a séance for three of Edinburgh''s wealthiest families.The following morning everyone is found dead, with Madame Katerina being the only survivor. When questioned she alleges a tormented spirit killed the families for revenge.McGray, even though he believes her, must find a rational explanation that holds up in court, else Katerina will be sentenced to death.Inspector Ian Frey is summoned to help, which turns out to be difficult as he is still dealing with the loss of his uncle, and has developed a form of post-traumatic stress (not yet identified in the 19th century).This seems an impossible puzzle. Either something truly supernatural has occurred - or a fiendishly clever plot is covering a killer''s tracks...Trade ReviewA new twist on the traditional locked-room puzzle...without a doubt de Muriel's best. It's a hugely entertaining Victorian mystery, a properly creepy and Gothic mix of horror, history and humour, and has everything you need to keep you turning pages...Gothically over the top and gloriously preposterous, but hugely enjoyable, entertaining and well-written * Crime Review *

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Book SynopsisA spellbinding mix of history, horror and humour - the brand new Frey & McGray mystery...Trade ReviewA hugely entertaining Victorian mystery * New York Times *Properly creepy and Gothic -- Ian RankinA fun to read fast page-turner * Independent *A brilliant mix of horror, history, and humour. Genuinely riveting with plenty of twists, this will keep you turning the pages. It's clever, occasionally frightening and superbly written ... Everything you need in a mystery thriller * Crime Review *It's official: I am addicted to Frey and McGray -- Christopher Fowler

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Book SynopsisA well-dressed corpse found shot in the sand and gravel wharf sparks trouble for Detective Chief Superintendent Colin Harpur and his unpredictable boss, Assistant Chief Constable Iles.A must-read for devotees of British procedurals - Booklist Starred ReviewThe man is found dead in the local dockyard, shot from behind. Colin Harpur, examining the impeccably dressed corpse on his hands and knees, predicts the execution spells imminent trouble - and not just the unexpected arrival of his spiteful, brilliant boss, ACC Iles, at the two a.m. slaughter scene.Iles''s progressive attitude towards the local drugs trade has kept gang warfare off the streets, but now it seems jealous outsiders may be coveting the safe, ordered community he has so brilliantly created. Coveting, too, the local property - for instance, drug lord Ralph Ember''s luxurious mansion, Low Pastures, home to his unparalleled collection of china and porcelain.Harp

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Book SynopsisMovie premieres, murder charges and celebrity shenanigans? It''s all in a day''s work for New Jersey prosecutor turned LA family lawyer Sandy Moss.Copperman knows how to entertain - Publishers Weekly Starred ReviewFormer New Jersey prosecutor Sandy Moss moved to a prestigious Los Angeles law firm to make a new start as a family lawyer. So it seems a little unfair that Seaton, Taylor have created a criminal law division specifically for her. Just because she''s successfully defended two murder trials, it doesn''t mean she likes them!But when abrasive Hollywood movie director Robert Reeves is accused of murdering a stuntman on set, Sandy finds she can''t say no when he demands her help. Robert might be an unpleasant, egotistical liar, but something tells Sandy that he''s innocent - even if no one else can see it.At least this time, she reassures herself, her charismatic, adorable, and oh-so annoying TV star boyfriend Patrick

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Book SynopsisMagdalena Yoder is accused of murdering her ex-husband in this delightfully quirky cozy mystery set among Pennsylvania''s Amish-Mennonite community. You''re going to be sorry, Aaron Paul Miller. Before I''m through with you, you''re going to wish that you were dead. Shockwaves are running through the small town of Hernia with the news that an enormous, biblical-themed amusement park is to be built on its doorstep, destroying the community''s peaceful way of life for ever. And the man spearheading this so-called Armageddonland? None other than Magdalena''s ex-husband, the duplicitous Aaron Miller. At a public demonstration to showcase his plans for the new park, Aaron bites into a delicious homemade tart - with fatal consequences. It''s clear the tart was poisoned . . . but who baked it? As the leader of the local resistance against the project and her acrimonious history with her ex well known, Magdalena immediately falls under s

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Book SynopsisA well-dressed corpse found shot in the sand and gravel wharf sparks trouble for Detective Chief Superintendent Colin Harpur and his unpredictable boss, Assistant Chief Constable Iles.A must-read for devotees of British procedurals - Booklist Starred ReviewThe man is found dead in the local dockyard, shot from behind. Colin Harpur, examining the impeccably dressed corpse on his hands and knees, predicts the execution spells imminent trouble - and not just the unexpected arrival of his spiteful, brilliant boss, ACC Iles, at the two a.m. slaughter scene.Iles''s progressive attitude towards the local drugs trade has kept gang warfare off the streets, but now it seems jealous outsiders may be coveting the safe, ordered community he has so brilliantly created. Coveting, too, the local property - for instance, drug lord Ralph Ember''s luxurious mansion, Low Pastures, home to his unparalleled collection of china and porcelain.Harp

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Book SynopsisMagdalena Yoder is accused of murdering her ex-husband in this delightfully quirky cozy mystery set among Pennsylvania''s Amish-Mennonite community. You''re going to be sorry, Aaron Paul Miller. Before I''m through with you, you''re going to wish that you were dead. Shockwaves are running through the small town of Hernia with the news that an enormous, biblical-themed amusement park is to be built on its doorstep, destroying the community''s peaceful way of life for ever. And the man spearheading this so-called Armageddonland? None other than Magdalena''s ex-husband, the duplicitous Aaron Miller. At a public demonstration to showcase his plans for the new park, Aaron bites into a delicious homemade tart - with fatal consequences. It''s clear the tart was poisoned . . . but who baked it? As the leader of the local resistance against the project and her acrimonious history with her ex well known, Magdalena immediately falls under s

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Book SynopsisA dream of a wedding turns into a bloody nightmare for LA family lawyer Sandy Moss''s cousin Skinny in the latest instalment of the critically acclaimed Jersey Girl Legal mystery series. Sandy might have to take on her trickiest case yet!An uncomfortable weekend awaits LA family lawyer Sandy Moss when she makes her way to her hometown in New Jersey for the wedding of her cousin Stephanie, sweetly nicknamed Skinny. Uncomfortable, because Sandy is not really looking forward to seeing her family, but at least her boyfriend, Hollywood movie star Patrick McNabb, is by her side.However, if Sandy thought a weekend with her criticising mother and aggravating sister was bad, she definitely wasn''t prepared for the rehearsal event at the wedding venue! When Skinny enters the room, all eyes are on her and her beautiful party dress . . . covered in blood, with a knife in her hand.Skinny says she didn''t do it. But with dozens of wedding guests witnessing her dramatic entrance, the question of who killed the corpse in the kitchen seems an easy one to answer - and an equally easy court case to lose. Reluctantly agreeing to represent her cousin, Sandy sets to work. But how can she save Skinny when she''s not at all sure she''s innocent . . . and when Skinny seems oddly determined to put herself in jail?Loveable, streetwise heroine Sandy "could give Perry Mason a run for his money" (Kirkus Reviews). If you like witty, fast-paced cozies, legal shenanigans and a touch of romance, why not try the series out?

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Book SynopsisLydia Wienewski has opened her Polish-American cafe and bakery on the shore of Lake Erie, but her idyllic new venture is shattered when the low tide leads to a terrible discovery.June, 1982. Lydia Wienewski''s dream has finally come true: Lydia''s Lakeside Cafe and Bakery, selling delicious Polish-American fare on the shore of Lake Erie, is now open and her fortunes are looking up. Even her old nemesis and tutor, the irascible Madame Delphine, has made time to sample Lydia''s delectable pierogi, with some of her students in tow. But when Lydia finds Madame Delphine dead in the water, her lakeside dream turns into a nightmare. Was it a bizarre suicide, or brutal murder? As Lydia and Grandma Mary investigate, they discover that there was more to Madame Delphine than meets the eye, and quickly find themselves drawn into an increasingly perilous situation! Can they uncover the truth about Madame Delphine''s untimely death

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Book Synopsis''A new Simon Brett is an event for mystery fans'' P. D. James''Murder most enjoyable'' Colin DexterAnyone for cricket - and a spot of burglary? An idle conversation on the merits of the glorious game with an old Etonian chum is just the excuse Blotto needs to put himself forward for a cricket tour to foreign climes... and so begins the next adventure for our intrepid duo, where the action takes them to India where, as everyone knows, the finest cricket players hail from - as well as the world''s most skilled jewel thieves...The Dowager Duchess has no problems in letting her two children go to the subcontinent as having her beautiful daughter Twinks married off to a massively rich Maharaja offers the Dowager Duchess the prospect of a permanent solution to the cash-draining maintenance of the Tawcester Towers plumbing.So Twinks joins Blotto on a steamer bound for India, one that is full of young woman desperate to marry wel

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Book Synopsis'A new Simon Brett is an event for mystery fans' P. D. James 'Murder most enjoyable' Colin Dexter 'What? You mean the earl does it for money? That's way beyond the barbed wire!' This explosion of disgust from Blotto is provoked when Twinks informs him of the activities of the Earl of Woking. The gentleman in question is owner of Clusters, a stately home not far from Tawcester Towers, and he has been renting out parts of Clusters for private functions - and charging his guests! The discovery of this appalling lapse in aristocratic behaviour sets Blotto and Twinks off on their latest adventure. Determined to find out more about the Earl of Woking's activities, they discover the existence of a sinister group called Aristotours - brokers between impoverished owners of stately homes and the common people, offering 'a taste of the high life' to characters such as stockbrokers, surgeons and solicitors. And if this were not bad enough, the siblings disco

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Book SynopsisHired to find the missing son of retired political activist Moira Doherty, Dan Starkey knows his new case is going to be challenging. Billy ''the Bear'' Doherty isn''t an easy man to find - a criminal with a nasty drug habit, his mum is convinced he''s been murdered.But when Moira herself is killed, her body found floating in the waters under Londonderry''s Peace Bridge, Dan finds himself in the middle of a deadly game of cat and mouse. Already in unfamiliar territory, Starkey is quickly embroiled in the city''s porn and drug fuelled underworld, where a new generation of gangster terrorist is intent on creating mayhem their predecessors could only dream of ...Trade ReviewHe just seems to get better and better -- Ian RankinSometimes brutal, often blackly humorous and always terrific * Observer *Fast and furious * Daily Mirror *A dark and brilliant champion of words -- James NesbittFast paced and throbbing with menace * Time Out *

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