Crime and mystery: hard-boiled crime, noir fiction

Book SynopsisDetective Inspector Silas Quinn investigates one of the strangest cases of his career...London, 1914. Called out to investigate the murder of an employee of the House of Brackley, an upmarket Kensington department store, Silas finds himself investigating one of the most bizarre cases of his career. For the chief murder suspect is a monkey.One of the store’s fashion models has been found dead on her bed, strangled with a red silk scarf. The room is locked from the inside, the only other occupant being a monkey in a red fez hat.While he is sceptical of the theory that the monkey is the killer, Quinn suspects it holds the key to the mystery. But where has it disappeared to? And how will he ever get to the truth when faced with the maelstrom of resentment and thwarted passion that is the mannequin house?A thrill-a-minute historical mystery full of intrigue, perfect for fans of C. J. Sansom, S. G. MacLean and Abir Mukherjee.Praise for R. N. Morris‘A classic whodunnit plot with emotion and psychological depth’ Publishers Weekly‘A challenging, utterly fascinating read’ Booklist‘His sense of the historical moment is strong’ Kirkus Reviews

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Book SynopsisBe careful who you let into your lifeArabella MacQueen had a tough start. Growing up surrounded by drugs and alcohol, getting into trouble as a teen, she’s now in her late-twenties and has turned her life around.Until the fateful night that sees her imprisoned for 10 months.She’s hit rock bottom … but unexpectedly forges a bond with cellmate Roxanne McPhail that lasts beyond the prison walls.Now both women are free, and Arabella is excited about the future with boyfriend Eddie, with Roxanne at her side.But Arabella doesn’t know the truth about her new best friend; about Roxanne’s reputation as the head of Glasgow gangland, about the violence in Roxanne’s past.She doesn’t know that Roxanne has plans for Arabella that might lead her into some very dangerous places.In this dirty game, Arabella is going to have to learn you can’t always trust those closest to you…A gritty, utterly addictive thriller set in Scottish gangland - fans of Roberta Kray and Jacqui Rose won't be able to put it down.Readers can't get enough of Alex Kane's gritty gangster thrillers:‘I read this book in one night and all I have is 3 words. Oh my god.’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review‘What a fantastic book! Such an intense, fast paced read from the first page’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review‘What a rollercoaster ride…it grips you and you can't put it down. I loved it.’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review‘What a page turner this is… you never want it to end… A great, gritty, UK gangland thriller’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review‘A dark and gritty crime thriller that kept me hooked from the first page.' Casey Kelleher, author of No Fear and Mine'A gripping read that got under my skin. Alex Kane writes one hell of a villain.’ Gemma Rogers, author of Stalker and Reckless

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Book SynopsisCass Raines – a former cop turned private investigator. But has she got what it takes to catch a murderer…?When Cass Raines took a bullet in the line of duty, it wasn’t injury that saw her quit the police but the cover up for an incompetent colleague that followed. Now, the Chicago PD has one less African-American woman on the force and Cass is the head of a one-woman private investigation agency.When her close friend Father Ray asks Cass to look into a recent spate of vandalism at his church, she readily agrees. But only hours later she’s horrified to discover his murdered body in the church confessional, and another dead man nearby.The lead detective assigned to the case is all too ready to dismiss it as an interrupted burglary gone awry – just another statistic in a violent city. But Cass’s instincts tell her otherwise, and badge or no badge, she intends to see justice done…The first in a series of compulsive crime novels featuring an unforgettable lead character. Perfect for fans of Ian K. Smith, Sue Grafton and the Cormoran Strike novels.Praise for Tracy Clark'Clark writes with purpose, her sense of social justice never venturing into dogma but remaining fully rooted in Raines’s actions and personality. She saves, but is no savior, because she operates in a world where survival is the benchmark, and pain remains in the aftermath.' The New York Times on Runner, part of the Cass Raines Mystery seriesRunner nominated for the Sue Grafton Memorial Award from the Mystery Writers of America’s Edgar Award‘This street-smart first mystery boasts great characterization and a terrific new protagonist. Get this writer on your radar now.’ Booklist‘Unforgettable. . . . Distinctive, vividly written characters lift this promising debut. Readers will be eager for the sequel.’ Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW‘Clark’s kickoff to an exciting new character-driven series explores the dynamics between a black investigator and a white world in a story ripped from the headlines.’ Kirkus Reviews‘Clark’s compelling, suspenseful, and action-packed debut introduces a dogged, tough African American woman investigator who is complex and courageous and surrounded by a family of fascinating misfits. Fans of Sue Grafton’s Kinsey Millhone or Sara Paretsky’s V.I Warshawski will welcome Cass Raines to their ranks.’ Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

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Book SynopsisWhen Cass Raines, the former Chicago cop turned private investigator, looks into a suspicious death she makes some powerful enemies...Being a PI can be slow work, sitting around in cars on a stakeout, or serving summonses. But once in a while, it leads straight to danger. When Cass hears about the death of Tim Ayers, she agrees to look into the circumstances. A choice she may come to regret. Ayers was from a wealthy Chicago family, and was found dead in Lake Michigan, in the water near his luxury boat. Cass begins digging and is surprised to learn that Tim Ayers was terminally ill. Given the large quantities of alcohol and drugs found in his body, his death appears to be either an accident or suicide. Yet Cass soon realises there are too many unanswered questions and unexplained coincidences. It could be murder. But why would anyone kill a dying man? Cass’s persistence attracts unwanted attention, putting her life in danger and uncovering sinister secrets she may end up taking to her grave.The gripping second instalment of a private investigator crime series, that is perfect for fans of Ian K. Smith, Sue Grafton and the Cormoran Strike novels.Praise for Tracy ClarkRunner nominated for the Sue Grafton Memorial Award from the Mystery Writers of America’s Edgar Award‘This street-smart first mystery boasts great characterization and a terrific new protagonist. Get this writer on your radar now.’ Booklist‘Unforgettable. . . . Distinctive, vividly written characters lift this promising debut. Readers will be eager for the sequel.’ Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW‘Clark’s kickoff to an exciting new character-driven series explores the dynamics between a black investigator and a white world in a story ripped from the headlines.’ Kirkus Reviews‘Clark’s compelling, suspenseful, and action-packed debut introduces a dogged, tough African American woman investigator who is complex and courageous and surrounded by a family of fascinating misfits. Fans of Sue Grafton’s Kinsey Millhone or Sara Paretsky’s V.I Warshawski will welcome Cass Raines to their ranks.’ Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

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Book SynopsisCass Raines knows the streets of Chicago all too well as a cop turned private investigator. A new case gives a glimpse into how the other half lives – and how they die…Wealth. Power. Celebrity. Vonda Allen’s glossy magazine has taken the Windy City by storm, and she’s well on her way to building a one-woman media empire. Everybody adores her. Except the people who work for her. And the person who’s sending her flowers with death threats.Vonda has employed off-duty cop Ben Mickerson as her bodyguard and when he needs some back-up no one fits the bill better than his ex-partner on the police force, Cass Raines. Cass is reluctant to take the job – she isn’t keen on playing babysitter to a celebrity – but agrees to as a favour to Ben.When two of Vonda’s staff turn up dead, Ben and Cass must find the unknown assailant before someone else dies. Then Ben is taken out of action, Cass is left to find out what secrets Vonda is keeping, and who wants her dead. A task made even harder by enemies in the Chicago Police Department determined to stop Cass…An explosive third novel from a thrilling crime novelist, which fans of Ian K. Smith, Sue Grafton and the Cormoran Strike novels will love.Praise for Tracy ClarkRunner nominated for the Sue Grafton Memorial Award from the Mystery Writers of America’s Edgar Award‘This street-smart first mystery boasts great characterization and a terrific new protagonist. Get this writer on your radar now.’ Booklist‘Unforgettable. . . . Distinctive, vividly written characters lift this promising debut. Readers will be eager for the sequel.’ Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW‘Clark’s kickoff to an exciting new character-driven series explores the dynamics between a black investigator and a white world in a story ripped from the headlines.’ Kirkus Reviews‘Clark’s compelling, suspenseful, and action-packed debut introduces a dogged, tough African American woman investigator who is complex and courageous and surrounded by a family of fascinating misfits. Fans of Sue Grafton’s Kinsey Millhone or Sara Paretsky’s V.I Warshawski will welcome Cass Raines to their ranks.’ Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

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

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Book Synopsis'Alex Kane is back and reminding us all why she is just brilliant. I have devoured this book in just one sitting and have no regrets.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader ReviewIt takes a strong woman to run a family – and an empireJaney Hallahan was born into the criminal life. After the death of her father, she became head of the family business – every day making dark decisions that make her family firm richer, no matter how dangerous.While Janey rules gangland with an iron fist, she always sticks to her own code of honour, and the innocent never get hurt.One of her workers, Danny McInroy runs an exclusive club in Glasgow – the kind of place where the ultra-wealthy can fulfil their darkest desires, for a hefty cost. He’s good at his job, but his arrogance and propensity to violence makes him a liability. But when Janey discovers that he’s linked to the disappearance of two women, it’s time to take revenge.Because no one messes with Janey, or her empire… and as gangland is about to learn, a powerful woman will stop at nothing to protect her reputation.A pulse-racing, totally gripping thriller that fans of Jessie Keane, Kimberly Chambers and Heather Burnside won't be able to put down.Readers are loving Janey:'A must read book...gripping and twisted.'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review'Absolutely loved this book I didn't want it to end. I was gripped from start to finish.'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review'Seriously fast paced and gritty from the very start.'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review'I have read all of Alex Kanes books and can honestly say once you pick one up it's really hard to put down.'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review'I waited in anticipation for this book to come out...Alex kane should be up there with the top authors as her books are phenomenal.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review'Superb strong Characters with a gripping story line, this book will have you hooked from the start.'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review'This book is already an absolute belter. I couldn't put it down. So many twists and turns. The writing was amazing.'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader ReviewPraise for Alex Kane:‘Grit, twists and great characters. Alex Kane at her finest!’ Emma Tallon, author of Her Payback‘Another fantastic gritty Gangland thriller from Alex Kane. Five stars from me!’ Gemma Rogers, author of The Feud

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

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Book SynopsisDeadly truths lie buried beneath the snow.Three people are stranded at a pub on a winter's night – a couple, the Fairweathers, and a woman, Alison Evans. Hours later, in the middle of the night, the pub alarm begins to sound and Alison Evans is missing. Within moments, her body is discovered outside.The following day a young boy disappears while sledding with his grandfather.The two cases couldn't be more different, but as the two investigations unfold and the window for finding Lucas Pritchard narrows, the job becomes personal for one of DI Annie Delamere's team. With links between the cases that seem to make no sense, can they find their answers before time runs out?A tense and gripping crime thriller set in the Peak District, perfect for fans of Stephen Booth and Roz Watkins.Praise for Old Evils ‘Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. Full of plot twists and surprises.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘An excellent read. The characterisation is believable, it’s well written with plenty of tension and a few twists rattling along at a fast pace. I highly recommend this series.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘Lots of action and twists and turns. It’s a difficult book to put down, highly recommended.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

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Book SynopsisDon't miss the gripping new psychological thriller by Sally Rigby and Amanda Ashby!"Dark, gripping and with a smart twist, The Ex-Wife kept me turning the pages. I thought I'd managed to guess the ending, but for once was thrilled to be wrong." Bestselling author M A HunterMy life was perfect until she came along. Norah.Younger, prettier and about to marry my own ex-husband, they are a walking cliché.I hate her. I hate them both.She’s taken everything from me – my husband, my life, my home - but I refuse to allow her to take Cassie, my beautiful daughter. That's a step too far.Now I’ve discovered that Norah plans to have a baby of her own and that causes me no end of problems. She could destroy everything and reveal my deepest, darkest secrets.That can never be allowed to happen.No matter what it costs…A brand new psychological thriller that will keep you guessing till the end! Perfect for fans of Sue Watson, Nina Manning, Shalini Boland

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Book SynopsisSHE'S LOCKED THE DOOR BUT THE KILLER'S INSIDEI believe, from what I can hear, that either my daughter or my wife has just been attacked. I don't know the outcome. The house is silent.Fourteen years ago two teenage lovers were brutally murdered in a patch of remote woodland. The prime suspect confessed to the crimes and was imprisoned.Now, one family is still trying to put the memory of the killings behind them. But at their isolated hilltop house . . . the nightmare is about to return.Trade ReviewHayder keeps you guessing adroitly - and has in Caffrey, a maverick cop so fascinatingly weird that he makes Ian Rankin's Rebus seems a stolid conformist * Sunday Times, Culture *Builds to its mesmerising climax with a brilliantly paced sense of menace. Masterful * Sunday Mirror *

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Book SynopsisA gripping psychological thriller from bestselling author, L. H. Stacey!A woman on the run…Madeleine Frost knows she has to get away from her partner Liam. His behaviour has become increasingly controlling and Maddie fears for her safety and that of her young daughter Poppy.Desperation leads Maddie to the hotel owned by her estranged father – the extraordinarily beautiful Wrea Head Hall. The reunion is tense, but Maddie’s father agrees to her staying as his guest for as long as she needs.Maddie’s whereabouts must stay a secret; but as she spends time getting to know her new home, she discovers the house has its own shocking past and secrets of its own. Secrets that could cost her dearly…And when Liam makes it clear he wants Maddie back, she has to reassess everything. Because when Liam wants something, he gets it - no matter who he hurts…Perfect for fans of Teresa Driscoll, Sue Watson, Jackie Kabler and Kendra Elliot.‘Dark and dramatic, with an explosive ending’ Diane Saxon 'An atmospheric thriller with a knockout ending!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️' **Bestselling author Diana Wilkinson 'The plot twists kept me guessing right until the end' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Please Note: this book was previously published as The House of Secrets.

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Book Synopsis'A brilliant story from a masterful storyteller.' Anita WallerOne chance meeting. A night that changes everything.The Kennedy sisters, Molly, Alex and Sam, have a Christmas tradition – a night out, just the three of them, sisters together.Lewis Stone can’t face the work Christmas party, but as he’s one of the bosses, he has to put in an appearance. He leaves as soon as he can politely get away, ready for the holidays to begin.When Lewis Stone meets the Kennedy sisters, a train of events begins that engulfs them all.One sister is left fighting for her life.One sister is left fighting for her marriage.And one sister is hellbent on revenge…The brilliant new psychological thriller from bestseller O.J. Mullen. Perfect for fans of T. M. Logan, B.A. Paris, Sue Watson and K.L. Slater.'A superb rollercoaster of a read. Gripping to the very last page!' J.A. Baker‘A gripping story with a totally unexpected ending. Loved it.’ Valerie KeoghWhat readers are saying about O.J. Mullen:‘Be warned. From the minute you start reading this book your time will not be your own. It is a brilliant book that reels you in from the start. The characters are so well portrayed that they feel real. - that you would recognise them if they passed you in the street. The plot is wicked, intricate and completely believable. What more could you ask from a book?’‘What I really love about Owen’s writing is it’s perfect.. utterly engrossing, dark and gritty. It’s the tone…I don’t know how he does it but the style of writing is exactly what I want to see.. it’s the grittiness.. the realness.. the depth to the characters.. utter WOW!’‘An absolute first class book. Yet again this talented author delivers a gripping rollercoaster of a read.’‘Thrills, suspense, and drama are the order of the day and you won't be able to tear yourself away from it.’

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Book SynopsisFrom the author of ITV's THE TOWER'Rips along like a rattlesnake. Absorbing. Relevant. Tense.' Imran MahmoodThere's more than one way to go missing...When Ryan Kennedy is imprisoned after killing a police officer, he knows what he has to do. Keep his mouth shut about who he was working for, keep his head down, and rely on his youth to keep his sentence short. When he gets out, he'll be looked after. Following the death in the line of duty of a fellow detective, DI Sarah Collins has left the capital for a quieter life in the countryside. But when a missing teenager turns up on her patch, she finds herself drawn into a much bigger investigation - one that leads her right back to London, back to the Met, and back to Ryan Kennedy, the kid who killed a cop. This powerful novel from a former Met detective explores the devastation that organized drug-running gangs can wreak on young lives. It asks who deserves to be saved - and whether saving them is even possible...Trade ReviewBrilliant ... [a] heartbreaking and adrenaline-fuelled tale * The Times *Rips along like a rattlesnake. A perfectly executed police procedural. Absorbing. Relevant. Tense. -- Imran MahmoodTremendous. Expertly and sensitively tackles human slavery, county lines drug distribution and the misery it causes. Drips with authenticity, perfectly paced and compelling from page one. -- Neil LancasterA cracking read. Taut storytelling, with authenticity and humanity on every page. Kate London is one of the finest writers around. -- Mari HannahWow! I was blown away by the combination of gritty crime thriller and seriously enviable writing -- Emma CurtisWhat a cracker! Blends a brutal murder and the horror of kids being exploited into County Lines with humanity and sympathy - literary genius. -- Graham BartlettUtterly authentic * Daily Mail on The Tower *Authentic ... first class writing * Sunday Express on The Tower series *A stand out brilliant crime novel * Rosamund Lupton on Gallowstree Lane *Absorbing ... a complex novel that offers rare insights into how the police operate * Sunday Times on The Tower *Sensational... A brilliant, high-octane crime novel, ringing with the hard-earned wisdom of a former cop * Tony Parsons on Death Message *

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Book SynopsisA friend and contemporary of Richard Wright and James Baldwin - and every bit their equal - Chester Himes was the acclaimed author of literary novels, stories and essays, as well as the classic crime fiction series for which he is best known, featuring detectives Coffin Ed Johnson and Gravedigger Jones.Himes wrote nine novels in the Harlem Detectives series, and in these four popular, accomplished instalments, his cold, wise-cracking sleuths are thrown into a brutal, murderous world peopled with conniving con men, gut-toting gangsters and opium-smoking preachers. Himes's vision of Harlem's criminal underground, enriched by deft plotting and scintillating dialogue, is both riotous entertainment and penetrating enquiry into the fraught tensions of race in postwar America.Trade ReviewThese wholly original, occasionally disorienting and sometimes surreal books are a must for all crime fiction aficionados * Guardian *Chester Himes is perhaps the most singular American novelist of the past century, whose insight and innovation are still only beginning to be recognised * Independent *Himes's Harlem saga vies with the novels of David Goodis and Jim Thompson as the inescapable achievement of postwar American fiction * The New York Times *

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Book SynopsisGANGLAND BOSS ZANDER FINN DISAPPEARED AFTER THE BRUTAL MURDER OF HIS SON. He fled to London, seeking salvation by walking away from his money, his career and his legacy. But when his old second-in-command Malky Maloney tracks him down, Finn knows he must return. Both his real family and his crime family face an existential threat from Albanian mobsters hellbent on taking control of the Scottish underworld and the forces of law and order determined to inflict their own retribution. Finn’s fight for survival is a rollercoaster ride of brutality, misplaced loyalties and the utterly unexpected. The road to redemption is perilous – and paved with blood. Trade Review‘A rollicking rollercoaster of violence, misplaced loyalties and some very unexpected interventions that combine to produce one of the most satisfying gangland thrillers of the year' * Irish Independent *'an engrossing read… crackling with tension and the inevitability of violence' * The Herald paperback review *'Meyrick’s breaking the mould with the latest offering straight out of the underworld of Paisley and the gritty streets of London' * Sunday Post *'A winning combination of fisticuffs and philosophy' -- Mark Sanderson * Times and Sunday Times Crime Club *'This gritty, gripping gangland stand-alone crime thriller from the author of the bestselling DCI Daley series, is a wild ride you won’t want to miss' * LoveReading eBook of the month, staff pick and expert review *'Dark humour has helped to make his thrillers world famous' -- Magnus Linklater * Times interview *'This Glasgow and Paisley-set gangland thriller would make a great TV series' -- Joyce Macmillan * Scotland on Sunday *'An enjoyable and fast paced thriller/crime novel that leaves its readers almost as breathless as it leaves many of its characters, though in a rather different way' * Undiscovered Scotland *'This one isn't to be missed… it’s brilliant!' * Waterstones Falkirk *'I loved this. It’s addictive, beautifully constructed, and a wild and sometimes surprising ride through a gangland that is both believable and utterly gripping' * LiveAndDeadly *'Another corker from Mr Meyrick… oooh, this author gets better and better. A brilliant, at times terrifying, story of ganglands, revenge, and how hard it is to escape the life of crime. As ever superb characters and believable plots make this a must read' -- Waterstones bookseller, Horsham branch'Powerful, plausible and utterly gripping' * FIVE STAR REVIEW, Waterstones and Amazon customer *‘Fast paced, brutal and brilliant… Crime writing at its best’ -- Amazon customer'The author has produced a first class thriller that is as much character driven as its content of action and violence' * Good Reads FIVE STAR REVIEW *

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Book SynopsisJesse Stone is an ex LA cop who has taken the job of police chief in Paradise, Massachusetts. His drinking and his damaged relationship with his wife, define him as much as his supreme skill at policing his patch. When Crow, an Apache hitman, turns up in Jesse Stone's office, he is intrigued and very much on his guard. Ten years before, Crow was part of a gang that had taken a woman in the town hostage when a bank raid went wrong. The hostages were released unharmed, thanks to Crow's moral view that you didn't kill women, but he also got away with enough money not to have to work again. So why is Crow back in town? Why has he come to see Jesse? And why has he taken a job of kidnapping a young girl and her mother? All questions to which Jesse has to find answers as things start to go badly wrong in Paradise.Trade ReviewIf Spencer is the invincible knight, the timeless hero of American detective fiction, then Jesse Stone is the flawed hero of the moment, a man whose deficiencies define his humanity * New York Times *Tougher, stronger, better educated, and far more amusing than Sam Spade, Phil Marlowe or Lewis Archer * Boston Globe *When it comes to detective novels, 90 per cent of us admit he's an influence, and the rest of us lie about it * Harlen Coben *One of the great series in the history of the detective story * New York Times Book Review *Reading Parker is like swimming downstream in a river of adrenalin * Boston Observer *The legitimate heir to the Hammett-Chandler-Macdonald tradition * Cincinnati Post *Nobody does it better * Publishers Weekly *'If Spencer is the invincible knight, the timeless hero of American detective fiction, then Jess Stone is the flawed hero of the moment, a man whose deficiencies define his humanity' New York Times Book Review. * New York Times *'… deftly sketched characters … his use of genre material is always fresh. He demonstrates his continued ability to write well-constructed and literate works of detective fiction' Times Literary Supplement. * Times Literary Supplement *

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Book Synopsis1961, Illinois. Alex Poliac buries his wife Alice. That evening, he and his son flee their home. Not because he is a suspect in Alice's death, but because a serial killer - The Clown - is prowling the state, and Alex knows how he picks his victims. A meeting with Laura, a friend of his wife, brings more questions: was Alice hiding something, with her mysterious phone calls and unexplained absences? Was her death really an accident?

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Book SynopsisA missing teenage girl should be an easy job for Dominic Queste – after all, finding lost souls is what he does best. But wouldn’t it be better sometimes if lost souls just stayed that way? Jenny Deavers is trouble. She’s being hunted, and for the people tracking her, murder is nothing. As the bodies pile up, so does the pressure on Queste, both to protect Jenny and to find out who wants her dead. The trail leads him to a brutal world of gangsters, merciless hitmen, dark family secrets and an insatiable lust for power in the highest echelons of politics. Modern noir at its finest.Trade Review"Crime to make you laugh out loud, with a new hero, warm and witty investigator Dominic Queste, delving into the dark side of the west of Scotland. I look forward to reading more Queste adventures." - Alex Gray's Books of the Year, The Times Crime Club. "A heady mixture of hardboiled detective novel and super-sharp black humour and it's a winning combination that will keep you engaged throughout." - Crime Fiction Lover. "A great read that draws you in and keeps you hooked until it spits you out, 235 extremely enjoyable pages later... satisfying and convincing, and unexpected." - Undiscovered Scotland. "The plot rattles along at break-neck speed. This is modern pulp fiction at its best... fast-paced and flippant." - Alastair Braidwood, Scots Whay Hae. "A simple commission to locate a missing young woman leads seedy former cokehead Dominic Queste into the dark side of Glasgow. Gangs, drugs and plenty of violence stand in the way of a happy outcome, but on the bright side Queste can be relied on to have a darkly witty take on his predicament." - The Times Crime Club. "Fast-paced, funny and frightening - Dominic Queste's first outing supplies it all." - Lin Anderson. "Absolutely brilliant. A quick-witted and vastly entertaining novel that takes Douglas Skelton into the crime fiction big league." - Alex Gray. "If you like your humour black and your detective novels hard boiled, The Dead Don't Boogie is a cut above the rest." - Theresa Talbot. "A white-knuckle, wisecracking thrill-ride." - Caro Ramsay

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Book SynopsisTHE FIFTH BOOK IN CLAIRE MACLEARY'S MULTI-AWARD-LISTED HARCUS & LAIRD SERIES 'Claire MacLeary has, with little fuss or fanfare, written a crime series that subverts and rejuvenates the crime genre' Scots Whay Hae A disturbing hanging with a backstory of secrets and shaming highlights some outdated attitudes within Aberdeen’s finest. After past skirmishes with the police, local PI Maggie Laird is determined to steer clear, but her partner, Wilma Harcus, goes rogue. Not only does she have leads up her sleeve, but she has grandiose ideas to expand their PI agency into the realm of romance fraud and cybercrime. Then, troubled schoolchild Frankie Bain goes missing. As the clock runs down, the two investigations collide. Was the hanging the last, desperate act of a tortured mind or a calculated murder? And will Frankie Bain be found alive? In this fifth Harcus and Laird novel, Claire MacLeary fashions a fast-paced, fresh and topical new adventure for her inimitable PI partnership.

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Book SynopsisA pregnant Sam Shephard investigates the murder of an expectant mother in Dunedin, as it becomes clear that the killer is ready to strike again … Queen of New Zealand Crime, Vanda Symon, returns with a shocking, twisty new Sam Shephard thriller… 'From the opening pages, this story left me gasping for breath' Michael Robotham ‘Chillingly intense with a finely honed sense of place … Vanda Symon knows Dunedin and brings it vibrantly to life in this fast-paced thriller’ Craig Robertson ‘An excellent thriller, definitely one of the best of this year. Vanda Symon is a master of characterisation, plot and dialogue … I loved every moment’ Liz Nugent 'New Zealand's modern Queen of Crime' Val McDermid _________________________________ A killer targeting pregnant women.A detective expecting her first baby… The shocking murder of a heavily pregnant woman throws the New Zealand city of Dunedin into a tailspin, and the devastating crime feels uncomfortably close to home for Detective Sam Shephard as she counts down the days to her own maternity leave. Confined to a desk job in the department, Sam must find the missing link between this brutal crime and a string of cases involving mothers and children in the past. As the pieces start to come together and the realisation dawns that the killer’s actions are escalating, drastic measures must be taken to prevent more tragedy. For Sam, the case becomes personal, when it becomes increasingly clear that no one is safe and the clock is ticking… _______________________ ‘Dark, chilling and utterly heartbreaking. A highly emotive and compelling thriller’ Michael Wood ‘New Zealand's answer to Siobhan Clarke’ The Times 'The Edinburgh of the south has never been more deadly' Ian Rankin ‘From the ominous and shocking beginning to the heart-pounding ending, Expectant had me in its grasp’ Nikki Crutchley 'A sassy heroine, fabulous sense of place, and rip-roaring stories with a twist. Perfect curl-up-on-the-sofa reading' Kate Mosse 'Fans of The Dry will love Vanda Symon' Red Magazine ‘A wonderful storyteller’ Helen FitzGerald Praise for Vanda Symon ***SHORTLISTED for the CWA John Creasey (New Blood) Dagger*** ***SHORTLISTED for Best Paperback in the Barry Awards*** 'If you like taut, pacy thrillers with a wonderful sense of place, this is the book for you' Liam McIlvanney 'Vanda Symon's work resembles Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series she knows how to tell a good story and the NZ setting adds spice' The Times 'Atmospheric, emotional and gripping' Foreword Reviews 'A plot that grabs the reader's attention with a heart-stopping opening and doesn't let go' Sunday Times 'It is Symon's copper Sam, self-deprecating and very human, who represents the writer's real achievement' Guardian ‘Edgy, thrilling and terrifyingly realistic’ Lisa Hall ‘All the thrills of a brilliantly plotted crime novel with some interesting moral questions woven between the words. Fast, furious and intense' Helen Fields 'Completely gripping … a poignant study of how our society shapes unlikely saints and monsters' Eve Smith

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Book SynopsisHamburg State Prosecutor Chastity Riley becomes involved in the horrifying, chilling search for a violent serial killer targeting dancers from a club … the first book in an award-winning, wildly original, addictive series… ‘Such a revelation’ Laura Lippman ‘Gruesome and assured, Buchholz’s work remains as persuasive as ever’ Barry Forshaw, Financial Times ‘Reading Buchholz is like walking on firecrackers … a truly unique voice in crime fiction’ Graeme Macrae Burnet ‘Unpredictable, shocking and funny … Simone Buchholz is my favourite German crime writer’ Mark Sanderson,The Times **WINNER of the CWA Crime in Translation Dagger** ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– A serial killer is on the loose in Hamburg, targeting dancers from The Acapulco, a club in the city’s red-light district, taking their scalps as gruesome trophies and replacing them with plastic wigs. Chastity Riley is the state prosecutor responsible for crimes in the district, and she’s working alongside the police as they investigate. Can she get inside the mind of the killer? Her strength is thinking like a criminal; her weaknesses are pubs, bars and destructive relationships, but as Chastity searches for love and a flamboyant killer – battling her demons and the dark, foggy Hamburg weather – she hits dead end after dead end. As panic sets in and the death toll rises, it becomes increasingly clear that it may already be too late. For everyone… ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ‘Caustic, incisive prose. A street-smart, gutsy heroine. A timely and staggeringly stylish thriller’ Will Carver ‘The coolest character in crime fiction … Darkly funny and written with a huge heart’ Doug Johnstone, Big Issue ‘Modern noir, with taut storytelling, a hard-bitten heroine, and underlying melancholy peppered with wry humour’ New Zealand Listener ‘Dark, atmospheric, and complex, with often surprisingly emotional … a classy piece of fiction from an author who never disappoints’ Jen Med’s Book ReviewsPraise for the Chastity Riley series: 'Combines nail-biting tension with off-beat humor ... Elmore Leonard fans will be enthralled' Publishers Weekly 'Buchholz doles out delicious black humor ... interwoven in a manner that ramps up the intrigue and tension' Foreword Reviews ’Lyrical and pithy' Sunday Times 'Fierce enough to stab the heart' Spectator 'A real blast of adrenaline' Big Issue 'Simone Buchholz writes with real authority and a pungent, noir-ish sense of time and space' Financial Times 'A stylish, whip-smart thriller' Russel McLean

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Book SynopsisCan everyone’s favourite insurance mathematician, Henri, combine the increasingly dangerous world of adventure parks with the unpredictability of blended-family life? He’s about to find out in the final instalment of the hilarious, nail-biting Rabbit Factor Trilogy. 'A joyous, triumphant conclusion to Tuomainen’s trilogy … the comic thriller of the year' Sunday Times THRILLER OF THE YEAR ‘Quirky crime capers don’t come more left field than the Rabbit trilogy … extremely funny, with a wicked line in social satire’ Daily Mail ‘One of those rare writers who manages to deftly balance intrigue, noir and a deliciously ironic sense of humour’ Vaseem Khan _______ Henri Koskinen, intrepid insurance mathematician and adventure-park entrepreneur, firmly believes in the power of common sense and order. That is until he moves in with painter Laura Helanto and her daughter… As Henri realises he has inadvertently become part of a group of local dads, a competing adventure park is seeking to expand their operations, not always sticking to the law in the process… Is it possible to combine the increasingly dangerous world of the adventure-park business with the unpredictability of life in a blended family? At first glance, the two appear to have only one thing in common: neither deals particularly well with a mounting body count. In order to solve this seemingly impossible conundrum, Henri is forced to step far beyond the mathematical precision of his comfort zone … and the stakes have never been higher… Warmly funny, quirky, touching, and a nail-biting triumph of a thriller, The Beaver Theory is the final instalment in the award-winning Rabbit Factor Trilogy, as Henri encounters the biggest challenge of his career, with hair-raising results… Soon to be a major motion picture starring Steve Carell ––––––––– Praise for the Rabbit Factor Trilogy: ‘Finland's greatest export’ M.J. Arlidge ‘The funniest writer in Europe’ The Times ‘Thrilling and warmly human. In these uncertain times, what better hero than an actuary?' Chris Brookmyre ‘Delightfully funny’ Guardian ‘Unlike anything else out there' The Times ‘A thrilling and hilarious read’ Liz Nugent ‘Charming, funny and clever, this is a novel to cheer up anyone who is finding life a little tough’ Literary Review ‘A delight from start to finish’ Big Issue 'Original and brilliant story-telling' Helen FitzGerald ‘A coruscating comedy’ Sunday Times 'You don’t expect to laugh when you’re reading about terrible crimes, but that’s what you’ll do when you pick up one of Tuomainen’s decidedly quirky thrillers' New York Times ‘A refreshing change from the decidedly gloomier crime fiction for which Scandinavia is known’ Publishers Weekly Right up there with the best’ Times Literary Supplement ‘A thriller with black comedy worth of Nabokov’ Telegraph

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Book SynopsisFrom the acclaimed author of Darktown comes the most visionary crime novel since Minority Report.''It''s rare to find a thriller with such a fantastic and original concept. I was gripped'' --- Anthony HorowitzIn a world where a global event has blinded every person on the planet, one detective seeks a murderer who should not, cannot, exist.Seven years ago, everyone in the world went blind in a matter of months. Technology helped people adjust to the new normal, creating a device that approximates vision, downloading visual data directly to people''s brains. But what happens when someone finds a way to manipulate it and change what people see?Homicide detective Mark Owens has been on the force since before The Blinding. When a scientist is murdered, and the only witness insists the killer was blacked out of her vision, Owens doesn''t believe her - until a similar murder happens in front of him. With suTrade ReviewIt's rare to find a thriller with such a fantastic and original concept. I was gripped. * Anthony Horowitz *An exceptional mystery and seamless interwoven it this new world he has realised. The result is incredible. Easily my book of the year so far. * M. W. Craven *This terrific mix of noir and sci-fi delivers an exciting and cautionary crime novel of what may be our not-so-distant future. * Ace Atkins *An exciting page-turner that's also full of sharp writing and thought-provoking ideas. Mullen fuses science fiction and a detective story into a stylish and entertaining novel. * Charles Yu *The world of this story is brimming with imagination and raises alarming questions about our own near-term future. Attention Black Mirror fans: This is your next book! * Jason Rekulak *Mixing the genres of crime and science fiction, this is assured writing . . . Fans of William Gibson as well as crime fiction will find The Blind Spots an exciting and thought-provoking read * Crime Time *A tremendous crime-SF hybrid, a brilliantly conceived story impeccably told. * Booklist *[An] excellent near-future mystery. Fans of P.D. James's Children of Men will be enthralled. * Publishers Weekly *Two guns - I mean thumbs - up * Wall Street Journal *

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

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Book SynopsisHåkan Nesser, 'the Godfather of Swedish Crime' (Metro), is back with the second installment in the Inspector Barbarotti series, The Root of Evil.*Shortlisted for the Crime Writers' Association's International Dagger*July 2007. A letter arrives on Inspector Barbarotti’s doorstep detailing a murder that is about to take place in his quiet Swedish town. By the time the police track down the subject of the letter, he is already dead. So when a second letter arrives, then a third, and a fourth, it’s a game of cat and mouse to stop the killer before he can make good on all of his promises. Meanwhile, an anonymous diary is unearthed depicting the incidents of a two week holiday in France five years earlier, and it doesn’t take Barbarotti long to realize the people populating the diary are the ones whose lives are now in the balance . . .Continue the thrilling investigative series with The Secret Life of Mr Roos.'One of the best of the Nordic Noir writers' - GuardianTrade ReviewThe godfather of Swedish crime * Metro *Told with wry humour and compassion, Nesser has four more Barbarotti stories to come — cherish them all -- Daily Mail on The Darkest DayA master of suspense * Sunday Times *In an exemplary translation by Sarah Death, this tangled tale of guilt and betrayal whets the appetite for translations of the other Barbarotti novels -- Financial Times on The Darkest DayOne of the best of the Nordic Noir writers * Guardian *One of Sweden's best crime writers * Mail on Sunday *Barbarotti has to disentangle years of bad blood and resentment to get to the heart of a thrillingly complex case * Sunday Times (on The Darkest Day) *

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Book SynopsisA stressed, middle-aged man picks up a teenage escort and commits an unspeakable crime, unaware that a homeless man – her only real friend – will do anything to find her. A shocking, race-against-the-clock, standalone thriller from the Queen of New Zealand Crime.‘Astonishingly good … compelling, horrifying, intriguing and entertaining. One of the best thrillers I’ve read this year’ Liz Nugent'New Zealand's modern Queen of Crime' Val McDermid'Fans of The Dry will love Vanda Symon' Red Magazine–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Worn down by a job he hates, and a stressful family life, middle-aged, middle-class Bradley picks up a teenage escort and commits an unspeakable crime. Now she’s tied up in his warehouse, and he doesn’t know what to do.Max is homeless, eating from rubbish bins, sleeping rough and barely existing – known for cadging a cigarette from anyone passing, and occasionally even the footpath. Nobody really sees Max, but he has one friend, and she’s gone missing.In order to find her, Max is going to have to call on some people from his past, and reopen wounds that have remained unhealed for a very long time, and the clock is ticking…Hard-hitting, fast-paced and immensely thought-provoking, Faceless – the startling new standalone thriller from New Zealand’s ‘Queen of Crime’ – will leave you breathless.–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––‘Powerful and brilliant writing that transported me to the other side of the world … a wonderful storyteller’ Helen FitzGerald‘Edgy, thrilling and terrifyingly realistic’ Lisa Hall‘All the thrills of a brilliantly plotted crime novel with some interesting moral questions woven between the words. Fast, furious and intense' Helen Fields‘A portrait of the underbelly of society, this is a deeply involving novel and a damn good thriller’ Paul Burke, NB Magazine'Completely gripping … a poignant study of how our society shapes unlikely saints and monsters' Eve Smith‘Faceless is tauter and tougher than Symon’s delightful Dunedin procedurals … superb’ The Times‘Intense, dark and twisted, this is a fast and pulse-raising read that absolutely gripped me’ Jen Med’s Book Reviews‘I read the last couple of chapters with bated breath, heart in my throat, eyes brimming. I was completely and utterly invested’ From Belgium with BooklovePraise for the Sam Shephard series‘New Zealand's answer to Siobhan Clarke’ The Times'Fast-moving New Zealand procedural ... the Edinburgh of the south has never been more deadly' Ian Rankin'A sassy heroine, fabulous sense of place, and rip-roaring stories with a twist. Perfect curl-up-on-the-sofa reading' Kate Mosse'If you like taut, pacey thrillers with a wonderful sense of place, this is the book for you' Liam McIlvanney'Vanda Symon's work resembles Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series she knows how to tell a good story and the NZ setting adds spice' The Times'Atmospheric, emotional and gripping' Foreword Reviews'A plot that grabs the reader's attention with a heart-stopping opening and doesn't let go' Sunday Times'It is Symon's copper Sam, self-deprecating and very human, who represents the writer's real achievement' Guardian'Reads like the polished effort of a genre veteran. More, please' Booklist For fans of Liz Nugent, Gillian McAllister, Trevor Wood and Sarah Hilary

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Book SynopsisGodfather of Nordic Noir Kjell Ola Dahl returns with tense, sophisticated, searingly relevant international thriller that explodes the Nordic Noir genre, as Frølich and Gunnarstranda investigate the death of a woman whose scientist boyfriend has also gone missing… ‘Dahl is a quiet master of the detective thriller, delivering complex plots and a simpatico hero…’ The Times ‘If you have never sampled Dahl, now is the time to try’ Daily Mail ‘Further cements Dahl as the Godfather of Nordic Noir, reminding readers why they fell in love with the genre in the first place’ CultureFly ______________When a woman is found dead in her car in a Norwegian parking garage, everyone suspects an overdose … until a forensics report indicates that she was murdered. Oslo Detectives Frølich and Gunnarstranda discover that the victim’s Kenyan scientist boyfriend has disappeared, and their investigations soon lead them into the shady world of international pharmaceutical deals. While Gunnarstranda closes in on the killers in Norway, Frølich and Lise, his new journalist ally, travel to Africa, where they make a series of shocking discoveries about exploitation and corruption in the distribution of foreign aid and essential HIV medications. When tragedy unexpectedly strikes, all three investigators face incalculable danger, spanning two continents. And not everyone will make it out alive…Exploding the confines of the Nordic Noir genre, Little Drummer is a sophisticated, fast-paced, international thriller with a searingly relevant, shocking premise that will keep you glued to the page. _________________________________ ‘A triumph’ Denzil Meyrick ‘Kjell Ola Dahl’s novels are superb. If you haven’t read one yet, you need to – right now’ William Ryan ‘Dark, stylish and suspenseful … the perfect example of why Nordic Noir has become such a popular genre’ Reader’s Digest ‘Kjell Ola Dahl’s fine style and intricate plotting are superb. He keeps firm hold of the story, never letting go of the tension’ Crime Review WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ***** ‘A dark, emotive and twisty mystery’ ‘Extremely gripping’ ‘Engrossing and beautifully crafted’ ‘Fiercely powerful and convincing’

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Book SynopsisWho can you trustWHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUTA group of new friends. But can she trust them? For struggling actress Ava, landing a role with the Chimera Theatre Group could lead to her big break. And relocating to a remote country village means stepping out from the shadow of her boyfrienddespite his determination not to let her go.Everyone in the group seems so welcoming, they're one big happy family. But, like all families, they each have secrets. And someone in the group doesn't want certain secrets to get outEveryone is GRIPPED by this thrilling book:I loved it! It''s such an immersive readthe story hurtles towards its compelling climax. Brilliant stuff!' Kate Rhodes, bestselling author of The Brutal TideA wonderful, character-driven thriller where alliances and friendships are put to the test' Sarah Ward, bestselling author of The QuickeningA dark psychological thriller that carefully draws you in as the tension mounts. Utterly fabulous' Victoria Dowd, winner of The People''s Book PrizeTrade Review'Subtle slow burner, which starts with pranks and ends somewhere else entirely…What a page turner!' Tina Baker ‘As the tension mounts we share Ava's fears that the lights may go out forever' Martin Edwards ‘The tangled knot of lies in this book is constantly being loosened then quickly pulled tight again. Leading and misleading, I enjoyed All the Little Lies all the way to the very last page’ June Taylor ‘A multi-layered psychological thriller with compelling characters’ Jackie Baldwin Praise for Chris Curran: ‘A cracker of a read! Will have you turning the pages, gripped, until you find answers’ The Welsh Librarian ‘Grabbed me from the first chapter and kept me gripped’ Rather Too Fond of Books ‘A truly engrossing and compelling tale of lies and loss. Loved it’ Jen Med’s Book Reviews ‘Powerful story telling with a dark mystery at its heart’ Amanda Hodgkinson, New York Times bestselling author of SPILT MILK and 22 BRITANNIA ROAD ‘Gripping and tense in all the right places’ Jen Med’s Book Reviews ‘Truly gripping’ SUNDAY EXPRESS ‘Rich cast, believable characters, powerful premise, lovely prose and proof that crime fiction can be intelligent and pulse-racing’ JJ Marsh, author of BEHIND CLOSED DOORS ‘I would highly recommend this novel for readers who enjoy excellently narrated dark and thrilling crime mysteries’ Liza Perrat, author of WOLFSANGEL ‘I look forward to reading more from Chris Curran and recommend to all who enjoy a good mystery with lots of twists’Julia Connor, Goodreads

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Book SynopsisDark, deceptive and utterly delicious!' Louise Douglas, author of the Richard and Judy Book Club pick The Secrets Between UsSecrets, lust, lies and murder a heady combination which kept me reading this book late into the night, and a twist which made me gasp!' Jackie KablerSomeone knows what they didA laugh.A touch.A lingering look.A dead body.An affair.A crime years in the making.Alice knows she's in too deep. But behind closed doors, no one is who they seemAn engrossing, riveting, jaw-dropping psychological thriller that will leave you stunned and satisfied. Lark spins a superb, twisty, compelling tale that you won't want to miss!'Lisa Regan, USA Today-bestselling author of the Detective Josie Quinn seriesPraise for J.S. Lark:A very different, enthralling read that I really didn''t want to put down' Eleine, GoodreadsI found myself turning pages late into the night to see what would happen a unique story' Jennifer, NetgalleyWow, just as I thought I was right about the ending, I am pTrade ReviewReaders can’t get enough of After You Fell… ‘A very different, enthralling read that I really didn't want to put down’ Eleine Brent, Goodreads ‘I found myself turning pages late into the night to see what would happen…a unique story’ Jennifer Motz, Netgalley ‘Wow, just as I thought I was right about the ending, I am proven wrong on the very last page’ Kimberley Bigelow, Goodreads ‘The blurb describes this as creepy, disturbing and genuinely chilling which is spot on… A clever premise, a brilliant read’ Nikki’s Book Blog

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Book Synopsis WHAT DID YOU SEE? WHAT DID YOU DO? ''Gripping, poignant...I read it in one sitting'' ROSAMUND LUPTON''Brilliantly compulsive and with one hell of a twist!'' CLAIRE DOUGLAS____________________________Sixty seconds after she wakes from a coma, Maggie''s world is torn apart.The police tell her that her daughter Elspeth is dead. That she drowned when the car Maggie had been driving plunged into the river. Maggie remembers nothing.When Maggie begs to see her husband Sean, the police tell her that he has disappeared. He was last seen on the day of her daughter''s funeral.What really happened that day at the river?Where is Maggie''s husband?And why can''t she shake the suspicion that somewhere, somehow... her daughter is still alive? An emotional page-turner with amazing characters from the Top Ten bestselling author of My Sister''s Bones, this tTrade ReviewA stunning book. Compelling, unsettling and powerful -- C. L. TaylorYou won't see the big twist coming in this haunting thriller. A worthy successor to My Sister's Bones * Daily Express *Memorable, jaw-dropping * Sunday Times *Compelling and intriguing, right from the very first page -- Sharon BoltonA clever, twisty plot that takes psychological mind games to a new level. Nuala Ellwood has done it again! -- Jane CorryThe Day of the Accident had me gasping for breath and on the verge of tears from the get-go. Twisty, haunting, and completely heart-wrenching, you won't breathe until you've turned the very last page. -- Carolyn Jess-CookeGrabbed me on the first page and didn't let go * Woman and Home *Gripping, engrossing and surprising at every turn -- Rowan ColemanA raw, shocking, and serpentine mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end -- Nicolas Obregon, author of 'Blue Light Yokohama'This book will take all your expectations and upend them, making you question everything you thought you knew -- Emma Kavanagh Twisty and unpredictable. Kept me guessing until the end -- Karen Cleveland, author of 'Need to Know'Absolutely brilliant - exciting, clever, it deserves to be a bestseller -- Priscilla Masters

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Book SynopsisThe Final Curtain brings the story of Detective Kaga to a surprising conclusion in a series of rich, surprising twists with a confounding murder in Tokyo connected to the mystery of the disappearance and death of Detective Kaga''s own mother.A decade ago, Tokyo Police Detective Kyoichiro Kaga went to collect the ashes of his recently deceased mother. Years before, she ran away from her husband and son without explanation or any further contact, only to die alone in an apartment far away, leaving her estranged son with many unanswered questions. Now in Tokyo, Michiko Oshitani is found dead many miles from home. Strangled to death, left in the bare apartment rented under a false name by a man who has disappeared without a trace. Oshitani lived far away in Sendai, with no known connection to Tokyo - and neither her family nor friends have any idea why she would have gone there. Hers is the second strangulation death in that approximate area Trade ReviewBeautifully written and superbly translated * First Clue *Brilliantly twisty... Higashino metes out the plot's surprises slowly, prioritizing Kaga's emotional response to the investigation. This poignant fair-play whodunit is sure to thrill fans of golden age detective fiction * Publishers Weekly *An intricate, many-layered puzzle * Kirkus *

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Book SynopsisEscapism of a high order.' INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAYA slyly intelligent page turner.' PUBLISHERS WEEKLYAN AURELIO ZEN MYSTERY When a group of Austrian cavers in the Italian Alps come across human remains at the bottom of a deep shaft, everyone assumes the death was accidental until the still unidentified body is stolen from the morgue and the Defence Ministry puts a news blackout on the case. The whole affair has the whiff of political intrigue. That''s enough to interest Aurelio Zen''s boss at the Interior Ministry, who wants to know who is hiding what from who and why. The search for the truth leads Zen into the murky history of post-war Italy and obscure corners of modern-day society to uncover the truth about a crime that everyone thought was as dead and buried as the victim.As the plot quickens, we are soon deep in Dibdin's favourite territory: the murky political conflicts of Italy's past and the oily chica

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Book SynopsisOne of Dibdin's finest . . . Wonderful.' EVENING STANDARDEnergetically and meticulously written.' GUARDIANAN AURELIO ZEN MYSTERYAurelio Zen''s final case brings him to remote town of Calabria, at the toe of Italy''s boot, on what is supposed to be a routine assignment: the death of a scout for an American film company. But the case is complicated by a group of dangerous strangers who have arrived to uncover another local mystery buried treasure and who will stop at nothing to achieve their goal. The case rapidly spirals out of control, and Zen must penetrate the code of silence in the tight-knit community in order to solve the crime.Clever and exuberantly witty . . . Dibdin is outrageously funny, as always, in conveying Zen's snobby Venetian attitude toward his regional postings.' NEW YORK TIMESAmple opportunities for the expression of his dry wit . . . the final entry [in the Zen se

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Book SynopsisThe eighth book in the Tom Thorne series, from bestselling author Mark Billingham.When a dead body is found in a North London flat, it seems like a straightforward domestic murder until a bloodstained sliver of X-ray is found clutched in the dead woman''s fist - and it quickly becomes clear that this case is anything but ordinary. DI Thorne discovers that the victim''s mother had herself been murdered fifteen years before by infamous serial killer Raymond Garvey. The hunt to catch Garvey was one of the biggest in the history of the Met, and ended with seven women dead.When more bodies and more fragments of X-ray are discovered, Thorne has a macabre jigsaw to piece together until the horrifying picture finally emerges. A killer is targeting the children of Raymond Garvey''s victims. Thorne must move quickly to protect those still on the murderer''s list, but nothing and nobody are what they seem. Not when Thorne is dealing with one of the most twisted killers hTrade ReviewAn efficient and fast-paced police procedural, technically superb from its gripping opening to its climax. Billingham, who knows exactly what he's doing with his material, has the recipe just right * Guardian *Another fine addition to Billingham's formidably assured body of work * Daily Mail *The revelations about the killer are totally unexpected - and proof that Mark Billingham is still top of the tree * Express *I found my heart racing as I read the last few chapters. I cannot remember the last time that happened to me while reading crime fiction...Tom Thorne is now definitely one of my favourite modern fictional detectives * The Bookbag.co.uk *

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Book Synopsis''Jane Isaac knows how to tell a good yarn. Expertly plotted and true to life'' Mel Sherratt.Stuart Ingram was once a respected local councillor... The first time the police knocked on Gina''s door, they arrested her husband. The second time, they accused him of child abuse. But he died a guilty man. This time, the police are here for Gina to tell her that her husband is dead. Murdered, just two weeks before his trial. Gina always stood by her husband. Even when everyone else walked away. She believed the trial would clear his name. But now Stuart is dead. And his wife is the suspect. It''s a race against time for DC Beth Chamberlain to uncover the truth especially when a second man turns up dead. Domestic noir meets police procedural in this pacy thriller from Jane Isaac, perfect for fans of Samantha Downing, Fiona Barton and K.L. Slater. Previously published as Presumed Guilty.Praise for Jane Isaac: ''Gripping subjects, brilliTrade ReviewIsaac does a superb job of escalating the tension and dread * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisHeady and dark and dangerous, The Pink Hotel is an intoxicating binge of a book. Liska Jacobs's stunning indictment of a society teetering toward apocalypse is one you won't easily forget. Janelle Brown, author of I'll Be YouNewlyweds Keith and Kit Collins can hardly believe their luck when the general manager of the iconic, opulent Pink Hotel invites them to come for a luxurious stay in a bid to hire Keith. Kit loves their small-town life, but Keith has always wanted more, and the glittering, lily-scented lobby makes him feel right at home.Soon after their arrival, wildfires sweep through the surrounding mountains and Los Angeles becomes a pressure cooker, with riots breaking out across the city amid rolling blackouts. The Pink Hotel closes its doors to outsiders, and Keith and Kit find themselves confined with an anxious, disgruntled staff and a growing roster of eccentric, ultra-wealthy, dangerously idle guests who flock to the hotel for sanct

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewAmbitious, intricate, riveting * The Times *It's been compared to Stieg Larsson's Millennium series ... Butterfly on the Storm is a compelling, engrossing read ... Walter Lucius is one to watch * Nudge *Disturbing, apocalyptic, gripping * Dutch Daily De Limburger *Riveting until the very end * AD Weekend [Dutch Newspaper] *The Dutch answer to the tsunami of Scandinavian thrillers * BB Boekblad *

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Book SynopsisJoin the latest thrilling NUMA Files adventure as Kurt Austin races to Antarctica to stop a chilling plot that imperils the entire planet . . . THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER FROM THE GRAND MASTER OF ADVENTURE, CLIVE CUSSLER ______A research ship is adrift off the coast of Antarctica . . .Weeks earlier, one of the crew messaged NUMA claiming to have made a world-shattering discovery. Followed by silence. Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala are dispatched to the icy waters. They find a sinking ship, her crew murdered, the vessel ransacked - and one research scientist missing.What was discovered? Who wanted it badly enough to kill everyone? And where did they vanish to?One way or another Kurt''s heading for Antarctica to learn the truth. But he won''t just be risking sub-zero temperatures, avalanches and blizzards.For someone is preparing to turn this secret discovery into a weapon of chilling power - unless KuTrade ReviewThe Adventure King * Sunday Express *Cussler is hard to beat * Daily Mail *Nobody does it better . . . nobody!

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Book SynopsisWhen Army Ranger Quinn Colson, the new sheriff of Tebbehah County, is called out to investigate a child abuse case, what he finds is a horrifying scene of neglect, thirteen empty cribs, and a shoe box full of money. Janet and Ramon Torres seem to have skipped town - but Colson''s sure they''ll come back for the cash. Meanwhile, Colson''s sister has returned - clean and sober for good she says. His friend Boom has been drinking himself into oblivion and picking fights at the local bar. And his old flame is pregnant. But Colson can''t focus on his personal problems. He and Deputy Lillie Virgil are convinced that Janet and Ramon have a taste for guns, drugs, and human trafficking. Soon Colson and Virgil find a link between the fugitive couple and a drug cartel that controls most of the Texas border, taking their investigation far beyond the rough hills of northeast Mississippi...

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Book Synopsis''The locale is brought to life . . . the plot keeps you guessing'' The Times''A slow-burning, tense and brooding thriller'' The Herald Scotland''Tom Benjamin''s debut novel blows the lid off a political cauldron in which Leftist agitators, property moguls, the police and city elders struggle for survival and dominance'' Daily Mail''It''s an immensely promising debut, which leaves the reader feeling they really know the city.'' Morning StarBologna: city of secrets, suspicion . . . and murderWhen the body of a radical protestor is found floating in one of Bologna''s underground canals, it seems that most of the city is ready to blame the usual suspects: the police.But when private investigator Daniel Leicester, son-in-law to the former chief of police, receives a call from the dead man''s lover, he follows a trail that begins in the 1970s and Trade ReviewThe locale is brought to life, the characters come formed by their environment and history, and the plot keeps you guessing - even when you think you know what's coming. Promising start to a Bologna-set series * The Times *Benjamin gloriously evokes the porticoes and palazzos of the medieval city, along with its radical tradition and the corruption in the police, in a slow-burning, tense and brooding thriller which boasts the atmosphere and attention to detail that could only spring from a genuine love of the location * The Herald Scotland *A gritty page-turner . . . an absorbing read * Italia! *

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Book SynopsisFrom the author of Obsessed: Six women fight to survive a kidnapper’s lethal game as a seventh is about to be drawn into his lair . . . Noa Vickerman, host of a late-night confession show, gets a call from a man claiming he has six young women imprisoned. At first, it’s dismissed as a prank—but that changes when the first body shows up. As the captives huddle in fear, he puts them through challenges, intent on finding a single special woman that suits his ultimate purpose. Meanwhile, with police watching her every move and the public following the story breathlessly, Noa is determined to save the women—but will she have to put herself within the monster’s reach to do so?

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