Crime and mystery: hard-boiled crime, noir fiction

Book Synopsis 'AN UNMISSABLE DEBUT' Sunday Express Magazine'A GRIPPING DEBUT (...) YOU WON'T WANT IT TO END' HeatTHE FIRST IN A PHENOMENAL NEW SERIES FEATURING DI ALEX FINN AND DC MATTIE PAULSEN. Perfect for fans of Mark Billingham, Peter James and Peter Robinson. When a development in South London catches fire mid-construction, a close-knit team of fire fighters runs in to save a man spotted at the window. They come out without a body. They quit the service. They plan never to speak to each other again. Five years later one of them is set alight at his own wedding. Soon after, a second is found, nothing but a smoking corpse. It appears that someone knows what they did that night. What they chose over their duty. And there are still three men left to burn . . . DI Alex Finn and his new partner DC Mattie Paulsen are an unlikely pairing, but they need to discover who is behind these killings before the next man faces the fire. This is first in Will Shindler's Finn and Paulsen series - a British detective series that ranks with Mark Billingham, M.J. Arlidge, Stuart MacBride.***Order the second novel in the Finn and Paulsen series, THE KILLING CHOICE, now!***REAL READERS ARE LOVING THE BURNING MENRATED 4.5 STARS ON NETGALLEY'Well-constructed and cleverly penned, this is one that starts strongly, continues powerfully and ends with a very satisfying bang. It's about consequences, consciences and morals intertwined with some gruesome scenes and a thumping good ride''A real page turner. I loved this book . . . There must be more of these two, they are fascinating. More please, equally well thought out, equally well written . . . please. SOON!''If, like me, you are the kind of reader who likes to be in on the ground floor of a brand-new series, then get The Burning Men on your pre-order to be read lists because this is one of those times . . .''This is a great read about greed and treachery. An engaging, exciting read which I read in one sitting. Lots of red herrings, twists and turns''I absolutely loved it, it drew me in from the first page and didn't let go until the end. I cannot wait to read the next book by this author'Trade ReviewAn unmissable debut * Sunday Express S Magazine, Books to look forward to in 2020 *The pace is good and Finn is a great character. There is also an excellently portrayed organised crime boss * Literary Review *This debut is, simply put, fantastic. It has such a strong opening, you'll be hooked after the first chapter * Yahoo *A gripping debut with well-rounded characters and an intriguing plot. You won't want it to end * Heat *This thriller's hot stuff. A blaze of action and surprises, making it a sure crime debut of the year contender. Shindler's list (sorry!) of successes include an original plot, gasp-out-loud twists and a brilliant new detective team... the case is a humdinger. 10/10 * The Peterborough Telegraph *Arresting... an unusual novel with a rising sense of menace * The Sunday Times *Fans of police novels and dramas will lap up this tale, and as it's the first in the Finn and Paulsen series, I can't wait for the next instalment * Daily Record *Blistering debut... this is a gritty and cleverly plotted police drama - the very definition of a page- turner * Culture Fly *A highly accomplished police procedural with intriguing characters and plenty of twists to keep readers guessing until its explosive finale * The Daily Express *The Burning Men hooked me from the start and never gave me second thoughts (...) The sharp scenes, good pacing and deft characterisation mark this as a series to follow * Crime Review *

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Book Synopsis 'AN UNMISSABLE DEBUT' Sunday Express Magazine'A GRIPPING DEBUT (...) YOU WON'T WANT IT TO END' HeatTHE FIRST IN A PHENOMENAL NEW SERIES FEATURING DI ALEX FINN AND DC MATTIE PAULSEN.Perfect for fans of Mark Billingham, Peter James and Peter Robinson.When a development in South London catches fire mid-construction, a close-knit team of fire fighters runs in to save a man spotted at the window.They come out without a body. They quit the service. They plan never to speak to each other again.Five years later one of them is set alight at his own wedding. Soon after, a second is found, nothing but a smoking corpse. It appears that someone knows what they did that night. What they chose over their duty. And there are still three men left to burn . . .DI Alex Finn and his new partner DC Mattie Paulsen are an unlikely pairing, but they need to discover who is behind these killings before the next man faces the fire.This is first in Will Shindler's Finn and Paulsen series - a British detective series that ranks with Mark Billingham, M.J. Arlidge, Stuart MacBride.***Order the second novel in the Finn and Paulsen series, THE KILLING CHOICE, now!***REAL READERS ARE LOVING THE BURNING MENRATED 4.5 STARS ON NETGALLEY'Well-constructed and cleverly penned, this is one that starts strongly, continues powerfully and ends with a very satisfying bang. It's about consequences, consciences and morals intertwined with some gruesome scenes and a thumping good ride''A real page turner. I loved this book . . . There must be more of these two, they are fascinating. More please, equally well thought out, equally well written . . . please. SOON!''If, like me, you are the kind of reader who likes to be in on the ground floor of a brand-new series, then get The Burning Men on your pre-order to be read lists because this is one of those times . . .''This is a great read about greed and treachery. An engaging, exciting read which I read in one sitting. Lots of red herrings, twists and turns''I absolutely loved it, it drew me in from the first page and didn't let go until the end. I cannot wait to read the next book by this author'Trade ReviewAn unmissable debut * Sunday Express S Magazine, Books to look forward to in 2020 *The pace is good and Finn is a great character. There is also an excellently portrayed organised crime boss * Literary Review *This debut is, simply put, fantastic. It has such a strong opening, you'll be hooked after the first chapter * Yahoo *A gripping debut with well-rounded characters and an intriguing plot. You won't want it to end * Heat *This thriller's hot stuff. A blaze of action and surprises, making it a sure crime debut of the year contender. Shindler's list (sorry!) of successes include an original plot, gasp-out-loud twists and a brilliant new detective team... the case is a humdinger. 10/10 * The Peterborough Telegraph *Arresting... an unusual novel with a rising sense of menace * The Sunday Times *Fans of police novels and dramas will lap up this tale, and as it's the first in the Finn and Paulsen series, I can't wait for the next instalment * Daily Record *Blistering debut... this is a gritty and cleverly plotted police drama - the very definition of a page- turner * Culture Fly *A highly accomplished police procedural with intriguing characters and plenty of twists to keep readers guessing until its explosive finale * The Daily Express *The Burning Men hooked me from the start and never gave me second thoughts (...) The sharp scenes, good pacing and deft characterisation mark this as a series to follow * Crime Review *

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Book Synopsis Sunday Times Crime Book of the Month, one of The Times Best Crime Novels of 2021, The Sunday Times Crime Club Book of the Week and one of the Observers thrillers of the month!'Riveting . . . Shindler's second novel displays an acute understanding of family dynamics, easily fulfilling the promise of his debut, The Burning Men' SUNDAY TIMES, CRIME BOOK OF THE MONTHTHE SECOND NOVEL FROM THE AUTHOR OF THE BURNING MEN, FEATURING DI ALEX FINN AND DCI MATTIE PAULSEN5* RATING ON NETGALLEY'Don't think I've loved a Detective as much since Idris Elba's John Luther''Will Schindler's books have all the hallmarks of future classics of this genre''A sharp police procedural with an interesting plot''The greatest strengths lies in the terrific police team whose characters are so well fleshed out they feel real''I loved the storyline, it kept me on edge till the end''A real contender, which is up there with the best''Leave your daughter with me, or I will kill you both'It felt like a normal Friday evening before Karl and his daughter Leah were ambushed by a figure in a blank mask. At knife point, Karl is forced to make an impossible choice. Stay and die, or walk away from Leah and take this thug's word that they both will live. Should Karl trust a villain and leave his daughter with a knife at her throat? Could he ever live with himself if he did? It's not long before more seemingly unconnected and innocent people across London are offered a deal in exchange for their life. More blood is spilled, more families shattered, and more people are left to suffer with the consequences of their decisions.DI Alex Finn and DC Mattie Paulsen must hunt for a killer that appears to have no face, no motive and no conscience before more victims are forced to make their choice. This is second in Will Shindler's Finn and Paulsen series - a British detective series that ranks with Mark Billingham, M.J. Arlidge and Stuart MacBride.***Order the third novel in the Finn and Paulsen series, THE HUNTING GROUND, now!***Trade ReviewThe explosive opening hooked me straight in . . . With a cast of credible characters, a twisting plotline and some ingenious twists, the book develops at a cracking pace * Lesley Sanderson, author of The Orchid Girls *An outstanding page-turner * Robin Morgan-Bentley, author of The Wreckage *Warm and dealing with recognisable emotions, this is the best kind of police procedural * Literary Review *DI Alex Finn and DCI Mattie Paulsen are back, this time chasing someone who forces their victims to make an impossible life-and-death decision. This is sitting up and begging to be developed for television * Sunday Times, Pick of the Week *Riveting . . . Shindler's second novel displays an acute understanding of family dynamics, easily fulfilling the promise of his debut, The Burning Men * Sunday Times, Book of the month *An excellent second outing for the cop pair following their introduction in The Burning Men - and as fine a police procedural as you'd want for a cold winter's night * Weekend Sport *The Killing Choice is the second in a series that opened with The Burning Men , and is another adept police procedural, building the sense of dread to breaking point as Finn and Paulsen rush to uncover any links between the victims. This is an immersive read that leaves the reader wondering how they would react if faced with such an unimaginable choice * Observer *Riveting * The Times, Best thrillers and crime novels of 2021 so far *This slick tense thriller about families, loyalty, guilt and revenge is top notch * The Sun, Pick of the Week *This slick, tense thriller about families, loyalty, guilt and revenge is top notch - and no doubt heading to TV screens soon * The Sun *This riveting novel has a protagonist faced with a choice no parent should have to make: does he save his own life or that of his daughter? His decision has catastrophic consequences * Times Online, 'top 50 best books to read for summer 2021' *Thrilling * The Killing Choice *

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Book Synopsis Sunday Times Crime Book of the Month, one of The Times Best Crime Novels of 2021, The Sunday Times Crime Club Book of the Week, one of The Times best books to read this summer and one of the Observers thrillers of the month.'Riveting . . . Shindler's second novel displays an acute understanding of family dynamics, easily fulfilling the promise of his debut, The Burning Men' SUNDAY TIMES, CRIME BOOK OF THE MONTHTHE SECOND NOVEL FROM THE AUTHOR OF THE BURNING MEN, FEATURING DI ALEX FINN AND DCI MATTIE PAULSENA FRIDAY NIGHTKarl and his daughter Leah are on their weekly evening stroll through Crystal Palace Park.A HOODED FIGUREFrom out of the shadows, a figure wearing a blank mask ambushes them, armed with a large knife.A CHOICE TO MAKEKarl is forced to make an impossible decision: stay and die, or walk away from Leah with a knife at her throat and the promise that they will both survive. Could Karl ever live with himself if he left his daughter? Does he really have a choice?Soon, more seemingly unconnected and innocent people across London are offered a deal in exchange for their lives. DI Alex Finn and DC Mattie Paulsen must hunt for a killer that appears to have no face, no motive and no conscience before more victims' blood is spilled.Praise for THE KILLING CHOICE'The explosive opening hooked me straight in . . . With a cast of credible characters, a twisting plotline and some ingenious twists, the book develops at a cracking pace' Lesley Sanderson, author of The Orchid Girls'An outstanding page-turner' Robin Morgan-Bentley, author of The Wreckage'DI Alex Finn and DCI Mattie Paulsen are back, this time chasing someone who forces their victims to make an impossible life-and-death decision. This is sitting up and begging to be developed for television' Sunday Times, Pick of the Week'Riveting . . . Shindler's second novel displays an acute understanding of family dynamics, easily fulfilling the promise of his debut, The Burning Men' Sunday Times, Book of the month'An excellent second outing for the cop pair following their introduction in The Burning Men - and as fine a police procedural as you'd want for a cold winter's night' Weekend Sport'The Killing Choice is the second in a series that opened with The Burning Men, and is another adept police procedural, building the sense of dread to breaking point as Finn and Paulsen rush to uncover any links between the victims. This is an immersive read that leaves the reader wondering how they would react if faced with such an unimaginable choice' Observer***Order the third novel in the Finn and Paulsen series, THE HUNTING GROUND, now!***Trade ReviewThe explosive opening hooked me straight in . . . With a cast of credible characters, a twisting plotline and some ingenious twists, the book develops at a cracking pace * Lesley Sanderson, author of The Orchid Girls *An outstanding page-turner * Robin Morgan-Bentley, author of The Wreckage *Warm and dealing with recognisable emotions, this is the best kind of police procedural * Literary Review *DI Alex Finn and DCI Mattie Paulsen are back, this time chasing someone who forces their victims to make an impossible life-and-death decision. This is sitting up and begging to be developed for television * Sunday Times, Pick of the Week *Riveting . . . Shindler's second novel displays an acute understanding of family dynamics, easily fulfilling the promise of his debut, The Burning Men * Sunday Times, Book of the month *An excellent second outing for the cop pair following their introduction in The Burning Men - and as fine a police procedural as you'd want for a cold winter's night * Weekend Sport *The Killing Choice is the second in a series that opened with The Burning Men , and is another adept police procedural, building the sense of dread to breaking point as Finn and Paulsen rush to uncover any links between the victims. This is an immersive read that leaves the reader wondering how they would react if faced with such an unimaginable choice * Observer *Riveting * The Times, Best thrillers and crime novels of 2021 so far *This slick tense thriller about families, loyalty, guilt and revenge is top notch * The Sun, Pick of the Week *This slick, tense thriller about families, loyalty, guilt and revenge is top notch - and no doubt heading to TV screens soon * The Sun *This riveting novel has a protagonist faced with a choice no parent should have to make: does he save his own life or that of his daughter? His decision has catastrophic consequences * Times Online, 'top 50 best books to read for summer 2021' *Thrilling * The Killing Choice *

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Book SynopsisFrom internationally bestselling author Katrine Engberg, the series that is a "gripping addition to the Scandinavian crime fiction pantheon" (Oprah Daily) comes to a stunning conclusion as Jeppe Kørner and Anette Werner rush to untangle a long-simmering mystery before a brutal killer strikes again.Jeppe Kørner, on leave from the police force and nursing a broken heart, has taken refuge on the island of Bornholm for the winter. Also on the island is Esther de Laurenti, a writer working on a biography on a female anthropologist with a mysterious past and coming to terms with her own crushing sense of loneliness in the wake of a dear friend's death. When Jeppe lends a helping hand at the island's local sawmill, he begins to realize that the island may not be the peaceful refuge it appears to be.Back in Copenhagen, Anette Werner is tasked with leading the investigation into a severed corpse discovered on a downtown playground. As she follows the strange trail of clues, they all seem to lead back to Bornholm. With an innocent offer to check out a lead, Jeppe unwittingly finds himself in the crosshairs of a sinister mystery rooted in the past, forcing him to team up with Anette and Esther to unravel the island's secrets before it's too late.With her signature "unforgettable characters and brilliant plot twists" (Kathy Reichs, #1 New York Times bestselling author), Katrine Engberg weaves a satisfying and white-knuckled finale to her Korner and Werner series that is a modern classic of Scandinavian noir.

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Book SynopsisFrom internationally bestselling author Katrine Engberg, the series that is a "gripping addition to the Scandinavian crime fiction pantheon" (Oprah Daily) comes to a stunning conclusion as Jeppe Kørner and Anette Werner rush to untangle a long-simmering mystery before a brutal killer strikes again.Jeppe Kørner, on leave from the police force and nursing a broken heart, has taken refuge on the island of Bornholm for the winter. Also on the island is Esther de Laurenti, a writer working on a biography on a female anthropologist with a mysterious past and coming to terms with her own crushing sense of loneliness in the wake of a dear friend's death. When Jeppe lends a helping hand at the island's local sawmill, he begins to realize that the island may not be the peaceful refuge it appears to be.Back in Copenhagen, Anette Werner is tasked with leading the investigation into a severed corpse discovered on a downtown playground. As she follows the strange trail of clues, they all seem to lead back to Bornholm. With an innocent offer to check out a lead, Jeppe unwittingly finds himself in the crosshairs of a sinister mystery rooted in the past, forcing him to team up with Anette and Esther to unravel the island's secrets before it's too late.With her signature "unforgettable characters and brilliant plot twists" (Kathy Reichs, #1 New York Times bestselling author), Katrine Engberg weaves a satisfying and white-knuckled finale to her Korner and Werner series that is a modern classic of Scandinavian noir.

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Book SynopsisAssassin. Immortal. Spy.From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of These Violent Delights comes the first book in a captivating new duology following an ill-matched pair of spies posing as a married couple to investigate a series of brutal murders in 1930s Shanghai. It's 1931 in Shanghai, and the stage is set for a new decade of intrigue. Four years ago, Rosalind Lang was brought back from the brink of death, but the strange experiment that saved her also stopped her from sleeping and aging - and allows her to heal from any wound. In short, Rosalind cannot die. Now, desperate for redemption for her traitorous past, she uses her abilities as an assassin for her country. Code name: Fortune. But when the Japanese Imperial Army begins its invasion march, Rosalind's mission pivots. A series of murders is causing unrest in Shanghai, and the Japanese are under suspicion. Rosalind's new orders are to infiltrate foreign society and identify the culprits behind the terror plot before more of her people are killed. To reduce suspicion, she must pose as the wife of another Nationalist spy, Orion Hong. Although Rosalind finds Orion's cavalier attitude and playboy demeanour infuriating, she is willing to work with him for the greater good. But Orion has an agenda of his own, and Rosalind has secrets that she wants to keep buried. As they both attempt to unravel the conspiracy, the two spies soon find that there are deeper and more horrifying layers to this mystery than they ever imagined.PRAISE FOR CHLOE GONG'An electrifying, swashbuckling tale of intrigue and assassins, romance and betrayal' CASSANDRA CLARE'Amazing, show-stopping, spectacular' XIRAN JAY ZHAO'A dark delight' RENEE AHDIEH'Foul Lady Fortune had my heart pounding from the first chapter' ELIZABETH LIM'Chloe Gong has outdone herself' JOAN HETrade ReviewRaw, thrilling and dizzyingly romantic, Foul Lady Fortune is a marvel * Sangu Mandanna, author of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches *Foul Lady Fortune is a rich and thrilling web of covert identities and competing ideologies, with a devastating slow-burn romance at its core. Gong has crafted an absolutely gripping and wonderfully confident start to a new series * Sunya Mara, author of The Darkening *An absolute fireball of a book. This is an impeccably slick murder mystery entangled in the backstabbing, claustrophobic world of spies and political machinations ... leaves you scheming, theorising and obsessing * The Nerd Daily *In the usual style of conspiracy thrillers, it contains rather a lot to keep up with: a large cast of characters, some with more than one name, some of them working for more than one side. But Chloe Gong unfolds it all with care ... over time, the reader becomes properly invested in her cast of young agents with messy lives * SFX *Filled with secrets, conspiracy and romance, this evocative slice of historical fiction from the author of These Violent Delights sees a young assassin fight for the greater good in 1930s Shanghai * Waterstones *I love a period piece and I love a little bit of fantasy in my books. Chloe Gong has been able to mix the two in her novels that are set in early 1900s Shanghai * Stellar.ie *When a story is this pacey and captivating, with such beautifully written characters, why wouldn't you want to read every book that shapes the world they exist in? * Culturefly *Equal parts intoxicating and dazzling, Gong's newest duology is enchanting and unmissable. Each page is a finely honed blade that goes straight to the heart * Roshani Chokshi, New York Times bestselling author of The Gilded Wolves *

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Book SynopsisA lover in peril. A nation under threat. The clock is ticking . . .'AMAZING, SHOW-STOPPING, SPECTACULAR' XIRAN JAY ZHAOThe captivating sequel to Foul Lady Fortune, by the New York Times bestselling author of These Violent Delights.Winter is drawing thick in 1932 Shanghai, as is the threat of a Japanese invasion. Rosalind Lang's identity as a national spy has been exposed. With the media camped outside her apartment, she's barely left her bedroom in weeks, plotting her next course of action after Orion was taken and his memories wiped. Their marriage might have been a sham, but his absence hurts more than any physical wound. She won't rest until she gets him back. But with her identity in the open, the task is near impossible. The only way to rescue Orion is under the guise of a national tour. It's easy to convince her superiors that the countryside needs unity more than ever, and who better than an immortal girl to stir pride and strength? When the tour goes wrong, everything Rosalind once knew is thrown up in the air. Taking refuge outside Shanghai, old ghosts return and adversaries turn to allies. To save Orion, they must find a cure to his mother's invention and steal this dangerous weapon away from foreign invasion -but the clock is ticking, and if Rosalind fails, it's not only Orion she loses, but her nation itself . . .PRAISE FOR CHLOE GONG'A glamorous spy thriller that will leave you breathless' DUSTIN THAO'Brilliant pacing and utterly dynamic characters' ELIZABETH LIM'The chemistry was crackling, the revelations hair-raising, and I was so taken by the world that I did not see the reveals coming' JOAN HE'A thrilling historical fantasy packed with action, intrigue, and swoon-worthy romance' JUNE HUR'A dark delight . . . Captivating' RENEE AHDIEH'Equal parts intoxicating and dazzling, Gong's newest duology is enchanting and unmissable' ROSHANI CHOKSHITrade Review** PRAISE FOR CHLOE GONG **Deliciously dark * Natasha Ngan, New York Times bestselling author of Girls of Paper and Fire *Heady, smart, and vicious * Tessa Gratton, author of The Queens of Innis Lear *Chloe Gong's debut is a terrific, deliciously unputdownable read! * June Hur, author of The Silence of Bones *Equal parts intoxicating and dazzling, Gong's newest duology is enchanting and unmissable. Each page is a finely honed blade that goes straight to the heart * Roshani Chokshi, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Last Tale of the Flower Bride *An electrifying, swashbuckling tale of intrigue and assassins, romance and betrayal * Cassandra Clare, bestselling author of The Mortal Instruments series *Foul Lady Fortune is a thrilling historical fantasy packed with action, intrigue, and swoon-worthy romance. I will read anything Chloe Gong writes * June Hur, bestselling author of The Silence of Bones *A glamorous spy thriller that will leave you breathless. Chloe Gong masterfully blends romance, political drama, and Black Widow-esque action sequences into a familiar world with new characters you'll fall completely in love with * Dustin Thao, New York Times bestselling author of You've Reached Sam *With tense, lush storytelling, a complicated heroine and her swoon worthy foil, Foul Lady Fortune invites you into a dark chapter of twentieth century China where intrigue lies behind every corner. Intoxicating! * Stacey Lee, author of Under a Painted Sky *Amazing, show-stopping, spectacular. Chloe Gong does it again with her fantastical take on the classic Chinese genre of Minguo-era spy thrillers, where no loyalties are certain and no one can be trusted in the shadowy political battle between the Nationalists, communists, and imperialists. A enthralling mystery that is sure to stun as it unravels * Xiran Jay Zhao, New York Times bestselling author of Iron Widow *Foul Lady Fortune had my heart pounding from the first chapter. With brilliant pacing and utterly dynamic characters, Gong transports us to 1930s Shanghai-into a high stakes game of war, love, and espionage-and conquers every page with cinematic precision * Elizabeth Lim, New York Times bestselling author of Six Crimson Cranes *When I think Republican era spy story, I think thrills, triple agents, and twists. Foul Lady Fortune delivers on all these fronts and more. The chemistry was crackling, the revelations hair-raising, and I was so taken by the world that I did not see the reveals coming, in the best way possible. Chloe Gong has outdone herself, without a doubt * Joan He, New York Times bestselling author of The Ones We're Meant to Find *Chloe Gong's Foul Lady Fortune is an electric, action-packed jewel of a story, brimming with vivid prose, exhilarating twists and turns, and incredible characters who will steal your heart. This book dazzles * Claire Legrand, New York Times bestselling author of Furyborn *This book is a dark delight. I found myself transported to a different place and time, which is exactly what I look for in my favorite books. Gong's writing is evocative, and her dialogue crackles. Mesmerizing and mysterious in equal turns, Foul Lady Fortune is a captivating read, and I look forward to the next installment in the series * Renée Ahdieh, New York Times bestselling author of The Beautiful Quartet *

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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 SynopsisSOMEONE HAS BLOOD ON THEIR HANDS... Claire Beacham arrives home to a parcel on her doorstep - no note, no label. As a politician she has received her fair share of hate mail, but there's no way she could be prepared for what's inside the box. A severed head falls to her kitchen floor; the rich, red drip of blood on her hands. The terrifying package is a message. But who sent it and why? DI Finn and DC Mattie Paulsen are on the case. But what they don't yet know is that this is only Claire's first delivery. There will be more. And each package means another body... 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 SynopsisThe brand-new gripping thriller in Will Shindler's acclaimed DI Alex Finn series - available to pre-order now!Years ago someone got away with murder... But time's up. 2009 During a summer heatwave, teenagers are going missing. Junior officer Alex Finn takes the case and fears that the disappearances are linked. In a race against the clock to find and rescue the children alive, Finn and his team are only partially successful. Two of the children are saved, but they were too late for Oliver. And the killer got away. 2023 DI Alex Finn is still tormented by the cases of his youth - none more than so than the 2009 kidnappings. And it seems someone else has not forgotten either. They want answers after all this time, and with a gun in their pocket and their sights set on Alex, they'll do anything to get what they're after... Highly original and utterly compelling, THE COLD CASE is Will Shindler's biggest book yet and is perfect for fans of Mark Billingham and Mick Herron.

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Book Synopsis'A cracking storyteller' ANN CLEEVESThere is more to solving a crime than following the clues.Welcome to Chief Inspector Gamache's world of facts and feelings.In the green depths of spring, morning breaks on a woman splayed in a bed of flowers - her eyes wide, her neck broken.Her death is a mystery; so is the woman herself. But as Chief Inspector Armand Gamache and his team peer into the dark corners of the victim's past, they expose a secret that rots at the very heart of their community - a secret that will implicate someone they've trusted for years. And as Gamache knows too well, in the flickering shadows of death, the truth may be just a trick of the light.Ten million readers.Three pines.One inimitable Chief Inspector Gamache.'Stellar . . . With her smart plot and fascinating, nuanced characters, Penny proves again that she is one of our finest writers' PEOPLE MAGAZINETrade ReviewStellar . . . With her smart plot and fascinating, nuanced characters, Penny proves again that she is one of our finest writers * People Magazine *Outstanding . . . Penny effectively employs the interplay of light and dark . . . which resonates symbolically in the souls of the characters * Publishers Weekly *A commanding and artful performance . . . For connoisseurs of mysteries, success is judged by the genre's holy trinity: plot, people and prose. When all three attain excellence, a fourth quality shines through: power . . . what lifts her work to the highest plane is the deep sense of humanity with which she invests her novels, and A TRICK OF THE LIGHT satisfies and surpasses that standard * Richmond Times-Dispatch *Louise 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 *

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Book SynopsisWinner of the the Barry, Macavity, & Anthony Awards for Best Novel 2017Winner of the Agatha Award for Best Contemporary Crime Novel 2016There is more to solving a crime than following the clues.Welcome to Chief Inspector Gamache's world of facts and feelings.Former Chief Inspector Gamache has been hunting killers his entire career and as the new commander of the Sûreté Academy, he is given the chance to combat the corruption and brutality that has been rife throughout the force. But when a former colleague and professor of the Sûreté Academy is found murdered, with a mysterious map of Three Pines in his possession, Gamache has an even tougher task ahead of him.When suspicion turns to Gamache himself, and his possible involvement in the crime, the frantic search for answers takes the investigation to the village of Three Pines, where a series of shattering secrets are poised to be revealed ...Ten million readers.Three pines.One inimitable Chief Inspector Gamache.'Outstanding ... a constantly surprising series' THE NEW YORK 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 *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 *Brimming with atmosphere and steeped in soul-searching . . . Penny combines clever plotting with beautifully evocative descriptions * Daily Express *Penny's elliptical style works brilliantly in a novel that combines modern-day police corruption with century-old tragedy * Sunday Times *

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Book Synopsis'Makes most of her competitors seem like wannabes' THE TIMESThere is more to solving a crime than following the clues.Welcome to Chief Inspector Gamache's world of facts and feelings.One cold November day, a mysterious figure appears on the village green in Three Pines, causing unease, alarm and confusion among everyone who sees it. Chief Superintendent, Armand Gamache knows something is seriously wrong, but all he can do is watch and wait, hoping his worst fears are not realised. But when the figure disappears and a dead body is discovered, it falls to Gamache to investigate.In the early days of the murder inquiry, and months later, as the trial for the accused begins, Gamache must face the consequences of his decisions, and his actions, from which there is no going back . . .Ten million readers.Three pines.One inimitable Chief Inspector Gamache.'One of the greatest crime writers of our times' DENISE MINATrade 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 *Penny's elliptical style works brilliantly in a novel that combines modern-day police corruption with century-old tragedy * Sunday Times on A Great Reckoning *Pacy and drips with atmosphere * Saga on A Great Reckoning *

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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 Synopsis'No one does atmospheric like Louise Penny' ELLY GRIFFITHSThere is more to solving a crime than following the clues.Welcome to Chief Inspector Gamache's world of facts and feelings.It's Easter, and on a glorious Spring day in peaceful Three Pines, someone waits for night to fall. They plan to raise the dead . . .When Chief Inspector Gamache of the Surete du Quebec arrives the next morning, he faces an unusual crime scene. A séance in an old abandoned house has gone horrifically wrong and someone has been seemingly frightened to death.In idyllic Three Pines, terrible secrets lie buried, and even Gamache has something to hide. One of his own team is about to betray him. But how far will they go to ensure Gamache's downfall?Ten million readers.Three pines.One inimitable Chief Inspector Gamache.'The series is grand and deep and altogether extraordinary' WASHINGTON POST

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Book Synopsis'No one does atmospheric quite like Louise Penny' ELLY GRIFFITHSThere is more to solving a crime than following the clues.Welcome to Chief Inspector Gamache's world of facts and feelings.It's the height of summer, and the wealthy Finney family have gathered at the Manoir Bellechasse to pay tribute to their late father. But as the temperature rises, old secrets and bitter rivalries begin to surface. When the heat wave boils over into a mighty storm, a dead body is left in its wake.Chief Inspector Gamache, a guest at the Bellechasse, finds himself with a building full of suspects. With the hotel locked down, the murderer is trapped. But a cornered predator is always the most dangerous of all...Ten million readers.Three pines.One inimitable Chief Inspector Gamache.'Impossible to put down' GLOBE AND MAILTrade 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 *

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Book SynopsisNO ONE EVER FORGETS MEETING THE SISTERS STRANGE ...The Furies: mythological snake-haired goddesses of vengeance, pursuers of those who have committed unavenged crimes. Now, private investigator Charlie Parker is drawn into a world of modern furies in two linked stories. In The Sisters Strange, the return of the criminal Raum Buker to Portland, Maine brings with it chaos and murder, as an act of theft threatens not only to tear apart his own existence but also that of Raum's former lovers, the enigmatic sisters Dolors and Ambar Strange. And in The Furies Parker finds himself fighting to protect two more women as the city of Portland shuts down in the face of a global pandemic, but it may be that his clients are more capable of taking care of themselves than anyone could have imagined . . .From the number one Sunday Times and multi-million-copy bestselling author John Connolly comes the most compelling and unsettling Charlie Parker novel yet.'Masterly genre-splicing thrillers . . . Connolly's grip is inexorable' Financial Times'Charlie Parker . . . is one of modern crime fiction's most popular creations, a unique combination of a man who has one foot in the temporal world and the other in the spirit world' Irish Independent'John Connolly is the creator of a unique blend of thriller and horror who receives rave reviews every time' Sunday TelegraphThe Charlie Parker novels can be read and enjoyed in any order. The Furies is the landmark twentieth book in this globally bestselling series.

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Book SynopsisEVIL TAKES MANY FORMS.PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR CHARLIE PARKER HUNTS THEM ALL.It is 1997, and a serial killer is on the loose in Burdon County, Arkansas. But no one wants to admit it, not in the Dirty South.In an Arkansas jail cell sits a former NYPD detective, stricken by grief. Charlie Parker is mourning the death of his wife and child, and searching in vain for their killer. He cares only for his own lost family.But that is about to change . . .From the number one Sunday Times and multi-million-copy bestselling author John Connolly comes the most compelling and unsettling thriller yet - witness the making of Charlie Parker.The Charlie Parker novels can be read and enjoyed in any order. The Dirty South is the eighteenth book in this globally bestselling series.Trade ReviewA finely written thriller haunted by a powerful sense of the struggle between good and evil * Daily Mail *Anyone who enjoys the exploits of the former New York Detective-turned-private-investigator Charlie Parker will be thrilled by this prequel to his stories . . . Beautifully told, this underlines the sheer brilliance of the character of Parker * Daily Mail *A beautifully measured novel that is equal parts gripping mystery and an unsentimental meditation on grief, probably the best crime novel you will read this year * The Irish Times *This is a story populated with richly described characters, be they honorable or slimy, as well as rich descriptions and dialogue. Fast-moving, witty dialogue helps speed this well-plotted yarn to a dramatic conclusion. A most satisfying read for crime buffs. * Kirkus Reviews *Intelligent and subtle . . . Connolly is writing at the top of his game * Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) *There's no denying this one is a hell of a tale: dark, haunting, and beautifully told . . . For fans of the Parker series, the book is required reading * Booklist *It is a dark and wondrous tale . . . an indispensable addition to the Parker canon for Connolly's longtime readers and a terrific introduction for those who have yet to discover his dark prose magic * Book Reporter *Mr Connolly's slam-bang thriller is studded with memorable characters and boasts cliffhangers within cliffhangers * Wall Street Journal *A story populated with richly described characters, be they honorable or slimy, as well as rich descriptions and dialogue. Fast-moving, witty dialogue helps speed this well-plotted yarn to a dramatic conclusion * Kirkus Reviews *Mr. Connolly's slam-bang thriller is studded with memorable characters and boasts cliffhangers within cliffhangers * Wall Street Journal *'The master of the supernaturally charged thriller [takes] Charlie Parker back to near the start of his story . . . it serves to remind long time admirers of what it was that they loved about the character in the first place . . . Have a care if you are new to the series though, as you'll be clearing your schedule for the rest of the Parker novels once this excellent thriller piques your curiosity' * Hot Press *A finely written thriller haunted by a powerful sense of the struggle between good and evil * Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisA classic slice of Japanese hard-boiled noir paying homage to the master of the genre: Raymond ChandlerThe Wrong Goodbye pits homicide detective Eiji Futamura against a shady Chinese business empire and U.S. military intelligence in the docklands of recession Japan. After the frozen corpse of immigrant barman Tran Binh Long washes up in midsummer near Yokosuka U.S. Navy Base, Futamura meets a strange customer from Tran's bar. Vietnam vet pilot Billy Lou Bonney talks Futamura into hauling three suitcases of "goods" to Yokota US Air Base late at night and flies off leaving a dead woman behind. Thereby implicated in a murder suspect's escape and relieved from active duty, Futamura takes on hack work for the beautiful concert violinist Aileen Hsu, a "boat people" orphan whose Japanese adoption mother has mysteriously gone missing. And now a phone call from a bestselling yakuza author, a one-time black marketeer in Saigon, hints at inside information on "former Vietcong mole" Tran and his "old sidekick" Billy Lou, both of whom crossed a triad tycoon who is buying up huge tracts of Mekong Delta marshland for a massive development scheme. As the loose strands flashback to Vietnam, the string of official lies and mysterious allegiances build into a dark picture of the U.S.-Japan postwar alliance. Translated from the Japanese by Alfred BirnbaumTrade ReviewYahagi offers a Japanese Philip Marlowe chasing deadly fallout from the Vietnam War. Proof Brits and Americans have no monopoly on great crime fiction. -- David Hewson * author of The Garden of Angels *Toshihiko Yahagi gives us Japan's answer to Philip Marlowe in the form of the heavy drinking lone wolf Eiji Futamura, who finds himself embroiled in a case that pits loyalty and personal friendship against power and political corruption. Shady things are going on in post-war Kanagawa, but nothing can stop Futamura getting to the bottom of it all, no matter the cost. A suspenseful, intriguing read. -- Nick Bradley * author of The Cat and the City *The Wrong Goodbye is a hard-boiled treasure, a Chandleresque elegy to a time of shady deals, femme fatales, and of course, murder. These are tropes with which mystery readers will undoubtedly be familiar. Yet this novel is also a beguiling peephole into a Japanese society that readers will perhaps not know so well; a world of US airbases, black markets, and corrupt ploys. While Toshihiko Yahagi may not be the heavyweight in the Anglophone world that he is in Japan, he very much deserves to be. Simply put, The Wrong Goodbye is a siren song of poetic noir. -- Nicolas Obregon * author of Blue Light Yokohama *

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Book SynopsisA classic slice of Japanese hard-boiled noir paying homage to the master of the genre: Raymond ChandlerThe Wrong Goodbye pits homicide detective Eiji Futamura against a shady Chinese business empire and U.S. military intelligence in the docklands of recession Japan. After the frozen corpse of immigrant barman Tran Binh Long washes up in midsummer near Yokosuka U.S. Navy Base, Futamura meets a strange customer from Tran's bar. Vietnam vet pilot Billy Lou Bonney talks Futamura into hauling three suitcases of "goods" to Yokota US Air Base late at night and flies off leaving a dead woman behind. Thereby implicated in a murder suspect's escape and relieved from active duty, Futamura takes on hack work for the beautiful concert violinist Aileen Hsu, a "boat people" orphan whose Japanese adoption mother has mysteriously gone missing. And now a phone call from a bestselling yakuza author, a one-time black marketeer in Saigon, hints at inside information on "former Vietcong mole" Tran and his "old sidekick" Billy Lou, both of whom crossed a triad tycoon who is buying up huge tracts of Mekong Delta marshland for a massive development scheme. As the loose strands flashback to Vietnam, the string of official lies and mysterious allegiances build into a dark picture of the U.S.-Japan postwar alliance. Translated from the Japanese by Alfred BirnbaumTrade ReviewYahagi offers a Japanese Philip Marlowe chasing deadly fallout from the Vietnam War. Proof Brits and Americans have no monopoly on great crime fiction. -- David Hewson * author of The Garden of Angels *Toshihiko Yahagi gives us Japan's answer to Philip Marlowe in the form of the heavy drinking lone wolf Eiji Futamura, who finds himself embroiled in a case that pits loyalty and personal friendship against power and political corruption. Shady things are going on in post-war Kanagawa, but nothing can stop Futamura getting to the bottom of it all, no matter the cost. A suspenseful, intriguing read. -- Nick Bradley * author of The Cat and the City *The Wrong Goodbye is a hard-boiled treasure, a Chandleresque elegy to a time of shady deals, femme fatales, and of course, murder. These are tropes with which mystery readers will undoubtedly be familiar. Yet this novel is also a beguiling peephole into a Japanese society that readers will perhaps not know so well; a world of US airbases, black markets, and corrupt ploys. While Toshihiko Yahagi may not be the heavyweight in the Anglophone world that he is in Japan, he very much deserves to be. Simply put, The Wrong Goodbye is a siren song of poetic noir. -- Nicolas Obregon * author of Blue Light Yokohama *

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Book SynopsisThe third book in the DI Nicholas Lowry series, for fans of Peter James and Stuart Macbride.It's November 1983 in Essex and there are reasons to be cheerful. Uptown Girl is sitting pretty at the top of the charts, Risky Business is raking it in at the box office, and there are now four channels on the telly. However, social tensions are beginning to bubble beneath the surface: Mrs Thatcher has embarked on her second controversial term, and the situation in Northern Ireland is ever-escalating.Yet in the garrison town of Colchester, it's another deadly standoff that is hogging the headlines. The body of a nineteen-year-old Lance Corporal has been discovered on the local High Street, the result of what appears to be a bizarre, chivalrous duel. It seems he was the victim of a doomed army love triangle. As such, the military police are wishing to keep the matter confined within military ranks.This is all just fine, as far as Colchester CID is concerned. They have enough on their plate as is: with DI Nick Lowry in a tailspin following the breakdown of his marriage, WPC Jane Gabriel exasperated by the male-favoured system, Detective Daniel Kenton relying on substance abuse to quieten his demons from his last case; and their boss, DCS Sparks, shortly to become a first-time father at 55.However, it is not long before the blood from the duel runs into civilian police affairs, and the trail presents CID with a local rogues' gallery. A savvy entrepreneur. A wayward skinhead. A member of the landed gentry. And a shadowy Mauritian travel agent with a chilling reputation. Soon, they will discover, a real estate deal, a racist, and the town's Robin Hood pub hold the key to the killing...Trade ReviewWhitethroat is an intricate picture of provincial Britain in the 80s - Thatcher, Northern Ireland, racial tensions, drugs, skinheads. It's also a portrait of Colchester - an army-run garrison town of feuding squaddies and their secrets. Policing all that, & digging up past crimes thought long forgotten, is an explosive mix -- Paul FrenchWhitethroat is bleak, downbeat and mesmerising; a subtle, compassionate and beautifully written novel that is something of an elegy to a way of policing - and living - that is gone for ever. -- FullyBooked2017With a satisfyingly labyrinthine plot, Whitethroat is a story of males in crisis: young soldiers plagued by the memories of Derry firebombs; businessmen with scores to settle; police officers trying to self-medicate for work-induced trauma. Then there's Lowry himself, lonely and adrift after the breakup of his marriage. It's downbeat and beautifully written * Guardian *Brilliant characters that ooze with all the excesses of the age * Scottish Sun *

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Book Synopsis"A superior police procedural" Mark Sanderson, The Times Crime Club"Northern Italy's answer to Inspector Montalbano" Alessandro BariccoSeptember 2008. Commissario Arcadipane arrives at the scene of a macabre discovery: the bones of twelve men and women buried in the countryside near Torino.By the next morning, a task force specialising in mass graves from WWII is already in place. But something doesn't feel right: one of the femurs shows signs of an operation that couldn't have taken place before the seventies.Suspecting a cover-up, Arcadipane launches his own investigation, enlisting his old mentor, Corso Bramard, long retired, and Isa, a young officer still haunted by the unexplained death of her father.These mismatched allies ­- one at last at peace, one jaded to the point of breakdown and one under a permanent disciplinary cloud ­- will unveil a cruel political conspiracy that someone wants covered up for the second time.Translated from the Italian by Silvester MazzarellaTrade ReviewLongo is unique, a literary jewel! -- Andreas Wallenthin * WDR 5 (Germany) *Northern Italy's answer to Inspector Montalbano. -- Alessandro BariccoOne of his country's most important authors. -- Philipp Haibach * Rolling Stone (Germany) *One of the most exciting Italian writers. * FAZ (Germany) *A superior police procedural -- Mark Sanderson * The Times Crime Club *

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Book SynopsisTHIS KILLER WILL GET INSIDE YOUR HEAD... 'A 100% buy-today-read-tonight delight' LEE CHILD*A SUNDAY TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR****When a body is found in the forest, the police make a horrifying discovery: her scalp has been removed and sewn back on. But they have no idea why.With a second woman reported missing, detectives fear their worst nightmare has come true.A serial killer is stalking the streets of Oslo.With time running out to find the woman, former detective Harry Hole is called in to think like a murderer thinks... and to track down this killer before they strike again.But Harry has ulterior motives for wanting to solve this case and, if he fails, there could be more than one life at risk.***'Nesbo deploys all the key ingredients of a cracking good thriller... effortless' Guardian'The undisputed king of Scandinavian crime fiction' The Times‘Unbearably tense’ Sunday Times***Killing Moon is the 13th novel in the Harry Hole series, although each title reads as a standalone.*OVER 55 MILLION COPIES SOLD WORLDWIDE*Killing Moon appeared in the Sunday Times top 10 bestseller list on 04.06.2023Trade ReviewNot just an unbearably tense thriller but another of Nesbo's studies in love and loneliness... there are few greater crime writers * The Times, Crime Book of the Month *Nesbo deserves to be crowned the king of all crime thriller writers * Sunday Express *Nesbo deploys all the key ingredients of a cracking good thriller...the ticking clock, the tension expertly ratcheted ever upwards, the changing scenery, the constantly shifting goalposts and the effortless, triumphant outpacing of the reader's ability to guess what's going to happen * Guardian *The undisputed king of Scandinavian crime fiction * The Times *Jo Nesbø is one of today's most interesting thriller writers, and Harry Hole is an all-time great character - for me, a 100% buy-today-read-tonight delight. * Lee Child *

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Book SynopsisWhat would you do for love? How far would you go for revenge? “SUNSHINE & ROSES” tells the story of a boy and a girl: how they fell in love and hatched a scheme to blow up the Baltimore underworld. There is no crime book remotely like STRAY BULLETS and with “SUNSHINE & ROSES”, the uncompromising, Eisner Award-winning team of DAVID AND MARIA LAPHAM craft a heist story like you never seen.Collects STRAY BULLETS: SUNSHINE & ROSES #9-16

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Book Synopsis“GOOD INTENTIONS”Breaking a demon’s stranglehold on New York City was only the beginning for Alex and Team Witchblade—now somebody much worse than a demon wants the Artifact, and they’ll do anything to get it.Collects issues 7-12.

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Book SynopsisSteal the money and drugs—check. Get gone—check. It was supposed to be all over. These were supposed to be the good times--the days of sunshine and roses. So why don't they feel that way? Why does life suddenly feel more horrifying than ever....Sunshine and Roses tells the story of a boy and a girl, how they fell in love, and hatched a scheme to blow up the Baltimore underworld. There is no crime book remotely like STRAY BULLETS and with Sunshine & Roses, the uncompromising, EISNER AWARD WINNING team of DAVID AND MARIA LAPHAM craft a heist story like you never seen.Collects STRAY BULLETS: SUNSHINE & ROSES #25-32

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Book SynopsisLA MANO del DESTINO tells the tale of a once-champion Luchador – who, after being betrayed by his friends and unmasked in the ring, agrees to a Faustian bargain with a mysterious promoter. He gains a new power and the identity of La Mano del Destino in order to exact revenge upon his betrayers. Set in a swanky, 1960s Mexico where Lucha Libre is intrinsically woven into all aspects of society and the most important events that happen within this world, this tale winds its way through the machinations and motivations of all types who inhabit this unique setting. Can La Mano del Destino get his revenge while remaining the champion he knows himself to be? - Get the complete arc here to find out!Mesoamerican myth, Silver-Age storytelling, and high-flying Lucha Libre action converge to tell this epic story of vengeance and destiny!Collects LA MANO del DESTINO issues #1-6

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Book SynopsisBook Riot "12 Best Graphic Novels and Comics of 2022" List Easton Newburn is a private detective without loyalties, investigating conflicts between rival crime factions. With his assistant Emily, Newburn follows murderers, arsonists, and corrupt officials--while trying to stay out of their crosshairs. This new series from Eisner winner CHIP ZDARSKY (DAREDEVIL, SEX CRIMINALS) and rising star JACOB PHILLIPS (THAT TEXAS BLOOD) follows Newburn as he does jobs for every criminal organization in New York City, collecting enemies along the way. Collects NEWBURN #1-8.Trade Review“ZDARSKY’s comedic and dramatic chops continue to shine resplendently, and PHILLIPS’ art helps articulate the world wonderfully. Fans of noir and procedures, you’re gonna wanna make sure this one is on your pull list.” —Black Nerd Problems“ZDARSKY and PHILLIPS are doing some of their best work.” —Monkeys Fighting Robots“If you’re looking for a new crime story, make sure to add this to your pull list.” —Multiversity Comics

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Book SynopsisDecember, 1959: The Korean War rages on.Protesting the bloody conflict, a Korean-American man by the name of William Yang suddenly blows himself up in the middle of a Los Angeles department store just before Christmas, which leads the U.S. government to reopen the internment camps used during World War II. President Joseph McCarthy's America has never been more on edge, paranoid, and above all, dangerous.Several weeks later, a woman hires Morris Baker, now working as a private investigator, to track down her missing husband - Henry Kissinger - who may have a shadowy connection to Yang's purported terrorist attack. The ensuing investigation for the missing State Department consultant working for Vice President Richard Nixon sends Baker on another thrilling adventure of deceit, intrigue, sex, murder, and conspiracy where the safety of the entire world may hang in the balance.

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Book SynopsisAn infamous cold case: two missing, presumed dead. Can Kenny Gabriel chase down the truth? Rock star Castor Greaves and his model girlfriend vanished twenty years ago after an infamous gig in Soho. According to urban myth they’re still alive—holed up somewhere by the Golden Road, a fabled music-industry `disappearing’ service—so when PI Kenny Gabriel is hired to solve the notorious case, he knows he’ll need to watch his back… But Kenny’s life is in danger already: a brain tumour is messing with his mind, and he may well have nothing to lose. Stalking the seedy clubs and backstreets of Soho, he makes a gruesome discovery that turns his missing-person case into a murder hunt. When his enquiries earn him a death threat from the Golden Road, he feels he’s close to cracking the biggest case of his career…if he can just dodge the hitmen and health scares long enough to see it through. With the clock ticking in more ways than one, can Kenny untangle two decades of cover-ups and lies in the underbelly of Soho before he loses either his grip on reality—or his life?

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Book SynopsisThe murder of a police recruit pins a black LAPD detective in a deadly web where race, corruption, violence, and cover-ups intersect in this relevant, razor-sharp novel of suspense. Black rookie cop Trevor “Finn” Finnegan aspires to become a top-ranking officer in the Los Angeles Police Department and fix a broken department. A fast-track promotion to detective in the coveted Robbery-Homicide Division puts him closer to achieving his goal. Four years later, calls for police accountability rule the headlines. The city is teeming with protests for racial justice. When the body of a murdered black academy recruit is found in the Angeles National Forest, Finn is tasked to investigate. As pressure mounts to solve the crime and avoid a PR nightmare, Finn scours the underbelly of a volatile city where power, violence, and race intersect. But it’s Finn’s past experience as a beat cop that may hold the key to solving the recruit’s murder. The price? The end of Finn’s career…or his life.Trade Review“Harrowing evidence for Spike Lee’s famous claim that everything that happens in America is about race.” —Kirkus Reviews “Clark’s ripped-from-the-headlines police procedural should make readers uncomfortable. It’s a frightening, tragic tale.” —Library Journal (starred review) “This is a smart, suspenseful police procedural with a timely plot.” —Publishers Weekly “An absolutely riveting book that belongs in the pantheon of L.A. crime novels alongside Connelly’s The Black Echo, Mosley’s Devil in a Blue Dress, and Ellroy’s The Black Dahlia. Under Color of Law is a landmine placed at the intersection of law enforcement, race, media, and politics by an author who clearly knows the volatile territory. I cannot wait to read the next Trevor Finnegan book.” —Jason Pinter, bestselling author of Hide Away “Aaron Philip Clark’s Under Color of Law is extraordinary. It’s a police procedural with a conscience, as invested in examining how and why American law enforcement so often fails to uphold its mandate to protect and serve all people equally as it is in telling a compelling story. You’ll read on for the mystery at its core, but you’ll remember Under Color of Law long after the read for the things it will teach you about the challenges of being a good cop of color in the age of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor.” —Gar Anthony Haywood, Shamus and Anthony Award–winning author of In Things Unseen “Aaron Phillip Clark’s Under Color of Law is a dizzying, breathtaking ride through the City of Angels, offering an unflinching and compelling look at the complexities of being a Black man wearing a detective’s badge. An awesome L.A. story and a helluva page-turner!” —Rachel Howzell Hall, author of the Los Angeles Book Prize–nominated And Now She’s Gone “Not since Joseph Wambaugh’s New Centurions has a book about the LAPD arrived with the power, strength, and timeliness of Under Color of Law. This is a thriller, all right, but it’s also the portrait of a city and its institutions crumbling from within. A dynamic and important work and, still, a hell of a mystery.” —Tod Goldberg, New York Times bestselling author of Gangsterland “Rugged, real, and timely, the authenticity crackles on each page in this unputdownable novel from Mr. Clark.” —Gary Phillips, author of Matthew Henson and the Ice Temple of Harlem “Under Color of Law does what great crime fiction should: it kept me turning pages while I was reading it and kept me thinking about it when I wasn’t. Clark establishes himself as heir apparent to Michael Connelly in L.A. police novels.” —Eric Beetner, author of All The Way Down

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Book SynopsisPI Kenny Gabriel is hunting ghosts from the past. But some of them are hunting him back. When a disgraced politician is found dead at his London flat, there are few people who mourn his demise. George Dent’s reputation was in tatters, and his suicide surprises nobody—except one. Dent’s childhood friend Peter Timms is certain the MP’s downfall was a set-up; why else was he being stalked in the weeks before his death? Timms can even name the culprit—the only problem is, he’s been dead for seventy years. But broke PI Kenny Gabriel can’t afford to be cynical. He agrees to round up Dent’s old school gang, although some of them are less than keen to be found. Meanwhile, Meg Dylan, matriarch of a North London crime family, is hot on Kenny’s heels with another case. As pressure mounts on both sides, Kenny knows he must find the truth behind this ghost—or become one himself.

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Book SynopsisNewspaper reporter Colin Dalhousie tracks scores of human disappearances across Vermont and Quebec dating back to the mid-1800s. What he discovers reveals a chilling pattern of events. This is an apocalyptic tale portrays an epic battle between good and evil that asks: Is there such a thing as a multiverse, where doorways into alternate realities truly exist? Are prophecies from "The Book of Revelation" reflected in cataclysmic 21st-century events like climate change, extreme weather, and political landscapes shifting sharply to the right? Is humanity experiencing the End of Days? Is it too late to reverse course?

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Book SynopsisMaxwell Dent studied law at McGill and served in the RCAF and Intelligence M-5 during the Korean War. For a private investigator, he’s as respectable as they come. No wonder then he's summoned to Huntley Ashton's Westmount mansion. A respected captain of industry, the wealthy man knows the PI can be relied upon to be discreet. Ashton’s daughter Helen has fallen into heroin addiction, and the millionaire wants Dent to smash the ring supplying her vice, just as he took down a ring operating in Korea. Set in 1954, the novel captures the dying days of the era in which Montreal had the reputation as one of the world’s great sin cities. The Damned and the Destroyed was originally published in 1962 by McClelland & Stewart in Canada and Dennis Dobson in the UK; this Ricochet Books edition marks the first print edition in more than five decades.

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Book Synopsis"Brief, brilliantly written, and kissed by a sense of the absurd....like a much lazier, Mexico City version of Dostoevsky's Underground Man."—John Powers, Fresh Air“Daniel Saldaña París knows how to talk about those other tragedies populating daily life: a boring, unwanted marriage; mind numbing office work; family secrets. He builds on those bricks of tedium a greatly enjoyable and splendidly well-written suburban farce.” —Yuri HerreraRodrigo likes his vacant lot, its resident chicken, and being left alone. But when passivity finds him accidentally married to Cecilia, he trades Mexico City for the sun-bleached desolation of his hometown and domestic life with Cecilia for the debauched company of a poet, a philosopher, and Micaela, whose allure includes the promise of time travel. Earthy, playful, and sly, Among Strange Victims is a psychedelic ode to the pleasures of not measuring up.Daniel Saldaña París (born Mexico City, 1984) is an essayist, poet, and novelist whose work has been translated into English, French, and Swedish and anthologized, most recently in Mexico20: New Voices, Old Traditions, published in the United Kingdom by Pushkin Press. Among Strange Victims is his first novel to appear in the United States. He lives in Montreal, Quebec.Trade Review"Great fun are the jabs at academia, Mexico City and the dusty town where the action, or inaction, moves after Rodrigo meets Marcelo, a Spanish cretin with a Ph.D. in aesthetics. These flameless flâneurs humph and hump, personifying urban malaise." —New York Times Sunday Book Review “Full of odd twists and surprises. Among the high points are Saldaña París' exasperated but affectionate paeans to 'the immense, beautiful city' that is Mexico's capital. Though a study of slothfulness and its discontents, a welcome book on which the author has clearly expended energy.” —Kirkus “The English debut by the young and talented Daniel Saldaña Paris, Among Strange Victims is the definitive millennial existentialist novel of Mexico City.” —The Culture Trip “The novel takes some bizarre turns as Marcelo leads Rodrigo into experiments involving drugs, tequila, hypnosis and more, all in the name of transformation. If the young man’s notion of radical change is to take part in his life rather than observe it from afar, he’s off to a good start.” —New York Times “Saldaña París’s first novel to be translated Stateside is a leisurely story of slacking off that’s nicely conveyed in a sharp, cynical tone. . . . Read this messy, shaggy picaresque for its ample page-by-page pleasures, which include devilishly clever syntax, a charming tendency to digress, and satisfying flashes of Rodrigo and Marcelo getting their act together.” —Publishers Weekly "Brief, brilliantly written, and kissed by a sense of the absurd....like a much lazier, Mexico City version of Dostoevsky's Underground Man." —Fresh Air “MacSweeney’s brilliant English translation of this odd, Kafkaeque and conniving novel is not to be missed.”—The Guardian "Partnership is important, says this young, slacker, thirtysomething Mexican writer, even if it’s only with a hen in a vacant lot." —The Rumpus “It’s a novel that sneaks up on you in the best possible way.” —Vol. 1 Brooklyn “Daniel Saldaña París’s Among Strange Victims... is, despite the questions surrounding the Latin American canon, a natural successor in the Latin American oeuvre. Saldaña París eases forward from the Crack and McOndo movements, yet still evokes the hues of Julio Cortázar’s Hopscotch. But, perhaps most crucially, Among Strange Victims still wonders what this Latin American-ness could mean.” —Full Stop The real life absurdities surrounding Trump’s visit are definitely stranger than the fictional absurdities Rodrigo faces, though I can’t help but wonder if somehow these narratives are cosmically linked. Daniel Saldaña París’ pulse on the Mexican psyche feels that precise, that honest, that timely.” —Ploughshares "The novel teases and revises questions about how to live a meaningful life with agency by turning them into a thought experiment that Saldana París handles with formal invention and a Millennial twist." —Words Without Borders “Daniel Saldaña Paris’ first novel to be translated into English is an expertly composed, leisurely read that sucks you in but never spits you out. . . . this book is a must-read.” —Largehearted Boy “For all Saldaña París' sharp wit, Among Strange Victims is about waking up to the world's brighter possibilities.” —NPR “Although its stylized narrative can be an acquired taste, `Among Strange Victims’ is deceptively affecting.” —Star Tribune “It’s a novel that comes at you from odd angles, making a memorable impression as it goes.” —Vol. 1 Brooklyn "In an easygoing, oddly entrancing style, París presents a meandering plot . . . but the events of the narrative pale in comparison to the surprising pleasure of the thoroughly offbeat prose. . . . Pari's has mastered the art of spinning an outlandish, entertaining tale." —Booklist “It is impossible to read Among Strange Victims without being charmed by its wit and disarmed by its fierce and mysterious languor. In this novel, Daniel Saldaña París asks how one should cope with the impossible burden of living your own life—and gives a graceful riddle of an answer that will linger with you long after the book is done.” —Alexandra Kleeman “Translator Christina MacSweeney has done an excellent job bringing the intelligent vitality of Paris’s prose into English. . . What has happened to the life of the artist, Among Strange Victims asks. Why do we so often build critical distances between ourselves and our lives? And how can we bridge those gaps?” Electric Literature “Saldaña París is a Montreal-based poet, essayist, and novelist, born in Mexico City, and, as this darkly humorous and thoughtful novel — both in the sense of being contemplative and packed full of an onrush of thoughts — proves, is a welcome infusion of vitality into North American literature.” —Bookslut “... there is something uncannily Pitolean about this novel. And that is a very good thing.”—Three Percent “Daniel Saldaña París’s Among Strange Victims, translated by Christina MacSweeney, immediately pulls the reader into its universe. It does so with such thorough and seamless skill that the reader becomes a victim of this strange, off-kilter world.” —Cleaver Magazine “[Among Strange Victims is] an impressive work by a talented young writer.” —Largehearted Boy “As I read [Among Strange Victims], I felt I was witnessing a great performance. It reminded me a little of young Mozart showing off at the emperor’s golden harpsichord, giggling and improvising variations on Salieri’s welcome march, startling all the wigged and powdered Viennese stiffs. And I sensed something desperate and inflamed in the writing too, as though the author assumed all along that nobody would ever read his book. That’s probably what I like most about it—the cocky, indulgent, nihilistic virtuosity.” —BOMB “Quirky and absurd, it’s a funny, shambling look at the benefits (and drawbacks) of living life at your own lazy pace.” —Men’s Journal "Saldaña París writes with a gifted and confident prose that is as much the star of this singular novel as its unforgettable characters and delighting plot. This young Mexican writer (and poet, too) is surely one to watch, and if Among Strange Victims is but a harbinger of what’s to come, then Saldaña París may well have a long, fruitful, and fantastic career ahead of himself.” —Jeremy Garber “Critics have drawn comparisons between París’s latest novel (his first to be translated in the United States) and the work of his blockbuster predecessor, Roberto Bolaño.” —Brooklyn Magazine “Daniel Saldaña París, following in the tradition of di Lampedusa, shows that non-writers—that is to say, those who don’t exclusively cultivate what’s known as a literary life—are the ones who make the best books.” —Mario Bellatin “I rewrote the first forty pages of Among Strange Victims several times over two years before finding the right tone for it. It started being a very serious, philosophical novel, but with each new version it became more and more humorous.” —The Quarterly ConversationTable of ContentsThe Third Person Fundamental Considerations on Something The Shrubs of the Terrestrial Sphere The Future of Art Epilogue

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Book SynopsisPraise for Cynan Jones:"[A] piercing novella. . . . Like Cormac McCarthy, Jones can make the everyday sound fraught and biblical." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review"Jones's perfectly pitched novel will appeal to anyone looking beyond sheer thrills." —Library Journal"This slim volume has all the gravity of a black hole, and reading it is like standing on the event horizon. . . . It's like a more beautiful Cormac McCarthy; a darker W.H. Auden." —Elliot Bay Book Company“Jones is a Welsh writer who has been compared to Cormac McCarthy, but his sparse style also recalls Ernest Hemingway.” —Kirkus, "Foreign Influence""There's nothing bucolic about this elemental, extraordinary tale of good and evil." —Shelf Awareness“Jones deftly explores his characters’ motives, particularly the hope they cling to despite the risks they take.” —Booklist“It’s as if the novel is the slowed-down spinning of a bullet through the grooves of a barrel, waiting to be released into the world.” —Vol. 1 Brooklyn“Darkly luminous . . . [Jones] builds tension in an ultimately gripping and important story that transcends its own bleakness.” —Library JournalWhen a net is set, and that's the way you choose, you'll hit it. Hold, a Welsh fisherman, Grzegorz, a Polish migrant worker, and Stringer, an Irish gangster, all want the chance to make their lives better. One kilo of cocaine and the sea tie them together in a fatal series of decisions.Cynan Jones was born near Aberaeron on the west coast of Wales in 1975. He is the author of four short novels, most recently The Dig (Coffee House Press, 2014), which won a Jerwood Fiction Uncovered Prize in 2014 and the Wales Book of the Year Fiction Prize 2015. His work has been translated into several languages, and short stories have aired on BBC Radio and appeared in a number of anthologies and publications including Granta.Everything I Found on the Beach is the second of three United States releases of his work by Coffee House Press.Trade Review“Jones' somber tone and damp, overcast setting help make the novel a kind of critique of the new economy that put both men in such desperate straits. . . . A striking and careful portrait of ambition crashing against reality.” —Kirkus, starred review “With this thriller-like plot in place, Jones is free to exercise his considerable gifts as a stylist, and breathtaking descriptions of landscape and animal life abound.” —Publishers Weekly “Jones is a Welsh writer who has been compared to Cormac McCarthy, but his sparse style also recalls Ernest Hemingway.” —Kirkus Reviews “As a novel full of skewed moral judgments and reckless acts, it has plenty of emotional clout and immense narrative pull. . . . There are brief spurts of bloody, visceral prose—fish gutted, rabbits skinned, cattle stunned—along with moments of striking lyricism.” —Star Tribune "When it comes to the act of writing itself, you just have to forget labels exist and listen to the demands of the story.” —Publishers Weekly “The novel as a whole illuminates the inner, fragile struggles of men and the dangerous visible struggles that result when certain paths are chosen.” —NewPages "Jones’ book is a blunt fable about desperation, and unlike the shadow comedy it depicts, it’s built to last." —Star Tribune "Jones offers gorgeous observation of nature's indifference to human intervention, and juxtaposes it with characters who define themselves by their inability to influence the manmade systems by which they are held in check. There is no hope—until there is." —Heavy Feather "Jones strips his prose to the heartbeat minimum. Its plaintive nudity is like the sea itself, so present in this novel, 'like some broken metronome for the earth.'" —Cleaver Magazine “Everything I Found on the Beach, a compact but powerful novel by Cynan Jones, might just be one of the rawest and honest interpretations of what the sea is to us.” —Summerset Review "For those of us who write, tell and read stories to make sense of the world, I feel this short novel is a work of great insight. It does that all-too-rare thing which is to spool on in your mind after you’ve read it.” —Electric Literature “Raw, abrasive, and compact, Jones’ short novels carry a muscular, confident tone.” —Hazel & Wren “A heartbreakingly relatable narrative.” —Cultured Vultures “Cynan Jones's Everything I Found on the Beach is a remarkable novel, quiet but powerful. . . . Thought-provoking and somehow uplifting, in its beautiful, artistic consideration of life itself.” —Shelf Awareness "Filled with poverty, heartbreak, and danger, Jones’ novel poses some very simple but timeless questions." —Vol. 1 Brooklyn “My old grandmother had a pressure cooker built of fine and heavy metal that would hop and bang on the stove as it worked but only slowly, reluctantly, it seemed, offer itself the relief of a strong, composed scream. In the work of Cynan Jones—never more so than in Everything I Found on the Beach—we find a similar mechanism at play, except that it is the pages, full of sturdily encased fury, that hop and bang, and it is us at the book’s end who turn to wall or pillow or wide, empty world and scream. This is powerful writing. Let there be no doubt about it.” —Laird Hunt

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