Crime and mystery: cosy mystery

Book SynopsisThe Vinyl Detective goes punk in his fifth hilarious adventure. "Like an old 45rpm record, this book crackles with brilliance." David Quantick on Written in Dead Wax. Semi-retired god of rock guitar and local poseur Erik Make Loud has got himself a new girlfriend. Helene Hilditch - formerly known as Howlin' Hellbitch - of all-girl punk outfit Blue Tits is a mean guitarist, someone is trying to kill her. With a rare pressing of the Blue Tits' first album to find, the Vinyl Detective and Nevada are called in to help. But this time the question is who isn't a suspect. With a long list of enemies, the people who could want Helene dead includes her ex-bandmates, their former producer turned record label mogul, the TV presenter that Helene got fired-even their old roadie could be in on it. As the killer's attempts on Helene's life get more and more ambitious the Vinyl Detective and Nevada are in a race against time to find the killer, before it's too late.Trade Review"Hilarious and thrilling." - Ben Aaronovitch, author of the Rivers of London series. "Cartmel has a gift for bringing you into his characters' world and making you want to stay there which simply makes this a joy to read." - Blue Book Balloon Review "Cartmel is getting a great tune out of the characters... Will have you chuckling out loud." - SFBook Review "Character is what Cartmel does well... An entertaining detective story with a slightly different vibe." - The Dreamcage Review "An enthralling mystery with a wonderful gallery of grotesques." Ben Aaronovitch - "One of the most innovative concepts in crime fiction for many years. Once you are hooked into the world of the Vinyl Detective it is very difficult to leave." Nev Fountain PRAISE FOR THE VINYL DETECTIVE "Like an old 45rpm record, this book crackles with brilliance." David Quantick "This tale of crime, cats and rock & roll unfolds with an authentic sense of the music scene then and now - and a mystery that will keep you guessing." Stephen Gallagher "An irresistible blend of murder, mystery and music... our protagonist seeks to find the rarest of records - and incidentally solve a murder, right a great historical injustice and, if he's very lucky, avoid dying in the process." Ben Aaronovitch, bestselling author of Rivers of London "The Vinyl Detective is one of the sharpest and most original characters I've seen for a long time." David Quantick, Emmy Award-winning producer of VEEP "Crime fiction as it should be, played loud through a valve amp and Quad speakers. No digital writing here, it's warm and rich. Every delicate pop and crackle adding character and flavour. Witty, charming and filled with exciting solos. Quite simply: groovy." Guy Adams, critically acclaimed author of The Clown Service "marvelously inventive and endlessly fascinating" Publishers Weekly "This charming mystery feels as companionable as a leisurely afternoon trawling the vintage shops with a good friend." Booklist (starred review)

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Book Synopsis''Has a charm, and mystery, all of its own'' THE TIMES''Frances Brody has made it to the top rank of crime writers'' DAILY MAILThe first historical mystery in a new classic crime series from bestselling author Frances Brody. This is the perfect locked room page-turner for fans of Agatha Christie and Jacqueline Winspear.___________1969. A job in the Prison Service is not for everyone. The training is hard, the cells are bleak and a thick skin is needed. But for Nell Lewis, helping prisoners is something she cares about deeply, and when she''s promoted into a new post as governor of HMP Brackerley in Yorkshire, she''s tasked with transforming the renowned run-down facility into a modern, open prison for women.Just as Nell is settling into her new role, events take a dark turn when a man''s body is discovered in the prison grounds. The mystery deepens still when one of their female inmateTrade ReviewHas a charm, and mystery, all of its own * The Times *An intriguing and heart-warming story * Daily Mail *With a competent, dynamic and likeable heroine, and an environment packed with stories great and small, it's hard to see how this series would fail * Morning Star *Praise for Frances Brody:Frances Brody has made it to the top rank of crime writers * Daily Mail *Brody's writing is like her central character Kate Shackleton: witty, acerbic and very, very perceptive -- Ann CleevesKate Shackleton is a splendid heroine -- Ann GrangerDelightful * People's Friend *Frances Brody matches a heroine of free and independent spirit with a vivid evocation of time and place . . . a novel to cherish -- Barry Turner * Daily Mail *Kate Shackleton joins Jacqueline Winspear's Maisie Dobbs in a subgroup of young, female amateur detectives who survived and were matured by their wartime experiences. As self-reliant women in a society that still regards them a second-class citizens, they make excellent heroines * Literary Review *I really adore this series and Kate is such a strong, level-headed character * Woman's Way *

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Book Synopsis'A new Simon Brett is an event for mystery fans' P. D. JAMES'King of the witty village mystery' Daily Telegraph'Perfect entertainment' GuardianFethering has everything a sleepy coastal town should: a snug English pub, cosy cottages, a little local library - and the occasional murder . . .Bestselling author Burton St Clair, complete with soaring ego and wandering hands, has come to town to give a talk. But after his corpse is found slumped in his car, he won't be leaving. Jude is the prime suspect; she was, after all, the last person to see Burton St Clair alive. If she is to prove her innocence, she will have to dust off her detective skills and recruit her prim and proper neighbour (and partner-in-sleuthing) Carole to find the real culprit.Trade ReviewA new Simon Brett is an event for mystery fans -- P. D. JAMESKing of the witty village mystery * * Daily Telegraph * *Crime writing just like in the good old days, and perfect entertainment * * Guardian * *Few crime writers are so enchantingly gifted... as Simon Brett * * Sunday Times * *Simon Brett writes the kind of good whodunits that could have been written fifty years ago . . . and he has a sly sense of humour * * The Times * *One of the wittiest crime writers around -- ANTONIA FRASEROne of the exceptional detective story writers around * * Telegraph * *Murder most enjoyable . . . An author who never takes himself that seriously, and for whom any fictional murder can frequently form part of the entertainment industry -- COLIN DEXTERDeftly contrived, light-hearted mysteries * * The Times * *

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Book SynopsisA dispute between an entrepreneur and the village locals turns deadly... A gala turns grisly in Murder Among Us, the fourth probing mystery in Ann Granger''s gripping Mitchell & Markby series. The perfect read for fans of Ann Purser, Agatha Christie and ITV''s Midsomer Murders.''Told with humour and a most engaging worldliness'' - Birmingham Post When ambitious hotelier Eric Schucmacher announces he is to turn Springwood Hall, near the market town of Bamford, into a smart Cotswold country-house hotel, the news is greeted by a chorus of local disapproval, led by the redoubtable Hope Mapple. So the gala opening, to which all the disaffected parties have been invited, promises to be quite an event - not least because the amply upholstered Hope Mapple is planning a disruptive streak protest. But Hope''s lightning dash is unexpectedly upstaged by a far more shocking event: the discovery of a recently murdered body on the

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Book SynopsisIt's the height of summer. As the heat shimmers on the streets and ice cream melts onto sticky fingers, tempers begin to rise and old grudges surface. From Cornish beaches to the French Riviera, it's not just a holiday that's on people's minds ... it's murder. In these ten classic stories from writers such as Arthur Conan Doyle, Cyril Hare and Gladys Mitchell, you'll find mayhem and mysteries aplenty. So grab the suncream and head down to the beach - if you dare.Trade ReviewShort, clever and puzzling murder tales which test the brains of the most avid crime reader ... delectable * On Magazine *With Cecily Gayford in charge, we are on safe ground * Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisThe second book in a delicious culinary cozy series-the muensters have arrived in Balsam Dell in this Halloween cozy mystery featuring a grilled cheese shop owner turned amateur sleuthAfter a long hot summer in Balsam Dell, Carly Hale is ready for crisp Vermont weather and gourmet grilled cheeses at her Grilled Cheese Eatery. And the upcoming Halloween food competition is the perfect way to impress the locals.But Ferris Menard, the owner of Sub-a-Dub-Sub, is nursing a serious grudge against Carly. Two days before the competition, one of Carly's employees quit his part-time gig at Menard's sub shop, sending Menard into a serious snit. In a confrontation at the Eatery, Menard accused Carly of sabotage and vowed to bring her down. That's when Menard's body is found in his kitchen the morning after the competition, a steak knife sticking out of his heart. But Menard had a slew of enemies, and if Carly doesn't figure out which one is the culprit, she might find herself-or someone she cares about-serving grilled cheese sandwiches under lock and brie!

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Book SynopsisIn the eighth novel in the Dales Detective series, Date with Evil, Samson and Delilah are about to discover that all of their new cases may be connected to a network of evil that seems to be surrounding Bruncliffe. Will they solve them all before the danger comes directly to their door?'A Yorkshire Agatha Raisin' – DalesmanEvil is stalking the streets of Bruncliffe . . .From stolen washing to inheritance investigations, Bruncliffe’s Dales Detective Agency is being inundated with cases.But with Samson O’Brien still in London helping the Met Police clear his name, and the newly appointed member of the investigations team, Ida Capstick, distracted by her brother George’s insistence that their farm is haunted, Delilah Metcalfe is struggling to meet the mounting demands for the agency’s services.So when the mother of a local estate agent arrives at the offices insisting her son is missing, Delilah is relieved to have Samson return to help.Little do the detective duo know that several of their cases are about to collide when identifying the whereabouts of the missing man becomes something far more sinister.Something that will finally expose the network of evil which has been infiltrating the Dales town over the past decade, and in doing so place Delilah in the utmost danger.Following on from Date with Betrayal this new novel delights with its combination of beguiling charm and witty ingenuity. Look out for Date With Justice coming soon!Praise for The Dales Detective series:'Bags of Yorkshire charm and wit' – Northern Echo'A classic whodunit set in the spectacular landscape of the Yorkshire Dales' – Cath Staincliffe'Full of dry wit and clever plotting' – Countryside'Chapman delivers on every level' – Lancashire Evening Post'Enlivened with numerous subplots, the story moves at a cracking pace' – Daily MailTrade ReviewGreat fun! -- Carol Drinkwater, actress All Creatures Great and Small and author of The Olive FarmA classic whodunit set in the spectacular landscape of the Yorkshire Dales, written with affection for the area and its people -- Cath Staincliffe, author of the Scott & Bailey seriesBags of Yorkshire charm and wit * The Northern Echo *Enlivened by numerous subplots . . . the story moves at a cracking pace . . . But Chapman's track record suggests that the next instalment will be well worth the wait. * Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisWhen a human skeleton is discovered at the site of a controversial new dam in remote northern Botswana, rookie Detective Kubu is drawn into a terrifying local feud, and discovers a deadly covenant that could change everything… ‘A wonderful, original voice – McCall Smith with a dark edge and even darker underbelly’ Peter James ‘Stanley gets everything – the dialogue, the terrain descriptions, the plot beats – right … and with a complex and endearing protagonist’ Publishers Weekly STARRED review ‘A real page turner, perfect for those who like their mysteries complex, and want something a little different’ Strand Magazine _____________________________________ While building a pipeline near the Okavango Delta, a contractor unearths the remains of a long-dead Bushman. Rookie Detective David ‘Kubu’ Bengu of Botswana CID and Scottish pathologist, Ian MacGregor, are sent to investigate, and MacGregor discovers eight more skeletons. Shortly after the gruesome discoveries, the elder of a nearby village is murdered in his home. The local police are convinced it was a robbery, but Kubu isn’t so sure … and neither is the strange woman who claims that an angry river spirit caused the elder’s death. As accusations of corruption are levelled and international outrage builds over the massacre of the Bushman families, Kubu and his colleagues uncover a deadly covenant, and begin to fear that their own lives may be in mortal danger… ____________________________ ’My favourite writing duo since Ellery Queen’ Ragnar Jónasson ‘Great African crime fiction’ Deon Meyer ‘Michael Stanley weaves together the core mystery and the landscape of Africa in magical ways’ Bolo Books ‘Kubu is an excellent, if large, companion for readers entering his unfamiliar land’ Reviewing the Evidence ‘What an outstanding read!’ Kings River Life magazine ‘The African Columbo’ Entertainment Weekly

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Book Synopsis'A PERFECTLY PLOTTED FESTIVE MYSTERY' SUSI HOLLIDAY, AUTHOR OF THE PARTY SEASON'A DELICIOUS LOCKED ROOM MYSTERY' VAL MCDERMIDTwelve clues. Twelve keys. Twelve days of Christmas.But who will survive until Twelfth Night?Lily Armitage never intended to return to Endgame House - the grand family home where her mother died twenty-one Christmases ago. Until she receives a letter from her aunt, asking her to return to take part in an annual tradition: the Christmas Game. The challenge? Solve twelve clues, to find twelve keys. The prize? The deeds to the manor house.Lily has no desire to win the house. But her aunt makes one more promise: The clues will also reveal who really killed Lily's mother all those years ago.So, for the twelve days of Christmas, Lily must stay at Endgame House with her estranged cousins and unravel the riddles that hold the key not just to the family home, but to its darkest secrets. However, it soon becomes clear that her cousins all have their own reasons for wanting to win the house - and not all of them are playing fair.As a snowstorm cuts them off from the village, the game turns deadly. Soon Lily realises that she is no longer fighting for an inheritance, but for her life.This Christmas is to die for . . . Let the game beginREADERS LOVE THE CHRISTMAS MURDER GAME:'I could not be more in love with this book if I tried''An absolute must read''Poetic, immersive and imbued with heart as well as an icy bite''the perfect read to snuggle up with in the bleak midwinter!''A wonderful read on a cold snowy winters day, sit back and enjoy the ride''Cluedo in a book!''An absolutely brilliant read for this time of year!''My favourite book of this year so far!'

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Book SynopsisFrom the bestselling author of Death and Croissants and Death and Fromage comes a murder mystery perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Julia Chapman, or MC Beaton Richard Ainsworth's French B&B has been taken over by a production company shooting a historical film at the Château de Valençay. But everything grinds to a halt with the sudden passing of an actor under suspicious circumstances. To get to the bottom of things, Valérie d'Orçay and Richard offer catering services to the hastily resumed production. There they discover that the vanity, duplicity and murder of an 18th century French court is nothing compared to that of a 21st century film set, with more heads yet to roll.Trade ReviewPRAISE FOR THE FOLLET VALLEY MYSTERY SERIES ‘A very funny page-turner. Fantastique!’ Adam Kay‘An engaging caper… It is finely paced, truly funny and written with a wry detachment that conjures up a gentler age of murder mystery’ The Times'Bloody and funny. In fact, bloody funny!' Alan Carr'A writer of immense wit and charm' Paul Sinha‘Like going on a joyous romp through the Loire valley with Agatha Christie, P. G. Woodhouse and M. C. Beaton. A delight’ C. K. McDonnell

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Book SynopsisNgaio Marsh's classic Christmas murder mystery in a special 50th anniversary edition.Christmas time in an isolated country house and, following a flaming row in the kitchen, there's murder inside.When a much disliked visiting servant disappears without trace after playing Santa Claus, foul play is at once suspected and foul play it proves to be. Only suspicion falls not on the staff but on the guests, all so unimpeachably respectable that the very thought of murder in connection with any of them seems almost heresy.When Superintendent Roderick Alleyn returns unexpectedly from a trip to Australia, it is to find his beloved wife in the thick of an intriguing mysteryTrade Review‘So entertaining that I recommend it unreservedly.’Daily Telegraph ‘Agreeably effortless telling.’Guardian ‘One of her best and most baffling mysteries.’Daily Express

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Book SynopsisOlivie Blake is the internationally bestselling author of The Atlas Six, Alone with You in the Ether, One For My Enemy, and Masters of Death. Writing as Alexene Farol Follmuth, she's released My Mechanical Romance her debut YA rom-com. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, goblin prince/toddler and rescue pit bull.Trade ReviewIf you enjoyed Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett’s Good Omens, you will adore this book * Starburst Magazine *With a high-stakes game risking eternal oblivion, dialogue that crackles like an old-school Hollywood comedy, and a mystery to solve, Blake dazzles yet again. A winner * Daily Mail *A meditation on romance and mortality, with the most satisfying ending imaginable * SFX *As much a delicious contest of wit, will, and passion as it is of magic, this book is half mystery, half puzzle, and wholly a delight -- Holly Black, author of The Cruel Prince, on The Atlas SixLethally smart. Filled with a cast of brilliantly realized characters, each entangled with one another in torturously delicious ways, The Atlas Six will grip you by the throat and refuse to let go. Olivie Blake is a mind-blowing talent -- Chloe Gong, author of These Violent Delights, on The Atlas SixThe Atlas Six will thrill those who love twisted plots, twisted relationships, and morally grey characters ready to kill for knowledge and power. Dark, ambitious, and engaging -- H. G. Parry, author of The Magician's Daughter, on The Atlas Six

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Book Synopsis A classic crime novel by Freeman Wills Crofts, ‘The King of Detective Story Writers’, featuring Inspector French, coming soon to television. Trade Review“A detective novel by Mr. Wills Crofts is always an event to those who know … Mr. Crofts is among the few muscular writers of detective fiction. He has never let me down.”HAROLD NICHOLSON, Daily Express “A really satisfying puzzle … With every fresh detective story Crofts displays new fields of specialised knowledge.”Daily Mail

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Book SynopsisAugust Heat by Andrea Camilleri is the tenth installment in the Inspector Montalbano series, now adapted as a major BBC4 television series. The lazy, slow month of August at the height of the Sicilian summer is, Inspector Montalbano assures his girlfriend Livia as they prepare for a relaxing holiday in a villa he has found for them, far too hot for any murders to be committed. But when Livia's friends' young son goes missing, a chain of events is sparked which will certainly ruin the Chief Inspector's pleasant interlude. A secret apartment and a grisly find in an old trunk are just the beginning, as Montalbano navigates his way through the case, as well as coping with the sweltering heat, the suspicious death of an Arab labourer and the tempting lure of a beautiful girl . . .August Heat is followed by the eleventh book in the series, The Wings of the Sphinx.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 SynopsisAn Ali McNamara novel is the perfect escape.Welcome to Bluebell Wood where the sun shines, the locals are kind and there''s something more than a little bit magical about the place.Ava loves city life but when something happens to make her feel unsafe, she retreats to the calm and quiet of Bluebell Wood. The once high-flying Ava now locks herself away in her fairy-tale cottage, only leaving to explore the trails of the nearby woods or to potter in the garden with her dog, Merlin. When Ava begins to feed the wild birds that flock to her bird table, they start leaving her trinkets of appreciation in return. The gifts seem innocent at first, but they soon seem to take on a deeper meaning. It isn''t until Ava meets Callum, the handsome parish priest, that she can''t help but wonder if the birds might have been trying to get her out of the house all along. But will their curious behaviour help to heaTrade ReviewA journey of love and healing * Woman's Own *

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Book Synopsis'Rachel Rhys is in a league of her own, creating compelling, engrossing historical mysteries that grip readers by the throat every single time' LISA JEWELL'Rachel Rhys should be everyone's summer reader' CLARE MACKINTOSH------------An isolated castle, a deadly crime. Is this real or a nightmare?In a remote castle high up in the Tuscan hills secrets are simmering among its glamorous English residents:The ailing gentleman art-dealerHis dazzling nieceHer handsome Fascist husbandTheir neglected young daughterThe housekeeper who knows everythingand Connie, the English widow working for them.Every night, Connie hears sinister noises and a terrible wailing inside the walls. Is she losing her grip on reality?Or does someone in the castle want her gone?Readers love Rachel Rhys' books:'Wow! A knock-out book. Very Hitchcockian and Highsmith-esque with a delicious building of tension throughout' *****'There is something immensely captivating about the way Rachel Rhys writes and it only took minutes for me to be transported' *****'I wanted to give it six stars. The mystery and the menace make this book one I will want to read over again' *****Trade ReviewRachel Rhys should be everyone's summer reading * CLARE MACKINTOSH *A thorougly absorbing and compelling read * JANE FALLON *Rachel Rhys is in a league of her own, creating compelling, engrossing historical mysteries that grip readers by the throat every single time * LISA JEWELL *Rachel Rhys takes us to an isolated castle in 1920s Tuscany for a brilliant and Du Maurier-esque tale of dark secrets, rising menace and the importance of taking a leap of faith. I loved it! * ANNA MAZZOLA, author of THE CLOCKWORK GIRL *A wonderful, atmospheric thriller with a cast of glamorous villains. I love Rachel Rhys and this is her best yet * VERONICA HENRY *I luxuriated in this story of repressed love, villains and vixens in such a glamorous and decadent setting overshadowed by the rise of fascism. Utterly absorbing, intriguing and entertaining, I loved it. * LIV NUGENT *Deliciously atmospheric and menacing * Red Magazine, 10 Best Books of March *An immersive mystery for fans of Daphne du Maurier and Agatha Christie * WOMAN & HOME Book club pick *Gorgeous, atmospheric mystery * Best Magazine *

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Book SynopsisJim Qwilleran packs up his old kit bag and his two Siamese cats, Koko and Yum Yum, for a sun-and-fun summer at his log cabin in Moose County. Their vacation starts off ominously with the disappearance of a handyman hired to patch up Qwilleran''s cabin. But the felines really start throwing catfits when they come across a dead body or two... A serial killer may be right under Koko''s nose, and now this ingenious Siamese must dig deeper to clear poor Qwilleran of suspicion - and dig up the buried motive for a catastrophic crime.Trade ReviewPraise for the Cat Who... series:'The fastidious plotting is designed to appeal to more than just the cat-lover' The Times;'This droll and engaging mystery...firmly grips the reader...a lively witty tale bolstered by sharply etched characters' Publishers Weekly;'An engaging tongue-in-cheek yarn with a sting in the tail that won't just appeal to the cat-lover' Belfast Telegraph; 'It's a Wonderful Life meets The Aristocats in this daft but endearing whodunnit' Liverpool Daily Post;'Mrs Braun has a breezy style; the cats are really smart' New York Times Book Review;'Great fun!' Lawrence Block'Entertaining and absorbing mysteries which, in the tradition of all good whodunnits, keep you guessing right to the end' Dumfries and Galloway Standard'Lilian Jackson Braun purveys delight from beginning to end' Los Angeles Times'Like news from Lake Woebegon, Braun's Cat Who... series...has charmed readers' Publishers Weekly'Light-hearted originals... The mix of crime and cats [is] catnip to readers who like both' Chicago Sun-Times'An offbeat series with a good deal of charm' The Baltimore Sun'Braun writes with charm and sureness' Cleveland Plain Dealer

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Book SynopsisAll set around Christmas and all expertly planned, written and executed!' 5* reader review'Perfect for a dark wintry evening.' 5* reader review'Very entertaining, and I loved it.' 5* reader review

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Book Synopsis Selected by the Sunday Times as one of the 40 best crime novels published 2015-2020Mumbai, murder and a baby elephant combine in a charming, joyful mystery for fans of Alexander McCall Smith and Rachel Joyce. On the day he retires, Inspector Ashwin Chopra discovers that he has inherited an elephant: an unlikely gift that could not be more inconvenient. For Chopra has one last case to solve...But as his murder investigation leads him across Mumbai - from its richest mansions to its murky underworld - he quickly discovers that a baby elephant may be exactly what an honest man needs.So begins the start of a quite unexpected partnership, and an utterly delightful series from the award-winning author of the Malabar House novels.Trade ReviewKeeps things heart-warming while tackling corruption at the highest levels and violent crime at the lowest. Endearing and gripping, it sets up Inspector Chopra - and the elephant - for a long series. * Sunday Times *Enchanting * Woman & Home *Chopra, diligent, incorruptible and not entirely at ease with shiny new India, is a delight, as is his redoubtable wife, Poppy - and Ganesha the elephant, once he has cheered up a bit, proves a very useful ally indeed. Utterly charming * Guardian *Delightful and uplifting * The Bookseller *A cast of intriguing characters that it will be a joy to see develop. But the greatest strength is the setting in the teeming city of Mumbai, from which the colour and atmosphere flows out of every page in this enjoyable, whimsical tale * Daily Express *A sparkling debut with a zippy plot and an endearing set of characters * The Lady *A quirky murder mystery... full of colourful characters and insightful details about human motivation * Irish Examiner *A debut Mumbai-based "cosy" - complete with baby elephant - that keeps things heartwarming whiletackling corruption at the highest levels and violent crime at the lowest. Endearing, exotic and gripping, it setsup Inspector Chopra's detective agency - and the elephant - for a successful series. * The Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisRichard Osman meets MasterChef. In this cookery school, murder is on the menu...'Delicious fun!' Tess Gerritsen'Knife Skills for Beginners is a joy.' S. J. Bennett‘A deliciously dark slice of murder and mystery.’ Chris Whitaker'If Ruth Rendell had teamed up with Delia Smith they’d have produced something like this.’ J. M. Hall‘Dazzlingly sharp with a wit that sparkles off the page.' Jane CorryA recipe for disaster.When chef Paul Delamare takes a job teaching at an exclusive residential cookery school in Belgravia, the only thing he expects his students to murder is his taste buds. But on the first night, the unthinkable happens: someone turns up dead...The school rests on a knife-edge.The police are convinced Paul is the culprit. After all, he’s good with a blade, was first on the scene – and everyone knows it doesn’t take much to push a chef over the edge. To prove his innocence, he must find the killer. Could it be one of his students? Or the owner of the school – a woman with secrets and a murky past?It all boils down to murder.If Paul can’t solve the mystery fast – as well as teach his students how to make a perfect hollandaise sauce – he’ll be next to get the chop.Trade ReviewDelicious fun! Knife Skills for Beginners is both intriguing and mouth-watering, starring a charming hero you’ll want as your best friend. * Tess Gerritsen *A deliciously dark slice of murder and mystery. Funny and fun, frightening and charming. * Chris Whitaker *Knife Skills for Beginners is a joy, packed full of fabulous culinary tips and recipes you'll want to make, alongside a decent dollop of murder and mystery. * S. J. Bennett *Orlando Murrin’s personality is sprinkled throughout the pages of his debut, Knife Skills for Beginners. It’s warm, it’s humorous, it’s different from anything I’ve read before. If you’re into cosy crime, this one is irresistible. * Mari Hannah *A lethally delicious soufflé of a crime novel - light and witty at first taste, but with rich, dark undertones. I loved the combination of crime and cookery - and how Orlando uses the one to enrich the other (and vice versa). I can see this developing into a wonderful series with memorable recurring characters. * Andrew Taylor *

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Book SynopsisThe local mayor has a dinner date with death…With school out for the summer, Margery and Clementine Butcher-Baker are taking advantage of the break to go on holiday. They plan to explore the village of St-Martins-on-the-Water and rest before the chaos of Mrs Smith's impending hen do. By the end of their first night, the local mayor lies dead on the floor of the hotel restaurant, having been poisoned by his meal. The villagers are convinced: The Poisoner is back.As the residents turn to the duo with suspicion and begin to freeze them out, Margery and Clementine are left with more questions than answers. Everyone is convinced that the pair – and Clementine in particular – are bad news, but why? And as more people in the village start to become unwell, the question remains, is The Poisoner back, or is this the work of a new killer? And will they strike again?A charming cosy mystery that will make you laugh out loud, perfect for fans of Julia Chapman and Fiona Leitch.Praise for A Terrible Village Poisoning ‘A Terrible Village Poisoning is a really great cosy whodunnit. The plot had me guessing right to the end and the cast of characters, so warm and vivid, were an absolute joy. I'm really looking forward to the next one.’ Ian Moore, author of Death and Croissants‘A favourite series of mine. Hendy has written a great mystery with the perfect blend of suspects, clues and red herrings that you’ll be scratching your head till the end. Highly recommend!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘An enjoyable, light hearted read. I love Clementine and her dry wit and humour, and Margery is the perfect partner for her... The characters are so well written that they are really easy to picture in the mind's eye.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘I am absolutely in love with the series… it made me laugh out loud! Margery and Clem are a delight. Can’t wait for book four!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘This cozy crime was a perfect read on a cold day snuggled under a blanket and drinking hot tea. I really enjoy this. I loved Margery and Clementine.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘Another excellent adventure.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘I'm a massive fan of Clementine and Margery, if ever I needed a crime solved I would definitely call on these two. This book had so many twists and turns and it definitely did keep me guessing till the end. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is a fan of cosy crime and classic murder mysteries.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘It was lovely to be with Margery, Clementine and the gang… a quick read with an easy going storyline that comes to a satisfying conclusion.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘Loving the dinner lady detectives, they are fantastic! This instalment won’t leave fans disappointed because the ladies are back to mischief… a great fun-filled read, highly recommended.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘Margery and Clementine are so loveable, and they always make me smile and warm my heart. This was another fun, entertaining, cosy mystery.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

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Book SynopsisTHE SCENT OF ALMONDS AND OTHER STORIES is a collection of short stories from the No.1 international bestseller Camilla Lackberg. Perfect for fans of Stieg Larsson and Jo Nesbo.Trade ReviewPraise for Camilla Lackberg: ‘The hottest female writer in Sweden’ Independent ‘Heart-stopping and heart-warming … a masterclass in Scandinavian crime writing’ Val McDermid ‘Pacy … with flashing insight into the dark places of the psyche’ Sunday Times ‘Lackberg is an expert at mixing scenes of domestic cosiness with blood-curdling horror’ Guardian ‘Both chilling and thrilling’ Sun

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Book SynopsisA cosy Dandy Gilver mystery set in 1920s Scotland. For fans of PG Wodehouse, Alexander McCall Smith and Agatha Christie.''Dan Brown meets Barbara Pym . . . Dandy is brisk, baffled, heroic, kindly, scandalised and - above all - very funny.'' Guardian ''One of several authors recreating the Golden Age of the British crime novel and a legion of fans adore the tongue-in-cheek cases that come the way of Dandy Gilver, a very Scottish middle class sleuth.'' Northamptonshire Evening TelegraphFriday 3rd June, 1927Dear Alec,''Careful what you wish for, lest it come true'' is my new motto, and here is why. I was summoned to Dunfermline, that old grey town, in the matter of a missing heiress.She had flounced off in a sulk over forbidden love and I, suspecting elopement, was loath to take the job of scouring guesthouses to find the little madam and her paramour. Before I Trade ReviewThe period features are done with aplomb, the dialogue shines with Golden Age wit, and McPherson's heroine is warm and sharp as well as ingenious at solving the mysteries she is presented with. * Scotland on Sunday on DANDY GILVER AND AN UNSUITABLE DAY FOR A MURDER *A subtle detonation of the cosy genre... an acute sense of period, sharp observation of the mores of the day (both above and below stairs), a nicely-judged infusion of humour and a winning heroine. * Independent on DANDY GILVER AND THE PROPER TREATMENT OF BLOODSTAINS *Guaranteed to appeal to those who have never got over the death of Dorothy L Sayers . . . McPherson has an ear for mellifluous language ... The story bristles with clues, and the resolution.. is unguessable. * Financial Times on DANDY GILVER AND THE PROPER TREATMENT OF BLOODSTAINS *Dan Brown meets Barbara Pym . . . Dandy is brisk, baffled, heroic, kindly, scandalised and - above all - very funny * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisJoyce Fielding walked out one afternoon into the streets of Oxford and just disappeared. And now, Kate Ivory has been hired to find her. Joyce is a respectable widow in her sixties and there is nothing at first glance to explain her disappearance, so Kate consults her own mother, the irrepressible Roz, to help solve the puzzle. It isn''t long before Kate, following Joyce''s trail, discovers a dead body. The police may think that Joyce is a murderer and Kate an interfering amateur, but Kate realises that Joyce has unwittingly walked into danger, and that the hunt for the missing grandmother is a race against time...Trade ReviewOXFORD SHIFT:'Gives Colin Dexter a run for his money among the dreaming spires... Stallwood has fought her way to the top of the tree in British crime writing with some arrestingly written thrillers' The Times'This is the best novel yet in this series' Good Book Guide'Enjoyable' Gerald Kaufman, ScotsmanGives Colin Dexter a run for his money among the dreaming spires... Stallwood has fought her way to the top of the tree in British crime writing with some arrestingly written thrillers * THE TIMES *THE RAINBOW SIGN:'A haunting and atmospheric piece...Stallwood has fought her way to the top of the tree in British crime writing with some arrestingly writen thrillers' The Times'Veronica Stallwood has come up with another first-class page-turner' Oxford Mail'The Rainbow Sign is a thriller that can't be faulted... Breath-taking descriptions of a desert country eclipsed only by Stallwood's insight into people's minds. The plot, sensed rather than seen, unfolds page by page, alluring and tantalising' Shots'An elegiac mystery' Scotsman'A breakthrough novel...A deceptive and atmospheric tale of British crime' Time OutEnjoyable * Gerald Kaufman, SCOTSMAN *Previous:'Veronica Stallwood has come up with another first-class page-turner' Oxford Mail'Stallwood is in the top rank of crime writers' Daily Telegraph'Not only plausible, but in my view, absolutely compelling' Scotsman 'Novelist Kate Ivory snoops with intelligence, wit and some nice insights' The Times 'One of the cleverest of the year's crop [with] a flesh-and-brains heroine' ObserverThis is the best novel yet in this series * GOOD BOOK GUIDE *

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Book SynopsisThere''s a lot going on in Pickax these days - a new film club has been founded, showing old films from the early days of cinema; Koko the Siamese cat is making his stage debut in a musical revue to benefit animal rescue; and five Amazon parrots have been abducted. To say nothing of a suspicious compulsive gambler lurking in the background...

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Book SynopsisBRICKS AND MORTALITY is the third Cotswold village mystery by Ann Granger, featuring Inspector Jess Campbell and Superintendent Ian Carter. It is sure to appeal to fans of Midsomer Murders.In the cold light of dawn, a dead body is found entombed in the smouldering remains of a burnt-out Cotswold manor. Key House has stood empty for years, but its owner, Gervase Crown, is rumoured to have been seen in Weston St Ambrose prior to the blaze. Could he be responsible for the fire and the tragic death that followed, or was he in fact the intended target? As Inspector Jess Campbell and Superintendent Ian Carter begin their investigation it becomes clear that Gervase wasn''t the most popular and his return reawakens old memories, not all of which are good.Trade ReviewCharacterisation, as ever with Granger, is sharp and astringent * The Times *The plot is neat and ingenious, the characters rounded and touchingly credible ... a pleasure to read * Ham and High *The reader can expect a treat. Lively, different and fun * Yorkshire Post *She is on to another winner * Birmingham Post *The reader can expect a treat. Lively, different and fun * Yorkshire Post *

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Book Synopsis'An ingenious book' SARAH WATERS'Permanent classics in the detective field . . . no superlatives are adequate' THE NEW YORK TIMESMarion Shape and her mother are quiet and ordinary villagers, enjoying a peaceful life in their country home, the Franchise. Everything changes when a local schoolgirl accuses them of kidnap and abuse, describing the attic room of the house as her prison. Scotland Yard inspector Alan Grant is called to solve the mystery of the Franchise, but will he fall right in the middle of nightmarish affair that will change a town, and its locals' lives, forever?'Josephine Tey enjoys a category to herself' NEW STATESMANTrade ReviewThe Franchise Affair is an ingenious book ... The essential mystery is wonderfully established; the claustrophobic building-up of the apparently seamless case against the Sharpes is impeccably done -- Sarah WatersPermanent classics in the detective field . . . no superlatives are adequate * The New York Times *A detective story with a very considerable difference. Ingenious, stimulating and very enjoyable * Sunday Times *As interesting and enjoyable a book as they will meet in a month of Sundays * Observer *Suspense is achieved by unexpected twists and extremely competent storytelling . . . credible and convincing * Spectator *Really first class . . . a continual delight * Times Literary Supplement *Tey's style and her knack for creating bizarre characters are among the best in the field * New Yorker *

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Book Synopsis'As he turned ... he had the extraordinary impression of a man in full armour rearing up in front of him ... It was the last thing he saw, before he hurtled downwards to a certain death'An untimely death and the reappearance of a ghost lead television reporter Jemima Shore into a mysterious case of sex, violence and the supernatural.When the butler plummets from the battlements of Lackland Court, it becomes clear that the ghost of the legendary Civil War poet and soldier, Decimus Meredith, is not the only suspect. Jemima must look to history and delve deep into the ancient hall's past to solve yet another baffling mystery.Trade ReviewThe novel is enormous fun and the who-did-it is satisfyingly resolved. Antonia Fraser's best so far - SPECTATORFull of satirical digs at contemporary manners, it's unbeatable for pure escapism - a thoroughly entertaining whodunit - EVENING STANDARD

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Book SynopsisThe complete adventures of the well-loved clerical sleuth, collected in one brilliant volume.Shabby and lumbering, with a face like a Norfolk dumpling, Father Brown makes for an improbable super-sleuth. But his innocence is the secret of his success: refusing the scientific method of detection, he adopts instead an approach of simple sympathy, interpreting each crime as a work of art, and each criminal as a man no worse than himself. This complete edition brings together all of the Father Brown stories, including two not previously available in Penguin: ''The Donnington Affair'', in which Chesterton rises to the challenge of solving a murder-mystery half written by someone else (Max Pemberton), and ''The Mask of Midas'', which was found in Chesterton''s papers after his death. It also includes an introduction and notes by Michael D. Hurley.G.K. Chesteron was born in 1874. He attended the Slade School of Art, where he appears to have suffered a nervous breakdow

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Book Synopsis'BEGUILING, EVOCATIVE, WONDERFUL ... THE ALEXANDER McCALL SMITH OF FRANCE' Francis WheenIn the second mystery of this mouthwatering and bestselling series, Bruno, Chief of Police of a small rural French town, must balance local tradition and modern progress while bringing a killer to justice.Just before dawn one summer morning Bruno is summoned by the wail of the siren in the little town of St Denis in the Périgord. A fire is raging in a local barn and spreading to the surrounding fields. When Bruno arrives at the scene, the smell of petrol leaves no doubt: it was arson. The barn belongs to an agricultural research company experimenting with genetically modified crops - an unpopular move in deeply traditional St Denis.Meanwhile, a Californian producer wants to set up a wine-making business in the valley. Despite the money and jobs this would bring, many fear it would destroy their town. When a violent death follows the crop burning, it looks as though someone is prepared to do anything to stop the scheme. Bruno will have to draw on all his local knowledge to reach the truth.Trade ReviewSure to appeal to readers with a palate for mysteries with social nuance and understated charm * Wall Street Journal *The delights of [Walker's Dordogne] - from the chateaux along the rivers to the prehistoric cave paintings to the food on the tables - are very real.... Absorbing * New York Times Book Review *

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Book SynopsisBOOK 9 IN THE BELOVED NO.1 LADIES'' DETECTIVE AGENCY SERIESThe one with the poison pen letter . . . For the first time in her career as Botswana''s no. 1 lady detective, Mma Ramotswe suffers a blow to her faith in the goodness of humanity (and of her neighbours in particular) when she receives a threatening letter. But she does not let this swerve her from the sad plight of an orphan who hopes to find her true family. Meanwhile, at Zebra Drive, Mma Ramotswe''s beloved husband Mr J. L. B. Matekoni is also searching for an expensive miracle for their own foster daughter Motholeli.''Exceptional charm'' Daily Mail''As fluent and gracious as ever'' Sunday Times''Irresistible - there will indeed be miracles'' New York Times Book ReviewTrade ReviewWritten with the gentleness of its predecessors and with a charm that is quite exceptional in modern detective fiction * Sunday Telegraph *The writing is as fluent and gracious as ever, and charmingly conveys the practical wisdom of much of African life * Sunday Times *Nothing spoils McCall Smith's vision of Botswana as a place where decent people triumph over mischief-makers * Daily Telegraph *Irresistible - there will indeed be miracles * New York Times Book Review *Charming, warmly affective... As comfy cozy as can be * Philadelphia Inquirer *The pleasure of these sweet books lies in the clarity and gravity with which the characters reason through everyday dilemmas * Entertainment Weekly *A fitting part of the tiny miracle the entire series has been * Star-Telegram *

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Book SynopsisJune Whitfield stars as Miss Marple in eight thrilling full-cast BBC Radio 4 dramatisations.A Pocket Full of Rye A spate of unusual deaths is linked to the nursery rhyme 'Sing a Song of Sixpence'. 4.50 from Paddington After witnessing a murder on a train, Mrs McGillicuddy calls on Miss Marple. At Bertram’s Hotel Crime lurks beneath the surface of a respectable Mayfair hotel. The Body in the Library A mysterious blonde is found murdered in Dolly Bantry’s library. The Mirror Crack’d from Side to Side At a benefit held at Gossington Hall, harmless Mrs Badcock is fatally poisoned. A Caribbean Mystery Bored in paradise, Miss Marple finds her interest aroused by an old soldier’s tale. Murder at the Vicarage Everyone in St Mary Mead detested Colonel Protheroe – but who killed him? A Murder is Announced A startling entry in a local paper’s personal column leads to a deadly shooting. These BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisations feature eight of Miss Marple’s most complex and intriguing cases. Based on the original novels by Agatha Christie, they are performed by a stellar cast. Duration: 16 hours approx.

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Book Synopsis'RICH IN ATMOSPHERE AND PERSONALTIY ... IT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO READ A BRUNO NOVEL WITHOUT GETTING HUNGRY' New York TimesBruno, Chief of Police, star of the internationally bestselling series of Dordogne Mysteries, investigates the real-life disappearance of 'the most beautiful car ever made' in this compelling case for France's favourite copThe Bugatti Type 57 Atlantic was called the most beautiful car of all time. Only four of them were ever built. A California museum paid $37 million for one; Ralph Lauren bought another; a third was smashed by a train at a level crossing. The fourth disappeared in France during World War 2. It was the car used by British racing ace, William Grover Williams, twice winner of the French and Monaco Grand Prix, who became an undercover agent in Occupied France.The latest adventure in the Bruno series of mystery novels starts from this true story. Two young men, both racing drivers with a passion for antique cars, compete to find new clues as to the car's hiding place in the Perigord region of France. When a local researcher turns up dead on Bruno's patch, and French intelligence starts investigating the use of classic car sales to launder money for funding Islamic terrorism, Bruno finds himself once more caught up in a case that reaches far beyond his small town and its people.With the bucolic charm and gourmet cooking that are the hallmarks of this series, Bruno's latest adventure finds him falling in love again as he races to find the murderer and to track down the fate of the most beautiful car ever made.Trade ReviewMartin Walker tells a good story set in a region that he clearly knows and loves . . . fascinating and poignant - Crime ReviewAll the Bruno trademarks . . . the splendid Dordogne location . . . descriptions of food which leave your mouth watering . . . with the added bonus that you're not going to put the book down until you've turned the final page - The Book BagThe perfect holiday read - Shiny New BooksThe history is as fascinating as Walker's recipes are mouthwatering, and somehow he manages to throw history, politics, food and police work into the melting pot and emerge with something entirely delicious - Crime Review

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Book SynopsisChristmas Eve. While the world sleeps, snow falls gently from the sky, presents lie under the tree ... and murder is afoot. In this collection of ten classic murder mysteries by the best crime writers from the 1920s to today, death and mayhem take many festive forms, from the inventive to the unexpected. From a Santa Claus with a grudge to a cat who knows who killed its owner on Christmas Eve, these are stories to enjoy - and be mystified by - in front of a roaring fire, mince pie in hand.Trade ReviewEach of [the] top-notch writers ... brings a distinctive and imaginative edge to Christmas crime ... a satisfying respite from the forthcoming festivities. -- Barry Turner * Daily Mail *An excellent collection of short stories by ten top-class writers. -- Marcel Berlins * Times Books of the Year *Offers excellent value as the roll call of authors included is really very impressive indeed. * ShotsMag *Looking forward to Christmas? This anthology is a fine way to start it. It's a cracker. -- Amy MyersPraise for Murder under the Christmas Tree: 'This killer selection is the icing on the (Christmas) cake ... this is all your Christmases come at once for fans of the genre. * The Lady *

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Book SynopsisThe first mystery in the bestselling Kate Shackleton crime series! A Golden Age murder mystery set in 1920s Yorkshire, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, T E Kinsey and Verity Bright.Take one quiet Yorkshire Village, add a measure of mystery, a sprinkling of scandal and Kate Shackleton - amateur sleuth extraordinaire!Bridgestead is a quiet village: a babbling brook, rolling hills and a working mill at its heart. Pretty and remote, nothing exceptional happens, except for the day when Joshua Braithwaite, goes missing in dramatic circumstances, never to be heard of again.Now Joshua''s daughter is getting married and wants one last attempt at finding her father. Has he run off with his mistress, or was he murdered for his mounting coffers? Kate Shackleton has always loved solving puzzles. So who better to get to the bottom of Joshua''s mysterious disappearance? But as Kate taps into the lives of the Bridgestead dwellers, she opens cracks tha

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Book SynopsisThe residents of Lake Eden, Minnesota, are planning to paint the town red, white, and blue to celebrate the Fourth of July--but the fireworks are already going off at Hannah Swensen's bake shop, The Cookie Jar. . .Lemon Meringue Pie MurderHannah Swensen thought she'd finally discovered the recipe for a perfect life. But her sometime beau Norman Rhodes tosses a surprise ingredient into the mix when he phones to tell her he's just bought a house from local drugstore clerk Rhonda Scharf--which he plans to tear down in order to build the dream home he and Hannah designed. It seems the plan has been cooking for quite some time, and Hannah's shocked. Especially since her ring finger is still very much bare. . .The good news is that the soon-to-be-torn-down house is full of antiques--and Norman has given Hannah and her mother first dibs. They uncover some gorgeous old furniture, a patchwork quilt. . .and Rhonda Scharf's dead body. A little more sleuthing t

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Book SynopsisAfter the excitement of recent adventures (as related in Pride and Prescience and Suspense and Sensibility), Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy retire to the peace and quiet of Pemberley as they await the birth of their first child. Such tranquility, however, cannot last......

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Book SynopsisTimes Book of the Month: a spine-chilling classic festive Christmas crime mystery from beloved author of Waterstones Thriller of the Month, Uncle Paul.''Brilliant ... Such clever, witty writing.'' Elly Griffiths''Fremlin packs a punch.'' Ian Rankin''A master of suspense.'' Janice Hallett''Glorious ... Got me hooked.'' Ruth RendellJolted from sleep by the ringing of the telephone, Imogen stumbles through the dark, empty house to answer it. At first, she can't quite understand the man on the other end of the line. Surely he can't honestly be accusing her of killing her husband, Ivor, who died in a car crash barely two months ago.As the nights draw in, Imogen finds her home filling up with unexpected guests, who may be looking for more than simple festive cheer. Has someone been rifling through Ivor's papers? Who left the half-drunk whiskey bottle beside his favourite chair? And why won't that man stop

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Book SynopsisThe Mistletoe Murder and Other Stories contained four of these perfectly formed stories, and this companion volume contains a further six, published here together for the first time.As the six murderous tales unfold, the dark motive of revenge is revealed at the heart of each.

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Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES CRIME BOOK OF THE YEAR WINNER OF THE 2022 CWA JOHN CREASEY NEW BLOOD DAGGER ONE MURDER. FIFTEEN SUSPECTS. CAN YOU UNCOVER THE TRUTH? There is a mystery to solve in the sleepy town of Lower Lockwood. It starts with the arrival of two secretive newcomers, and ends with a tragic death. Roderick Tanner QC has assigned law students Charlotte and Femi to the case. Someone has already been sent to prison for murder, but he suspects that they are innocent. And that far darker secrets have yet to be revealed... Throughout the amateur dramatics society's disastrous staging of All My Sons and the shady charity appeal for a little girl's medical treatment, the murderer hid in plain sight. The evidence is all there, waiting to be found. But will Charlotte and Femi solve the case? Will you? 'Agatha Christie for the 21st century' THE TIMES 'Witty, clever and completely addictive' MAIL ON SUNDAY 'Gripping, ambitious and unusual' SOPHIE HANNAHTrade ReviewThis dazzlingly clever cosy crime novel in emails completely trumps Richard Osman... Hallett uses the epistolatory form to superb effect in this terrific debut * Sunday Times *Agatha Christie for the 21st century. A dazzlingly clever murder mystery, told via emails, about sinister goings-on in an amateur dramatics group * The Times *Witty, clever and completely addictive * Mail on Sunday *This witty thriller is giving Richard Osmond's Thursday Murder Club a run for its money in the cosy crime stakes, as it continues to charm readers. Hallett's debut, set in a sleepy town where an am-dram production of All My Sons is in the works, is funny and full of twists. Amateur sleuths and thespians alike will love it * Evening Standard *It's hilarious, intriguing and absolutely unputdownable * Stylist *This ingeniously conceived whodunnit encourages the reader to turn detective in a murder case set against the backdrop of an amateur dramatic club. Brain-twistingly clever * Metro *If you're looking for a crime novel that is very different but very satisfying I thoroughly recommend The Appeal by Janice Hallett. I loved it -- Elly Griffiths, bestselling author of THE POSTSCRIPT MURDERSThe whole thing is a delight... Teasing out the mystery in the madness is nearly as fun as searching for the solution * New York Times (Best Books of 2022) *A breath of fresh air in the thriller market. Cleverly constructed - because it is not only about what is being said, but also about what is not being said - it is peopled with characters who are both believable and relatable, including a murderer hidden in plain sight. A literary triumph -- B.A. Paris, author of BEHIND CLOSED DOORSVery gripping. I loved the ambitious and unusual approach -- Sophie Hannah, bestselling author of HAVEN'T THE GROWN[A] daring debut... Hallett will soon have you laughing out loud... The Appeal is clever and funny * The Times *This debut mystery from British author Hallett is a kick: a whodunit epistolary novel in which a pair of young lawyers sort through a mountain of emails, messages and letters to try to sort out a mysterious death in an amateur theatrical troupe * Seattle Times *I couldn't put it down. [Hallett's] take on the epistolary novel is so involving AND funny at the right moments. Puts the reader right in the thick of it, as we become the spyware eavesdropping on all these private emails and messages. Brilliant idea and SO cleverly executed -- Diane Setterfield, author of ONCE UPON A RIVERIf you're looking for something insanely gripping to take to the sofa with, then run to The Appeal by Janice Hallett. It's a brilliantly fresh, ingenious and original whodunnit that is heading to the top of the bestseller chart if there's any justice. So, so good -- India Knight, author of IN YOUR PRIMEThe Appeal grips from the start, expertly stage-managing emails and messages to create an intriguing mystery with a cast of vivid, memorable characters. Original, clever, devious - and never less than utterly compelling - this is a case you're about to become obsessed with. A real triumph -- Alex North, bestselling author of THE WHISPER MANTakes the whodunnit to a whole new level. Intriguing, clever and above all, wholly original. A rare feat indeed, and to be savoured -- Elizabeth Haynes, bestselling author of INTO THE DARKEST CORNEROne of the most enjoyable books I've read all year. Extremely addictive, it will reel you in, one piece of evidence at a time. Ingenious and highly original -- Alex Pavesi, author of EIGHT DETECTIVESWholly original, constructed as delicately as a spiderweb, and as heartfelt as it is intelligent, I could not stop reading The Appeal -- Catriona Ward, author of THE LAST HOUSE ON NEEDLESS STREETFiendishly clever, highly original and totally gripping -- Cass Green, bestselling author of IN A COTTAGE IN A WOODSly, funny, perfectly observed and clever. A superior and sophisticated Midsomer Murders packed with delicious red herrings -- Kate Griffin, author of KITTY PECK AND THE MUSIC HALL MURDERSWhat a book. It has galvanised me to do better! Exceptional -- Matt Wesolowski, author of SIX STORIESFresh, funny and impossible to put down. The Appeal is about an amateur dramatics group and an appeal to raise funds for a sick child and it's brilliant -- Mark Edwards, bestselling author of THE HOUSE GUESTBrilliantly crafted, The Appeal is a refreshingly different take on the modern crime novel. Full of suspicion and secrets, I raced my way to the end - and what an ending! -- Lisa Hall, author of THE PARTYWhat a cracking book. Fresh, original and very clever -- Mel Sherratt, author of TAUNTING THE DEADBrilliantly original, inventive and clever. I loved this book and you will too -- Phoebe Morgan, author of THE DOLL HOUSEIngenious and page-turning traditional crime given an original twist... like a modernised Agatha Christie -- Maxim Jakubowski, CRIME TIMEHighly original with characters that leap off the page. An addictive read -- Michelle Frances, author of THE GIRLFRIENDI loved this - it's utterly compulsive and unlike anything I've read in a while. It is such a cliché to say it, but I genuinely could NOT put it down. Bravo -- Katie Lowe, author of THE FURIESA very clever novel that puts you in the place of an investigator. A hugely enjoyable challenge and a most original book -- Jane Lythell, author of THE LIE OF YOUA totally original take on a thriller - intriguing and dark but with a dash of humour - I raced through it -- Catherine Cooper, author of THE CHALETA wonderfully revealing portrait of how we communicate - what we hide and show of ourselves. It's sharp, funny, a brilliant game, and once you start playing you won't be able to stop -- Rachel Elliot, author of WHISPERS THROUGH A MEGAPHONESo cleverly written. I felt like I was a trainee lawyer sifting through evidence and trying to discover the culprit. It was exciting, fresh, and forces the reader to be an active investigator. I loved it -- Louise Mullins, author of I KNOW YOUWhat a book. Right up there with the best I've read this year. Great characters, smart structure, and kept me guessing all the way to the end -- Dan Malakin, author of THE REGRETA brilliant hybrid of Agatha Christie and Silk -- Guy Morpuss, author of BLACK LAKE MANORI haven't enjoyed a book this much since Standard Deviation. Congratulations, Janice Hallett! -- Louise Voss, author of THE LAST STAGEFantastic. Gives you that deliciously satisfying feeling of reading other people's private emails -- S.V. Leonard, author of THE ISLANDERSAn utterly compelling whodunnit putting the reader at the centre of the action. A must read for thriller fans. A blistering, page-turner of a debut -- Michael Wood, author of THE SEVENTH VICTIMHighly original... for a first novel it is a tour de force * Crime Review *Will have you reading between the lines to discover whose hands are covered in blood * USA Today (Best Beach Reads) *

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Book Synopsis***Shortlisted for the Comedy Women in Print Prize 2021*** THE ACCLAIMED MURDER MYSTERY FROM SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR, PERFECT FOR FANS OF RICHARD OSMAN 'Funny, clever, charming, imaginative and nostalgic' The Times 'Terrific' Mail on Sunday 'A giddy spell of sheer delight' Daily Mail The August bank holiday is approaching and after two extremely high-profile murder cases, Constable Twitten is eagerly anticipating a quiet spell at work. But then they find the bodies – and the milk bottles. Three seemingly unconnected victims – a hard-working AA patrolman, a would-be Beauty Queen, a catty BBC radio personality – have all been killed with the same, highly unusual murder weapon. Constable Twitten, Sergeant Brunswick and Inspector Steine are initially baffled, the town is alarmed, and the local newspaper is delighted: after all, what sells papers better than a killer on the loose? Can our redoubtable trio solve the case and catch this most curious of killers before they strike again? 'The glorious return of Constable Twitten is a cause for celebration... the fun is in Truss's keen ear for dialogue, original comic characters and affectionate(ish) recreation of a seaside resort in its slightly sleazy heyday' Sunday Times Crime ClubTrade ReviewMurder by Milk Bottle is the third outing for Lynne Truss’s loveable seaside ninnies. In relating and relishing the farcical events that culminate in the “Utterly Preventable Milk-Bar Riot”, it proves even funnier than its playful precursors * The Times *The glorious return of Constable Twitten and the doughty coppers of 1950s Brighton for a third adventure is a cause for celebration ... As ever the fun is in Truss's keen ear for dialogue, original comic characters and affectionate(ish) recreation of a seaside resort in its slightly sleazy heyday * Sunday Times Crime Club *A delight. Lynne Truss has great affection for her characters, who fully inhabit 1950s Brighton. The backgrounds of gang warfare and milk marketing come together to sublime comic effect. There are some lovely lines – and a cheerily high body count. Enormous fun -- Simon BrettOutstanding … In her ability to blend crime and farce, Truss is in a class of her own * Publishers Weekly *A nicely managed farce with thoroughly likeable characters and a terrific period feel -- John Williams * Mail on Sunday *More Marx Brothers than Agatha Christie, this is crime fiction turned on its head – a giddy spell of sheer delight -- Praise for the Constable Twitten series * Daily Mail *[A] pitch-perfect send-up of 1950s Brighton with nods to Graham Greene ... Hilarious -- Praise for the Constable Twitten series * Sunday Times Crime Club *Funny, clever, charming, imaginative, nostalgic and gently satirical -- Praise for the Constable Twitten series * The Times *

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Book SynopsisAn unpopular victim. An impossible crime. A murderer on the loose. Revised edition: Previously published as The Body in Jingling Pot, this edition of The Body in the Dales includes editorial revisions. A body is discovered deep in a cave beneath the Yorkshire Dales. Leading the investigation into the mysterious death are experienced DCI Jim Oldroyd and his partner DS Carter, a newcomer from London. The deceased is Dave Atkins, well known throughout the village but not well liked. While there is no shortage of suspects, the details of the crime leave Oldroyd and Carter stumped. How did Atkins’s body end up in such a remote section of the cave? When someone with vital information turns up dead, it becomes clear that whoever is behind the murders will stop at nothing to conceal their tracks. Oldroyd and his team try to uncover the truth, but every answer unearths a new set of questions. And as secrets and lies are exposed within the close-knit community, the mystery becomes deeper, darker and more complex than the caves below.

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Book Synopsis'A Sparkling and witty crime debut with a female protagonist to challenge Miss Marple' - Lin Anderson'Impeccable historical detail with a light touch' - Lesley Cookman, The Libby Sarjeant Series'Euphemia Martins is feisty, funny and completely adorable' - Colette McCormick, Ribbons in Her Hair'A rattlingly good dose of Edwardian country house intrigue with plenty of twist and turns and clues to puzzle through along with the heroine of the book, Euphemia Martins' - Booklore.co.ukHope to Survive - the second edition of the exciting spy thriller Hope Stapleford Mystery series!_______________It is 1939 and World War II is looming...Oswald Mosley has awoken fascist sympathies among the British aristocracy and, in London, socialites are gathering for the start of the Season. Enter astute, Oxford graduate Hope Stapleford, whose quick wit, love of books and keen observations set her apart from her peers. Her rebellious friend, Bernadette, has persuaded her to take part in the Season, and Hope expects little more than a round of dull engagements and dreary introductions. But when an innocent, young debutante goes missing from their very first house party, feared to have been kidnapped or worse, Hope's curiosity is piqued. With Bernie and their new acquaintance, the amiable rogue Harvey, Hope soon finds herself thrust into a web of political intrigue that threatens the very heart of the nation..._______________Readers LOVE Caroline Dunford's gripping thrillers!'...evokes the period and class structure beautifully, while at the same time being a rollicking good read and a mystery unsolved until almost the final page' ***** Reader Review'An interesting plot and good character development' ***** Reader review'As always Caroline Dunford writes a great story, I look forward to seeing how Hope's storyline will evolve' ***** Reader review'This has got to be one of the best writers of mystery books' ***** Author reviewTrade ReviewA Sparkling and witty crime debut with a female protagonist to challenge Miss Marple * Lin Anderson *Impeccable historical detail with a light touchEuphemia Martins is feisty, funny and completely adorableA rattlingly good dose of Edwardian country house intrigue with plenty of twist and turns and clues to puzzle through along with the heroine of the book, Euphemia Martins * Booklore.co.uk *

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