Crime and mystery: hard-boiled crime, noir fiction

Book Synopsis'A cracking storyteller, who can create fascinating characters, a twisty plot and wonderful surprise endings' ANN CLEEVES There is more to solving a crime than following the clues. Welcome to Chief Inspector Gamache's world of facts and feelings. The discovery of a dead body in the woods on Thanksgiving Weekend brings Chief Inspector Armand Gamache and his colleagues from the Surete du Quebec to a small village in the Eastern Townships. Gamache cannot understand why anyone would want to deliberately kill well-loved artist Jane Neal, especially any of the residents of Three Pines - a place so free from crime it doesn't even have its own police force. But Gamache knows that evil is lurking somewhere behind the white picket fences and that, if he watches closely enough, Three Pines will start to give up its dark secrets... Ten million readers. Three pines One inimitable Chief Inspector Gamache 'One of the most interesting detectives in crime fiction' THE TIMESTrade ReviewClever, full of twists and turns . . . wonderfully satisfying * Kate Mosse on How The Light Gets In *Penny's elegant style is deeply satisfying, while Gamache is contemplative even when under pressure, and remains a man you want to spend time * Metro *Louise Penny twists and turns the plot expertly tripping the reader up just at the moment you think you might have solved the mystery * Daily Express *Brimming with atmosphere and steeped in soul-searching . . . Penny combines clever plotting with beautifully evocative descriptions and the deep affection for her characters that keeps readers travelling back to Three Pines for more * Daily Express on The Long Way Home *This is a crime novel that is rich in atmosphere with a fascinating array of characters that enhance a plot of great suspense and ingenuity * Good Book Guide on The Long Way Home *Subtle, elegant and beautifully written * Sunday Mirror on How The Light Gets In *

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Book SynopsisGangs of London meets Kimberley Chambers in this gripping thriller of betrayal and survival in a world where one mistake could cost you everything. YOU THINK YOU'RE FREE, BUT THEY'LL NEVER LET YOU LEAVE . . . Twenty years ago, Jon Kavanagh worked for a crime syndicate. Then one night he made a mistake.He left a witness at a crime scene. Alive. Now, he is haunted by the memories of that young girl. Her face a constant reminder of the life he chose to leave behind. Time has passed and now he wants answers: What ever happened to her?Anna Hill is an aspiring singer, but the bars and clubs she works in are far from exciting. When she is given the opportunity to work in Portugal, she takes it. This is her chance to finally kick-start her career. But the job offer comes at a price; one that will endanger the lives of those she knows, and those she doesn't. Becoming involved with the Syndicate is risky, and Anna will need her instincts to work out who to trust - and who not to . . .'One of my reads of the year' DAVID JACKSON'A gripping story that builds to a stunning conclusion. Kavanagh is a complex and original creation; a man haunted by his past and living on borrowed time' HOWARD LINSKEY'Truly sinuous suspense that when you think you've got it worked out, has a resolution that snaps back and bites' KATE BRADLEYTrade ReviewBrilliant characterisation and such a tense, winding plot. I loved the way Graham wove the story together * Lisa Hall *A damaged but engaging central character, sharp dialogue, twisty plot and great pay-off - The Syndicate has all the ingredients of an excellent thriller * Simon Brett *The Syndicate is a gripping story that builds to a stunning conclusion. GJ Minett's Kavanagh is a complex and original creation; a man haunted by his past and living on borrowed time * Howard Linksey *Captivating, cleverly written, unputdownable. I devoured The Syndicate in one night. Minett and crime at its finest * Rebecca Thornton *I absolutely loved it. I raced through this book. A beautifully written, character-focused novel that reminded me of George Pelecanos at his best. Definitely one of my reads of the year so far * David Jackson *Pacey, heart-stopping and poignant * Julie Corbin *'This is GJ Minett's best yet. Absorbing, nuanced and emotive. A superior thriller with a real sucker punch of a twist.' * Chris Whitaker *With Kavanagh, Minett has created the ultimate hero - dark, dangerous but with a depth of heart. If I was in trouble, I'd want Kavanagh in my corner. The Syndicate is a truly sinuous suspense that when you think you've got it worked out, has a resolution that snaps back and bites. More please * Kate Bradley *That rare type of novel that manages to be subtle, compassionate and with a real moral heart, but at the same time packed with enough twists and turns to the point you can't put it down. And Kavanagh is exactly my kind of hero - laconic, no-nonsense, but also credible and relatable - the sort of reluctant leading man that I can't get enough of. A really entertaining read, but made exceptional my the emotional punch it carries * Rod Reynolds *In The Syndicate, G.J Minett has brought us a compelling, intricately-plotted novel peopled with fascinating characters, particularly the brilliantly drawn Jon Kavanagh, in whose outcome I was completely invested throughout. The writing is superb, the story intriguing and what an ending. Wow! * Gill Thompson *A master of language and character, GJ Minett's The Syndicate is dark and treacherous with a real sting in its tail. * Sam Blake *What a thumping good book! And an absolute gem of a hallmark GJ Minett mystery thriller. Full of twists and turns and surprises, this particular story built to an emotive ending that I found enormously satisfying. A great story from a master storyteller. More please * C J Carver *A powerful psychological thriller, The Syndicate explores the physical and emotional scars that mould the character of a killer * Carolyn Kirby *This is an exciting, twisty novel from an author at the top of his game and in Jon Kavanagh he's created an intriguing lead character. The Syndicate is an excellent, page-turning read - one you won't want to put down * David Young *

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Book SynopsisThis dark and disturbingly compelling thriller from bestselling and prize-winning author Mo Hayder is not for the faint-hearted. Perfect for fans of Stephen King, Stuart MacBride and Karin Slaughter, it is one read you won''t be able to forget easily...''A first-class shocker . . . a frightening mix of forensics, thrills, analytical police work and poetic images.'' -- Guardian''Wickedly constructed . . . The detail, if you can stomach it, is fascinating.'' -- Daily Telegraph''Hayder''s vibrant narrative and crunchy characterisation propel the book along to its denouement with fearsome velocity'' -- The Times''WOW! This is one scary thriller, gripping from the first page to the last'' -- ***** Reader review''I was hooked!'' -- ***** Reader review''An exhilarating, but disturbing, read that has you on the edge of your seat from the get go'' -- ***** Reader rTrade ReviewNot for the faint-hearted... what sets Birdman apart is Hayder's talent * Sunday Express *A first-class shocker... a frightening mix of forensics, thrills, analytical police work and poetic images... a young writer in touch with her dark side and a major new talent * Guardian *Wickedly constructed... Her cast of suspects is the most spooky since Dickens... The detail, if you can stomach it, is fascinating * Daily Telegraph *Hayder's vibrant narrative and crunchy characterisation propel the book along to its denouement with fearsome velocity * The Times *

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Book SynopsisTHE TENSE NEW THRILLER FROM THE 'MASTER OF SINISTER' (ANGELA CLARKE), FOR FANS OF CHRIS CARTER.Tom Killgannon, ex-undercover police officer and now in witness protection, is recalled to active service by a local police task force, headed by DS Sheridan. His mission is to befriend notorious child killer Noel Cunningham and find out where he buried the bodies of his final two victims. The catch? Tom has to obtain that information from within Blackmoor prison itself.Undercover and with no back-up, Tom soon runs into danger. In the prison is convicted gangster Dean Foley. He used to run Manchester's biggest gang, until Tom's testimony put him away for life. He recognises Tom, and so begins a cat-and-mouse game as Tom fights for survival before Foley can get his revenge. But why can't Tom reach DS Sheridan and what is the real reason he has been sent to Blackmoor prison?'Waites is one of the best crime writers we have' MARK BILLINGHAM'Martyn Waites is already crime fiction royalty' STEVE CAVANAGH'A deftly-plotted thriller with a dark heart and a real emotional punch' SIMON KERNICK on The Old Religion'A guaranteed thrill-ride' SARAH PINBOROUGH on The Old ReligionTrade ReviewA deftly-plotted, gripping, pulse-racing rollercoaster of a thriller. If you haven't read Martyn Waites before, then you're in for a real treat. Stunning * Harlan Coben *I have to say I think it's his best yet. A proper page-turner, with a claustrophobic darkness to it and an excellent cast of characters. Get ye to thy local bookshop! * Stuart MacBride *Pacey but atmospheric, with a palpable sense of claustrophobia and menace * Laura Wilson, Guardian *I've long suspected that Martyn Waites belongs behind bars, and with this brilliant, pulse-raising, prison-set thriller, he's proved me right * Mick Herron *Waites brings all his storytelling talent and experience to this chilling tale . . . spectacular * Lee Child on The Old Religion *Authentically spooky, thrillingly atmospheric and unnervingly relevant. It reads like The Wicker Man for the Brexit era * Chris Brookmyre on The Old Religion *A raw, deftly-plotted thriller with a dark heart and a real emotional punch * Simon Kernick *A guaranteed thrill-ride * Sarah Pinborough on The Old Religion *One of the very best crime writers we have * Mark Billingham *I loved it. Every word. Superbly written, creepy as hell, and chilling to the bone. I can't recommend it highly enough! * Luca Veste on The Old Religion *Martyn Waites is crime fiction royalty * Steve Cavanagh *The Sinner is a dark, atmospheric thriller with an intriguing backstory that makes me want to seek out the first book in the series, and I always know a book and its characters have worked for me when that's the end result. * Crime Review *

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Book Synopsis'The best historical thriller I've read in twenty years' A.J. FinnTrade ReviewA remarkable debut novel * Sunday Times *A gripping, shocking read * The Times *This gripping historical thriller surely announces the arrival of a fine new European talent. Vivid and absorbing * Observer *The latest Scandi sensation * Sunday Times *Niklas Natt och Dag takes the contemporary Scandinavian crime story and gives it a startlingly gruesome historical twist . . . Natt och Dag spares us nothing, detailing horror after horror in his unflinchingly muscular prose * Guardian *Natt och Dag's description of the rattling, lung-shredding tubercular cough is truly hideous - a haunting portrait of physical disintegration that's not easy to forget * Dan Jones, Evening Standard *Swedish noir doesn't get much darker * Herald *A superbly detailed historical mystery * Irish Times *A well-depicted historical murder mystery filled with cruelty as well as warmth and humanity * Best Debut, Swedish Academy of Crime Writers' Award 2017 *A historical thriller that is unparalleled in suspense and literary quality. It's raw, beautiful, heartbreaking and extremely captivating until the very last page. The Wolf and the Watchman deserves a place among the classics of the genre * Erik Axl Sund, author of The Crow Girl *An unexpected masterpiece, a wild and unusual mix of genres that in one fell swoop succeeds in renewing the entire crime fiction genre * Arne Dahl, prize-winning and Swedish #1 bestselling author of the Sam Berger series *Brawny, bloody, intricate, enthralling - and the best historical thriller I've read in twenty years * A J Finn, #1 bestselling author of The Woman in the Window *This is a thrilling, unnerving, clever and beautiful story. Reading it is like giving a little gift to oneself * Fredrik Backman *An impressive thriller - well paced, well structured and deeply unsettling . . . political scheming and psychological angst, grand theories on the state of man, a fiendish masterplan and a love story all in one * TLS *

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Book SynopsisShortlisted for the CWA John Creasey New Blood Dagger 2023‘A rich, gut-punch of a crime thriller’ Ashley Audrain, Sunday Times bestselling author of The PushIt’s every mother’s worst fearOn a sun-hazed afternoon in the Florida Keys, a child goes missing from the beach. Dr Mirren Fitzpatrick appeals to the world to help find her eight-year-old adopted daughter. The family are on holiday from Ireland, far from home and desperate to return there as they arrived – together.Yet the police are immediately suspicious of Mirren. She was drinking at a bar – alone – shortly before reporting that her youngest child had disappeared. As rumours abound about Mirren’s past a trial-by-media ensues, and she is turned from a figure of pity to the villain of the piece.And then a small body is found dumped in the ocean. Is Mirren a heartbroken mother, or the architect of her daughter’s fate?A stunning debut from a brilliant new voice in Irish crime fiction, perfect for fans of Gillian Flynn and Ashley Audrain. Breaking will see readers question their own notions of motherhood, guilt and the inescapable consequences of the past.Praise for Breaking ‘This story draws you in immediately… There is a real freshness to Cassidy’s approach to storytelling. And the ending is as disturbing and moving as those opening beach-scene pages.’ Daily Mail‘Another great debut, this twisty crime thriller had me gripped from the very first page! A new voice in Irish crime fiction – an author to watch.’ Prima‘Delivers a confronting examination of maternal love and the expectations that weigh so heavily on women, even in their most unthinkably dark moments. In both pace and prose, Breaking is a hugely satisfying debut.’ Ashley Audrain‘I LOVED the story and the twists! Expert plotting and great characters made it an emotional read. It had me guessing throughout and kept me turning the pages at speed.’ Patricia Gibney, author of The Guilty Girl‘Wonderfully compelling and at times, painfully sharp. A searing interrogation of motherhood and media... this is a beautifully constructed and beguiling debut novel.’ Andrea Mara, author of All Her Fault‘Amanda Cassidy captures a mother’s guilt perfectly... this a compelling, intriguing and thoroughly engaging read. Amanda is a very talented new voice in Irish writing.’ Liz Nugent, author of Our Little Cruelties‘A contender for thriller of the year. Breaking dazzles from the opening line. Powerful, sharp and moving, with an ending that flabbergasts.’ Glenn Meade, author of Unquiet Ghosts‘Wonderfully tense and uneasy, Breaking is a complex exploration of what it means to be a mother and the history that haunts us. A gripping read.’ Louisa Scarr, author of Blink of an Eye‘This dazzling debut takes us inside a parent’s worst nightmare. Masterful story-telling, breakneck pacing and compelling characters kept me glued all the way to the explosive final pages and their disturbing revelations. Addictive, unnerving and utterly unmissable.’ Sophie White, author and Sunday Independent columnist‘Outstanding debut… What a brilliant novel.’ Sheila Bugler, author of You Were Always Mine

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Book Synopsis'Horrific, hilarious and often rather moving' THE TIMES 'The master of razor-sharp one liners. An absolute belter' - MANDASUE HELLER 'Brilliant. This is British crime writing at its best' - MARK EDWARDS ________________________________________ MY DAD SAYS BAD THINGS HAPPEN WHEN I BREAK IT... Daniel is looking forward to his birthday. He wants pie and chips, a big chocolate cake, and a comic book starring his favourite superhero. And as long as he follows The Rule, nothing bad will happen. Daniel will be twenty-three next week. And he has no idea that he's about to kill a stranger. Daniel's parents know that their beloved and vulnerable son will be taken away. They know that Daniel didn't mean to hurt anyone, he just doesn't know his own strength. They dispose of the body. Isn't that what any loving parent would do? But as forces on both sides of the law begin to close in on them, they realise they have no option but to finish what they started. Even if it means that others will have to die... Because they'll do anything to protect Daniel. Even murder. ________________________________________ 'Excellent as always. Grimy and heartbreaking in equal measure' - WILL CARVER 'A pacy, smart and darkly funny heartbreaker of a crime novel' - SUSI HOLLIDAY 'A stupendous piece of literary engineering' - JENNY O'BRIEN 'An intense and compelling read. Highly recommended' - LISA HALL 'David Jackson has done it again. The Rule is incredible' - NOELLE HOLTENTrade ReviewA cunning demonstration of the law of unintended consequences. It is horrific, hilarious and often rather moving * The Times *A stomach-lurching descent into parental desperation, full of surprises from start to finish. A gasp-out-loud read after which I dare you to break The Rule... -- Janice Hallett, author of THE APPEALThe master of razor-sharp one liners, David Jackson's The Rule is an absolute belter -- Mandasue Heller, bestselling author of BRUTALBrilliant. Spiralling tension, wit and heart, this is British crime writing at its best -- Mark Edwards, bestselling author of THE HOUSE GUESTI really enjoyed The Rule. Jackson doesn't do cosy thrillers. There is dark, ultra dark, and then there is The Rule. You've been warned -- Paul Finch, bestselling author of STRANGERSAn intense and compelling read, that will evoke complicated emotions in every reader. Highly recommended -- Lisa Hall, author of BETWEEN ME AND YOUExcellent as always. Grimy and heartbreaking in equal measure, peppered with Jackson's trademark wit and humour. May be his best yet -- Will Carver, bestselling author of GIRL 4Jackson is one of the finest British thriller writers... a thrilling, propulsive and ultimately heart-breaking tale of the lengths a father will go to in order to protect his family -- Martyn Waites, author of THE OLD RELIGIONA pacy, smart and darkly funny heartbreaker of a crime novel -- Susi Holliday, author of THE RESORTDavid Jackson has done it again. The Rule is incredible. Creepy, emotive, dark tense and disturbing -- Noelle Holten, bestselling author of DEAD AGAIN

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Book Synopsis'Louise Penny's writing is intricate, beautiful and compelling' PETER JAMESThere is more to solving a crime than following the clues.Welcome to Chief Inspector Gamache's world of facts and feelings.Winter in Three Pines, and the sleepy village is carpeted in snow. It's a time of peace and goodwill - until a scream pierces the biting air. A spectator at the annual Boxing Day curling match has been fatally electrocuted. Despite the large crowd, there are no witnesses and - apparently - no clues.Chief Inspector Armand Gamache discovers a history of secrets and enemies in the dead woman's past. But he has enemies of his own, and as he is frozen out of decision-making in the Surete du Quebec, he has to decide who he can trust...Ten million readers.Three pines.One inimitable Chief Inspector Gamache.'Penny is a joy' IRISH TIMESTrade ReviewLouise Penny's writing is intricate, beautiful and compelling. She is an original voice, a distillation of both PD James and Barbara Vine at their peaks and a worthy successor to both * Peter James *Full of twists and turns . . . Wonderfully satisfying * Kate Mosse on How the Light Gets In *Penny's elegant style is deeply satisfying, while Gamache is contemplative even when under pressure, and remains a man you want to spend time with * Metro *Impossible to put down * Globe and Mail on A Rule Against Murder *

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Book Synopsis'One of the best Nordic Noir writers' GuardianA trip behind the Iron Curtain would change their lives forever . . .It begins in 1969. Six young people arrive in Uppsala, Sweden. Different circumstances push the three young couples together and, over the course of a few years, they become friends. But a summer trip through Eastern Europe changes everything, and when their time at Uppsala University is over it also signals the end of something else.Years later, a lecturer at Lund University is found dead at the bottom of a cliff in the woods close to Kymlinge. And chillingly, it is the very same spot where one of the Uppsala students died thirty-five years before.Detective Inspector Gunnar Barbarotti takes on this ominous case of history repeating itself, and is forced to confront an increasingly grave reality.The Lonely Ones is the fourth novel of Håkan Nesser’s quintet about Inspector Gunnar Barbarotti.Trade ReviewThe godfather of Swedish crime * Metro *A master of suspense * Sunday Times *One of the best Nordic Noir writers * Guardian *One of Sweden's best crime writers * Mail on Sunday *

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Book SynopsisMike Hammer, the iconic PI created by hard-boiled crime master Mickey Spillane and written by New York Times bestseller Max Allan Collins, returns in Masquerade for Murder. After Mike Hammer witnesses Wall Street superstar Vincent Colby getting clipped by a speeding red Ferrari, the shaken victim's stockbroker father hires Hammer to find the driver. But the toughest private eye of them all soon is caught up in a series of bizarre, seemingly unconnected slayings marked by a forbidden martial arts technique. What do a lovely redhead, a short-tempered bartender, an exotic call girl, a murdered police inspector and a movie stuntman have to do with a scheme that might have transformed young Colby into a psychological time bomb?Trade Review“For readers of a younger age, Collins may become as synonymous with the Hammer character as Spillane was and is for seasoned fans. If that happens, it will be because he has earned it. My guess is that Spillane, if he were alive, would be overjoyed by that occurrence. Read MASQUERADE FOR MURDER and see why.” —BookReporter “Spillane fans will be pleased to see how well Collins captures the brash tone but everyman personality of the latter-day Hammer without trying to imitate the character’s infamous vigilante crusades of earlier years. Spillane (1918–2006) would be proud of how well Collins has maintained his legacy.” —Publishers Weekly “Honestly, having writer Max Allan Collins turn in another Mike Hammer novel in this Legacy series is like our enjoying the gift that never stops giving...Blood flows as is the norm in any Hammer caper with a conclusion we soundly approved of. We think you will too.” —Pulp Fiction Reviews “Collins at his best, vintage Hammer, and indistinguishable from classic Mickey Spillane–as if Spillane never really left.” —Borg.com, Best of 2020 “One-time king of American pulp fiction Mickey Spillane left a stock of literary fragments for Max Allan Collins to expand into full-length novels. And a first-rate job he makes of it.” —Daily Mail

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Book SynopsisWHEN THE FAIR COMES TO TOWN, A KILLER'S GAME BEGINS...'One hell of a ride' - THE TIMES'Revelatory' - VAL MCDERMID'A must-read' - JANICE HALLETT'A genuine triumph' - IAN MOORE'What more could a reader ask for?' - JOHN CONNOLLY'A thrilling helter-skelter' - SARAH PINBOROUGH'A fantastically gothic thriller' - SJ WATSON'An absolute cracker' - T.M. LOGAN'A first-class thriller' - CHRIS WHITAKER'A blisteringly new brand of hero' - SARAH HILARY'Agatha Christie meets Se7en' - TINA BAKER'Furiously-paced and full of twists' - ALEX SMITH'Addictively dark' - HEAT_________________________________________Scott Jericho thought he'd worked his last case. Fresh out of jail, the disgraced former detective is forced to seek refuge with the fairground family he once rejected.Then a series of bizarre murders comes to light - deaths that echo a century-old fairground legend. The police can't connect the victims. But Jericho knows how the legend goes; that more murders are certain to follow.As Jericho unpicks the deadly mystery, a terrifying question haunts him. As a direct descendant of one of the victims in the legend, is Jericho next on the killer's list?From the award-winning author of The Outrage comes Killing Jericho, the gothic, helter-skelter thriller debut that introduces crime fiction's first ever Traveller detective, Scott Jericho.What readers are saying about the most exciting thriller of 2023:'I read it all in one go just could not bear to put it down' ***** Liz W, Netgalley'A perfect thriller' ***** Kyle W, Netgalley'Simply stunning' ***** Bev H, Netgalley'Holy ****, this is good!' ***** Marieke D, Netgalley'Full of mystery and suspense with twists that kept me guessing' Aria H, Netgalley

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Book SynopsisUnbury our Dead With Song is a novel about four talented Ethiopian musicians - The Diva, The Corporal, the Taliban Man and Miriam, who are competing to see who can sing the best Tizita (popularly referred to as Ethiopian blues). Taking place in an illegal boxing hall in Nairobi, Kenya, the competition is covered by a US educated Kenyan journalist, John Thandi Manfredi, who writes for a popular tabloid, The National Inquisitor. He follows the musicians back to Ethiopia in order to learn more about the Tizita and their lives. As he learns more about the Tizita and the multiple meanings of beauty, he uncovers that behind each of the musicians, there are layered lives and secrets. A love letter to African music, beauty and imagination.Trade ReviewThe tale of the Tizita is the essence which binds the story, but as you turn the pages, stratums of Africa are revealed in all their beauty, cruelty and hope. If you are someone who is stirred by the sound of a song, or feel an ache in your heart over a farewell, and you enjoy a well-crafted and honest book - please put this one on your reading list. The New African

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Book SynopsisInspired by a true story, set against the heady backdrop of jazz-filled, mob-ruled New Orleans, The Axeman’s Jazz by Ray Celestin is a gripping thriller announcing a major talent in historical crime fiction.Winner of the CWA New Blood Dagger for Best Debut Crime Novel of the YearRecommended on the Radio 2 Arts Show with Claudia WinklemanShortlisted for Theakston's Crime Novel of the Year AwardNew Orleans, 1919. As a dark serial killer – the Axeman – stalks the city, three individuals set out to unmask him:Detective Lieutenant Michael Talbot – heading up the official investigation, but struggling to find leads, and harbouring a grave secret of his own.Former detective Luca d’Andrea – now working for the mafia, his need to solve the mystery of the Axeman is every bit as urgent as that of the authorities.And Ida – a secretary at the Pinkerton Detective Agency. Obsessed with Sherlock Holmes and dreaming of a better life, she stumbles across a clue which lures her and her musician friend, Louis Armstrong, into the case – and into terrible danger . . .As Michael, Luca and Ida each draw closer to discovering the killer’s identity, the Axeman himself will issue a challenge to the people of New Orleans: play jazz, or risk becoming the next victim.'A fascinating portrait of a vibrant and volatile city and a riveting read' – GuardianThe Axeman's Jazz is the first book in Ray Celestin's prize-winning City Blues quartet. It is followed by the second installment, Dead Man's Blues.Trade ReviewA rewarding crime novel, swinging its way to a terrifying denouement with all the panache of a New Orleans marching band * The Times *A fascinating portrait of a vibrant and volatile city and a riveting read * Guardian *Gripping . . . Celestin smartly evokes the atmosphere of 1919 New Orleans, and a city dominated by music and the mob * Sunday Times *Based on a true story . . . this thriller blends voodoo, gangsters and jazz into an intoxicating mix * Sunday Mirror *The evocative prose brings the jazz-filled, mob-ruled ‘Big Easy’ of pre-prohibition America to life in glorious effect with a story full of suspense and intrigue. Stunning * Sunday Express *Outstanding * Daily Telegraph *A clever and utterly believable procedural with a suitably grisly killer, set in a brilliant and vibrant historical background * Crime Review *The best debut I’ve read this year * Scotsman, Crime Books of the Year *Celestin has skilfully woven around the facts a clever story of three detectives who, in different ways and for different motives, set out to find the murderer. He brilliantly portrays the mood of a city under a siege of fear. Fictional musicians mix with the real jazz artists of the period, not least Louis Armstrong. * The Times, Crime Books of the Year *An absolute must for true crime fanatics * Refinery29 *

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Book SynopsisThe character Sam Spade is now the subject of a brand new TV series, MONSIEUR SPADE, starring Clive Owen.One of the greatest crime novels of the 20th century.''His name remains one of the most important and recognisable in the crime fiction genre. Hammett set the standard for much of the work that would follow'' IndependentSam Spade is hired by the fragrant Miss Wonderley to track down her sister, who has eloped with a louse called Floyd Thursby. But Miss Wonderley is in fact the beautiful and treacherous Brigid O''Shaughnessy, and when Spade''s partner Miles Archer is shot while on Thursby''s trail, Spade finds himself both hunter and hunted: can he track down the jewel-encrusted bird, a treasure worth killing for, before the Fat Man finds him?Trade ReviewDashiell Hammett's crime thriller and its hard-boiled hero Sam Spade influenced everyone from Chandler to Le Carré ... The Maltese Falcon is the Hammett novel that jumps from the pages of its genre and into literature * GUARDIAN *His name remains one of the most important and recognisable in the crime fiction genre. Hammett set the standard for much of the work that would follow * INDEPENDENT *One of the foremost practitioners of the hard-boiled detective story * THE SCOTSMAN *The dean of the school of hard-boiled fiction * NEW YORK TIMES *He put these people down on paper as they are, and he made them talk and think in the language they customarily used -- Raymond ChandlerHe is master of the detective novel, yes, but also one hell of a writer * BOSTON GLOBE *The first fully "hard-boiled" hero in American letters * NEW YORKER *

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Book SynopsisIt''s a race against time to find a teenager missing on the mean streets of Boston, in this hardboiled mystery featuring Andy Roark, Vietnam veteran turned Private Investigator.As good as, and maybe even better, than Robert Parker or Dennis Lehane, Peter Colt''s Andy Roark is my new favorite sleuth - International aid worker, journalist and writer Roberta Gately, author of the Jessie Novak mysteriesStrong mystery . . . Colt plays fair with the reader before the satisfying reveal Publishers WeeklyBoston, 1985. Private Investigator Andy Roark left the military behind years ago, but his past comes flooding back when he''s hired by an old army buddy who''s worried about his rebellious teenage daughter''s safety. There are bonds of blood between Roark and the highly-decorated Lieutenant Colonel Dave Billings, forged in the steamy Vietnamese jungle, and some debts aren''t easy to forget.W

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Book SynopsisAll they want for Christmas is you . . . 'This should be on every crime reader's Christmas wish list' CHRIS WHITAKER, bestselling author of We Begin at the EndTrade Review'This is a cracking Christmas read with a twist at the end that blew my mind. The story is fast-moving and I enjoyed getting to know the characters. I very much look forward to the next book by this author,' ALEX PINE, bestselling author of the DCI James Walker festive crime series. ‘Deceptively dark and unsettling – a perfect read for those winter nights. The countdown to Christmas has never been so terrifying. The Killer’s Christmas List is complex, multi-layered and hugely entertaining’ MARION TODD, bestselling author of the DI Clare Mackay series ‘Pacy and intriguing, this is a chillingly clever tale of Christmas slaying you’ll not want to miss’ BRIAN McGILLOWAY, bestselling author of the Lucy Black series ‘A truly killer Christmas chiller. You’ll need ice in your veins to reach the stunning, twisting finale’ CHRIS WHITAKER, bestselling author of We Begin at the End 'Wow, what a Christmas cracker of a book! Such a clever, twisty plot, with realistic, sympathetic characters. I hope this is the first in a series' JO CALLAGHAN, author of In the Blink of an Eye ‘Your own list won't be complete this year without this sharp, creepy thriller’ CALLUM McSORLEY, award-winning author of Squeaky Clean ‘Frost has that knack for keeping you on the edge of your seat, scared witless while still wanting to read on’ JONATHAN WHITELAW, award-winning author of The Village Hall Vendetta ‘Absolutely brilliant! This adrenaline-fuelled rollercoaster rattles along at break-neck speed then, just as you think you’ve got it, tilts you right out of your seat’ RUSS THOMAS, bestselling author of the DS Adam Tyler series ‘A gripping, pacy police procedural with a cast of complex characters and a surprise finale. If you’re after a great festive read, do not miss this one’ MARI HANNAH, award-winning author of the DCI Kate Daniels series

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Book SynopsisSomeone took Daisy Mason . . .Someone you know.--------''The last twist was a genuine stroke of genius'' John Marrs''A mazey, gripping read'' Ian Rankin''Compulsive'' Emma Kavanagh Last night, eight-year-old Daisy Mason disappeared from a family party. No one in the quiet suburban street saw anything - or at least that''s what they''re saying. DI Adam Fawley is trying to keep an open mind. But he knows the nine times out of ten, it''s someone the victim knew. That means someone is lying... And that Daisy''s time is running out.The first twisty, up-all-night thriller from the Sunday Times bestselling Cara Hunter. For fans of Shari Lapena, Claire Douglas and Lisa Jewell.--------Authors can''t get enough of Close to Home''One of the best crime thrillers I have ever read'' Kathryn Croft, The Lying WifTrade ReviewA pro, with admirable command of pace and rising tension * The Times *A breathtaking denouement * Sunday Times *Hunter keeps her readers guessing until the last page * Daily Express *I absolute loved how [Close to Home] was written - reminding me of the TV programme Broadchurch. A fast-paced, twisty-turny debut that had me dying to know whodunnit -- Mel Sheratt

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Book SynopsisLooking for a psychological drama which will have you gripped? Then you will love the unmissable The Intruder from best-selling author J.A. BakerA fragile woman. An unwelcome intruder. A house full of secretsFaye and her husband Hugh have had a traumatic year. Wanting to start again, the couple decides to move to Cross House, hoping to leave the past behind them.However, the tranquillity of Cross House is soon ruined when Faye begins to wake, every night, to the sound of somebody creeping around the bedroom. She tries to explain it to Hugh, frightened for the safety of their children, but Hugh dismisses her claims, thinking she is heading for another breakdown.Obsessed with finding answers, Faye uncovers secrets about the Wentworth family who lived in the house before them. But when she discovers the tragic fate of the Wentworths, Faye starts to wonder if the intruder might be closer to home than she first thought. And if so, Faye could be in mortal danger…J.A. Baker is the best-selling author of Local Girl Missing, The Last wife and The Woman in the Woods.What people are saying about J.A. Baker...'Superbly written with a cast of crazy characters who will make you look differently at your co-workers from now on.’ Bestselling author Valerie Keogh'Fast-paced, riveting thriller. Gripped until the last page!' Bestselling author Diana Wilkinson'A twisty, creepy story expertly told. Perfect for reading on dark winter evenings…with the doors double-locked and bolted. Highly recommended!' Bestselling author Amanda JamesPlease Note, this book was previously published as The Uninvited

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Book Synopsis**THE THRILLING SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER**'If only all history mysteries could be as good as The Midnight Hour' The TimesAn old man lies dead and it looks like poison, but his wife isn't the only one who had reason to kill him. Brighton, 1965When theatrical impresario Bert Billington is found dead in his retirement home, no one suspects foul play. But when the postmortem reveals that he was poisoned, suspicion falls on his wife, eccentric ex-Music Hall star Verity Malone. Frustrated by the police response to Bert's death and determined to prove her innocence, Verity calls in private detective duo Emma Holmes and Sam Collins. This is their first real case, but as luck would have it they have a friend on the inside: Max Mephisto is filming a remake of Dracula, starring Seth Billington, Bert's son. But when they question Max, they feel he isn't telling them the whole story.Emma and Sam must vie with the police to untangle the case and bring the killer to justice. They're sure the answers must lie in Bert's dark past and in the glamorous, occasionally deadly, days of Music Hall. But the closer they get to the truth, the more danger they find themselves in...***********PRAISE FOR THE MIDNIGHT HOUR 'An intricately plotted whodunnit' Daily Mail 'Griffiths writes with verve and wit' Irish Times'An entertaining period murder mystery' Irish Independent'Layered with a gripping plot' Belfast TelegraphA Sunday Times bestseller w/c 24/04/2022Trade ReviewBeneath the smooth, swan-like progression of Elly Griffith's sentences there is a lot going on. She is utterly in control of her material, and the machinations of the plot are never allowed to swamp character development, sense of place or the creation of atmosphere. She is a witty writer: the sturdy legs of a toddler on a swing, for example, are said to be "kicking the sky." If only all history mysteries could be as good as The Midnight Hour. * The Times *Griffiths writes with verve and wit, and has an unflaggingly keen eye . . . deliriously entertaining * Irish Times *An entertaining period murder mystery full of delightfully eccentric - and one decidedly deadly - luvvies * Irish Independent *Layered with a gripping plot ... very, very enjoyable' * Belfast Telegraph *An intricately plotted whodunnit * Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisFrom the Sunday Times bestselling authorTWO''S COMPANY, THREE''S MURDER''I loved it!'' GILLIAN McALLISTER''Nobody writes psychopaths like Swanson.'' MARK EDWARDSWhen private detective and former cop Henry Kimball is hired to investigate a cheating husband, he senses all is not quite what it seems, and before he knows it he's gotten far too close to the other woman.As the case rapidly gets ever more dangerous, he's forced to turn to the only person he can trust, the sociopathic Lily Kintner, the woman who once stabbed him, but with whom he shares a peculiar bond.Swanson has made me fall in love with plot twists again.' DOUG JOHNSTONEReaders are gripped by The Kind Worth Saving***** ''Definitely one of the best books of the year!''***** ''Wickedly delicious!''***** ''A thrilling, gripping book that will keep you on the edge of your seat.''***** ''Fantastically twisty''***** ''Wow, this was a nonstop whirlwind!''***** ''Oh my goodness I couldn't put it down''

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Book Synopsis'A wonderful addition to a fantastic series' ELLY GRIFFITHSThere is more to solving a crime than following the clues.Welcome to Chief Inspector Gamache's world of facts and feelings.When Armand Gamache receives a letter inviting him to an abandoned farmhouse outside of Three Pines, the former head of the Sûreté du Québec discovers that a complete stranger has named him as an executor of her will. The bequests are so wildly unlikely that he suspects the woman must have been delusional - until a body is found.But it isn't the only menace Gamache is facing. The investigation into the events that led to his suspension delves deeper, and he takes increasingly desperate measures to rectify previous actions. As he does, Gamache begins to see his own blind spots - and the terrible things hiding there . . .Ten million readers.Three pines.One inimitable Chief Inspector Gamache.'This gloriously shocking book grips from the very first page' DENISE MINATrade ReviewThis gloriously shocking book grips from the very first page and spans centuries and continents, worlds and underworlds. Louise Penny is one of the greatest crime writers of our times * Denise Mina *No one does atmospheric quite like Louise Penny. Kingdom of the Blind tackles some tough contemporary issues whilst retaining the timeless small-town charm of Three Pines. A wonderful addition to a fantastic series * Elly Griffiths *Kingdom of the Blind is an ingenious mystery that follows a thoughtful group of beloved characters navigating their way through a fallen world. What more could a mystery reader - or any reader for that matter - want? * Washington Post *Outstanding . . . a constantly surprising series that deepens and darkens as it evolves * New York Times *The premise is an intriguing one . . . I loved the setting. A welcome return to Three Pines and its inhabitants. * Scotland on Sunday *

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Book SynopsisBook 18 in the acclaimed and number one-bestselling Three Pines series featuring the beloved Chief Inspector Armand Gamache.It''s spring and Three Pines is re-emerging after the harsh winter. But not everything buried should come alive again. Not everything lying dormant should return. But something has. As the villagers prepare for a special celebration, Armand Gamache and Jean-Guy Beauvoir find themselves increasingly worried. A young man and woman have reappeared in the Sûreté du Québec investigators'' lives after many years. The two were young children when their troubled mother was murdered, leaving them damaged, shattered. Now they''ve arrived in the village of Three Pines. But to what end? Gamache and Beauvoir''s memories of that tragic case, the one that first brought them together, come rushing back. Did their mother''s murder hurt them beyond repair? Have those terrible wounds, buried for decades, festered and are now about toTrade ReviewIntriguing and chilling at the same time, up to the last page. Very well written - it will keep you on the edge of your seat. * Yours Magazine *The 18th title in the Gamache series, but newbies needn't worry about starting with Penny's chief inspector on a case that will stir up tragic memories and trigger fresh fears in the Quebec village of Three Pines. Look out for hidden messages, puzzles within puzzles, and some resonant ruminations on forgiveness and redemption * Mail on Sunday *Penny's thrillers, which combine chilling insights into the very worst of crimes with the humanity of her protagonist Gamache, remain as uniquely nail-biting and heartwarming as ever, and the author only looks set to pick up more readers now Amazon Prime has launched its much-anticipated adaptation of her books, Three Pines, starring Alfred Molina as the charismatic detective * The Guardian *Penny delves into the nature of evil, sensitively exploring the impact of the dreadful events she describes while bringing a warmth and humanity to her disparate cast of characters that, unusually for a crime novel, leaves you feeling better about the world once you've finished * The Observer *Praise for Louise Penny and The Madness of Crowds - Penny is on peak form... The Madness of Crowds is a grown-up, timely thriller that considers the nature of cowardice - "there's no peace without courage" - and how to find and defend "that spot between freedom and safety * The Times *Louise Penny is one of the greatest crime writers of our times -- Denise MinaShe makes most of her competitors seem like wannabes * The Times *Gamache has become to Canada what Hercule Poirot is to Belgium * New York Times *No one does atmospheric quite like Louise Penny . . . a fantastic series -- Elly GriffithsLouise Penny's writing is intricate, beautiful and compelling. She is an original voice, a distillation of both PD James and Barbara Vine at their peaks and a worthy successor to both -- Peter JamesA cracking storyteller, who can create fascinating characters, a twisty plot and wonderful surprise endings -- Ann CleevesIt's always a treat to spend a few days with Armand Gamache -- James Patterson[An] atmospheric, distinctive series * Kate Mosse *Enthralling...crime writing of the highest order * Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisThey climbed up from the streets of Glasgow to the top of the world. Now these Hollywood icons are heading for a fall. Twenty-five years ago, three friends from Glasgow shocked the world when they became Oscar-winning legends. But now, they are all fighting for survival.A-list actor Zander Leith has finally found happiness with his adored wife, Hollie. But a stalker with a familiar face is determined to take away the only peace he’s ever known. Mirren McLean is one of the most powerful women in the industry. Successful. Respected. Untouchable. Until one mistake threatens to destroy her marriage and her career. And Davie Johnston was once the king of late-night television. Now, his only chance to reclaim his crown is to gamble everything on himself.Three stars, three tales of struggle and success. Now they’re discovering that in Hollywood, happy endings don’t last for ever. Sometimes they’re just the calm before the storm…

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Book SynopsisTHE NO. 1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR27 MILLION BOOKS SOLDWINNER OF THE GLASS KEY AWARDJussi Adler-Olsen returns with his most captivating and suspenseful novel yet...In a Copenhagen park the body of an elderly woman is discovered. Though the case bears a striking resemblance to another unsolved homicide from over a decade ago, the police cannot find any connection between the two victims. Across town a group of young women are being hunted down. The attacks seem random, but could these brutal acts of violence be related? Detective Carl Mørck of Department Q is charged with solving the mystery.Back at headquarters, Carl and his team are under pressure to deliver results: failure to meet his superiors' expectations will mean the end of Department Q. Solving the case, however, is not their only concern. After a breakdown, their colleague Rose is struggling to deal with the ghosts of her past - a past seemingly connected to one of the division's most sinister case-files. It is up to Carl, Assad and Gordon to unearth the dark and violent truth plaguing Rose before it is too late.Translated by William FrostPerfect for fans of Stieg Larsson and Jo Nesbo.Trade ReviewThe new "it" boy of Nordic Noir * Times *Gripping story-telling * Guardian *Adler-Olsen's prose is superior to Larsson's, his tortures are less discomfiting, and he has a sense of humour * Booklist on Mercy *[A] sordid tale . . . inspired by actual events during a dark period of Danish history. Ah, but there is more, so much more in this frenzied thriller * New York Times on Guilt *Mesmerising writing * Independent *Scandinavian crime novels don't get much darker than Jussi Adler-Olsen's Department Q police procedurals * New York Times Book Review *

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Book SynopsisCan you trust your father, when they say he killed your mother? . . . THE RICHARD & JUDY BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THAT NIGHT''Suspenseful and heartfelt, with a superb ending'' CLAIRE DOUGLAS''An intricately plotted, twisty page-turner. Wow'' 5**** READER REVIEW''Absolutely unputdownable'' ERIN KELLY''Gripping and full of surprises with heartbreaking twist'' 5**** READER REVIEW________ 17 years after being convicted of murder, Izzy''s father is finally released from prison. She wants nothing to do with him - but he claims to be innocent. She''s always believed he killed her mother, but now doubts are creeping in. Because if he''s telling the truth, then someone else has been lying all this time . . . ________ ''Both grips and thrills. Her best yet!'' Lucy Clarke ''This sharp, super-readable thriller stands out thanks to its taut plot and characterTrade ReviewAbsolutely unputdownable: convincing, compelling and ultimately heartbreaking -- Erin Kelly * bestselling author of He Said/She Said *A very special book - a page turner that is gripping, suspenseful and heartfelt, with a superb ending that delivers twice -- Claire Douglas * bestselling author of Do Not Disturb *A brilliantly compelling and tightly plotted psychological thriller. The characters are real and complex, and McAllister's writing both grips and thrills. Her best yet! -- Lucy Clarke * bestselling author of You Let Me In *This sharp, super-readable thriller stands out thanks to its taut plot and characters you really care about * Fabulous, Sun *Gillian McAllister lures you into the heart of her characters. She makes ordinary people do extraordinary things in the face of adversity. Haunting. Compelling. And all too possibly true -- Jane Corry * bestselling author of The Dead Ex *Clever, original and packed with family complications throughout, you'll change your mind time and again. . . and the ending will take your breath away * Heat *A heart pounding premise is taken on a journey that is as emotionally enriching as it is thrilling. I couldn't look away from this razor sharp exploration of truth, love and how the past shapes our present. Gillian McAllister is a tour de force, she just gets better and better -- Holly Seddon * bestselling author of Love Will Tear Us Apart *The characters are as compelling and complex as the action. It's a brilliant psychological thriller which is even better for Gillian's professional knowledge -- Amy Lloyd * bestselling author of The Innocent Wife *Flawless plotting and gripping from the first page to the last * Jill Mansell *Intricate plotting delivers a tense and suspenseful thriller * Sunday Mirror *The Hot List * Inside Soap *A gripping legal yarn * Woman & Home, May's Great Reads *Really good . . . The suspense becomes all but unbearable * Tablet *Praise for Gillian McAllister * - *I read it in a breathless day and a half. I loved every page, every character, every twist and turn -- Lisa Jewell * bestselling author of Then She Was Gone *Perfection. Intriguing and compelling. Exceptional -- Clare Mackintosh * bestselling author of Let Me Lie *I raced through this impressive, gripping and thought-provoking read -- B. A. Paris * bestselling author of Behind Closed Doors *I was totally swept up - and challenged - by this dark drama and am still wrestling with the brilliantly written dilemma at its heart -- Fiona Barton * bestselling author of The Child *Gillian McAllister isn't afraid to tread where some authors are scared to go. Intelligent. Compulsive. Heart-wrenching. Unforgettable -- Jane Corry * bestselling author of The Dead Ex *A smartly conceived psychological thriller * Sunday Times *A perfectly plotted courtroom drama and an emotional roller-coaster in one book * Grazia *Gripping, cleverly-constructed, and heart-wrenching. A truly original thriller you won't be able to put down -- Paula Daly * bestselling author of The Trophy Child *Ingeniously constructed with real flesh-and-blood characters and cliff-hanging suspense -- Louise Candlish * bestselling author of Our House *This contemporary love story wrapped up in a thriller is a brilliant read. Compelling and intense * Sunday Mirror *A gripping, compelling page-turner that kept me up half the night -- Liz Nugent * bestselling author of Skin Deep *The verdict - lock me up so I can read it again! Unforgettable -- Liz Lawler * bestselling author of Don't Wake Up *Addictive - I found myself wanting to pick it up at every opportunity -- Jenny Blackhurst * bestselling author of The Foster Child *Smart, twisty and ingenious . . . as emotionally engaging as it is taut * Heat *Addictive, exciting and devilishly clever -- Holly Seddon * bestselling author of Try Not to Breathe *Brilliant -- Claire Douglas * bestselling author of Last Seen Alive *Completely original. I was gripped -- Jane Fallon * bestselling author of Faking Friends *An exhilarating, hold-your-breath read! * Prima *Top domestic noir * Sun *We couldn't put this book down! * Take a Break *Prepare to be gripped * Fabulous *

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Book SynopsisNOMINATED FOR THE CWA GOLD DAGGERThere is more to solving a crime than following the clues.Welcome to Chief Inspector Gamache's world of facts and feelings.As a fierce, unrelenting winter grips Quebec, shadows are closing in on Chief Inspector Armand Gamache. When he receives a message about a mysterious case in Three Pines, he is compelled to investigate - a woman who was once one of the most famous people in the world has vanished.The investigation gathers momentum and Gamache is drawn into a web of murder, lies and unimaginable corruption at the heart of the city. Facing his most challenging, and personal, case to date, can he save the reputation of the Sûreté, those he holds dear and himself?Ten million readers.Three pines.One inimitable Chief Inspector Gamache.'Full of twists and turns . . . Wonderfully satisfying' KATE MOSSETrade ReviewClever, full of twists and turns, a wonderfully satisfying -- and moving -- addition to Penny's atmospheric, distinctive series * Kate Mosse *Penny's elegant style is deeply satisfying, while Gamache is contemplative even when under pressure, and remains a man you want to spend time with * Metro *Louise Penny twists and turns the plot expertly tripping the reader up just at the moment you think you might have solved the mystery * Daily Express *Subtle, elegant and beautifully written * Sunday Mirror *

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Book Synopsis''The new crime and espionage series from Penguin Classics makes for a mouth-watering prospect'' Daily TelegraphLos Angeles, the late 1940''s. A serial killer stalks the foggy streets at night ...Dix Steele, a former fighter pilot, moved to L.A. after the war, looking for a new life. But the city is gripped by fear of a murderer in its midst. Dix, however, is not scared. And when he bumps into his old friend Brub, now a detective on the trail of the culprit, he is excited to follow the police''s progress. A dark and terrible truth is revealed, in a noir novel like no other.Trade ReviewDorothy B. Hughes was in a class of her own. To be a female author of hard-boiled fiction back in the 1940s was unusual enough, but to write a first-person narrative from the viewpoint of a male serial killer was breaking new ground by anybody's standards. She marked out this territory years before most other writers even knew it existed. -- Max Decharne, author of Hardboiled Hollywood: The Origins of Great Crime Films

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Book SynopsisIn this breathtakingly brutal and intensely topical psychological thriller, a man is accused of child sexual abuse, and his life and that of his actress girlfriend are thrown into turmoil… ‘Malone is the master of twists, turns and the unexpected, with the skill to keep things grounded. So much so, that the reader can picture themselves in the very circumstances described. Superb storytelling from a master of his craft’ Herald Scotland ‘Beautiful, lyrical prose takes the reader through a perfectly constructed, often harrowing tale’ Denzil Meyrick _________________ Film star Amelie Hart is the darling of the silver screen, appearing on the front pages of every newspaper. But at the peak of her fame she throws it all away for a regular guy with an ordinary job. The gossip columns are aghast: what happened to the woman who turned heads wherever she went? Any hope the furore will die down are crushed when Amelie’s boyfriend Dave is arrested on charges of child sexual abuse. Dave strongly asserts his innocence, and when Amelie refuses to denounce him, the press witch hunt quickly turns into physical violence, and she has to flee the country. While Dave is locked up with the most depraved men in the country and Amelie is hiding on the continent, Damaris, the victim at the centre of the story, is isolated – a child trying to make sense of an adult world. Breathtakingly brutal, dark and immensely moving, A Song of Isolation looks beneath the magpie glimmer of celebrity to uncover a sinister world dominated by greed and lies, and the unfathomable destruction of innocent lives … in an instant. _________________ Praise for Michael J. Malone ‘A beautifully written tale, original, engrossing and scary … a dark joy’ The Times ‘A complex and multilayered story – perfect for a wintry night’ Sunday Express ‘Vivid, visceral and compulsive’ Ian Rankin ‘A terrific read … I read it in one sitting’ Martina Cole ‘A deeply satisfying read’ Sunday Times ‘A fine, page-turning thriller’ Daily Mail ‘With each turn of the page, a more shocking detail is revealed and some of the people John thought might help him are not who they seem … The domestic noir tale is one that many families will be able to relate to … There is barely enough time to catch your’ Scotsman ‘Challenging and emotional … enthrals as it corkscrews to a shocking, yet ultimately rewarding end’ LoveReading ‘Malone’s latest is an unsettling, multi-layered and expertly paced domestic noir drama that delves into one family’s dark secrets, shame and lies’ CultureFly ‘Malone is a poet, there are wonderful lyrical passages here and very skilful storytelling. Some issues are not spoken about enough, Malone raises a couple of those issues and sensitively but realistically addresses them…’ New Books Magazine ‘Engrossing, hard-hitting – even shocking – with a light poetic frosting. Another superb read!’ Douglas Skelton 'A dark and unnerving psychological thriller that draws you deep into the lives of the characters and refuses to let go. This is a brilliantly written book; I could not put it down’ Caroline Mitchell ‘A chilling tale of the unexpected that journeys right into the dark heart of domesticity’ Marnie RichesTrade Review"Malone is the master of twists, turns and the unexpected, with the skill to keep things grounded . . . Superb storytelling from a master of his craft." --Herald Scotland "Malone is a massive talent . . . get on board now so you can brag you were reading his books long before the rest of the world." --Luca Veste, author, The Bone Keeper "In his previous work, A Suitable Lie, Michael J. Malone surprised readers with a series of punch-in-the-gut twists and he achieves this again here." --Scotsman "A tense, immersive thriller that kept me guessing." --Ian Rankin, author, In a House of Lies "A complex and multi-layered story--perfect for a wintry night." --Sunday Express "A beautifully written tale, original, engrossing and scary . . . a dark joy." --Times

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Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE GLASS KEY AWARD 2023 FOR THE LAST GRUDGE If you enjoyed Stieg Larsson and Jo Nesbo, you'll love this international #1 bestseller.*** HOLLYWOOD MOVIE IN PRODUCTION ***___________WHEN THE STORY ENDS, THE HUNT BEGINS . . . Detective Jessica Niemi is drawn into a high-profile investigation after the wife of a famous author, Roger Koponen, appears to have been killed in a bizarre ritual.As more twisted murders occur in the coming days, it becomes obvious that Jessica is hunting a serial killer – one that is taking brutal inspiration from Koponen's bestselling trilogy . . .Has a devoted fan lost their mind, or is this case more personal?Nobody is safe in this rollercoaster thriller from award-winning author Max Seeck. 'The Witch Hunter, translated with icy precision by Kristian London, is written in short, sharp, present-tense chapters, a technique which adds to its relentless tension [and] a resolution as bleak as anything Poe might have conjured’ – Wall Street Journal'If you only read one Nordic noir novel this autumn, make it The Witch Hunter – a chilling female-led thriller that will please fans of Lisbeth Salander and Stieg Larsson's Millennium trilogy' – Culture Fly'[A] riveting, multi-layered debut, blending masterful police procedural with a chilling exploration of the occult' – Sara Blaedel #1 International Bestselling Author'One of the best books I have read. Ever. Absolutely thrilling, well-written, and oh-so-hard to put down' – Emelie Schepp, author of Slowly We Die'The Witch Hunter is everything I wish for in a thriller: exceptional story, exceptional characters, exceptional writing, and shocking twists – exceptional everything' – Chris Mooney, author of Blood World'One twist follows another . . . Seeck imbues this riveting procedural with a deliciously creepy undertone' – Publishers Weekly STARRED REVIEW'Dark and intricate . . . Vividly cinematic and impactful' – Booklist STARRED REVIEW'A disturbing tale of murder and madness' – Kirkus ReviewsTrade Review'The Witch Hunter, translated with icy precision by Kristian London, is written in short, sharp, present-tense chapters, a technique which adds to its relentless tension. Flashbacks to earlier episodes in Jessica's life suggest that the strangeness currently unfolding is tied to her personal history. Discovering the how and why of it brings a resolution as bleak as anything Poe might have conjured' * Wall Street Journal *'If you only read one Nordic noir novel this autumn, make it The Witch Hunter – a chilling female-led thriller that will please fans of Lisbeth Salander and Stieg Larsson's Millennium trilogy' * Culture Fly *'Seeck's riveting, multi-layered debut, blending masterful police procedural with a chilling exploration of the occult, kept me up all night, devouring it in one amazing gulp, and checking under the bed' -- Sara Blaedel #1 International Bestselling Author'One of the best books I have read. Ever. Absolutely thrilling, well-written, and oh-so-hard to put down' -- Emelie Schepp, author of Slowly We Die'The Witch Hunter is everything I wish for in a thriller: exceptional story, exceptional characters, exceptional writing, and shocking twists – exceptional everything. I loved this book, and you will too' -- Chris Mooney, author of Blood World'One twist follows another . . . Seeck imbues this riveting procedural with a deliciously creepy undertone' * Publishers Weekly *'Dark and intricate . . . Vividly cinematic and impactful. Seeck has an uncanny ability to unspool reveals at just the right pace to get the reader's heart pounding as they make the connection at the same moment as the detective on page' * Booklist *'A disturbing tale of murder and madness' * Kirkus Reviews *Table of Contents0

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Book SynopsisBuy Val McDermid''s masterful new thriller, 1989, now!''No-one can plot or tell a story like she can. The hairs on my neck literally stood up'' Daily Express''So gripping it puts your life on hold'' The Times''You should have been a detective. If there''s one thing the last year has proved, it''s how good you are at finding things out. Things that are buried so deep nobody even thinks twice about them. The sort of things that turn people''s lives inside out once they''re exposed.'' Meet Tony Hill''s most twisted adversary - a killer with a shopping list of victims, a killer unmoved by youth and innocence, a killer driven by the most perverted of desires. The murder and mutilation of teenager Jennifer Maidment is horrific enough on its own. But it''s not long before Tony realises it''s just the start of a brutal and ruthless campaign that''s targTrade ReviewSo gripping that it puts your life on hold. * The Times *She is the real mistress of psychological gripping thrillers; no-one can plot or tell a story like she can. The hairs on my neck literally stood up. * Jenni Murray, Daily Express *McDermid remains unrivalled at yoking chilling scenarios to a pulsing narrative; and Hill's torment is palpable in this scary, dark thriller. Brilliant * Observer *Everything a great detective novel should be: pacy, gripping, clever and stylish and, most of all, a fantastic read. * Sunday Express *Another cracker in the Tony Hill and Carol Jordan series from the most imaginative creator of serial killers we have. * Daily Mail *Gripping, well-written, nail-biting stuff * Waterstone’s Books Quarterly *One of our finest crime writers. * The Times *A moving novel, not just a gripping one. * Financial Times *As good a psychological thriller as it is possible to get. * Sunday Express *McDermid's mastery of this genre is evident, particularly in her dialogue, in which there is rarely a false note. * TLS *McDermid's books are getting better and better...an absorbing novel of character. * Literary Review *...reminds us just how finely plotted and intelligently written McDermid's novels are. More please - and soon. * Irish Times *

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Book SynopsisThe thirteenth book in the Tom Thorne series, from bestselling author Mark Billingham.THE 2016 SUNDAY TIMES NUMBER ONE BESTSELLERDI Tom Thorne returns in a chilling mystery that will keep readers guessing until the final page.The MissingTwo schoolgirls are abducted in the small, dying Warwickshire town of Polesford, driving a knife into the heart of the community where police officer Helen Weeks grew up and from which she long ago escaped. But this is a place full of secrets, where dangerous truths lie buried.The AccusedWhen it''s splashed all over the press that family man Stephen Bates has been arrested, Helen and her partner Tom Thorne head to the flooded town to support Bates'' wife - an old school friend of Helen''s - who is living under siege with two teenage children and convinced of her husband''s innocence.The DeadAs residents and media bay fTrade ReviewIngenious ... what is most impressive about this novel, however, is the astute observation -- Laura Wilson * The Guardian *The writing displays the virtues that have made Mark Billingham a bestseller: wit, careful plotting, attention to detail and great characterisation... won't disappoint Billingham's legions of fans * The Telegraph *The plot element on which this gruesome mystery turns is certainly one of the cleverest and most satisfying that I've read for ages. * Morning Star *What lingers in the memory is the group portrait of the Polesford locals brutally closing ranks against a man they're certain deserves to die. * Kirkus *

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Book SynopsisAn ordinary day. An ordinary street. A gruesome delivery waiting on the doorstep that's going to set off an spine-chilling chain of events...Claire Beacham returns from a busy day at work to a parcel on her doorstep - no note, no label. As a politician, she's used to being suspicious of anonymous hate mail but today she's too tired to worry. She opens it, finding a gruesome surprise inside. A severed head falls to her kitchen floor; the rich, red drip of blood on her hands. It is clear to Claire and those around her that this terrifying package is a message. But who sent it, and why? It's Claire's first delivery - and won't be her last. DI Finn cannot enjoy the gentle return to his role in the Murder Investigation Team of the Metropolitan Police that he planned. Someone is targeting Claire and with every message comes another casualty. With the clock ticking, DI Finn and DC Mattie Paulsen must wade through the depths of the murky political sphere before the bodies start piling up.Praise for Will Shindler's DI Alex Finn series: 'Riveting' The Sunday Times 'Excellent' Weekend Sport'Unmissable' Sunday Express Magazine'Gripping' Heat'This is the best kind of police procedural' Literary Review

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Book SynopsisWinner of the Anthony Award for Best Crime NovelWinner of the Macavity Award for Best Crime NovelWinner of the Agatha Award for Best Crime NovelThere is more to solving a crime than following the clues.Welcome to Chief Inspector Gamache's world of facts and feelings.Hidden deep in the wilderness are the cloisters of two dozen monks - men of prayer and music, famous the world over for their glorious voices. But a brutal death throws the monastery doors open to the world. And through them walks the only man who can shine light upon the dark deeds within: Chief Inspector Armand Gamache.Who among the brothers has become an angel of death? As the peace of the monastery crumbles around him, Gamache finds clues in the divine, the human . . . and the cracks in between.Ten million readers.Three pines.One inimitable Chief Inspector Gamache.'Penny's writing is intricate, beautiful and compelling' PETER JAMESTrade ReviewHaunting, brilliant...Chief Inspector Gamache is one of my favourite characters in fiction * Linda Fairstein *Very powerful * Stephen Booth *Terrific atmosphere...impressive * The Times *Superb characters and rich, dark humour...mouthwatering * People magazine *A pleasingly ambitious novel . . . this is a novel that places its faith in characterisation, atmosphere and the endlessly fascinating psychology of the human mind * Irish Times *Gripping * Daily Mail *

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Book Synopsis'Outstanding ... a constantly surprising series' THE NEW YORK TIMESThere is more to solving a crime than following the clues.Welcome to Chief Inspector Gamache's world of facts and feelings.As Quebec City shivers in the grip of winter, its ancient stone walls cracking in the cold, Chief Inspector Armand Gamache plunges into the strangest case of his celebrated career.A man has been brutally murdered in one of the city's oldest buildings - a library where the English citizens of Quebec safeguard their history. And the death opens a door into the past, exposing a mystery that has lain dormant for centuries . . . a mystery Gamache must solve if he's to catch a present-day killer.Ten million readers.Three pines.One inimitable Chief Inspector Gamache.'Penny is an absolute joy' IRISH TIMESTrade ReviewVery powerful - Penny's best book to date . . . A stunner * Stephen Booth *Louise Penny writes like an angel and plots like the devil. BURY YOUR DEAD had me on tenterhooks from the first page to the last * Alan Bradley *Bury Your Dead has two intelligent plots and, as a bonus, you get to know a bit of Canadian history * The Times *The author brings the intriguing story to life using ornate descriptions * Star Magazine *

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Book SynopsisThe gripping and masterfully-crafted new thriller from award-winning author Matthew Frank''Tense and twisty . . . completely gripping. I ignored children, a ringing phone, hunger, everything just to devour the last hundred pages'' KAREN PERRY, Sunday Times bestselling author of YOUR CLOSEST FRIEND________Julian Sinclair is a serial killer.Charming, manipulative, deadly. He hunted girls for sport, and it''s high time justice was served.But when Sinclair''s conviction is thrown out in court, DC Joseph Stark and DS Fran Millhaven are forced to protect the man they''re sure is guilty from those who would rather see him pay in blood.Then another girl dies.And Sinclair can''t have killed her from his hospital bed . . .Is a killer lurking in someone they never suspected?And have they had the wrong man all along?________''A clTrade ReviewA clever compelling spiderweb of a plot, weaving together the complex yet realistic minds of the underworld and the police. -- Jane Corry, bestselling author of My Husband's Wife * - *Matthew Frank writes so well and in DC Joe Stark he has developed a complex hero, remote yet relatable, decent yet conflicted. Equally compelling is Stark's nemesis, the sinuous Julian Sinclair with his reptilian charm. Tense and twisty, with a rich cast of characters, The Killer Inside is completely gripping. I ignored children, a ringing phone, hunger, everything just to devour the last hundred pages. -- Karen Perry, bestselling author of Your Closest Friend * - *The Killer Inside is a gripping, pacy read with a "one more chapter" compulsiveness. -- Laura Marshall, bestselling author of Friend Request * - *Nail-bitingly tense plotting, with characters you can't help but root for, The Killer Inside is a standout addition to this compelling series -- Susi Holliday, author of The Last Resort * - *The Killer Inside is the definition of a page turner. Matthew Frank gives us cops torn by the prospect of protecting a killer who cheated justice. They know he has done it but proving it is another thing. Then another girl dies while their man is still in hospital. What if they had the wrong man all along? DC Stark is a terrific creation. The kind of character you want more from and soon please. -- Howard Linskey, best-selling author of The Chosen One * - *Seriously good . . . The Killer Inside is an excellent addition to a fine series, and Joe Stark is coming into his own as a fascinating and multi-layered character, as are the rest of the team. Matthew has written a tightly plotted thrilling page turner of a book -- James Oswald, author of the Inspector McLean Series * - *Matthew Frank is a master at juggling light and darkness. His Joseph Stark books explore the legacy of trauma and injury, while serving up satisfying plots with plenty of twists. In this latest, the stakes are horribly high for his hero who, beset by demons and danger, nevertheless acquits himself with courage and a fine line in dry wit. -- Sarah Hilary, award-winning author of the Marnie Rome series * - *Praise for Matthew FrankA gripping murder story ... Frank brilliantly maintains a balance between the demands of a complex plot and his character's difficulty in returning to civilian life * Sunday Times *Outstanding characterisation, passion, perfect dialogue and pinpoint plotting * Crime Review *Well researched and totally convincing * Sunday Mirror *Joe Stark is such a terrific hero, full of flaws and compassion and the sort of quiet heroism that you rarely see these days, even in fiction. One of those books I want to bulk buy and press into the hands of everyone I know. The writing is top-notch, the action sequences are superlative, the characters crackle off the page and the dialogue whips and zings like bullets in the dust. Read it!Detective Sergeant Fran Millhaven is just one of the best women copper characters you'll ever meet between the covers of a book . . . but Stark is the heart of this narrative. I am so looking forward to meeting him again . . . the moment Stark crosses over from soldier to CID detective is beautiful to behold. The action scenes, too, are terrific. RivetingSkilfully plotted, with a great clarity of style

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Book SynopsisAlways trust your very basic instincts or prepare for the consequences…It was surreal returning to work after a sabbatical following the suspicious death of my best friend Livvy.On my return to the company apartment, I was surprised to find Livvy’s replacement, Amanda Dowd firmly entrenched as my new flatmate.She’d seemingly appeared out of nowhere.But something didn’t feel right. I felt on edge.Everyone seemed to love Amanda, even my ex-Jayden was blinded by her outgoing personality and model-like looks.Yet her desperation to become friends felt unnatural.When I began to receive calls, photos and presents from Livvy, I became spooked. Someone was targeting me, watching me. With my job, home and life on the line, I had to find out who was doing this to me and why.I hadn’t caused Livvy’s death but still believed it was no accident. Someone else was guilty and I had to find out who before I was next.Bestseller Gemma Rogers is back with another page-turning thriller.Perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty, Shari Lapena and Lisa JewellPraise for Gemma Rogers'Unputdownable. a nail-biting thriller that grips to the very last page' - Keri Beevis'A claustrophobic psychological thriller with an explosive finale. Gripping and absorbing'- David Beckler‘It’s a shocking thriller that grabs at your emotions on every page! Loved it’ - Lauren North‘Captivating and enthralling, I give this book five shiny golden stars’ - Anita Waller‘A well-written and thoroughly entertaining thriller from a very talented author’ - John Nicoll‘A beautifully written edge-of-your-seat thriller that had me guessing right until the end’ - Dreda Say Mitchell'A brilliant thriller from an exciting new voice. Stalker it had me on the edge of my seat' - Kerry Barnes'An atmospheric, taut thriller which keeps you hooked from the first page' - Jacqui Rose

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Book SynopsisNothing is more important than family . . . Matt Forrester has followed in his dad’s footsteps, climbing the police ranks to become a DI. But when he receives an urgent call for help, Matt has to rethink his career. His dad has been murdered, and Matt’s not going to let this case go. It doesn’t help that his current boss is sleeping with his ex-wife.Hermia Forrester didn’t follow her brother into the police force, instead she works in research at the university. But, she’s not going to let that stop her from helping her brother find out what happened to their dad. But the siblings soon find themselves surrounded by more danger than they ever imagined. Can they both survive this case or will there be more of their family in the morgue?The thrilling first instalment in the Forrester Detective Agency Mystery series.

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Book Synopsis I've been following her for the past few days. I know where she buys her groceries, where she has her dry cleaning done, where she works. I don't know the colour of her eyes or what they look like when they're scared. But I will. Mia Dennett can't resist a one-night stand with the enigmatic stranger she meets in a bar. But going home with him might turn out to be the worst mistake of Mia's life…___ ‘A TWISTY ROLLERCOASTER RIDE’ Lisa Gardner ‘A TREMENDOUS READ’ The Sun The compulsive debut from New York Times bestseller Mary Kubica reveals how, even in the perfect family, nothing is as it seems… Now optioned for a major movie by the company behind Being John Malkovich and the TV series True Detective.___ Readers LOVE Mary Kubica: ‘One of the very best thrillers I’ve read – ever.’ ‘Kept me guessing the whole way through. Sheer genius.’ ‘Messed with my mind (in a good way). I want more!’ ‘Totally riveting and all-consuming’ ‘The ending is a real twist of the knife – it doesn’t get much better than this.’ ‘A very fast paced story which keeps you guessing till the end and what a twist!’ ‘Omg! This is one of the best books that I have ever read! Great thriller, love it!’Trade Review‘I hesitate to use that terrible cliché ‘page-turner’, but this powerful debut thriller is just that. It grabs you from the moment it starts’ Daily Mail 'One of the trickiest, cleverest, most rewarding human interest crime tales of this year' Top 100 Amazon reviewer Katharine Kirby 'Kubica’s powerful debut will encourage comparisons to Gone Girl…[but] this girl has heart' Publishers Weekly starred review 'A twisty, roller coaster ride of a debut. Fans of Gone Girl will embrace this equally evocative tale' Lisa Gardner ‘Memorable and riveting’ Lovereading.co.uk ‘As a debut, this is a stunning, well-written novel – Kubica is an author to watch’ We Love This Book 'This psychological thriller gets right under your skin and leaves its mark. A tremendous read’ The Sun ‘A complex tale of deceit, jealousy, fear and love played out against the bustling, bright lights of Chicago … a stunning debut’ Crimethrillergirl.com ‘If you love a dark mystery, The Good Girl will keep you entranced from the very first page to the end. Likened to the bestselling Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, this psychological thriller looks set to be a blockbuster – and it’s only Kubica’s first novel! … I can’t wait for more from this talented writer’ Peterborough Evening Telegraph

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Book Synopsis'Here ends one of the finest achievements of recent crime fiction' - Sunday Telegraph'Outstanding' - The Times*Winner of the 2022 CWA Historical Dagger and Gold Dagger*Los Angeles. Christmas, 1967. A devil is loose in the City of Angels . . .A young nurse, Kerry Gaudet, travels to the City of Angels desperate to find her missing brother, fearing that something terrible has happened to him: a serial killer is terrorising the city, picking victims at random, and Kerry has precious few leads.Ida Young, recently retired Private Investigator, is dragged into helping the police when a young woman is discovered murdered in her motel room. Ida has never met the victim but her name has been found at the crime scene and the LAPD wants to know why . . .Meanwhile mob fixer Dante Sanfelippo has put his life savings into purchasing a winery in Napa Valley but first he must do one final favour for the Mob before leaving town: find a bail jumper before the bond money falls due, and time is fast running out.Ida’s friend, Louis Armstrong, flies into the city just as her investigations uncover mysterious clues to the killer’s identity. And Dante must tread a dangerous path to pay his dues, a path which will throw him headlong into a terrifying conspiracy and a secret that the conspirators will do anything to protect . . .Completing his American crime quartet, Ray Celestin's Sunset Swing is a stunning novel of conspiracy, murder and madness, an unforgettable portrait of a city on the edge.Trade ReviewCelestin’s debut The Axeman’s Jazz immediately attained cult status, and successive books also impressed. But this is his most dizzying accomplishment, a truly epic crime chronicle. Set in a pulsing 1960s Los Angeles, Celestin creates a joint picture of the histories of organised crime and jazz, full of coruscating detail. -- Barry Forshaw * Financial Times *Sunset Swing concludes Ray Celestin's outstanding City Blues quartet . . . Celestin's most perfectly wrought portrait, however is of the City of Dreams itself, soaked in corruption and empty of heart. Sunset Swing may be an ode to the classics of hard-boiled noir, but it has more than enough rhythm of its own to take its place beside them * The Times *Magnificent and moving * Sunday Times Crime Club *Over four books, beginning with The Axeman’s Jazz in 2014, Ray Celestin has constructed a riveting saga of music, the mafia and murder in four American cities from 1919 to the 1960s. Sunset Swing, unfolding in Los Angeles in 1967, brings his City Blues Quartet to a triumphant conclusion . . . Brilliantly combines the page-turning tension of the best crime fiction with a panoramic portrait of a city in the midst of profound social change -- Nick Rennison * Sunday Times *Here ends one of the finest achievements of recent crime fiction, Ray Celestin’s City Blues Quartet . . . Throughout this series, the counterpoint to Celestin's stark portrayal of a fundamentally corrupt and gangster-ridden America has been his rare ability to capture in prose something of the glory of the music made by Armstrong and his fellow jazz-men. Here he rises to the final challenge of Armstrong's last comeback . . . Few artists have combined greatness and lovability to the extent Armstrong did, and these outstanding hard-boiled thrillers double as a worthy tribute to him -- Jake Kerridge * The Sunday Telegraph *Sunset Swing brings Ray Celestin’s brilliant City Blues Quartet to an end in quite some style. This outstanding series has tracked its characters across four major American cities and over half a century . . . Each of the four books is an epic in its own right, but here, as winter wildfires rage at the end of the continent, the feel is almost apocalyptic . . . The section . . . where Amstrong is first confounded by, then finds a new way to understand and interpret, Bob Thiele’s lyrics for ‘What A Wonderful World’, is as fine and nuanced a piece of writing about music as you’ll find anywhere. It’s one of several superb and moving moments in the best book in a quite remarkable series. Start here if you want, but to get the full effect, put The Axeman’s Jazz, Dead Man's Blues, and The Mobster's Lament on your Christmas list as well. It would almost be a crime not to. * The Quietus *Celestin’s crime quartet – set against the evolution of jazz in 20th-century America – comes to a superb close in this final volume, which also serves as tribute to the genius of Louis Armstrong * The Daily Telegraph *The series is a delight * The Times *This lively, jazz-based series can only be cause for celebration * Sunday Times *Not only a satisfying and multi-layered mystery, but also a well researched and dynamic portrait of a teeming city, rife with corruption * Guardian *A vividly written crime thriller which is a contender for book of the year -- Daily Mirror on The Mobster's LamentOne of the most ambitious and riveting works of crime fiction in years . . . -- Sunday Express on The Mobster's LamentCaptivating -- Spectator on Dead Man's BluesAn absolute must for true crime fanatics * Refinery 29 *Outstanding -- Daily Telegraph on The Axeman's Jazz

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Book SynopsisWhen a woman's body is discovered at a lighthouse in the Icelandic town of Akranes, investigators discover shocking secrets in her past. First in the disturbing, chillingly atmospheric, addictive new Forbidden Iceland series. **WINNER of the Storytel Award for Best Crime Novel 2020** **WINNER of the Blackbird Award for Best Icelandic Crime Novel** **SHORTLISTED for the Amazon Publishing Readers Award for Best Independent Voice** **SHORTLISTED for the Amazon Publishing Readers Award for Best Debut Novel** **LONGLISTED for the CWA New Blood Dagger** 'Eva Bjoerg AEgisdottir's accomplished first novel is not only a full-fat mystery, but also a chilling demonstration of how monsters are made' The Times 'Fans of Nordic Noir will love this moving debut from Icelander Eva Bjoerg AEgisdottir's. It's subtle, nuanced, with a sympathetic central character and the possibilities of great stories to come' Ann Cleeves 'An exciting and harrowing tale from one of Iceland's rising stars' Ragnar Jonasson _________________ When a body of a woman is discovered at a lighthouse in the Icelandic town of Akranes, it soon becomes clear that she's no stranger to the area. Chief Investigating Officer Elma, who has returned to Akranes following a failed relationship, and her collegues Saevar and Hoerdur, commence an uneasy investigation, which uncovers a shocking secret in the dead woman's past that continues to reverberate in the present day ... But as Elma and her team make a series of discoveries, they bring to light a host of long-hidden crimes that shake the entire community. Sifting through the rubble of the townspeople's shattered memories, they have to dodge increasingly serious threats, and find justice ... before it's too late. For fans of Yrsa Sigurdardottir, Ruth Rendell, P D James, Sarah Hilary and Camilla Lackberg _________________ 'Elma leaves Reykjavik CID for a job with the police in her hometown of Akranes, deeming it "every bit as quiet as it appeared to be" - until the discovery of a murdered woman starts to unravel a thread of long-buried crimes hidden deep in the community. Elma is a fantastic heroine' Sunday Times 'We're used to Icelandic writers lowering the temperature - in more ways than one - and AEgisdottir proves to be adept at this chilly art as any of her confreres (and consoeurs). Elma is a memorably complex character, and Victoria Cribb's translation is (as usual) non-pareil' Financial Times 'A deserted lighthouse and a murdered woman set the scene for this haunting and compelling mystery where the dark secrets of a small town are shockingly exposed. As chilling and atmospheric as an Icelandic winter' Lisa Gray, author of Thin Air 'The setting in Iceland is fascinating, the descriptions creating a vivid picture of the reality of living in a small town. The Creak on the Stairs is a captivating tale with plenty of tension and a plot to really get your teeth into' LoveReading 'At each stage, AEgisdottir is not giving us information but asking things of us. She's getting us to think through the implications: what if it's him, what if it's her, what would it mean? We're involved, we've got skin in the game and we can't ask for more as readers' Cafe ThinkingTrade Review'Fans of Nordic Noir will love this moving debut from Icelander Eva Bjork Aegisdottir. It's subtle, nuanced, with a sympathetic central character and the possibilities of great stories to come' Ann Cleeves 'An exciting and harrowing tale from one of Iceland's rising stars' Ragnar Jonasson

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Book SynopsisA dark, funny, deliciously different literary thriller about a jaded hitman, set in the criminal underworld of SeoulKill Bill meets Murakami' D. B. John, author of Star of the NorthA work of literary genius' Karen Dionne, internationally bestselling author of HomeI loved it!' M. W. Craven, author of The Puppet ShowYou'll be laughing out loud every five minutes' You-jeong Jeong, author of The Good SonA mash-up of Tarantino and Camus set in contemporary Seoul' Louisa Luna, author of Two Girls DownAn incredible cast of characters' Le mondeSmart but lightning fast' Brian Evenson, author of Last DaysPlotters are just pawns like us. A request comes in and they draw up the plans. There's someone above them who tells them what to do. And above that person is another plotter telling them what to do. You think that if you go up there with a knife and stab the person at the very top, that'll fix everything. But no-one's there. It's just an empty chair.Reseng was raised by cantankerous Old Raccoon in the Library of Dogs. To anyone asking, it's just an ordinary library. To anyone in the know, it's a hub for Seoul's organised crime, and a place where contract killings are plotted and planned. So it's no surprise that Reseng has grown up to become one of the best hitmen in Seoul. He takes orders from the plotters, carries out his grim duties, and comforts himself afterwards with copious quantities of beer and his two cats, Desk and Lampshade.But after he takes pity on a target and lets her die how she chooses, he finds his every move is being watched. Is he finally about to fall victim to his own game? And why does that new female librarian at the library act so strangely? Is he looking for his enemies in all the wrong places? Could he be at the centre of a plot bigger than anything he's ever known?Trade Review‘This modern-day tale of Korean gangsters beguiles with its sly wit and quirky erudition. Fresh and original’ The Times ‘A seductive, Tarantino-like blend of fight scenes and bizarre social comedy’ Sunday Times ‘Wild, intriguing, a lot of fun’ Los Angeles Review of Books ‘Pleasingly deadpan, The Plotters manages to be both humorous and violent, and sometimes even wise’ Observer ‘Kim conjures a gloriously dreamlike alternative Korea, with vibrant settings, heightened reality and choreographed ultra-violence’ Guardian ‘A raucous extravaganza of assassins and lunatics’ New York Times ‘Kim conjures a gloriously dreamlike alternative Korea, with vibrant settings, heightened reality and choreographed ultra-violence’ Guardian ‘Vivid, mesmerising, gripping … in The Plotters, Kim has mixed bookishness, crackpots and commissioned murder into a rich and unsettling blend’ Washington Post ‘A work of literary genius; a quirky, compelling, intelligent, darkly funny, highly original and thought-provoking thriller like nothing I've read’ Karen Dionne, internationally bestselling author of Home ‘A truly incredible and unique thriller, unlike anything I have read before’ Khurrum Rahman 'Kill Bill meets Murakami. Twisted and surreal, The Plotters is one of those rare books that will haunt you long after you've finished it. The writing is smooth, unhurried and often profound, even as it draws you deeper into the gruesome underworld of skilled contract killers. Chillingly, the violence is almost exquisite, a bloody art form’ D. B. John, author of Star of the North ‘In a terrifying, not unimaginable dystopian Seoul, guilds, plotters and assassins jostle for supremacy . . . Violent, clever and funny, I loved it!’ M. W. Craven, author of The Puppet Show ‘You’ll be laughing out loud every five minutes, and contemplating the meaning of life, death and desire’ You-jeong Jeong, author of The Good Son

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Book SynopsisFrom the bestselling author of The Axeman's Jazz, Ray Celestin's The Mobster's Lament is a gripping tale of crime and jazz music, and the third entry in his City Blues Quartet. A gangster is on his last chance to escape the clutches of New York's mafia families but, as a blizzard descends on NYC, a ruthless serial killer is tracking his every move.New York, 1947.Mob fixer Gabriel Leveson’s plans to flee the city are put on hold when he is tasked with tracking down stolen mob money by ‘the boss of all bosses’, Frank Costello. But while he's busy looking, he doesn't notice who is watching him . . .Meanwhile, Private Investigator Ida Young and her old partner, Michael Talbot, must prove the innocence of Talbot’s son Tom, who has been accused of the brutal murders of four people in a Harlem flophouse. With all the evidence pointing towards him, their only chance of exoneration is to find the killer themselves.Whilst across town, Ida’s childhood friend, Louis Armstrong, is on the brink of bankruptcy, when a promoter approaches him with a strange offer to reignite his career . . .Both a gripping neo-noir crime novel and a vivid, panoramic portrait of New York, The Mobster's Lament takes you to the heart of a city where the Mob has risen to the height of its powers.Though they can be read individually, the City Blues Quartet begins with The Axeman's Jazz and Dead Man's Blues. Complete the series with Sunset Swing. Trade ReviewA vividly written crime thriller which is a contender for book of the year. -- Jon Coates * Daily Mirror *One of the most ambitious and riveting works of crime fiction in years . . . This is a compendious, gripping book that captures the fizzing energy of New York at one of the most exciting points in its history * Sunday Express *A satisfying and multi-layered mystery, and a well researched and dynamic portrait of a teeming city, rife with corruption * Guardian *An edge-of-the-seat crime epic that surpasses the remarkable standards set by its predecessors The Axeman’s Jazz and Dead Man’s Blues . . . A contender for book of the year and should not be missed * Daily Express *Celestin is hugely knowledgeable in portraying the atmosphere of New York. The series is a delight. * The Times *

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Book SynopsisThe classic first novel from Mark Billingham introduces DI Tom Thorne in a unforgettable and terrifying case that changed crime fiction forever.''A terrifically stylish debut novel'' Independent on SundayAlison Willetts has survived a stroke, deliberately induced by a skilful manipulation of pressure points on the head and neck. She can see, hear and feel but she is completely unable to move or communicate. In leaving Alison Willetts alive, the police believe the killer''s made his first mistake.Then DI Tom Thorne discovers the horrifying truth: it isn''t Alison who is the mistake, it''s the three women already dead.Thorne must find a killer whose agenda is disturbingly unique, and Alison, the one person who holds the key to the killer''s identity, is unable to say anything . . .__________Read what everyone''s saying about the heart-racing Tom Thorne series:Trade ReviewA terrifically stylish debut novel Independent on Sunday Extremely capable and unsettling Literary Review A cunning variation on the serial-murder theme Sunday Telegraph Mark Billingham is one of my favourite new authors. Highly recommended -- Harlan Coben

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Book SynopsisRaymond Thornton Chandler was born in Chicago in 1888, but moved to England with his family when he was twelve, where he attended Dulwich College, alma mater to some of the twentieth century's most renowned writers. Returning to America in 1912, he settled in California, worked in a number of jobs, and later married. It was during the Depression era that he seriously turned his hand to writing, and his first published story appeared in the pulp magazine Black Mask in 1933, followed six years later, when he was fifty, by his first novel, The Big Sleep. Chandler died in 1959, having established himself as the finest crime writer in America.

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Book SynopsisA joyful ode—in a single soaring, crazy sentence—to the interconnectedness of great (and mad) mindsTrade Review"Krasznahorkai establishes his own rules and rides a wave of exhilarating energy. Apocalyptic, visionary, and mad, it flies off the page and stays lodged intractably wherever it lands." -- Publishers Weekly"One of the most important—and eccentric—writers working today." -- Hari Kunzru - The Spectator"A single eighty-page-long sentence, scrawled in the journal of a “gray little librarian” who is named “herman melvill,” and who is losing his mind. By choosing this difficult form and this metafictional name, Krasznahorkai comes dangerously close to replicating the brainy but predictable tropes of deconstructionist archive fiction. Yet Spadework for a Palace also attempts to diagnose a fresh variant of archive fever—a kind of repulsion, native to an age of incomprehensible databases and sublime technology, that drives its sufferer to give up the task of archival interpretation altogether." -- Tadhg Larabee - Boston Review"Breathtaking and hypnotic, this unorthodox novella boldly merges fiction, travelogue and literary criticism into one 96-page sentence." -- Thuy Dinh - National Public Radio"If Spadework has a moral, as storybooks are supposed to, it is that ‘There is no duality in existence.’ We have one life to live, this storybook tells us, and it is not ours." -- J.W. McCormack - The New Left Review

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Book SynopsisIn her latest thrilling adventure, PI Sunny Randall takes on two serpentine cases that converge into one deadly mystery....Trade ReviewLupica makes smart-mouthed Sunny as fully realized as Parker's better-known gumshoe, Spenser. Readers are sure to look forward to her next outing * Publishers Weekly *Lupica powers his way through the plot in fast-talking Parker style, reveling in the banter and the nicely delineated relationships between Sunny and various other Parker players... It's all smart-alecky good fun in the hard-boiled tradition * Booklist *A quick and satisfying read... Some guest appearances from Parkerâ??s cast of Boston inhabitants on both sides of the law are most welcome * Book Reporter *

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Book Synopsis ***Discover your next reading obsession with Alex Gray''s bestselling Scottish detective series*** ***Don''t miss the latest from Alex Gray. Book 20 in the Lorimer series, QUESTIONS FOR A DEAD MAN, is out now and Book 21, OUT OF DARKNESS, is available to pre-order.***Whether you''ve read them all or whether this is your first Lorimer novel, PITCH BLACK is perfect if you love Ian Rankin, Val McDermid and Ann CleevesWHAT THEY''RE SAYING ABOUT THE LORIMER SERIES:''Warm-hearted, atmospheric'' ANN CLEEVES''Relentless and intriguing'' PETER MAY''Move over Rebus'' DAILY MAIL''Exciting, pacey, authentic'' ANGELA MARSONS''Superior writing'' THE TIMES''Immensely exciting and atmospheric'' ALEXANDER MCCALL SMITH___________________When Chief Inspector Lorimer returns from his holiday on the island of Mull, he feels a welcome sense of calm. But it d

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