Crime and mystery: hard-boiled crime, noir fiction

Book SynopsisHired to find a missing novelist, Boston private investigator Carlotta Carlyle gets tangled up in a cutthroat political campaign Six-foot-tall, redheaded ex-cop and Boston-based private eye Carlotta Carlyle is “the genuine article: a straightforward, funny, thoroughly American mystery heroine” (New York Post). Thea Janis was a literary Mozart. She published her first novel at age fourteen, shocking the upper crust of Boston with her frank depiction of blue-blooded indiscretions, and she seemed to have a magnificent career ahead of her. But before Thea could publish her follow-up novel, she mysteriously disappeared and was eventually named as a victim of a serial killer. Twenty-four years later, an admirer of Thea’s comes to Carlotta claiming to have evidence that Thea is alive—and still writing. He begs Carlotta to find the onetime prodigy, but there are powerful people, including Thea’s prominent family of Boston politicians, who want Thea’s second book to stay buried. As a take-no-prisoners gubernatorial race speeds to its climax, Carlotta discovers a secret that could upend the campaign, endanger people’s lives, and rewrite literary history.Cold Case is the 7th book in the Carlotta Carlyle Mysteries, but you may enjoy reading the series in any order.Trade Review“With a stylish pro like Barnes doing the plotting, this chilling case won’t leave you cold.” —People “An intricate, whodunit-and-why…Barnes is an adroit storyteller and she makes her large cast of interesting characters come alive.” – Chicago Tribune “Absorbing . . . Barnes keeps readers flipping pages.” —Orlando Sentinel “Barnes is a master storyteller, and her latest—in a series that just keeps getting better—is a riveting read that is at once poignant, funny, sad, suspenseful, and hopeful. A must for every mystery fan!” —Booklist “A satisfying, complex tale.” —Entertainment Weekly

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Book SynopsisAS FEATURED ON THE ZOE BALL RADIO 2 BOOK CLUB SUNDAY TIMES CRIME BOOK OF THE MONTH 'Wonderful' Lee Child 'Outstanding' Nadine Matheson 'Riveting' Harriet Tyce 'Brilliant' Janice Hallett 'We know you know. Talk and you’re next.' Bishop Jeremiah Dawodu, pastor of a Nigerian megachurch, has been arrested and charged with the murder of his wife, Folasade, the 'First Lady' of the church. The arrest was public, humiliating and sensational - sending shockwaves through Lagos - but throughout it all, Bishop Dawodu maintains his innocence. Philip Taiwo, an acclaimed investigative psychologist, is asked by his sister, a member of the church's congregation, to clear the pastor’s name. With no actual body, it looks to be a simple case and despite Philip’s dislike of organised religion, he agrees to take it on as a favour to his sister. Then the First Lady's body is found in a nearby lake just as Philip’s beloved family come under attack from someone warning him off the case, and he realises that nothing to do with this investigation will be straightforward. Was it murder or suicide? Is someone framing the Bishop or the First Lady? Gaslight is the sensational follow up to Femi Kayode's acclaimed debut, Lightseekers, picked as a Book of the Month by the Times, Sunday Times, Independent, Guardian, Observer, Financial Times and Irish Times 'Femi Kayode is an unparalleled wordsmith' S. A. Cosby 'Deftly plotted, with strong characterisation and a great sense of place' Guardian Trade ReviewWonderful. Full of narrative charm (appropriately leavened by a little cynicism), full of characters that, while specific to the theme and setting, were also universally recognizable and translatable -- Lee ChildOutstanding … This is Kayode’s second novel in the Taiwo series and it brings a refreshing new perspective to contemporary crime fiction * Sunday Times *Gaslight deserves all the stars. It’s an outstanding, clever and emotional thriller. The best thrillers take you on a journey. Definitely a recommended read -- Nadine MathesonGaslight is a dizzying poetic crime novel. Femi Kayode is an unparalleled wordsmith -- S. A. Cosby bestselling author of ALL THE SINNERS BLEEDDeftly plotted, with strong characterisation and a great sense of place, Gaslight more than lives up to the promise of its excellent predecessor * Guardian *Gaslight ’s particular appeal is the sharp glimpses it provides of local ways of getting things done * The Times *Gaslight nicely showcases both [Kayode's] understanding of human complexity and his maturing skills as a novelist * Financial Times *Philip Taiwo is such an engaging protagonist - so good to see a detective character who is committed to his family and properly functional! The relationship with Lara and Folake’s solution was also particularly satisfying. Femi has nailed the difficult second novel and set in concrete the foundations for what I hope will be a very long series featuring Philip and Chika. Powerful and shocking, it’s a riveting read -- Harriet TyceI loved it. The atmosphere and characters were authentic to the point I felt I could recognise them, and I was captivated to find out who was responsible and why -- Amen AlongeIn the depths of faith, dark secrets lie buried. Welcome to the heart-pounding world of Femi Kayode’s Gaslight, where shadows dance to the rhythm of danger -- Leye AdenleThe charismatic pastor of a wealthy Nigerian mega-church is accused of killing his missing wife. But is the case as cut and dried as so many want it to be? Investigative psychologist Dr Philip Taiwo is back and what a triumph Gaslight is! Femi Kayode delivers a brilliant, uncompromising story rich with humanity and intrigue. His characters burst from the page and the atmosphere he creates whisks you across the world in the blink of an eye. A wild, exhilarating ride from cover to cover -- Janice HallettI’m crossing my fingers that one of my loved ones has picked up on the fact that I’ve yet to read the second Femi Kayode novel, Gaslight. I loved his first, Lightseekers … and I can’t wait to curl up with Philip’s latest investigation -- Alison Flood, Observer[A] vivid and immersive novel. Kayode blends the murder case with a subplot around Taiwo’s personal life expertly, layering meaning and resonances into both stories to create a very satisfying whole. Fine stuff * Big Issue *Kayode’s vivid sequel…Kayode joins the two investigations in surprising and satisfying ways, maintaining steady momentum and populating the story with well-drawn characters. His evocative portrait of contemporary Nigeria is icing on the cake. This series continues to captivate * Publisher's Weekly, US *The pace of Gaslight is electric. It is a constant powerful current with jolting bursts of excitement and horror. Femi Kayode is a remarkable writer; his style is addictive, even after one ‘shot’ * Shots Mag *This thrilling murder mystery set in Nigeria bursts with impressive energy … Powerful, provocative and absolutely captivating, Gaslight deserves to fly. Highly recommended * Love Reading *Beautifully written, thought-provoking and contemporary, Gaslight is a wholly engrossing book that draws you in, makes you think and raises your temperature as you want the perpetrators caught just as much as the book’s protagonist -- Live and DeadlyThe standout thriller of the month ... A stunning murder mystery ... The suspense is expertly handled * Independent on Lightseekers *A superb novel – so inventive and so well done. It’s just brilliant -- Harriet Tyce on LightseekersWhat a sensational debut ... Dr Philip Taiwo is a protagonist I want to meet again, and the setting is so well-drawn. Intelligent, suspenseful and utterly engrossing -- Will Dean on LightseekersFemi Kayode is an atmospheric writer -- Mark Sanderson * The Times on Lightseekers *

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisA psychological thriller from best-selling author Valerie Keogh you won't want to miss!!What if someone from your past tried to destroy your future?When Melanie Scott is promoted to junior partner, she thinks she has put her past behind her and while out celebrating her promotion, she meets the handsome and charming Hugo Field.Melanie has her doubts and is haunted by her mother’s critical voice, which reminds her that she’s messed up before. But when Hugo invites her for dinner, she buries her feeling and accepts his invitation.She deserves the chance of happiness, doesn’t she?However, the past she thought she'd buried resurfaces when she receives an email containing a name; Anne Edwards. A name she thought she’d left behind.When the emails escalate, she knows she has to find out who is behind them, but at what cost?Melanie is about to learn that her past will shape her future forever…What everyone is saying about The Lawyer:'This is an amazing book, just buy it, and sit back and enjoy the ride. A massive five shiny starts from me.' Bestselling author Anita Waller'This deliciously twisty story kept me up late at night, desperate to know the outcome. A definite 5 stars.' Bestselling author Keri Beevis"If you are after a thrilling story... this is the one for you""I just cannot get enough of this author's books."Please note: This book was previously published as The Deadly Truth

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Book SynopsisCelebrating Ray Bradbury's centennial, an illustrated commemorative collection of his finest crime stories -- tales as strange and wonderful as his signature fantasy. Time travelers…dark carnivals…living automata…and detectives? Honoring the 100th birthday of Ray Bradbury, renowned author of Fahrenheit 451, this new, definitive collection of the master’s less well-known crime fiction, published in a high-grade premium collectible edition, features classic stories and rare gems, a number of which became episodes of ALFRED HITCHCOCK PRESENTS and THE RAY BRADBURY THEATER, including the tale Bradbury called “one of the best stories in any field that I have ever written.” Is it murder to destroy a robot if it looks and speaks and thinks and feels like a human being? Can a ventriloquist be incriminated by the testimony of his own dummy? Can a time traveler prevent his younger self from killing the woman they both loved? And can the survivor of a pair of Siamese twins investigate his own brother’s murder? No other writer has ever rivaled the imagination and narrative gifts of Ray Bradbury, and the 20 unforgettable stories in this collection demonstrate this singular writer’s extraordinary range, influence and emotional power.Trade Review"All told in an intense, poetic language that leaves disturbing echoes."—Booklist"This tribute volume should appeal to more than just Bradbury fans." — Publishers Weekly"KILLER, COME BACK TO ME features some of Bradbury’s oldest writing and some of his best. I can’t give you a better recommendation than that for putting this collection on your must-read list right now."—BookReporter "Creepy, suspenseful, and showcasing a vast range, Bradbury’s crime stories should be read, whether you are a Bradbury fan or love crime novels with a horror edge." — The Crime Review"This is essential reading for all Bradbury fans – especially those unfamiliar with his crime fiction."—Bookgasm

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