Crime and mystery: cosy mystery

Book SynopsisWhere there’s a body in Malvern End, there are secrets to be uncovered…Jude Gray has worked hard to bring a steady equilibrium to life on Malvern Farm and things are going well.The only fly in the ointment is the foul addition of a new face in the village: staunch townie and chauvinistic sleaze, Des Smith. Jude has nothing but sympathy for his caring, patient wife, Loretta, who has become a regular visitor to the farm for a cup of tea and a chat.But things take a turn for the worse when a hit and run outside The Lamb brings death once again to the village. Is it an accident or is something more sinister afoot?Perhaps the answer lies in the stranger with red trainers who’s been seen wandering through the village and through Jude’s fields at night. Following the clues, Jude desperately hopes she will find the right answers, because the murderer being someone she knows is unfathomable…-'A hugely enjoyable and clever murder mystery.' C L Miller, author of The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder'...like a lovely visit to the countryside, a tense murder mystery, and a visit with people I’d want to be friends with all rolled into one.’ Kristen Perrin, author of How to Solve Your Own Murder'This book had a bit of everything! ... Action packed, intrigue, mystery, murder, revenge, a fantastic who done it, great plot twist, and some crazy twists and turns!' netgalley reviewer

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Book SynopsisAmateur sleuth Astrid Swift investigates a maritime mystery in this cosy crime adventure set on the Isle of Wight. The sailors are ashore, and murder is afoot. It's summer in the Isle of Wight, and the islanders have little more to do than munch crab sandwiches, sip pints of Wight Squirrel, and complain about the hordes of tourists arriving for the world-famous Cowes Week regatta. But when the local busybody drowns in the harbour, what was set to be a relaxing sailing festival starts to turn deadly. This is a case that only art restorer Astrid Swift and her new art-club friends can solve. Soon she is embroiled in an investigation involving a grand seafront mansion, a dead billionaire's nautical paintings, and a sailing prodigy who mysteriously went missing at sea three years ago. The Isle of Wight has a reputation for being England's most welcoming island, but even a friendly community can hide a killer... Praise for the Astrid Swift mysteries: 'Feelgood fun.' The Times 'I romped through The Trust... A cosy debut set in a house brimming with secrets... An enchanting murder mystery.' Janice Hallett, author of The Appeal 'Macabre murders, quirky characters and delightful settings combine in a way that would make Midsomer proud.' Crime Fiction Lover 'A feisty heroine, an ingenious plot and a cast of quirky characters that soon feel like your best friends, make The Trust a cozy crime to savour.' Merryn Allingham, author of The Bookshop Murder 'Intelligent and gently humorous, with a suitably eccentric cast of characters.' M S Morris, author of the Bridget Hart booksTrade ReviewPRAISE FOR M.H. ECCLESTON: 'I romped through The Trust... A cosy debut set in a house brimming with secrets... An enchanting murder mystery' Janice Hallett, author of The Appeal. 'Intelligent and gently humorous, with a suitably eccentric cast of characters' M S Morris on The Trust. 'Macabre murders, quirky characters and delightful settings combine in a way that would make Midsomer proud' * Crime Fiction Lover *

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Book Synopsis"An enthralling murder mystery that kept me turning the pages. Well worth a read." Bestselling author T.A. Williams.The start of Cozy Crime series! Welcome to Hopgood Hall.An unlikely duo…When investigative journalist, Alexi Ellis, falls victim to cutbacks, she and Cosmo, her anti-social feral cat, head for beautiful Hopgood Hall, where they plan to lick their wounds in the boutique hotel run by her old friends, Cheryl and Drew Hopgood.A missing woman…But when she arrives Alexi discovers Cheryl and Drew both distraught. Their close friend, Natalie Parker, who recently settled in the area, has gone missing. Alexi’s sure the woman has just taken a trip somewhere, but she still has a nose for a story and agrees to look into it.A case to solve!So too does ex-Met Police detective turned private eye, Jack Maddox. Natalie Parker had been using his sister’s online dating agency and Jack needs to find her before his sister’s business is ruined.Reluctantly, Alexi, Jack - and Cosmo! - join forces to find out what happened to Natalie. But soon they discover secrets that someone desperately wants to make sure are never revealed!Perfect for fans of Faith Martin, Frances Evesham and Emma Davies.Reader Reviews for A Date To Die For'If you want to dip your toe into the cosy crime genre then this is the book for you! It is incredible. I loved every word and Cosmo the cat is just hilarious' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review'A Date To Die For would make a fabulous early evening television series. I really enjoyed it and look forward to much more from E V Hunter'⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review'The author certainly knows how to grab the reader's attention and draw them into what proves to be one heck of a story'⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

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Book SynopsisSettling into her new life running a coffee and beignet café in the small town of Table Rock, Arizona, Maggie Miller expects nothing but smooth sailing from here on. But she''s blown way off course when Clive Rothschild, co-owner of The Hitching Post, the bridal shop next door, begs her for a favour. That favour leads to Clive and Maggie discovering a dead body buried beneath a wedding cake. And with the evidence stacking up against Clive and his partner, former professional skater Johnny Wolfe, it''s up to Maggie to dig through the layers of deceit and hem in the real killer. But she may have to skirt the law to do it . . .

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Book SynopsisNever underestimate a librarian. Intelligent cosy crime with razor-sharp wit and an unlikely hero, for fans of P.G. Wodehouse and Muriel Spark "So funny." Lynne Truss Shona McMonagle is back, once again personally selected by Marcia Blaine, founder of her alma mater, the Marcia Blaine School for Girls – this time for a crucial mission involving time travel, Macbeth, the Weird Sisters and a black cat. Unsure which version of history she’s in – and fully aware of Shakespeare’s egregious inaccuracies - Shona tries to figure out who she’s here to save. But between playing the Fool and being turned into a mouse, things don’t always go her way. Shona’s expertise in martial arts is put to the test as family tensions rise and fingers are pointed for murder. Can Shona unravel the mystery in time to complete her mission? Never underestimate a librarian!Trade Review'Witty and surrealistically humorous … Extremely light-hearted, funny and easy to read.' -- Dundee Courier, Book of the Week

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Book SynopsisNever underestimate a librarian. Fifty-something Edinburgh librarian Shona is a proud former pupil of the Marcia Blaine School for Girls, but has a deep loathing for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, which she thinks gives her alma mater a bad name. Impeccably educated and an accomplished linguist, mathematician, martial artist, and musician, Shona is selected by Marcia Blaine herself to travel back in time for a crucial mission in Venice. Finding the city afflicted by what appears to be a new outbreak of the plague, Shona soon encounters the Cornetto family of gondoliers. Lately, a number of their passengers have met a watery fate. Coincidence? Unlikely. She dons a mask, goes undercover and seeks inspiration in the library. But the mystery only deepens. Why do the Cornettos seem so flaky and their explanations wafer-thin, even as they proclaim their innocence? What is going on at the printworks? Shona’s powers of deduction, dissection and prowess as a swimmer are put to the test as she realises that a bitter feud is at play. Can Shona unravel the tapestry of lies and get to the truth? It’s a race against time, but it would be a mistake to underestimate a librarian.

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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 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 SynopsisAs the days get longer, escape your troubles and take a trip to the desperately hot towns where nightfall lingers and a sun-drenched picnic can end in panic. No matter how murderously high the temperatures rise, these stories will chill you to the bone. So grab a cool drink and step into the shade ... if you dare. Featuring terrifying tales of summertime murder and mayhem from Dorothy L. Sayers, Arthur Conan Doyle, Carter Dickson, Michael Innes, Baroness Orczy, Margery Allingham, Ian Rankin, Julian Symons, Ethel Lina White and Rex Stout.Trade ReviewWith Cecily Gayford in charge, we are on safe ground * Daily Mail *Praise for the Vintage Murder series * : *Has everything you might want ... take this little book to the beach [and] relax in the sun while reading of battered corpses -- Craig Brown * Mail on Sunday *An excellent collection of short stories by ten top-class writers -- Marcel Berlins * Times Books of the Year *Perfect for a quick fix of golden-age crime. This collection of short winter chills is well worth reading by candlelight before turning in on Christmas Eve -- Janice Hallett, author of The Appeal and The Twyford Code * The Sunday Times *Short, clever and puzzling murder tales test the brains of the most avid crime reader ... delectable * On Magazine *Looking forward to Christmas? [The Vintage Murder series] is a fine way to start it. It's a cracker. -- Amy MyersAn impressive tome by some great names ... there isn't actually a bum note in the entire collection, not a single one you could skip through and not miss it - which is quite some feat. To paraphrase Nick Cook's famous Crimewatch sign off, just don't have nightmares after reading it. -- Sarah Morgan * On Magazine *

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Book SynopsisThis special expanded edition of Freeman Wills Crofts' classic crime novel includes a unique commentary by Superintendent Walter Hambrook of Scotland Yard, never before published in book form.The Carrington family, victims of a strange poisoning, take an Olympic cruise from Glasgow to help them recover. At Creuta one member goes ashore and does not return. Their body is next day found floating in the Straits of Gibraltar. Joining the ship at Marseilles, can Inspector French solve the mystery before they reach Athens?Introduced by Tony Medawar, editor of Bodies from the Library, this classic Inspector French novel includes unique interludes by Superintendent Walter Hambrook of Scotland Yard, who provides a real-life detective commentary on the case as the mystery unfolds.Trade Review“I doubt whether Inspector French has had a more difficult problem to solve than that of the body ‘Found Floating’ in the Mediterranean.”MILWARD KENNEDY in the SUNDAY TIMES

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Book SynopsisAlways a delight.' Sunday TimesI will never understand why murder is considered such a lowbrow speciality in HollywoodSeptember, 1939, and the worries of war follow Josephine Tey to Hollywood, where a different sort of battle is raging on the set of Hitchcock's Rebecca. Then a shocking act of violence reawakens the shadows of the past, with consequences on both sides of the Atlantic, and Josephine and DCI Archie Penrose find themselves on a trail leading back to the house that inspired a young Daphne du Maurier - a trail that echoes Rebecca''s timeless themes of obsession, jealousy and murder.''An astonishingly complex mystery.'' The Times''Classy, clever, endlessly entertaining . . . one of this talented author''s most impressive outings yet.'' Lancashire Evening PostReaders love Nicola UpsonOh my, what a delight to read this was. An author abso

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Book SynopsisJim Qwilleran''s latest commission is a piece on Junktown - a ghetto of antique dealers and collectors living in genteel decay. Enchanted by Junktown and its delightfully bohemian inhabitants, Qwill finds himself digs in the area, renting two rooms to share with his sleuthing Siamese companions Koko and Yum Yum. When his landlord C.C. Cobb, one of Junktown''s leading citizens, falls mysteriously to his death, Qwill''s famous whiskers begin to twitch. It''s only when Koko develops a passion for tape-recorders, to rival even that of his journalist mentor, that the vital clues begin to drop into place...

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Book SynopsisThe seventh Birder Murder Mystery. Some crimes are beyond the reach of the law.Trade ReviewPraise for the Birder Murder Mysteries: ‘A murder plot built around birdwatching doesn’t, at first, seem plausible or even possible. But Burrows pulls it off... Riveting from first page to final line.’ Globe and Mail ‘A suspenseful and well-crafted mystery perfect for the beach.’ Morning Star ‘Skillfully written, full of moral ambiguities and artful puzzles, with a spine-tingling final sentence.’ Kirkus, starred review'This is a novel I could not put down. The clever, complex plot twists kept me reading long into the night. I loved the writing style and his skill at creating characters - I could feel their frustrations and share their concerns. Highly recommended.' -- Mystery People

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Book SynopsisDesperate times lead to hasty vows . . .A gripping historical mystery of secrets and romance - perfect for fans of Eve Chase, Louise Douglas and Tracy Rees.''Expertly researched, vividly drawn, and so much fun! Five fabulous stars from me'' JENNI KEER on The House of Lost Wives......................................................For better. For worse. For the sake of her future. London 1815. Jenny''s father is dead. She needs to marry immediately to save her and her mother''s livelihood. A chance meeting presents the perfect candidate in the form of the enigmatic Erasmus Black. Gentleman, merchant, and if the rumours are to be believed, captain . . . But where does Erasmus slip away to in the dead of night? What secrets about her father''s business has he discovered? And was their meeting really just a convenient coincidence? Guided by her unique intuition, Je

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Book Synopsis''Inspector Morse would appear to have a rival'' - Scotland on Sunday''A perfect accompaniment to a sunny afternoon, a hammock and a glass of Pimms'' - Guardian''An undiluted pleasure'' - Scotsman_______________Sidney Chambers, the Vicar of Grantchester, is a thirty-two year old bachelor. Sidney is an unconventional clergyman and can go where the police cannot.Together with his roguish friend Inspector Geordie Keating, Sidney inquires into the suspect suicide of a Cambridge solicitor, a scandalous jewellery theft at a New Year''s Eve dinner party, the unexplained death of a well-known jazz promoter and a shocking art forgery, the disclosure of which puts a close friend in danger. Sidney discovers that being a detective, like being a clergyman, means that you are never off duty..._______________''A charmingly effective tale of detection ... a satisfyingly old-fashioned read'' - The Times''No detective since Father Trade ReviewNo detective since Father Brown has been more engaging than Canon Sidney Chambers. Perfect company in bed * Salley Vickers *Inspector Morse would appear to have a rival * Scotland on Sunday *A charmingly effective tale of detection ... evoking oodles of churchy village atmosphere, circa 1953, provides a satisfyingly old-fashioned read * The Times *The clerical milieu is well rendered as an affectionate eye is cast over post-war England - a perfect accompaniment to a sunny afternoon, a hammock and a glass of Pimm's -- Laura Wilson * Guardian *James Runcie has written the coziest of cozy murder mysteries. Taken individually, each of these clerical whodunits poses a clever puzzle for armchair detectives. Viewed as a collective study of British life as it was lived when Elizabeth II first ascended the throne, these stories present a consistently charming and occasionally cutting commentary on 'a postwar landscape full of industry, promise and concrete * New York Times Book Review *An undiluted pleasure * Scotsman *Full of witty phrases to delight the reader ... This entertaining first volume about Canon Chambers will have Runcie's readers longing for the next * Peggy Woodford, Church Times *An evocation of a more genteel era ... Chambers turns out to be a winning clergyman-sleuth, and Runcie's literary authority is repeatedly demonstrated in the construction of his elegant tales. In fact, it is the plotting that really distinguishes this collection, and will make many more readers more than ready to follow the God-fearing hero from the coronation of Elizabeth II in 1953 to the wedding of Charles and Diana in 1981 ... there is no denying the winning charm of these artfully fashioned mysteries * Independent *Gentle criminal entertainment with a pleasantly old-fashioned feel to it -- Andrew Taylor * Spectator *The plots are intriguing ... While the diminutive priest detective created by G. K. Chesterton led the way, Sidney Chambers is set fair to be a worthy successor. In a sceptical age this is quite an achievement. Then again, the author is a son of an archbishop. And who better to portray the sleuth in ecclesiastical clothing? -- Barry Turner * Daily Mail *At last, an Anglican Father Brown ... Each tale is beautifully crafted and surprising. I hope for many more volumes -- A.N. Wilson * Spectator *

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Book SynopsisHollywood stars, sunshine, stabbings . . . New Jersey prosecutor turned LA family lawyer Sandy Moss is back with a bang in the second book in this fun, witty and fast-paced cosy legal mystery series.The last person family lawyer Sandy Moss expects to walk into her courtroom, right in the middle of a trial, is TV star Patrick McNabb: prime suspect in her first (and she hopes, last) murder case.Sandy knows what Patrick''s like. Friendly, overconfident, dazzlingly handsome . . . and a well-meaning menace. But his request seems harmless enough. His dear friend Cynthia is getting divorced, and he thinks Sandy''s perfect for the job. She accepts - because he''s Patrick and there is no denying him.But of course it''s not that simple. Soon Sandy''s tangled up in yet another murder - and Patrick, who''s currently playing a private detective on TV, believes he''s essential to solving the whole thing . . .Fast-paced, funny and larger than life,

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Book SynopsisFirst in a delightfully charming crime series set in 1930s Singapore, introducing amateur sleuth Su Lin, a local girl stepping in as governess for the Acting Governor of Singapore.1936 in the Crown Colony of Singapore, and the British abdication crisis and rising Japanese threat seem very far away. When the Irish nanny looking after Acting Governor Palin''s daughter dies suddenly - and in mysterious circumstances - mission school-educated local girl Su Lin - an aspiring journalist trying to escape an arranged marriage - is invited to take her place. But then another murder at the residence occurs and it seems very likely that a killer is stalking the corridors of Government House. It now takes all Su Lin''s traditional skills and intelligence to help British-born Chief Inspector Thomas LeFroy solve the murders - and escape with her own life.''Simply glorious. Every nook and cranny of 1930s Singapore is brought richly to life, without ever getting in the way of a classic puzzle plot. But what''s a setting without a jewel? Chen Su Lin is a true gem. Her slyly witty voice and her admirable, sometimes heartbreaking, practicality make her the most beguiling narrator heroine I''ve met in a long while.''Catriona McPherson''Charming and fascinating with great authentic feel. Ovidia Yu''s teenage Chinese sleuth gives us an insight into a very different culture and time. This book is exactly why I love historical novels.''Rhys BowenTrade ReviewCharming and fascinating with great authentic feel. Ovidia Yu's teenage Chinese sleuth gives us an insight into a very different culture and time. This book is exactly why I love historical novels -- Rhys BowenA new book by Ovidia Yu is always a treat; a new series is an occasion for rejoicing * SJ Rozan *The Frangipani Tree Mystery transports readers to 1930's Singapore, with compelling suspects, a page-turning plot, and an engaging, witty sleuth. Immersive and intriguing from the opening page to the satisfying end -- Susan Spann, author of the Hiro Hattori MysteriesYu has concocted a delightful vintage whodunit bubbling with charm and an infectious curiosity about human nature * Kirkus Reviews *Charming murder mystery set in pre-WWII Singapore * The Straits Times *

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Book SynopsisDead in the Water by Ann Granger is set in the Cotswold village of Weston Saint Ambrose and features Inspector Jess Campbell and Superintendent Ian Carter in their fourth murder mystery.It is the wettest winter on record and as Christmas approaches the rivers burst their banks and the farmers'' fields lie under several feet of water. In the village of Weston Saint Ambrose, a young girl''s body is seen floating downstream and when it becomes stuck under the jetty at a reclusive writer''s home, the author is alarmed to discover that he recognises the victim of a brutal murder...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 *

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Book SynopsisNo one feels safe when there''s a murderer in their midst...Ann Granger returns to her fan favourite series with the gripping sixteenth Mitchell and Markby novel, featuring her trademark strong and appealing characters, gentle wit and engrossing intrigue.Superintendent Alan Markby and his wife Meredith have retired for the night when they are disturbed by a visitor. It''s not the first time someone has called at the Old Vicarage in search of a priest, but in this case, having just found a dead body in the churchyard, Callum Henderson needs the police. Accompanying Callum to the graveyard, Alan declares that this has all the hallmarks of a murder scene.News of the incident travels fast in the market town of Bamford, but no one seems willing to admit to knowing the dead man or how he ended up in the cemetery. As Alan and his team search for clues, Meredith becomes convinced that something must have been overlooked. Meanwhile, Trade ReviewCharacterisation, as ever with Granger, is sharp and astringent * The Times *Her usual impeccable plotting is fully in place * Good Book Guide *A clever and lively book -- Margaret YorkeTo be savoured by connoisseurs of characterisation * Publishers Weekly *Lovely characterisation and a neat plot * Yorkshire Post *Her characterisation is excellent * Cotswold Life *Good plotting and believable motivation * Crime Time *

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Book SynopsisWATERSTONES BEST CRIME BOOKS OF 2023 PICK'A terrific read - murder, arson and a cat who is so much more than he seems!' – J. M. Hall, author of A Spoonful of MurderThe Cat Who Solved Three Murders by L T Shearer is a charming cosy crime read for fans of Richard Osman and S. J. Bennett.Retired police detective Lulu Lewis’s life changed forever when she met a street cat named Conrad. There’s something very special about Conrad, but it’s a secret she has to keep to herself.When Lulu takes her narrowboat to Oxford, she is planning nothing more stressful than attending a friend’s birthday party. And drinking a few glasses of Chardonnay.But a brutal murder and a daring art theft means her plans are shattered – instead she and Conrad find themselves on the trail of a killer . . .A killer who may well strike again.'A charming, off-beat story with some great characters and wonderful locations' – S. J. Bennett on The Cat Who Caught a KillerTrade ReviewA terrific read - murder, arson and a cat who is so much more than he seems! -- J. M. Hall, author of A Spoonful of MurderA charming, off-beat story with some great characters and wonderful London locations. I’m sure it will make readers long for their own canal boat, and quite possibly – if they don’t already have one – their own talking cat. Conrad is a delight -- S. J. Bennett on The Cat Who Caught a KillerA captivating, charming and gentle tale, perfect for all those who love their crime cozy -- Peter James on The Cat Who Caught a KillerCharming and original. This book is the cat’s whiskers -- Anthony Horowitz on The Cat Who Caught a Killer

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Book Synopsis'The ever-witty McPherson has outdone herself' Scottish Field'All the wit and clever plotting fans of Christie could want' My Weekly Special*Winner of Left Coast Crime's Lefty Award for Best Historical Mystery Novel*Something sinister is afoot in the streets of Dundee, when a puppeteer is found murdered behind his striped Punch and Judy stand, as children sit cross-legged drinking ginger beer. At once, Dandy Gilver's seemingly-innocuous investigation into plagiarism takes a darker turn. The gruesome death seems to be inextricably bound to the gloomy offices of Doig's Publishers, its secrets hidden in the real stories behind their girls' magazines The Rosie Cheek and The Freckle. On meeting a mysterious professor from St Andrews, Dandy and her faithful colleague Alex Osbourne are flung into the worlds of academia, the theatre and publishing. Nothing is quite as it seems, and behind the cheerful facades of puppets and comic books, is a troubled history has begun to repeat itself.Trade ReviewAll the wit and clever plotting fans of Christie could want. * My Weekly Special *The ever-witty McPherson has outdone herself in the latest instalment of the Dandy Gilver adventures. This fast-paced book filled with twists, turns and gripping characters will keep you guessing and engaged from the beginning. * Scottish Field *There is a lot to recommend in Catriona McPherson's stylish detective series featuring Dandy Gilver . . . the real joy of the novel is the characters and how they cope with a fast-changing society. * Scotsman *The historical detail is pin sharp. * Yorkshire Post *

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Book Synopsis'Authentic social history at the birth of the NHS, an intriguing murder, a strong and convincing central character, and McPherson's wonderful story-telling skills make this a very classy mystery' ANN CLEEVES'A hauntingly atmospheric weaving of social history and layered mystery, with a gutsy heroine determined to deliver justice. McPherson's writing is compelling, moving and memorable' SARAH YARWOOD-LOVETTHelen leaned close enough to fog the mirror with her breath and whispered, 'You, my girl, are a qualified medical almoner and at eight o'clock tomorrow morning you will be on the front line of the National Health Service of Scotland.' Her eyes looked huge and scared. 'So take a shake to yourself!''Edinburgh, 1948. Helen Crowther leaves a crowded tenement home for her very own office in a doctor's surgery. Upstart, ungrateful, out of your depth - the words of disapproval come at her from everywhere but she's determined to take her chance and play her part.She's barely begun when she stumbles over a murder and learns that, in this most respectable of cities, no one will fight for justice at the risk of scandal. As Helen resolves to find a killer, she's propelled into a darker world than she knew existed, hardscrabble as her own can be. Disapproval is the least of her worries now.IN PLACE OF FEAR is a gripping new historical crime novel that is both enthralling and entertaining, and perfect for fans of AJ Pearce and Nicola Upson.Readers love IN PLACE OF FEAR:'What a wonderful book this is!''I loved [it] ... Helen is another cracker of a heroine from McPherson and I hope to read much more of her story in future''Historical crime from a talented pen. Intriguing and compelling in equal measure''An excellent read'Trade ReviewA hauntingly atmospheric weaving of social history and layered mystery, with a gutsy heroine determined to deliver justice. McPherson's writing is compelling, moving and memorable * Sarah Yarwood-Lovett *

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Book Synopsis'Incredible! A vividly told mystery, perfect for fans of Jane Harper' ALLIE REYNOLDS, AUTHOR OF SHIVER'A triumphant debut' ROSE CARLYLE'Intriguing and compelling. Shelley Burr is a bright new talent' CHRIS HAMMEREVERYBODY THINKS THEY KNOW MINA McCREERY.EVERYONE HAS A THEORY ON WHAT HAPPENED TO HER SISTER.NOW IT'S TIME TO FIND OUT THE TRUTH...Mina McCreery's sister Evelyn disappeared nineteen years ago. Her life has been defined by the intense public interest in the case. Now an anxious and reclusive adult, she lives alone on her family's destocked sheep farm.When Lane, a private investigator, approaches her with an offer to reinvestigate the case, she rejects him. The attention has had nothing but negative consequences for her and her family, and never brought them closer to an answer.Lane wins her trust when his unconventional methods show promise, but he has his own motivations for wanting to solve the case, and his obsession with the answer will ultimately risk both their lives.Superbly written, taut and compassionate, Wake looks at what can happen when people's private tragedies become public property, and the ripples of trauma that follow violent crimes. Wake won the CWA Debut Dagger in 2019.Trade ReviewIncredible! A vividly told mystery, perfect for fans of Jane Harper * Allie Reynolds, author of SHIVER *A triumphant debut * Rose Carlyle *Intriguing and compelling. Shelley Burr is a bright new talent * Chris Hammer *Atmospheric, tense, poignant - the most gripping cold case investigation I've read in a long time. SUPERB * Will Dean *It is hard to believe WAKE is a first novel. Plot, pacing and characterisation are so finely judged that it feels more like the work of a past master. The tension builds, and the revelations keep coming, right until the final page where a thrilling climax combines horror, relief and hope * The Times *WAKE is a stunning, masterfully written debut novel, its remote, bleak locations adding tension to an atmospheric and compelling mystery that is hard to put down * Sunday Express *We devoured this stunningly drawn, deeply compelling mystery in one day * Crime Monthly *I guarantee you will feel exhausted and satisfied as the end of this remarkable book is reached. WAKE has more twists and turns than the usual novel and it is very tempting to make your own suppositions as to the end of the book, but it has a brilliant denouement. In fact the book itself is an impressive achievement for a debut novel and I'll be searching out whatever Shelley Burr writes next * On Magazine *Sinuous and spellbinding, this debut from a young Australian civil servant comes with a big reputation, which it richly deserves. Intense, evocative and with two characters to move the soul, it deserves to be a hit. It's sensational * Daily Mail *A cracking debut * Peterborough Telegraph *An outstanding first novel . . . Burr writes clear-sightedly about the corrosive effect of suspicion on people who have achieved a horrible kind of fame, forced on them by events beyond their control * The Sunday Times *This outstanding debut . . . With a slow build and complex characters, this is both a well-plotted, gripping mystery and a sensitive exploration of the aftermath of trauma * The Guardian *My crime novel of the year so far, a moving depiction of the pain that a mysterious disappearance can wreak on those left behind -- Sarah Vine’s Female Half Hour Summer Books Special * Daily Mail *The plot builds slowly, but the tension never slackens in this forceful story of damage and retribution * Book Brunch *Australian newcomer Shelley Burr's sensitive exploration of the aftermath of trauma in a parched outback town * Guardian, Best Crime & Thrillers of 2022 *

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Book SynopsisSummer 1911. A scorching heatwave engulfs the quiet town of Littleton Cotterell and brings about an unusually early harvest. The villagers are thrilled, but events quickly turn sour when one of them turns up dead in an apple orchard, stabbed through the heart. Amateur sleuth Lady Hardcastle and her trusty lady’s maid, Flo, suddenly have a juicy case on their hands. Might the mysterious stranger they recently met in the village be to blame? When a second cider-related murder takes place, it quickly becomes clear that there’s more to these mysterious deaths than meets the eye. The daring duo uncover whispers of an ancient order and moonlit rituals. And evidence points to a macabre secret in the village stretching back years. A secret someone will do anything—anything at all—to keep hidden. Something is rotten, that’s for sure. With the local constabulary baffled, Lady Hardcastle and Flo must use all their powers of wit and whimsy to get to the bottom of the dastardly deed. But can they catch the killer before any more people drop dead?

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Book SynopsisLate October 1909, and the season of ghouls and things that go bump in the night has descended on the village of Littleton Cotterell. Lady Hardcastle and her trusted lady’s maid, Florence, find themselves hosting a colourful cast of actors whose spooky moving picture, The Witch’s Downfall, is being shown to mark Halloween. But things take a macabre turn when the first night’s screening ends with a mysterious murder, and the second night with another…One by one the actors turn up dead in ways that eerily echo their film. With the police left scratching their heads, Lady Hardcastle calls upon her amateur sleuthing skills to launch an investigation, with Flo’s able assistance. Surrounded by suspects both human and supernatural, Lady Hardcastle must use a little trickery of her own to unmask the murderer.

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Book SynopsisThe end of summer in the Hamptons means crisp autumn air, cozy knit sweaters—and an unsolvable mystery?Antonia Bingham, chef and proprietor of the Windmill Inn, is looking forward to baking goodies for her customers and relaxing after a busy summer. But when a Labor Day visit by two slick Wall Streeters ends with their gruesome deaths in a summer rental house, Antonia gets pulled into the murder investigation!Soon she's wading through social media, the local nightclub scene, and other unfamiliar haunts of the young and glamorous, all while managing her inn and restaurant. And the timing couldn't be worse: Nick Darrow, Antonia's movie star crush, is back in town and ready for a commitment... while the arrival of Antonia's sinister ex-husband threatens to bring everything crashing down.In this installment of Carrie Doyle's cozy and delicious Hamptons Murder Mystery series, the high season may be over, but Antonia has never been busier: juggling work, recipes, love, and crime—and fighting for her own life!

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Book SynopsisAn atmospheric and gripping mystery set in the beautiful Highlands of Scotland from Lady Antonia Fraser's Jemima Shore series.'I warned you, Jemima Shore, things up here are seldom all they seem . . .'The body of a young man has been found floating in a pool on a remote island in the Scottish Highlands. It just happens to be the island that TV reporter Jemima Shore has rented for a holiday - a holiday that is rapidly falling apart. Confronted with a foreboding stone house, a bitter family feud and cryptic warnings from locals Jemima begins to regret her choice.It is only when another body is found tangled in weeds in the river she begins to realize she has become caught up in something very dark indeed. As she tries to fight her attraction to a suspect, Jemima struggles to work out just who she can trust. In this lonely spot it seems that nobody is quite as they first appear...Trade ReviewA judicious mixture of puzzle, excitement, and terror ... [the story] is written with humour and sympathy and has a heroine of whom, happily, it is promised that we shall know moreFraser writes with fluent flair - SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

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Book SynopsisHernia''s fourth Billy Goat Gruff Festival is derailed by murder and a series of outrageous pranks in this hilariously entertaining cozy mystery filled with quirky characters - the latest delectable offering in the longrunning Pennsylvania-Dutch mystery series featuring the irrepressible Magdalena Yoder.The annual Billy Goat Gruff Festival is the undisputed highlight of Hernia''s social calendar. But when Magdalena Yoder, village mayor and owner of the PennDutch Inn, had the brainwave four years ago, little did she realize that it would soon attract visitors from far and wide - even Australia, as the unexpected arrival of Gabe''s long-lost cousin, Miriam, at the inn confirms.Unfortunately, the shock of Miriam''s one-legged appearance is soon usurped by a gruesome discovery, followed by a series of bizarre pranks as the festivities take place. As chaos ensues, Magdalena is spurred into finding a killer. But is the festival really the target, or is it Magdalena herself?A deliciously laugh-out-loud, kooky culinary cozy full of unexpected twists that will entertain and intrigue from start to finish, perfect for fans of Diane Mott Davidson.

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Book Synopsis'WALKER'S FINEST YET ... A FIRST-RATE MYSTERY' - Entertainment WeeklyBruno, Chief of Police, investigates when a body is found floating in the river showing marks of Satanism. France's favourite cop must track down a murderer while quelling his town's superstitious fears in this page-turning mystery, part of an internationally bestselling series.It is springtime France's Périgord, a time of beauty and calm. But not for Bruno, chief of police of the small town of St Denis. A woman's body has been found on a boat, bearing signs of a black magic ritual. Bruno has too much on his plate as it is - mediating a domestic abuse case that needs careful handling and a dodgy local development proposal that seems just too good to be true. But a murder case must take precedent and the roots of this one lie buried deep in the past - linked to a chateau above a bend in the river, to the reclusive old woman who lives there, and to the secret hidden in the Devil's Cave.Trade ReviewIf you're looking for some engaging entertainment as a beach read or for a wet afternoon then you're unlikely to go far wrong * Bookbag *The irresistible Bruno ... leaping up mountains and plunging into caves as he prevents various ingenious crimes and plots from upsetting the traditional way of life in St Denis * Literary Review *A page turning thriller ... well crafted and enjoyable * Tribune *Makes for pleasant holiday reading with its panoramic picture of life in all those Dordogne towns and hamlets * Shotsmag *The book's darker edges are balanced out by a likeable main character and Walker's obvious love for and understanding of French country life is obvious in every page * Irish Examiner *Walker's finest yet, a first-rate mystery * Entertainment Weekly *

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Book Synopsis'WALKER BRINGS TO LIFE A COMPLETE COMMUNITY AND THE CHIEF OF POLICE WHO IS ITS PROTECTOR, TEACHER AND FRIEND' - Literary ReviewIn rural Dordogne, Bruno, Chief of Police, knows that WW2 casts the longest shadow. Rare bank notes are found, linking to the famous Neuvic train robbery of 1944 in the sixth internationally-bestselling case for France's favourite cop.In the small town of St Denis, Bruno, can't get a moment's rest. Some rare bank notes have come to light that may have links to the legendary Neuvic train robbery in 1944. The investigation is fraught with issues. Bruno is also dealing with a wave of local burglaries, which have brought his old flame, Isabelle - and their complicated history - back to the town. Worse is to come. Tasked with piecing together these past crimes, Bruno now finds he has the more pressing matter of a body on his hands. He must now trace the links between past and present to restore peace in his beloved town of St Denis.

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Book SynopsisEver so wholesome. Ever so deadly... When art restorer Astrid Swift moved from London to the Dorset village of Hanbury, she thought she was heading for a quiet life. Far from it. A local man has just been murdered in the English Trust stately home where Astrid works, and the sleepy community is shaken to its core. Soon Astrid has discovered the shocking truth about her employer: rather than being the genteel organisation it seems on the surface, the Trust is a hotbed of politics and intrigue. As Astrid's new friend Kath from the village says: 'It's like the mafia, but with scones.' As the suspicious deaths mount up, Astrid must use every gadget in her restorer's toolkit to solve the mystery, salvage her reputation – and maybe even save her life. Thrilling, funny and unputdownable, The Trust is perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Robert Thorogood and Clare Chase. Praise for The Trust: 'Feelgood fun.' The Times 'I romped through The Trust... A cosy debut set in a house brimming with secrets... An enchanting murder mystery.' Janice Hallett, author of The Appeal 'Macabre murders, quirky characters and delightful settings combine in a way that would make Midsomer proud.' Crime Fiction Lover 'A feisty heroine, an ingenious plot and a cast of quirky characters that soon feel like your best friends, make The Trust a cozy crime to savour.' Merryn Allingham, author of The Bookshop Murder 'Intelligent and gently humorous, with a suitably eccentric cast of characters.' M S Morris, author of the Bridget Hart booksTrade ReviewFeelgood fun * The Times *A feisty heroine, an ingenious plot and a cast of quirky characters that soon feel like your best friends, make The Trust a cozy crime to savour -- Merryn AllinghamIntelligent and gently humorous, with a suitably eccentric cast of characters -- M S MorrisMacabre murders, quirky characters and delightful settings combine in a way that would make Midsomer proud * Crime Fiction Lover *I romped through The Trust... A cosy debut set in a house brimming with secrets... An enchanting murder mystery -- Janice Hallett, author of The AppealIt should be read in one sitting either by a lazy river or a roaring pub fire. Difficult to put down -- Bill GoodallI'd recommend this for a cosy, quick read * Yours *

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Book SynopsisIt''s Halloween, and café owner Maggie Miller''s special pumpkin spice beignet promotion is proving popular. But the evening ends in disaster when Maggie discovers the body of one of her regular customers, strangled to death with an expensive cashmere scarf.The late Nancy Alverson had tended to keep herself to herself - but what secrets was she hiding? And why had she been studying books on witchcraft?Of one thing Maggie is certain, it was no witch who killed Nancy. But has someone taken advantage of the spookiest night of the year to commit a brutal murder . . .?

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Book SynopsisPREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AS CHILDREN OF WAR'SO LIKEABLE IS BRUNO AND SO CONVINCING HIS MILIEU THAT I WAS DESPERATE FOR MORE ... FORMIDABLE!' Independent on SundayBruno, Chief of Police, France's favourite cop, is under pressure once again in this internationally bestselling series. He's investigating a murder - but it's one his bosses would rather he left well alone...Bruno, Chief of Police in the charming French town of St Denis, is already busy with a case when the body of an undercover French Muslim cop is found in the woods, a man who called Bruno for help only hours earlier. But Bruno's sometime boss and rival, the Brigadier, doesn't see this investigation as a priority - there are bigger issues at stake. Bruno has other ideas. Meanwhile, a Muslim youth named Sami turns up at a French army base in Afghanistan hoping to get home to St Denis. One of Bruno's old army comrades helps to smuggle Sami back to France, but the FBI aren't far behind. Then an American woman appears in St Denis with a warrant for Sami's extradition. Bruno must unravel these multiple mysteries, amidst pressure from his bosses, and find his own way to protect his town and its people.

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Book SynopsisAt the heart of French gastronomy lies the famed black truffle of the Perigord. But France's truffles are being adulterated with cheaper ones from China, and it seems that Chinese organised crime is behind the fraud. The third internationally bestselling case for Bruno, Chief of Police. In St Denis market, a Vietnamese family has been selling their dishes for years, until their stall is wrecked by attackers who look Chinese. Again it appears that organised crime is behind the outrage, firing the opening shots of a Viet-Chinese triad war. When vicious murder, illegal immigration and the importation of underage girls for prostitution are added to the mix, Bruno has his work cut out to keep St Denis from tearing itself apart.Trade ReviewSo likeable is Courreges and so convincing his milieu, that I was desperate for more Bruno as soon as Black Diamond's brisk and brutal conclusion came... C'est formidable * Independent on Sunday *There are truffles to gather and market days to attend, as well as a sumptuous funeral banquet for a murdered truffle master that surpasses any meal cooked up thus far in a series that always makes your mouth water * International Herald Tribune *Done with elegance, intelligence and a touch of steel to ensure that the books never turn into a twee portrayal of rural life * Reviewing the Evidence *Luscious rural French caper * Sunday Mirror *[T]hat the novel manages to avoid lapsing into a familiar description of sleepy provincial French life can be attributed to the broader, timely issues that the author has chosen to address: immigration, fraud and political corruption. * Times Literary Supplement *Martin Walker spins a surprising and compelling mystery, laced with charm and a deep knowledge and love of France, past and present. It is a combination that will win him many fans * Waterstones,com *

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Book SynopsisPianist Max Silento has been murdered, but who did it? It wasn’t Scarlet – she would have made it look like a death of natural causes, and then DI Ronnie Twist and her sergeant, Luke Carter, wouldn’t be poking around. Scarlet would do almost anything for retired judge Ada, but going to jail was never part of the bargain. Unable to confide in her manipulative employer and benefactor, Scarlet knows one of her new-found family must be to blame… but what could the motive possibly be? Who is the killer in the seemingly perfect Rosewood family? As the police net closes in around her, Scarlet puts her home-grown detective skills to use in a race against time to uncover the killer before she is arrested herself. Set in the market town of Beverley, this is the second Twist in the Tale novel.

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Book SynopsisWhen Tia reluctantly agrees to look after Bindu, her peevish, grumpy granddaughter, during half term, the last thing that she expects is to spend the week unravelling the theft of a seventeenth century painting Head of a Girl, ‘Hedova’. Hoping to start a new and more exciting life, Robert sets himself up as an art thief. His first target? A picture from the Whitler Gallery, where Tia and her recently widowed colleague Douglas work. Follow Douglas and Tia, an unlikely detective duo, as they investigate the theft and race frantically across the city to prevent the painting from being destroyed. Can Robert prove that he’s got what it takes to embark on a life of crime? And can Tia and Douglas save Hedova? What’s Going on at The Whitler? is a gentle detective story with elements of humour and fantasy, all punctuated by commentary from a Greek chorus of talking portraits for a unique twist.

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Book SynopsisTimes are changing in Pickax: a new senior centre is in the works and a production of CATS is set to delight Moose County residents; Polly Duncan is off to Paris, leaving Qwill without a companion for his apple barn concerts; and The Librarians Who Lunch are showing their Art Hats to help unite Pickax with their Lockmaster County neighbours.Not to mention the conversion of the late Nathan Ledfield''s mansion into a charitable museum! With Mr Ledfield''s treasures being sold off to benefit needy children, the town is abuzz with excitement - until a mysterious death from a bee sting leaves everyone but Cool Koko in a state of confusion ...

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Book SynopsisA classic crime novel by Freeman Wills Crofts, The King of Detective Story Writers', featuring Inspector French, coming soon to television.When Morrison first heard of old Stott's idea to purchase an ocean liner and run her as a tourist ship in sheltered waters off the British Isles, he was most enthusiastic. In fact, he accepted a job on board. But when he discovered the true purpose of Stott's floating paradise, Morrison's delight turned to foreboding. And when murder struck the vessel, he wasn't alone. A certain Inspector from Scotland Yard had been travelling incognito, almost as if a nasty spot of trouble had been expectedTrade 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 “An extremely original story … Crofts is to be congratulated on yet another instance of his unfailing ingenuity.”Times Literary Supplement

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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 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 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 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 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 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 SynopsisRosie Strange doesn't believe in ghosts or witches or magic. No, not at all. It’s no surprise therefore when she inherits the ramshackle Essex Witch Museum, her first thought is to take the money and run. Still, the museum exerts a curious pull over Rosie. There’s the eccentric academic who bustles in to demand she help in a hunt for old bones, those of the notorious Ursula Cadence, a witch long since put to death. And there’s curator Sam Stone, a man about whom Rosie can’t decide if he’s tiresomely annoying or extremely captivating. It all adds up to looking like her plans to sell the museum might need to be delayed, just for a while. Finding herself and Sam embroiled in a most peculiar centuries-old mystery, Rosie is quickly expelled from her comfort zone, where to her horror, the secrets of the past come with their own real, and all too present, danger as a strange magic threatens to envelope them all.Trade Review'Dennis Wheatley meets Caitlin Moran.' * Starburst *‘Strange Magic is that rarest of things: a book which sets out unashamedly to entertain, and does so with wit, style, and erudition. I gleefully submitted to a tale of witchcraft, feminism, mysterious strangers, historical atrocities, plucky heroines and ghastly apparitions – and came away more proud than ever to be an Essex girl.’ * Sarah Perry, author of The Essex Serpent *‘Confident, down-to-earth Essex girl Rosie is an appealing character, and there is plenty of spooky fun in this spirited genre mashup.’ * Guardian *‘A brilliant beginning to a highly original new series. I promise, this book will hold you spellbound!’ * Crimesquad *‘A witty, whip-smart read that captivates the reader and conjures a plot full of danger, fun and romance…the characters are brilliant – relatable, real, witty and warm. The plot is a puzzling mystery that sweeps the reader along, and Moore's voice as a writer is one that will make the reader want to go out and buy her other books.’ * Bookbag *

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Book SynopsisThe first in a gripping new mystery series introducing Detective Tess Fox and her con-artist sister Sarah Jacobs'A tasty whodunnit' The Sun'Three deviously clever impossible crimes' Gigi Pandian, Edgar-award winning author'A real puzzle box of a story' J.M. Hall, author of a A Spoonful of Murder'An ending I never saw coming' Faith Martin, multi-million-copy selling authorDI Tess Fox's first murder scene has two big problems. One, the victim was thrown from the balcony of a flat locked from the inside. Two, Tess knows him.But the biggest problem of all is Tess's half-sister, Sarah. She has links to the deceased and has the skills and criminal background to mastermind a locked-room murder. But she's a con-artist, not a killer.When two more bodies turn up, Tess now has three locked room mysteries to solve and even more reason to be suspicious of Sarah. Can she trust someone who breaks the law for a living, even if she is family?Tropes???? Locked room?? Impossible crime?????? Multiple murdTrade Review’I was gripped’ Louise Jensen ‘Ingenious, fun and very different from so many of the crime books out there today’ Ajay Chowdhury 'J L Blackhurst… must have a degree in Fun Engineering… this book's got it all' the Morning Star ’Twisty, tricksy and whip-smart … crackles with tension and humour’ Marion Todd ’So original, so fresh and very funny’ T. Orr Munro ‘I loved this book! It’s deliciously complex – a mystery that really makes you think, with characters that refuse to be pigeonholed. I turned the last page and wanted more’ Imogen Clark ‘The perfect Summer Holiday Read. Filled with murders, twists, feuding sisters and a real heart’ Derek Farrell ‘Wowzers. It’s a brain-teasing, page turning, triple locked room puzzle of a read! Loved the fresh and unique detective and amateur sleuth duo. A total must-read!’ Steph Broadribb

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