Crime and mystery: police procedural

Book SynopsisThe first Jackson Brodie novel: literary crime from the prizewinning, number-one bestselling author of Big Sky and Transcription.'An astonishingly complex and moving literary detective story that made me sob but also snort with laughter.Trade ReviewHer best book yet, an astonishingly complex and moving literary detective story that made me sob but also snort with laughter. It's the sort of novel you have to start rereading the minute you've finished it * Guardian *Sharp humour, together with a number of unexpected twists makes this a typically pacey and intelligent read * Daily Mail *A greedy feast of a story by a masterful author...A profound, exciting and lingering read * Daily Express *Triumphant...Her best book yet...A tragi-comedy for our times * Sunday Telegraph *To read it is to enter a hall of mirrors...Part complex family drama, part mystery, it winds up having more depth and vividness than ordinary thrillers and more thrills than ordinary fiction...A wonderfully tricky book * New York Times *As satisfying as anything dreamed up by Raymond Chandler, but the beauty of the novel lies in its spot-on characterizations, pitch perfect observations of contemporary culture and a sharp, wisecracking narrative voice * Time Out *Shot through with sharp, black humour, and introducing a loveable hero in Brodie, this is storytelling that satisfies at every level * Marie Claire (Book of the Month) *Atkinson is very good indeed... more satisfying than many detective novels. Everyone who picks it up will feel compelled to follow it through to the last page * Guardian *Brilliantly playful, witty and original... massive and consistent talent for comedy * The Scotsman *Intriguing and affecting... she has also created a compelling central chracter in world-weary private investigator Jackson Brodie, who is determined to bring justice to all the lives that lie fractured around him * Red (Book of the Month) *

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Book SynopsisA pulse-racing Harry Hole thriller that will keep you guessing till the finale page. 'This tale of revenge has twists galore' Time Out Harry can't trust his own memory A man is caught on CCTV, shooting dead a cashier at a bank. Detective Harry Hole begins his investigation, but after dinner with an old flame wakes up with no memory of the past 12 hours. Someone wants him out of this picture Then the girl is found dead in mysterious circumstances and he begins to receive threatening emails: is someone trying to frame him for her death? And they'll stop at nothing to fulfil their bloodlust... As Harry fights to clear his name, the bank robberies continue with unparalleled savagery...*JO NESBO HAS SOLD OVER 55 MILLION BOOKS WORLDWIDE**Watch out for KILLING MOON, the new Jo Nesbo book, out now*Trade ReviewA well-crafted rollercoaster of a book.. Nesbo sets a cracking pace... A series of spectacular plot twists leads to a thrilling finale. Highly recommended * Guardian *Compelling... Shocking and surprising...expertly paced * The Times *Many authors know how to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. Jo Nesbo's one of the few who keeps them thereTerrific... A stunning twist turns this into a first-rate thriller * Sunday Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisBuy Val McDermid''s masterful new thriller, 1989, now!___________________''Brilliant . . . sensational . . . unforgettable'' Guardian''The queen of crime is still at the top of her game'' IndependentThere is one serial killer who has shaped and defined police profiler Tony Hill''s life. One serial killer whose evil surpasses all others. One serial killer who has the power to chill him to the bone: Jacko Vance.And now Jacko is back in Tony''s life. Even more twisted and cunning than ever before, he is focused on wreaking revenge on Tony - and DCI Carol Jordan - for the years he has spent in prison.Tony doesn''t know when Jacko will strike, or where. All he knows is that Jacko will cause him to feel fear like he has never known before - and devastate his life in ways he cannot imagine...A gripping new thriller in the Tony Hill and Carol Jordan series, from the number one bestsTrade ReviewIt's perhaps fitting that for McDermid's 25th novel she's revisited her most thrillingly murderous creation, Jacko Vance * Daily Mirror *Val McDermid's 25th novel is stunningly good, but it comes with a health warning. It is truly disturbing * The Times *McDermid never pulls her punches in her graphic descriptions of the evils men (and women) inflict on each other...tension filled from start to finish * Irish Independent *Her writing is taut, her plotting pacy... McDermid is particularly good at analysing human damage and its effects * Scotsman *To write one brilliant book is hard. To write 25 is a miracle. That is what Val McDermid has achieved over the course of her career and it's why she is a much-loved legend in the literary world...the pace here is flawless and the various storylines are expertly interwoven...a superb crime novel * Sunday Express *Brilliant ... sensational ...unforgettable * Guardian *It's a tribute to McDermid's skill as a storyteller that she deliberately creates a trio of central characters who are essentially incapable of conventional empathy yet still manages to sustain reader sympathy right through to the coldly brutal finale * Irish Times *McDermid has pulled out all the stops, delivering a fast-moving tale * Herald *

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Book SynopsisAn incredible new thriller you won't want to put down!A shocking murderIt's a case unlike anything detective Mina Dabiri has seen before. A woman trapped inside a magician's box, with swords pierced through. But this time, it's not a magic trick. It's murder.A case which twists and turnsKnowing she has a terrifying killer on her hands, Mina enlists the help of celebrity mentalist, Vincent Walder. Only he can give her an insight into the secret world of magic and illusions.A ticking clock to stop a serial killerMina and Vincent soon discover that the murder victim has the roman numeral III engraved on her leg. The killer is counting down. There are going to be three more murders. And time is running out to stop them.Trade Review‘Known as Sweden’s answer to Agatha Christie, albeit in a contemporary setting the prolific Läckberg has teamed up with a famous mindreader for this doorstop of a thriller’ Crime Time Praise for Camilla Lackberg: ‘A sexy, sensational novel with intoxicating vengeance and an unexpected tenderness – The Golden Cage is tensely and skillfully drawn’ Karin Slaughter ‘Lackberg’s new embrace of a terrifying revenge scenario furnishes visceral psychological crime.’ Financial Times ‘The Golden Cage is a twisting, brutal tale of betrayal and revenge. Lackberg paints a vivid portrait of a dark and complicated anti-heroine who is both the abused and abuser, victim and victimizer. A chilling, timely read sure to thrill her international legion of fans!’ Lisa Unger,New York Times bestselling author of The Stranger Inside ‘A wonderful, take-no-prisoners mashup of Gone Girl, Billions, and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ Chris Bohjalian, New York Times best-selling author of The Flight Attendant and The Red Lotus ‘Camilla Läckberg is a master of psychological suspense: she grabbed me by the throat with this sharply written, wildly entertaining tale of wealth, power and revenge and kept me up straight through the night’ Cristina Alger, New York Times best-selling author of Girls Like Us ‘Domesticity and brutality are Lackberg staples… Tightly plotted… Unflinching’ Sunday Times ‘Heart-stopping and heart-warming … a masterclass in Scandinavian crime writing’ Val McDermid ‘Pacy … with flashing insight into the dark places of the psyche’ Sunday Times ‘A top-class Scandinavian crime writer’ The Times ‘The rock star of Nordic Noir’ Independent ‘Lackberg is an expert at mixing scenes of domestic cosiness with blood-curdling horror’ Guardian ‘Both chilling and thrilling’ Sun ‘A satisfying and counterintuitive clash between the cosy and gruesome strands of the genre’ Guardian

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Book SynopsisNOW THE INSPIRATION FOR THE ORIGINAL SERIES ''CROSS'' ON PRIME VIDEO___________________________________''No one gets this big without amazing natural storytelling talent - which is what Jim has, in spades. The Alex Cross series proves it.'' LEE CHILD_________________________________________THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLERALEX CROSS IS GOING HOME.BUT WHAT WILL HE FIND WHEN HE GETS THERE?When his cousin is accused of an unthinkable crime, Detective Alex Cross returns to his North Carolina hometown for the first time in over three decades.As he tries to prove his cousin''s innocence in a town where justice is hard to find, Cross unearths a family secret that forces him to question everything he''s ever known.Chasing the ghosts of his past, Cross gets pulled into a case involving a string of murders. Now he''s hot on the trail of a cold-hearted killer - and the answers he finds could be fatal._________________________________________''Alex Cross is a legend'' HARLAN COBEN''The master storyteller of our times'' HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON''It''s no mystery why James Patterson is the world''s most popular thriller writer . . . Simply put: nobody does it better.'' JEFFERY DEAVER''Patterson boils a scene down to the single, telling detail, the element that defines a character or moves a plot along. It''s what fires off the movie projector in the reader''s mind.'' MICHAEL CONNELLY''One of the greatest storytellers of all time'' PATRICIA CORNWELL''A writer with an unusual skill at thriller plotting.'' MARK LAWSON, GUARDIAN''James Patterson is The Boss. End of.'' IAN RANKINTrade ReviewIt's no mystery why James Patterson is the world's most popular thriller writer ... Simply put: Nobody does it better. -- JEFFREY DEAVER

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Book Synopsis''The new crime and espionage series from Penguin Classics makes for a mouth-watering prospect'' Daily TelegraphThe Second World War is over. Germany have won the battle. But the fight goes on...It is November 1941, nine months after the Nazis successfully invaded Britain. Churchill has been executed and the King imprisoned in the Tower of London. At Scotland Yard, renowned Detective Inspector Archer just tries to keep his head down. But when what seems a routine murder in a Mayfair flat leads him to something far deadlier, Archer becomes caught between his brutal superiors and the British resistance, and drawn into a plot that could change the future of the world.Trade ReviewLen Deighton is the Flaubert of the contemporary thriller writers. -- Michael Howard * Times Literary Supplement *Deighton's best book ... an absorbingly exciting spy story that is also a fascinating exercise in might-have-been speculation. -- Julian Symons * New York Times Book Review *Horrifyingly plausible. * The Independent *They don't, as they say, write them like this anymore. You will be entertained, informed, thrilled and dazzled. Long may he, and his creations, live on. * The Guardian *

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Book SynopsisTHE MULTIMILLION-COPY BESTSELLING ADAM DALGLIESH SERIES FROM THE QUEEN OF ENGLISH CRIME' (Guardian) WINNER OF THE CWA SILVER DAGGERA legend.' VAL MCDERMIDP. D. James took the classic crime novel and turned up the dial.' MICK HERRONWritten with the precision of cut diamonds.' IRISH TIMESPERFECT FOR FANS OF VAL MCDERMID, RUTH RENDELL AND ELLY GRIFFITHS__________________________________________________________________________________Dalgliesh recognised with weary resignation the first lie and wondered how many more there would be before the investigation was complete.On a crisp January morning, a group of third year nursing students gather in Nightingale House for a clinical lesson. One student will play the patient, while the others practice their nursing skills. But none of them is prepared for the demonstration's gruesome end.Later, when a stud

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Book SynopsisA Cordelia Gray MysteryHired to protect a beautiful but neurotic actress, Cordelia Gray soon becomes embroiled in a case as dangerous to her own life as it is mysterious.Clarissa Lisle hopes to make a spectacular comeback in a production of The Duchess of Malfi, to be played in Ambrose Gorringe''s sinister castle at Courcy Island. Cordelia is there to ensure her safety following the appearance of a number of poison-pen letters. But it soon becomes clear that all are in danger. Trapped within the walls of the Gothic castle, the treacherous past of the island re-emerges, and everyone seems to have a motive for sending Clarissa ''down, down to hell''.Marking the return of Cordelia Gray, The Skull beneath the Skin is a complex mystery which more than lives up to its predecessor, An Unsuitable Job for a Woman.

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Book SynopsisThe second book in the Detective Lottie Parker series by bestselling author, Patricia Gibney. Perfect for fans of Karin Slaughter, Tess Gerritsen and Helen Fields.Trade ReviewGibney expertly ratchets up the tension, making this exceptionally hard to put down . . . you won't be able to help rooting for our flawed heroine (Read of the Week) * Heat *Excellent . . . fast-paced, gritty * Irish Independent on THE STOLEN GIRLS *

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Book Synopsis''Horst is brilliant on the day-to-day details of investigation, while keeping tension to the end'' SUNDAY TIMES''Horst, a former Norwegian police detective, is often compared to Sweden''s Henning Mankell for his moody, sweeping crime dramas'' NEW YORK TIMESIf you loved Wallander, meet Wisting - your next Scandi crime obsession . . .15 years ago, Simon Meier walked out of his house and was never seen again.With no leads, the case quickly ran cold. Until now. Because one day ago, politician Bernard Clausen died. And in his cabin on the Norwegian coast, police make a shocking discovery. Boxes of bank notes, worth millions of dollars. Collecting dust.Chief Inspector William Wisting thinks it could link to Meier''s disappearance.But solving both cases will mean working with an old adversary, and delving into a dark underworld - which leads closer to home than he could have imagined Trade ReviewHorst is brilliant on the day-to-day details of investigation, while keeping tension to the end * Sunday Times *Impeccably crafted police procedural * Sunday Times Crime Club *A well-crafted, atmospheric, character-driven thriller - I couldn't put it down! * Alex Dahl, author of The Boy At The Door *Up there with the best of the Nordic crime writers -- Marcel Berlin * The Times *Jørn Lier Horst is one of the most brilliantly understated crime novelists writing today -- Joan Smith * Sunday Times *Plotting reigns supreme. Fortunately, that's Horst's primary skill * Barry Forshaw, Financial Times *A good Nordic police procedural with well-drawn characters * Choice Magazine *A nail biting deftly plotted thriller by a Norwegian police officer turned bestselling author * Saga Magazine *Lier Horst's novels stand comparison with the best police procedurals from anywhere in the world . . . polished and stylish . . . Wisting is a cracking creation . . . this is a riveting police procedural, it's a page turner, inventive and thrilling by turns * NB Magazine *If you liked Wallander you'll enjoy this too * Crime Fiction Lover *One of the finest novels in one of the best police procedural series out there and a more than decent slice of scandi-noir too * NB *Jørn Lier Horst writes some of the best Scandinavian crime fiction available. His books are superbly plotted and addictive, the characters wonderfully realised * Yrsa Sigurdardóttir *Another good, solid police procedural * Connaught Telegraph *Praise for Jørn Lier Horst * - *Up there with the best of the Nordic crime writers -- Marcel Berlin * The Times *Jørn Lier Horst is one of the most brilliantly understated crime novelists writing today -- Joan Smith * Sunday Times *A good Nordic police procedural with well-drawn characters * Choice Magazine *Pure evil in a solid Wisting crime novel. /..../ Jørn Lier Horst delivers credible crime fiction as always * Norway *With Ill Will, Jørn Lier Horst claims the number one spot on the winner's podium. /.../ Ill Will is the most brutal and ruthless novel penned by Horst to date. A ruthlessness that Horst delivers with elegance. /.../ The interplay between father and daughter, the police man and the journalist, is once again brilliantly portrayed * Norway *

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Book SynopsisYou think you know someone...Would you bet your life on it?A detective came to her home, drugged her and kidnapped her. She tries to make sense of it, but only one conclusion is possible: it''s the past, come to claim her.His new life seemed perfect - right up until the moment a missed call shatters everything. Ex-journalist Martin Scarsden checks his voicemail, and all he hears is his partner Mandy''s terrified scream before the phone cuts off.Racing home, he finds an unconscious man sprawled on the floor and Mandy gone. Someone has abducted her. But who, and why?So starts a riveting tale of intrigue and danger, as Martin probes the hidden past of the woman he loves. But can he trust her, once her shocking secrets are finally revealed? Even if it means putting everything on the line...Praise for Chris Hammer''The best Australian crime novel for years'' The Times''Shimmers . . . A tortured tale oTrade ReviewStunning ... Scrublands is that rare combination, a page-turner that stays long in the memory -- Joan Smith * Sunday Times (Crime Book of the Month) *An almost perfect crime novel ... Intelligent, thought-provoking, great narrative energy, a central character who's imperfect but self-aware, and of course that amazing setting ... I loved it' -- Ann Cleeves * author of Raven Black and Wild Fire *A dark and brilliant thriller, one that lingers in the mind * Mail On Sunday *Extremely accomplished ... Deliciously noirish ... Set in the blistering heat of a remote Australian town ravaged by drought and threatened by bushfires, this is a complex, meaty, intelligent mystery ... Hammer's writing is so evocative the heat practically rises off the pages of Scrublands -- Alison Flood * Guardian 'Best Recent Thrillers' *My pick for debut thriller of the month (and maybe of 2019) ... Beautifully written, this would make a terrific small-screen series -- Bethanne Patrick * Washington Post *Well-rounded characters, masterful plotting and real breadth; this is an epic and immersive read -- Laura Wilson * Guardian *A heatwave of a novel, scorching and powerful... Extraordinary * AJ Finn *Atmospheric, utterly gripping, and written with devastating beauty. Scrublands is as scorching as wildfire and as hard to look away from -- Gytha Lodge * author of She Lies in Wait *Incendiary . . . A rattling good read, ambitious in scale and scope and delivering right up to the last, powerfully moving page -- Declan Hughes * Irish Times *Scrublands is the epic novel about rural life in Australia that we need right now ... It sits right up there with the late Peter Temple's Broken Shore, Garry Disher's Bitterwash Road and Jane Harper's The Dry, even as it extends their focus and reach ... Remarkable -- Sue Turnbull * Sydney Morning Herald *It's hard not to compare Chris Hammer's Scrublands to Jane Harper's acclaimed The Dry ... [It will] capture your imagination from the first page -- Karen Hardy * The Age *Set in the parched Australian landscape, Scrublands is a brilliantly plotted thriller which reveals a town full of brooding secrets. I couldn't put this compelling debut down -- Sarah Ward * author of The Shrouded Path *Scrublands kidnapped me for 48 hours. I was hopelessly lost in the scorching Australian landscape, disoriented but completely immersed in the town and people of Riversend, as the heat crackled off the pages. I was devastated when it was time to go back to the real world. This book is a force of nature. A must-read for all crime fiction fans * Sarah Bailey *Brilliant and unsettling, Scrublands stands at the junction of Snowtown and Wake in Fright, that place where Australia's mirage of bush tranquillity evaporates into our hidden fears * Paul Daley, writer and journalist *A superbly drawn, utterly compelling evocation of a small town riven by a shocking crime * Mark Brandi *Hammer's portrait of a dying, drought-struck town numbed by a priest's unimaginable act of violence will capture you from the first explosive page and refuse to let go until the last. His remarkable writing takes you inside lives twisted by secrets festering beneath the melting heat of the inland, the scrub beyond waiting to burst into flame. Scrublands is the read of the year. Unforgettable * Tony Wright *A compulsively page-turning thriller where the parched interior looms as large as the characters -- Katharine Murphy * Guardian Australia *

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Book SynopsisThe latest unmissable thriller from 'master of Australian noir' Chris HammerTrade ReviewClassic Hammer, with the heat and the small town obsession with secrecy and past grievances. A crime novel that will stay with me for a long time. * Ann Cleeves *A complex, twisty thriller, with nuanced characters and a winding plot all set in the oppressive Australian heat. * Lisa Hall *A clever and compelling small town mystery, with an evocative setting and a brilliant cast of characters. This slice of Australian noir sparkles like an opal in the blistering sun. * Lisa Gray *Opal Country is a top-notch Aussie Noir with real heat coming off the pages. * Christopher Fowler *A brilliantly atmospheric mystery. * Heat *This novel - tighter, tougher, tenser - is Hammer's best work yet. * The Times *Keeps you stuck to the story like an Outback miner's shirt to his back * The Sun *A master of the crime genre * South Africa Sunday Times *Chris Hammer is regarded as one of Australia's best new noir crime writers, and this immersive and lyrically written thriller copper-fastens this well-deserved reputation. * Irish Independent *Gold standard Outback noir [...] Chris Hammer's best writing to date. * Crime Fiction Lover *Nobody does Australian outback crime better. Hammer nails it again. * Peterborough Telegraph *Opal Country is richly rewarding. Hammer is quite brilliant. * Shots Magazine *A fast-paced and thrilling read. * Brown Flopsy's Book Burrow *A sharp thriller * Woman's Own *Stunning ... Scrublands is that rare combination, a page-turner that stays long in the memory -- Joan Smith * Sunday Times (Crime Book of the Month) *An almost perfect crime novel ... Intelligent, thought-provoking, great narrative energy, a central character who's imperfect but self-aware, and of course that amazing setting ... I loved it' -- Ann Cleeves * author of Raven Black and Wild Fire *A dark and brilliant thriller, one that lingers in the mind * Mail On Sunday *Extremely accomplished ... Deliciously noirish ... Set in the blistering heat of a remote Australian town ravaged by drought and threatened by bushfires, this is a complex, meaty, intelligent mystery ... Hammer's writing is so evocative the heat practically rises off the pages of Scrublands -- Alison Flood * Guardian 'Best Recent Thrillers' *My pick for debut thriller of the month (and maybe of 2019) ... Beautifully written, this would make a terrific small-screen series -- Bethanne Patrick * Washington Post *Well-rounded characters, masterful plotting and real breadth; this is an epic and immersive read -- Laura Wilson * Guardian *A heatwave of a novel, scorching and powerful... Extraordinary * AJ Finn *Atmospheric, utterly gripping, and written with devastating beauty. Scrublands is as scorching as wildfire and as hard to look away from -- Gytha Lodge * author of She Lies in Wait *Incendiary . . . A rattling good read, ambitious in scale and scope and delivering right up to the last, powerfully moving page -- Declan Hughes * Irish Times *Scrublands is the epic novel about rural life in Australia that we need right now ... It sits right up there with the late Peter Temple's Broken Shore, Garry Disher's Bitterwash Road and Jane Harper's The Dry, even as it extends their focus and reach ... Remarkable -- Sue Turnbull * Sydney Morning Herald *It's hard not to compare Chris Hammer's Scrublands to Jane Harper's acclaimed The Dry ... [It will] capture your imagination from the first page -- Karen Hardy * The Age *Set in the parched Australian landscape, Scrublands is a brilliantly plotted thriller which reveals a town full of brooding secrets. I couldn't put this compelling debut down -- Sarah Ward * author of The Shrouded Path *Scrublands kidnapped me for 48 hours. I was hopelessly lost in the scorching Australian landscape, disoriented but completely immersed in the town and people of Riversend, as the heat crackled off the pages. I was devastated when it was time to go back to the real world. This book is a force of nature. A must-read for all crime fiction fans * Sarah Bailey *Brilliant and unsettling, Scrublands stands at the junction of Snowtown and Wake in Fright, that place where Australia's mirage of bush tranquillity evaporates into our hidden fears * Paul Daley, writer and journalist *A superbly drawn, utterly compelling evocation of a small town riven by a shocking crime * Mark Brandi *Hammer's portrait of a dying, drought-struck town numbed by a priest's unimaginable act of violence will capture you from the first explosive page and refuse to let go until the last. His remarkable writing takes you inside lives twisted by secrets festering beneath the melting heat of the inland, the scrub beyond waiting to burst into flame. Scrublands is the read of the year. Unforgettable * Tony Wright *A compulsively page-turning thriller where the parched interior looms as large as the characters -- Katharine Murphy * Guardian Australia *

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Book Synopsis‘Ben Myers is the master of English rural noir, and with Turning Blue, he has created a whole new genre: folk crime … this is by turns gripping, ghastly and unputdownable’ PAUL KINGSNORTH In the depths of winter in an isolated Yorkshire hamlet, a teenage girl, Melanie Muncy, is missing. The elite detective unit Cold Storage dispatches its best man to investigate. DI Jim Brindle may be obsessive, taciturn and solitary, but nobody on the force is more relentless in pursuing justice. Local journalist Roddy Mace has sacrificed a high-flying career as a reporter in London to take up a role with the local newspaper. For him the Muncy case offers the chance of redemption. Darker forces are at work than either man has realised. On a farm high above the hamlet, Steven Rutter, a destitute loner, harbours secrets that will shock even the hardened Brindle. Nobody knows the bleak moors and their hiding places better than him. As Brindle and Mace begin to prise the secrets of the case from the tight-lipped locals, their investigation leads first to the pillars of the community and finally to a local celebrity who has his own hiding places, and his own dark tastes.Trade ReviewMyers summons up the Yorkshire landscape with lyrical aplomb. The bleakness of the snowbound landscape, the beauty of the moors, the vivid realisation of market town and northern city are all rendered with absolute clarity. His prose is beautifully controlled and so graphic it’s impossible not to picture the scenes he conjures up in striking detail. There is no hiding place from the darkness because the writing is so damned good -- VAL McDERMID * GUARDIAN *Working within the genre of crime fiction, and yet with a prose style that at times reads like poetry, Myers spins a tale of torment that creaks into other, older narratives. He creates a novel that is both environmentally and ecologically prescient … Turning Blue is a brave and utterly uncompromising novel which positions Benjamin Myers alongside the great names of crime fiction. He has earned his metaphorical seat on the bench, snuggled in between Val McDermid and James Ellroy -- KATHARINE NORBURY * CAUGHT BY THE RIVER *A queasily compulsive evocation of a wild and brutal Yorkshire landscape, informed and haunted in equal measure by the shades of Jimmy Savile and his monstrous deeds and the East Riding’s lost boy of crime fiction, Ted Lewis -- CATHI UNSWORTH[Myers is] grammatically armed, experienced, and capable of subverting language to dangerous effect….In terms of the current pantheon of crime writing, there truly is nothing with Turning Blue’s dark power and literary ferocity * THRILL FILTER *Myers has his own style, he is an exciting writer of extraordinary talent with an ability to weave heart-breaking tales about marginalised communities and individuals with brutal, bleak and stomach-wrenching stories into the evocative tapestry of a landscape setting … I am continually excited and blown away by Myers’ awesome writing * A FICTION HABIT *Not only has Myers managed to retain his genuine gift for writing about the countryside – despite some quite explicit diversions into the sexual underworld – but in James Brindle he has created a detective who is troubled, and thankfully not just by the tired clichés of drink, drugs or divorce … Turning Blue works as a proper old-fashioned page turner, but Myers has created a new genre – Dales Noir – with echoes of a great like James Ellroy * LOUDER THAN WAR *Turning Blue is cool, dark and hypnotic. As we’ve come to expect from Myers, landscape and nature play an important role in the book, providing the rough-hewn canvas on which he paints yet another gripping, shadowy portrait of humanity, and in the process proves himself one of our most interesting and original writers * LOUD & QUIET *This is far removed from the picture postcard Yorkshire of Heartbeat … the wildness of the environs are particularly well drawn, the reek of sheep shit practically wafting off the page…this compulsively readable work is driven by the same kind of grimly hypnotic thump that David Peace brought to his Red Riding Quartet (another author not given to romanticising “the north” * THE CRACK *The writing is masterful. The descriptive power throughout is akin to that of the best metaphysical poetry….to read Turning Blue is to be totally immersed, to be so engaged with the richness of the text that when reality calls and the book needs placing back on the table, you long to escape back to it * NUDGE *Rural crime fiction in Britain is often hounded by a sense of cosiness, of layers of geniality laid as thick as a buttered scone. Trust Benjamin Myers to swallow those clichés into oblivion, and regurgitate a dark, nasty detective story set in the Yorkshire dales, with barely an iota of compassion for our methods of clinging to what we know … this is a tour de force of stark horror writhing from any pigeonhole you lump it in * THE SKINNY *What a revelation Turning Blue turned out to be. A glorious mash up of the staccato darkness of David Peace, fused with Ross Raisin, this book was not only utterly original, but infused with a beautifully realised balance of naturalistic imagery, and a totally compelling tale of sordid murder in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. Drawing on the theme of the infamous Yew Tree investigations, Myers has conjured up a cast of emotionally damaged characters across the spectrum, with blood chilling moments of revelation, that will haunt your dreams * RAVEN CRIME READS *Deeply uncomfortable, essential reading, examining something very rotten in British society * UNSUNG STORIES *

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Book SynopsisThe fifteenth instalment in the globally bestselling Michael Bennett series.--------------------Detective Michael Bennett must discover who's murdering glamorous young women - before his eldest daughter is targeted.Detective Michael Bennett and the NYPD are aboard a police boat in the Hudson River searching for a murder victim - a young college student.They find her tossed in the dark waves, dressed for a night out. The gruesome sight fills Bennett with dread only a father could fathom.As the obsessive killer extends his spree, a pattern emerges. One that Bennett's eldest daughter fits to a harrowing degree.Now NYPD's top detective must lure the murderer into the light of day before the next deadly strike lands closer to home than Bennett could ever bear - as a parent and a protector.--------------------Readers are loving Obsessed . . . 'Excellent''I can't wait for the next one''Another absolute cracker from James Patterson''My go-to author. Always guaranteed to deliver!''Captivating'_____________________________________Praise for James Patterson'Nobody does it better.' Jeffery Deaver'One of the greatest storytellers of all time.' Patricia Cornwell'James Patterson is The Boss. End of.' Ian Rankin'No one gets this big without amazing natural storytelling talent - which is what Jim has, in spades.' Lee ChildObsessed was a No. 7 Sunday Times bestseller 15/07/23Trade ReviewPatterson knows where our deepest fears are buried... there's no stopping his imagination * New York Times Book Review *A writer with an unusual skill at thriller plotting * The Guardian *The master storyteller of our times -- Hillary Rodham ClintonIt's no mystery why James Patterson is the world's most popular thriller writer ... Simply put: nobody does it better -- Jeffrey DeaverNo one gets this big without amazing natural storytelling talent - which is what Jim has, in spades -- Lee Child

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Book Synopsis'Smart characters, shocking twists' Lisa Gardner'A compelling read with great set pieces and, most of all, that charismatic cast of characters' Sun'I couldn't turn the pages quick enough' Heidi Perks'Terrific, high-octane, really pacy' Jo Spain_________________________________Detective Lindsay Boxer put serial killer Evan Burke behind bars. Now a new killer has recreated Burke's most infamous crimes-and disappeared without a trace.Detective Lindsay Boxer put serial killer Evan Burke in jail.Reporter Cindy Thomas put Burke on the bestseller list, in her true-crime book about the case.An obsessed fan is studying every detail-and committing fresh horrors that carry Burke's signature.Now Lindsay's tracking an elusive suspect, one who's penning a deadly playbook featuring Cindy's name in blood-red ink. _________________________________Readers are loving 23rd Midnight . . .'A very gripping book''Patterson does it again''Easy and addictive read''Enjoyed every moment''I was hooked from page 1'__________________________________Praise for James Patterson'The master storyteller of our times' Hillary Rodham Clinton'Nobody does it better' Jeffrey Deaver'One of the greatest storytellers of all time' Patricia Cornwell'James Patterson is The Boss. End of.' Ian RankinTrade ReviewSmart characters, shocking twists... you count down to the very last page to discover what will happen next -- Lisa GardnerI couldn't turn the pages quick enough. Great plot, fantastic storytelling and character that spring off the page - all the right ingredients for a thriller -- Heidi PerksTerrific, high-octane, really pacy... every scene is a film - every character real, and every plot point leaves us breathless -- Jo SpainPatterson knows where our deepest fears are buried... there's no stopping his imagination * New York Times Book Review *A writer with an unusual skill at thriller plotting * The Guardian *

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Book Synopsis***THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER***Murder is only the beginning for Banks and his team . . .The gruesome double murder at an Eastvale property developer's luxury home should be an open and shut case for Superintendent Banks and his team of detectives. There's a clear link to the notoriously vicious Albanian mafia, men who left the country suspiciously soon after the death. Then they find a cache of spy-cam videos hidden in the house - and Annie and Gerry's investigation pivots to the rape of a young girl that could cast the murders in an entirely different light.Banks's friend Zelda, increasingly uncertain of her future in Britain's hostile environment, thinks she will be safer in Moldova hunting the men who abducted, raped and enslaved her than she is Yorkshire or London. Her search takes her back to the orphanage where it all began - but by stirring up the murky waters of the past, Zelda is putting herself in greater danger than any she's seen before. And as the threat escalates, so does the danger for Banks and those who love Zelda . . .'The master of the police procedural' Mail on Sunday'The Alan Banks mystery-suspense novels are the best series on the market. Try one and tell me I'm wrong' Stephen KingTrade ReviewBestseller Robinson ably balances multiple plotlines in his intricate 27th novel * Publishers Weekly *Robinson pulls the reader in with deft characterizations, powerfully understated action scenes, and strong locales . . . A strong addition to the Banks series that suggests tantalizing possibilities for the next installment * Kirkus *Fans will welcome this latest Banks adventure and revel in what Michael Connelly calls Robinson's 'clear eye for the telling detail.' * Booklist *Having started my Banks habit up again I won't be leaving it so long before I pick up my next Robinson thriller * Evening Standard Online *As ever, Peter Robinson has constructed a gripping, complex mystery . . . his legion of fans will be delighted * The Sunday Times Crime Club *Not Dark Yet by Peter Robinson sees the author and his creation, Supt Alan Banks on top form in the 27th book in the series * Peterborough Telegraph *Complicated, unexpected and startling, the story is all that, but Robinson brings all the disparate parts together so cleverly that the result on finishing the novel is a satisfaction that all readers want at the end of a good book * On-Magazine *This series continues to be as thoughtful and intelligent as ever, with the usual bonus of the magnificent Dales * Observer *Robinson cleverly incorporates the two plots, showing how police work has had to adapt in a very different climate * The Sunday Times *As gripping as ever * Choice Magazine *

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Book SynopsisIn a Yorkshire Dales village everyone has a motive for murder—except the killer. A retired judge is shot dead outside the Dog and Gun inn in the remote Yorkshire village of Niddersgill. There’s a witness who saw everything, and the gunman’s on the run; the case should be open-and-shut for DCI Jim Oldroyd. But the murderer had no motive for wanting Sandy Fraser dead and, what’s more, no trace of him can be found. As Oldroyd and his team cast the net wider, they discover that Fraser wasn’t without enemies in Niddersgill. As the wealthy owner of a grouse moor, he’d clashed with farmers, debtors, hunt saboteurs and blackmailers. But none of them were at the scene of the murder. And when a local shopkeeper is gunned down in a second senseless attack, it’s clear that these killings are anything but random. Surrounded by the dramatic beauty of the Yorkshire Dales, Oldroyd faces a race against time to connect the crimes and find who’s behind them. But with all the evidence sending him down dead ends, can he get one step ahead before someone else is killed?

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Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER____________________________The one who knows the secrets is the one who holds the power.The richest of New York's rich gather at The Pierre's Cotillion Room to raise money for those less fortunate. Detectives Zach Jordan and Kylie MacDonald of the elite NYPD Red task force are there providing security.The night is shattered as a fatal blast rocks the room, stirring up horrifying memories of 9/11. Is the explosion an act of terrorism - or a homicide?A big-name female filmmaker is the next to die, in a desolate corner of New York City. As the attacks keep escalating, Zach and Kylie realise the perpetrators may be among the A-list New Yorkers NYPD Red was formed to protect.____________________________Book five in the bestselling NYPD Red series. Also published as Red Alert in the US.'No one gets this big without amazing natural storytelling talent - which is what Jim has, in spades.' Lee Child 'It's no mystery why James Patterson is the world's most popular thriller writer . . . Simply put: nobody does it better.' Jeffrey Deaver'James Patterson is The Boss. End of.' Ian Rankin

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Book SynopsisThe gritty new thriller from the Queen of Crime Drama and the fifth book in the Sunday Times bestselling Jane Tennison series.Jane Tennison has worked hard to become the first female detective ever post to the infamous Flying Squad, or 'the Sweeney'. But the Dirty Dozen is a notorious boys' club, and Jane's new colleagues make it clear that they don't think a woman is up to the dangers of the job. Dealing with some of London's most ruthless armed criminals, who think the only good cop is a dead cop, is no joke. Determined to prove she's as good as the men, Jane discovers from a reliable witness that a gang is going to carry out a massive robbery. But she doesn't know who they are, or where and when they will strike . . .Praise for Lynda La Plante'Lynda La Plante practically invented the thriller' Karin Slaughter'Classic Lynda - a fabulous read' Martina Cole'Satisfyingly full of twists and turns' The Independent'A rare ring of authenticity' Sunday Telegraph'An absorbingly twisty plot' Guardian

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Book SynopsisMurder mystery starring Bruno, France's favourite policeman, plus food and wine, great characters and sunshine and everything that's wonderful about the Dordogne.'RICH ON LOCAL COLOUR' THE TIMESFor thirty years, Bruno's boss, Chief of Detectives Jalipeau, known as J-J, has been obsessed with his first case. It was never solved and Bruno knows that this failure continues to haunt J-J. A young male body was found in the woods near St Denis and never identified. For all these years, J-J has kept the skull as a reminder. He calls him 'Oscar'. Visiting the famous pre-history museum in nearby Les Eyzies, Bruno sees some amazingly life-like heads expertly reconstructed from ancient skulls. He suggests performing a similar reconstruction on Oscar as a first step towards at last identifying him. An expert is hired to start the reconstruction and the search for Oscar's killer begins again in earnest.'DOLLOPS OF THE GOOD LIFE IN RURAL FRANCE SPICED UP WITH INTERNATIONAL INTRIGUE' IRISH INDEPENDENT'UNRIVALED AT INTERWEAVING THE PROFESSIONAL AND PRIVATE PURSUITS OF A THOROUGH LIKABLE COP' DAILY MAILTrade ReviewIt's a delight to dip into his sun soaked world -- ObserverWalker weaves an exciting story against a backdrop of bucolic bliss * Daily Mail *It's Midsomer Murders meets MasterChef flavoured with espionage, dog breeding and veganism * Sun *Walker's strength lies in his ability to bring out the character and charm of the region and interlace this with a strong plot that carries an equal sense of time and place * Crime Review *New readers to the series can comfortably start here - Walker has the rare ability in a series writer of orienting old and new readers alike. A feast * Booklist * starred review *

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Book SynopsisDI Clare Mackay is about to face a test of her loyalty…When a report comes in that a van containing two prison officers and a convicted jewel thief is missing, the police in St Andrews work quickly to locate the vehicle. Their efforts prove in vain when no trace is found and they realise the wives of both officers also appear to have left the area. Is this a case of corrupt guards springing a felon, or innocent people caught in the crossfire?DI Clare Mackay leads the team but has to do without her right hand man; DS Chris West is a cousin to one of the missing prison officers and must not be involved in the case. With a new sergeant at her side plus a previously unencountered DCI, Clare’s people skills are pushed to the limit. Especially once she realises her boss is keeping her on the sidelines. Just what is it that Clare doesn’t know? And if she has to choose between keeping secrets from a friend, or letting slip something that could see a culprit go free, which path will she take?A compelling addition to the bestselling series by a much-loved Scottish crime author, perfect for fans of Caro Ramsay, Lin Anderson and Alex Gray.Praise for Old Bones Lie‘This is an absolute cracker of a book. An authentic, twisty and compelling detective novel written by a new star of Tartan Noir.’ Neil Lancaster, author of The Blood Tide‘Old Bones Lie is a fine example of the police procedural. Tightly plotted, cogently told with an ensemble of characters following the clues and navigating various twists like the professionals they are to reach a solution that is neither pat nor unbelievable. A hugely enjoyable read indeed.’ Douglas Skelton, author of An Honourable Thief‘A combination of razor-sharp plotting, wholly believable characters and rock-solid writing – another excellent instalment to the DI Clare Mackay series.’ Alison Belsham, author of Death in Kabul‘Old Bones Lie is Marion Todd at her very best - forensically intriguing and a bloody good read... literally.’ Jonathan Whitelaw, author of The Bingo Hall Detectives‘It’s impossible to escape Marion’s grip on you in this captivating, compelling hunt for lost souls, buried truth and a heartless killer.’ Morgan Cry, author of Six Wounds‘Brilliant storytelling, tense and riveting with the reassuring presence of the wonderful DI Clare Mackay, I loved Old Bones Lie!’ G.R. Halliday, author of Dark Waters‘Marion Todd has excelled herself this time! 5 stars.’ Andrew James Greig, author of Whirligig‘Gripping and complex. This is Marion Todd’s best yet. Her writing deepens and matures with each new book.’ Allan Martin, author of the Inspector Angus Blue novels‘Another brilliant instalment to the DI Clare Mackay series. I couldn't stop reading. Plenty of twists and turns along the way, and just when you think you have it figured - you don't!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘Marion Todd is one of my favourite authors and this book in the DI Mackay series doesn’t disappoint with twists and turns from start to finish. Great read, couldn’t put it down.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘The story starts with a bang and carries the reader with both great writing and a very good story. For me, Marion Todd is now sitting comfortably alongside Caro Ramsay as the two best crime writers in Scotland today.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘Old Bones Lie starts at a really fast pace and remains unrelenting as the story unfolds…The depth of research is plain to see, but the skill is in the storytelling, and I honestly believe that this is her best yet… ’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

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The Scots Magazine Book of the Month May 2023‘Tartan Noir at its nail-biting, brutal, bloody best’ Helen Fields, author of The InstitutionCan DI Clare Mackay unravel a dead man’s secrets?Harry Richards, a local solicitor, is found in his car, throat slit.DI Clare Mackay is on the case. She soon learns that Harry was not the upstanding man he seemed to be. Finding the killer should be easy.Then the wife of one of Harry’s colleagues is discovered dead in her car, and Clare realises there is something more sinister at play…Can she find out who’s behind the murders before they turn their attention to her?An utterly gripping addition to the bestselling crime series by much-loved Scottish author, Marion Todd. Perfect for fans of Alex Gray, Caro Ramsay and the Karen Pirie series.Praise for A Blind Eye ‘Grips you from the start and never lets you go. Todd sparkles in what could be her best tartan noir yet.’ The Sun‘Marion Todd masterfully weaves mystery and intrigue through every page. Top tier Scottish crime fiction.’ JD Kirk, author of the DCI Logan Crime Thrillers‘The central characters feel like being in the company of old friends while the brisk plot and the immediacy of the writing really draw the reader along. An enthralling and engaging read.’ Caro Ramsay, author of the Detectives Anderson and Costello Mystery series‘Clever and intriguing, with a cast of characters to root for – a brilliant St Andrews set mystery!’ Susi Holliday, author of The Hike‘A smart plot, wonderful St Andrews setting, and a main character who feels real and engaging all make for a hugely enjoyable read.’ Lisa Gray, author of Lonely Hearts‘A deeply absorbing mystery, brimming with complex characters, sinister secrets and ingenious reveals. One of the best crime novels I’ve read this year.’ B.P. Walter, author of The Dinner Guest‘If you’re looking for a fabulous, fast-paced murder mystery, don’t miss this absolute gem!’ Carla Kovach, author of Her Deadly Promise‘Like a literary Michelin star chef, Marion serves up a tale full of surprise and delight: a recipe of murder and deception that gets more delicious with each page.’ Morgan Cry, author of Six Wounds‘Marion Todd goes from strength to strength... Every bit as cunning, twisty and satisfying as I would expect from such a talented writer.’ Alison Belsham, author of Her Last Breath‘Pacy and enthralling, keeps you turning the pages at great speed... reminds me of the brilliant crime drama Unforgotten.’ The Scots Magazine‘I love this series so much! Marion’s writing is brilliant and I look forward to each instalment with anticipation. The story was gripping and I couldn’t stop reading!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘Once again, Marion has written a gripping story full of plot twists and turns. The threads of the plot are woven skillfully and the story is fast paced.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘An engaging, fluid and well thought out pacy police procedural with a solid mystery at heart, a deftly crafted cast of wholly credible characters, a firm sense of place and a compelling plot. The series shows no signs of flagging whatsoever.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

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Book Synopsis‘A thrilling new voice in Scottish fiction’ Marion ToddIf the dead could speak, what secrets would they tell?With her daughter on an archaeological dig, the only bodies DI Shona Oliver expects to find are long-dead. But when a corpse from the 1980s is unearthed, Shona quickly realises that it may be one of the missing “Girls in the Glen”, victim of a notorious serial killer.Shona’s superiors want her to stop looking to the past, and focus on a fresher crime scene. The attempted shooting of a local politician who likes to stoke controversy.As Shona finds herself pulled between crimes past and present, she soon realises that the secrets buried on Beild Moss are reaching into the present day.But when even her own officers are keeping things from her, who can she trust? Especially when more lives may be at stake…The third instalment in the thrilling DI Shona Oliver series, perfect for fans of Neil Lancaster, G. R. Halliday and Ann Cleeves.Praise for The Girls in the Glen ‘A gripping murder mystery and a must-read for fans of Scottish crime. The landscape is beautifully drawn and becomes a character in this tale of dark reprisal’ Stuart Johnstone, author of Into the DarkWhat readers are saying about the DI Shona Oliver series‘Full of twists and turns’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘Shona Oliver is the real McCoy… exceptional leader, mother and wife fighting crime and personal family issues in equal proportions with heart, skill, compassion, integrity and humanity’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘Great twists and turns and … a shocking climax. A brilliant read, I really enjoyed this one’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘A haunting and absorbing novel set against the backdrop of a notoriously stunning but dangerous landscape’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘Fast paced, unexpected turns and great character development’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘The sort of read that keeps you glued and up all night’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘This book has so many elements I enjoy; a strong, intelligent woman, an atmospheric setting and the history of this wild area. Lynne McEwan makes her characters come alive’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘Unputdownable! I was absolutely entranced with this and quickly read the whole book on tender hooks. One of the best I've read this year’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘Well written and plenty of interesting characters woven through a clever plot’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

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Book SynopsisRun.Moonlight slants through the trees on the ancestral Dunlow estate, where a young woman runs for her life. Gunshots break the silence.The next morning, the body of seventeen-year-old student Melanie Pirt is found.DS Gabe Martin is more than ready to take the lead on her first murder case. Determined to prove herself to the cold and mysterious DI Juliet Stern, Gabe can’t afford any distractions – especially not ones that wake her in the night, reminding her of a past she’d rather forget.Because while Gabe and Juliet have few leads, there are plenty of suspects. And every one of them is lying…The first in a new detective series featuring an unforgettable female detective partnership, Shot in the Dark is perfect for fans of Cara Hunter and Gytha Lodge.Praise for Shot in the Dark:‘I absolutely loved this banger of a police procedural - clever, fresh, with great characters and a killer ending. Perfect for fans of Cara Hunter and I can't wait for book 2’ Jo Callaghan‘The characters were standout (especially Gabe)... I devoured it in one sitting’ Angela Marsons‘A cracking new police procedural dripping with authenticity and fascinating investigative detail. A superb addition to the crime fiction scene’ Marion Todd‘This is a cracking debut. Gabe and Juliet are a sharp investigative duo. A compulsive read with such an unexpected ending’ Casey King‘Twisted, compulsive - a powerful and fresh new voice for the crime thriller bookshelf!’ D. E. White‘Great start to a brand new crime series. Blew away the cobwebs of my reading slump that's for sure! Five stars from me!’ Kerry Watts‘A twisty corkscrew of a story... My new favourite gritty detective series’ A.M. Castle‘This is the best police procedural I have read in years. It’s complex, gripping, believable and intensely chilling. The characterisation is razor-sharp. I could hardly turn the pages fast enough to discover what happened next.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘A cracking read. Had everything you could ever want with a police procedural. A completely gripping storyline with fantastic twists. Excellent.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘Full of twists and turns. The team dynamic between Gabe and Juliet was well thought out. I will be recommending this to other readers.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘Wow and wow again. An excellent police procedural… wonderfully well written. I didn’t guess the perpetrator and for me, a person who reads a lot of crime novels, that is the mark of a 5 star read.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

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Book Synopsis'Jane Casey's police procedurals go from strength to strength' Sunday Times'If you have not read Jane Casey, start immediately' Marian Keyes'The most dangerously addictive series in crime fiction' Erin Kelly______________Their job is to fight crime. Now they are the victims. . . A killer is terrorising London and this time the police are the targets.Urgently re-assigned to investigate a series of attacks on fellow officers, Maeve Kerrigan and her boss Josh Derwent have little idea what motivates the killer's fury against the force.And they know it will only be a matter of time before the killer strikes again.

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Book SynopsisTHE FIRST IN THE ORIGINAL LAIDLAW TRILOGY. WINNER OF THE CWA SILVER DAGGER.THE DARK REMAINS, Laidlaw's first case, out 2 September 2021. PRE-ORDER NOW!'If you only read one crime novel this year, this should be it' Guardian'A bloody good read' Val McDermidWhen a young woman is found brutally murdered in Kelvingrove Park, only one man stands a chance of finding her killer. Jack Laidlaw. He is a man of contrasts, ravaged by inner demons but driven by a deep compassion for the violent criminals in Glasgow's underworld. But will Laidlaw's unorthodox methods get him to the killer in time, when the victim's father is baying for blood?Acclaimed for its corrosive wit, dark themes and original maverick detective, the Laidlaw trilogy has earned the status of classic crime fiction.Trade ReviewHe kicked the door open so the likes of Ian Rankin, Denise Mina and me could sneak through behind him -- VAL McDERMIDThe pure distilled essence of Scottish crime writing -- PETER MAYFastest, first and best, Laidlaw is the melancholy heir to Marlowe. Reads like a breathless scalpel cut through the bloody heart of a city -- DENISE MINAIt's doubtful I would be a crime writer without the influence of McIlvanney's Laidlaw -- IAN RANKINForensic examination would likely reveal that all Scottish crime novels have a little Laidlaw in their DNA . . . Powerful, gripping and beautifully written -- Craig Robertson * * Guardian, Top 10 Scottish crime novels * *A crime trilogy so searing it will burn forever into your memory. McIlvanney is the original Scottish criminal mastermind -- CHRISTOPHER BROOKMYREMcIlvanney is the razor king of Scottish crime writing, carving out crackling prose and pounding storylines. His Laidlaw is an enduring hero with the dry wit and insight to make other literary detectives seem two-dimensional -- GORDON FERRISThe Laidlaw books are not just great crime novels, they are important ones. McIlvanney proved that crime writing could have both perfect style and huge ambition. Most of us writing crime fiction today are standing on the shoulders of giants. McIlvanney is one such giant -- MARK BILLINGHAMIf you only read one crime novel this year, this should be it * * Guardian * *In his compelling novel, LAIDLAW, McIlvanney lays bare the soul of Glasgow, capturing every nuance of its many voices -- ALEX GRAY

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Book SynopsisThe Glass Room is the fifth book in Ann Cleeves’ Vera Stanhope series – which is now a major ITV detective drama starring Brenda Blethyn as Vera.Sometimes crime strikes too close to home . . .DI Vera Stanhope is not one to make friends easily, but her neighbours keep her well-supplied in homebrew and conversation. But when one of them goes missing, her path leads her to more than a missing friend . . .Vera tracks the young woman down to the Writer’s House, a country retreat for aspiring authors. Things get complicated when a body is discovered and Vera’s neighbour is found with a knife in her hand. Calling in the team, Vera knows that she should hand the case over. She’s too close to the main suspect. But the investigation is too tempting and she’s never been one to follow the rules. Vera must find a killer who has taken murder off the page and is making it real . . .Enjoy more of Vera Stanhope’s investigations with Harbour Street, The Moth Catcher, The Seagull and The Darkest Evening.Trade ReviewA fine writer * Sunday Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisThe slow-burning, brilliantly twisty mystery from Jane Harper, the international bestselling Number One author of The Dry'A fantastic crime writer' - Bella MackieIn Exiles, Investigator Aaron Falk finds himself drawn into a complex web of tightly held secrets in South Australia's wine country.A mother disappears from a busy festival on a warm spring night.Her baby lies alone in the pram, waiting for a return that never comes.A year later, Kim Gillespie’s absence still casts a long shadow as her friends and loved ones gather to welcome a new addition to the family.Joining the celebrations on a rare break from work is federal investigator Aaron Falk, who begins to suspect that all is not as it seems.As he looks into Kim’s case, long-held secrets and resentments begin to come to the fore, secrets that show that her community is not as close as it appears.Falk will have to tread carefully if he is to expose the dark fractures at its heart, but sometimes it takes an outsider to get to the truth . . .Exiles is a New York Times and Sunday Times Top 10 bestseller and the final Aaron falk mystery********Praise for Jane Harper'An avalanche of suspense' - David Baldacci'Addictive storytelling' - Ann Cleeves‘A hugely gifted writer’ - Marian Keyes'Exceptional' - Jane Casey'Outstanding' - C.L. Taylor‘Spellbinding’ - Ian Rankin‘A stunningly atmospheric read’ - Val McDermid‘Brilliantly paced’ - Susie Steiner‘I devoured it in a day. Her best yet!’ - Liane Moriarty‘Phenomenal’ - Chris WhitakerTrade ReviewOnce again Harper proves that she is peerless in creating an avalanche of suspense with intimate, character-driven set pieces that are as exquisitely engineered as the inner workings of a Steinway. Harper’s legions of fans will exult in reading Exiles -- David Baldacci, bestselling author of MercyWhile so much egregiously repetitive, flatly written fare holds sway in the crime fiction idiom, it’s a cause for celebration when genuinely accomplished writers energise things. A prime example? Antipodean star Jane Harper... she remains incontrovertibly the reigning queen of Aussie crime fiction. * Financial Times *‘This is a softer, gentler Harper, but with the same fine writing and addictive storytelling’ -- Ann Cleeves, bestselling author of the Vera Stanhope seriesHarper skillfully ratchets up the tension in this powerful, slow-burning portrait of small-town life. . . high quality, atmospheric crime fiction * The Mail on Sunday *I loved Exiles, Jane is a hugely gifted writer and her depiction of the relationships in it is masterful -- Marian Keyes, bestselling author of Rachel's HolidayJane Harper is laying the foundations of a very clever plot that is built on character rather than carnage. . . Only a writer sure of her considerable abilities would dare to proceed so leisurely. . . the final hundred pages are thrilling and devastating. -- The Times Book of the MonthThe possibility of Falk finding love is a tender counterpoint to the murder mystery in this worthy conclusion to one of the most outstanding of recent crime series * Daily Express *A truly wonderful read. Rich in detail, landscape and character and deeply satisfying on all levels. -- Sarah Hilary, Author of Someone Else's Skin Exiles is the kind of crime novel you move into rather than just reading it - a wholly absorbing set of mysteries. . . Aaron Falk is the still centre of the novel, a quiet presence like no other in crime fiction. Exceptional in every way. -- Jane Casey, Author of The Burning Exiles is an outstanding crime novel. . . Utterly immersive, captivating and beautifully written; I lost myself completely within its pages and was bereft when it ended. Jane Harper is a rare jewel of an author and Exiles deserves to be huge. It blew me away. It's my book of the year so far. -- C. L. Taylor author of The Guilty Couple'Jane Harper has once again produced an ingenious, moving and hugely satisfying mystery. This is crime writing perfection' -- C. M. Ewan, author of The InterviewAtmospheric, beautifully observed and fluently written, this is Harper back at her very best * Daily Mail *Falk’s investigation is a terrific one, but what makes the book memorable is Harper’s skill at plumbing personal mysteries — for instance, why a friendship has ebbed, or how not knowing the fate of a loved one affects a family. * New York Times *A murky, unsolved crime in the past; an Australian setting so dramatic it’s almost a character in itself; a tall, thin Melbourne federal agent with close-cropped, white-blond hair and invisible eyelashes: These are the hallmarks of Jane Harper’s Aaron Falk mysteries * Washington Post *I have loved every thriller Australian author Jane Harper has written, and Exiles is no exception -- Alison Flood, The ObserverIf you're a fan of Jane's The Dry and The Lost Man, you won't be surprised to hear this is another must-read, one that you'll reluctantly leave to do life things like eating and tidying * Belfast Telegraph *The only disappointment in this outing for Aaron Falk is that Harper is adament it is to be his last. A powerful and affecting novel -- SJ WatsonThe tight-knit group has rifts so deep nobody might have imagined * SimpleNews *Atmospheric, beautifully observed and fluently written, this is Harper back at her very best * Mail Online *

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Book SynopsisCommemorating 75 years since the Empress of Crime's first book, the third volume in a set of omnibus editions presenting the complete run of 32 Inspector Alleyn mysteries.DEATH IN A WHITE TIEThe season has begun. Débutantes and chaperones are planning their gala dinners - and the blackmailer is planning strategies to stalk his next victim. But Chief Detective Inspector Roderick Alleyn knows that something is up and has already planted his friend Lord Gospell at the dinner. But someone else has got there firstOVERTURE TO DEATHIt was planned as an act of charity: a new piano for the parish hall, and an amusing evening''s entertainment to finance the gift. But all is doomed when Miss Campanula sits down to play. A chord is struck, a shot rings out, and Miss Campanula is dead.it seems to be a case of sinister infatuation for Roderick AlleynDEATH AT THE BARA midsummer evening - darts night at The Plume of Feathers, a traditional Devonshire public house. A distinguished painter, a celebrated

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Book SynopsisCommemorating 75 years since the Empress of Crime's first book, the seventh volume in a set of omnibus editions presenting the complete run of 32 Inspector Alleyn mysteries.OFF WITH HIS HEADWhen the pesky Anna Bünz arrives at Mardian to investigate local folk-dancing, she quickly antagonizes the villagers. But Mrs Bünz is not the only source of friction. When the sword dancers'' traditional mock beheading of the Winter Solstice becomes horribly real, Superintendent Roderick Alleyn finds himself faced with a complex case of gruesome proportionsSINGING IN THE SHROUDSOn a cold February London night, the police find a corpse on the quayside, her body covered with flower petals and pearls. The killer, who walked away singing, is known to be one of nine passengers on the cargo ship, Cape Farewell. Superintendent Roderick Alleyn joins the ship on the most difficult assignment of his careerFALSE SCENT Mary Bellamy, darling of the London stage, holds a 50th birthday party, a gala for everyone who loves her and fears her power. Then someone uses a deadly insect spray on Mary instead of the azaleas. The suspects, all very theatrically, are playing the part of mourners. Superintendent Alleyn has to find out which one played the murderer

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Book SynopsisThe first thriller in the No.1 bestselling DS Logan McRae series. Nothing keeps a crime hidden like fearStuart MacBride's thrillers just keep getting better' ExpressYou can't be an eyewitness if I cut out your eyes'Someone's preying on Aberdeen's growing Polish population. The pattern is always the same: men abandoned on building sites, barely alive, their eyes gouged out and the sockets burned.With the victims too scared to talk, and the only witness a paedophile who's on the run, Grampian Police is getting nowhere fast. The attacks are brutal, they keep on happening, and soon DS Logan McRae will have to decide how far he's prepared to bend the rules to get a result.The Granite City is on the brink of gang warfare; the investigating team are dogged by allegations of corruption; and Logan's about to come to the attention of Aberdeen's most notorious crime lordTrade ReviewPraise for Blind Eye: ‘Hard-hitting prose with a bone-dry humour and characters you can genuinely believe in, Stuart MacBride's Logan McRae series of novels are a real treat.’ Simon Kernick ‘Cracking dialogue … a standout crime novel’ Metro ‘Irresistible and repulsive in equal measure … The result? A real page-turner’ Scotland on Sunday Praise for Stuart MacBride: ‘Ferocious and funny, this is Tartan Noir at its best’ Val McDermid ‘MacBride is a damned fine writer – no one does dark and gritty like him’ Peter James

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Book SynopsisThe best police procedural I've read in years' Jane CaseyGrabbed me from the first page' Ian RankinThis grave can never be opened.The head of Scotland's most powerful crime family is brutally murdered, his body dumped inside an ancient grave in a remote cemetery.This murder can never be forgotten.Detectives Max Craigie and Janie Calder arrive at the scene, a small town where everyone has secrets to hide. They soon realise this murder is part of a blood feud between two Scottish families that stretches back to the 1800s. One thing's for certain: it might be the latest killing, but it won't be the lastThis killer can never be caught.As the body count rises, the investigation uncovers large-scale corruption at the heart of the Scottish Police Service. Now Max and Janie must turn against their closest colleagues to solve a case that could cost them far more than just their livesLONGLISTED FOR THE 2021 McILVANNEY PRIZE FOR SCOTTISH CRIME BOOK OF THE YEARThe best police procedural I''ve read in years fast-paced, compelling and deeply authentic. DS Max Craigie is a brilliant hero and I can''t wait for the next in the series' Jane CaseyGenuinely gripping, a total page-turner and one of my favourite reads of the year' Matt Nixon, Daily ExpressA stone cold classic of the genre; the strongest start to a series I've seen in years' Tony KentAbsolutely blown away by how good this is' Marion ToddA thriller writer set to blow up the bestseller lists' C. L. TaylorThe most authentic voice in thriller writing' Tony ParsonsA genuinely thrilling adventure' Scottish SunA page turner you won't want to miss' Denzil MeyrickDon't miss the first stunning thriller in the new DS Max Craigie Scottish Crime series!Trade Review‘Grabbed me from the first page … think Jack Reacher fronting Line of Duty’ Ian Rankin ‘The best police procedural I've read in years – fast-paced, compelling and deeply authentic. DS Max Craigie is a brilliant hero and I can't wait for the next in the series’ Jane Casey ‘A genuinely thrilling adventure’ Scottish Sun ‘Compelling, quirky and engaging, this is a page-turner you won't want to miss!’ Denzil Meyrick ‘Genuinely gripping, a total page-turner and one of my favourite reads of the year’ Matt Nixson, Daily Express ‘Great storytelling with a whiplash smart hero and heroine’ Daily Mail ‘A cracking good story … kept me turning the pages, and loving the twists. I can’t wait for the second Craigie instalment’ Gytha Lodge ‘Gripping’ Bella ‘A sizzling start to a new series’ Crime Monthly ‘A thriller writer set to blow up the bestseller lists’ C. L. Taylor ‘Rock hard cop stuff, from a writer who’s done it for real. Absolutely terrific’ Paul Finch ‘If you liked Line of Duty, you’ll love this’ Real People Magazine ‘The most authentic voice in thriller writing’ Tony Parsons ‘An edge-of-your-seat, read-in-one-sitting book. If you like Line of Duty, you must snap this up’ Cass Green ‘A fast-paced read’ Suffolk Magazine ‘An authentic and compelling thriller. Highly recommended’ Mark Dawson ‘Absolutely blown away by how good this is’ Marion Todd ‘If you loved his Tom Novak series, you’ll love this even more’ Stephen Leather ‘A powerful and gripping story … D. S. Max Craigie is a fantastic creation’ Howard Linskey ‘An incredible piece of work. Great storytelling, pacy and written with such a sense of place’ Chris MacDonald ‘A stone cold classic of the genre; the strongest start to a series I’ve seen in years’ Tony Kent ‘The best police procedural money can buy’ Imran Mahmood

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Book SynopsisThis was such a brilliant whodunit thriller that I didn't want to put down. I picked it up in the morning and by lunchtime I was finished.' NetGalley Reviewer, ?????You can cover up the truth, but every murder leaves a trailThe rain was relentless. It stung Ruth Prendergast's face as she dashed towards her house, desperate to escape the cold and settle down for an early night. But upon entering her bedroom, she finds a man, lying on her bed a knife buried in his chest.When Detective Isabel Bloodand her sergeant arrive on the scene, Ruth claims she's never laid eyes on the victim before. But with no sign of a break-in, how did the killer gain access to the house?Then Ruth disappears, leaving Isabel and her team to fear the worst. Has their lead suspect escaped, or is Ruth in danger herself?Forensic evidence at the crime scene is sparse, and it's proving impossible for Isabel to make a breakthrough. With Ruth still missing, time is running out.But how can you catch a killer that doesn't

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Book SynopsisBestselling phenomenon Simon McCleave is back with another gripping, atmospheric new crime thriller series set on the Isle of Anglesey, Wales.An intriguing crime thriller' The SunFull of twists and with plenty of atmosphere.' Million-copy bestseller Faith MartinSome secrets should stay buried for everTwo months since ex-Police Negotiator Laura Hart was forced back into action after her son's kidnap, she has re-joined the force as a DI. On her first day, an anonymous tip-off leads to the discovery of a skeleton in a crumbling castle ruin near the seaside town of Beaumaris, Anglesey.Laura can't wait to prove herself by solving the case and when the investigation leads her to MI5 and the Real IRA, she knows she's on the trail of something truly explosive.But some people will do anything to stop their secrets coming out as the rising body count shows. With the threat drawing in and her family yet again in danger, this time, is Laura in too deep?A pulse-pounding, atmospheric crime thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Perfect for fans of L.J. Ross, Ann Cleeves, Elly Griffiths and Val McDermid .Readers love Simon McCleave!The fact that I''ve already pre-ordered the next book in this series says it all really.' ?????If you''ve never read Simon's books, take the chance and find yourself a new go-to writer.' ?????Good action with unpredictable twists and turns to keep you from putting down the book.' ?????Thanks, Simon, for another great book- please keep em coming!!!' ?????Not enjoyed a book more for years! A real page-turner.' ?????Trade ReviewPRAISE FOR THE ANGLESEY SERIES: ‘McCleave weaves an ingenious backstory from the troubles in Ireland with a modern murder in Anglesey. Fantastic tension with a deftly written plot.’ – TIM SULLIVAN ‘Action-packed! A great thriller in a gorgeous location.’ – international bestselling author LISA GARDNER 'A harrowing story set against a stunning backdrop. Anglesey becomes McCleave's newest brutal playground.’ MORGAN GREENE ‘The tension keeps you gripped until the last page.’ RACHEL MCLEAN

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Book SynopsisTHE ATMOSPHERIC NEW THRILLER FROM THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF BLACK-EYED SUSANS, SOON TO BE A MAJOR TV SERIES''Haunting, heartfelt, chilling and beautifully told, Night Will Find You walks that rare line between mystery, thriller and truly original character study. I adored it'' CHRIS WHITAKER''An irresistible mystery with addictive prose, Night Will Find You is a thriller like no other'' ANNA BAILEY, bestselling author of TALL BONES''A mesmerizing, unputdownable love letter to the mysteries of science and the human mind''KATIE GUTIERREZ, author of MORE THAN YOU''LL EVER KNOW__________Vivvy Bouchet, respected scientist and reluctant psychic, saved a boy''s life after a premonition when she was a child. Now a Texas police officer, he convinces Vivvy to help him solve a high-profile cold case, working alongside detective and sceptic Jesse Sharp.Three-year-old Lizzie Solomon Trade ReviewHaunting, heartfelt, chilling and beautifully told, Night Will Find You walks that rare line between mystery, thriller and truly original character study. I adored it -- CHRIS WHITAKER, bestselling author of WE BEGIN AT THE ENDAn irresistible mystery with addictive prose, Night Will Find You is a thriller like no other -- ANNA BAILEY, bestselling author of TALL BONESNight Will Find You is a rare thriller that seamlessly straddles the mystic and the scientific. Compelling and compassionate, Heaberlin's novel has one foot firmly planted in our world of misinformation and the other reaching for the inexplicable. I loved it -- IVY POCHODA, author of THESE WOMENA mesmerizing, unputdownable love letter to the mysteries of science and the human mind. With an unforgettable cast of characters - a reluctant psychic and grieving daughter, a wildly popular conspiracy theorist, a police officer with shadowy motives -Julia Heaberlin pays homage to everything we don't know about the universe and ourselves. I am already missing my time inside this world -- KATIE GUTIERREZ, author of bestseller MORE THAN YOU'LL EVER KNOWHeaberlin is one of my all-time favorite authors. With NIGHT WILL FIND YOU, she nails it again, from the brilliant premise to the vivid prose to the gripping suspense to the beating hearts of her characters. Darkly beautiful, enthralling, and masterfully done. Every mystery lover should know her name -- LAURA MCHUGH, award-winning author of WHAT’S DONE IN DARKNESSIn Night Will Find You, Julia Heaberlin follows her deliciously haunting We Are All the Same in the Dark with another expertly rendered mystery, complete with compelling characters, an impeccably paced plot, and surprising twists. Heaberlin writes with such aching beauty I found myself pausing to relish her words and then racing ahead because I couldn't wait to find out what happened next. A must-read! -- HEATHER GUDENKAUF, bestselling author of THE OVERNIGHT GUESTDark, elegant and utterly captivating, Night Will Find You is an unforgettable story written with richly evocative prose and genuine heart. I found myself completely immersed. A lyrical exploration of the fine line between scientific fact and the things we can't explain -- CHRISTINA MCDONALD, author of THE NIGHT OLIVIA FELLPRAISE FOR JULIA HEABERLIN * - *Beautifully written and wonderfully chilling * Sarah Pinborough *Utterly compelling . . . the writing is mesmeric * Ali Land *Strong characterisation, haunting images, a wonderful sense of place * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisFor Frieda Klein the days get longer, the cases darker . . .Psychotherapist Frieda Klein thought she was done with the police. But once more DCI Karlsson is knocking at her door.A man''s decomposed body has been found in the flat of Michelle Doyce, a woman trapped in a world of strange mental disorder. The police don''t know who it is, how he got there or what happened - and Michelle can''t tell them. But Karlsson hopes Frieda can get access to the truths buried beneath her confusion.Painstakingly, Frieda uncovers a possible identity for the corpse: Robert Poole, a jack of all trades and master conman. But the deeper Frieda and Karlsson dig into Poole''s past, the more of his victims they encounter - and the more motives they find for murder. Meanwhile, violent ghosts from Frieda''s own past are returning to threaten her.Unable to discover quite who is telling the truth and who is lying, they know they are getting closer to a killer. But whoeveTrade ReviewA brilliantly crafted new crime series * Daily Mirror *This heart-stoppingly good tale sets the bar high for the next seven books - we can't wait to read them! * Good Housekeeping *

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

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Book SynopsisAs the only woman homicide inspector in San Francisco, Lindsay Boxer has to be tough. But nothing she has seen prepares her for the horror of the honeymoon murders, when a brutal maniac begins viciously slaughtering newly wed couples on their wedding nights. Lindsay is sickened by the deaths, but her determination to bring the murderer to justice is threatened by her own personal tragedy. So she turns to Claire, a leading coroner, Cindy, a journalist and Jill, a top attorney, for help with both her crises, and the Women''s Murder Club is born.Trade ReviewTicks like a time bomb - full of threat and terror * Los Angeles Times *Brilliantly terrifying...so exciting I had to stay up all night to finish it * Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisWhen a group of young women working in London''s sex trade become involved in a murder investigation, their fabricated account of events leads to the wrong suspect becoming convicted. Twenty years later, the innocent person is free - but somebody has started killing the women connected to the case. With the threat of blackmail hanging over them, the women have a lot to lose and nobody has a cast-iron alibi. In a case where nothing is quite what it seems, can Detective Inspector Paul Banham stop a cold-blooded killer?

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Book Synopsis* * *NOW A MAJOR BBC TV SERIES * * *THE #1 BESTSELLING AUSTRALIAN CRIME NOVEL WINNER OF THE CWA JOHN CREASEY DAGGERSUNDAY TIMES CRIME BOOK OF THE YEAR 2019''Shimmers ... a tortured tale of blood and loss'' Val McDermid''Stunning ... Scrublands is that rare combination, a page-turner that stays long in the memory'' Sunday Times (Crime Book of the Month)In an isolated country town ravaged by drought, a charismatic young priest opens fire on his congregation, killing five men before being shot dead himself.A year later, journalist Martin Scarsden arrives in Riversend to write a feature on the anniversary of the tragedy. But the stories he hears from the locals don''t fit with the accepted version of events.Just as Martin believes he is making headway, a shocking discovery rocks the town. The bodies of two backpackers - missing since the time of the massacre - are found

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Book SynopsisA MISSING CHILD RETURNS. BUT WHO TOOK HIM? * BBC RADIO 2 BOOK CLUB CHOICE* * SUNDAY TIMES CRIME CLUB PICK *''Brilliant, utterly compelling, heart-wrenching...I was gripped and loved it.''PETER JAMES''An unputdownable thriller.''ELLY GRIFFITHS''Sensitive and moving...but with a core of pure tension'' SUNDAY TIMESWhen 11 year old Evan vanishes without trace, his parents are plunged into their worst nightmare. Especially as the police, under massive pressure, have no answers. But months later Evan is unexpectedly found, frightened and refusing to speak. His loving family realise life will never be the same again. DI Naylor knows that unless those who took Evan are caught, other children are in danger. And with Evan silent, she must race against time to find those responsible...A gripping, heart-wrenching thriller with tTrade ReviewBrilliant, utterly compelling, heart-wrenching...I was gripped and loved it -- Peter James, number one bestsellerAn unputdownable thriller that is also a mesmerising study of a family facing their worst nightmare and realising that it is only the beginning. The characters and events will stay with you for a very long time -- Elly Griffiths, Sunday Times BestsellerSensitive and moving...but with a core of pure tension * Sunday Times Crime Club *Gripping...once started, impossible to put down! -- Minette Walters, International BestsellerOne of those rare finds - a page turner that is equally remarkable for the beauty of the writing. It will suck you in and take you on a journey that stays with you -- Jo Spain, International BestsellerFOUND took me on the kind of twisting journey that kept me turning the pages until the early hours -- Chris WhitakerA real masterpiece * Female First *

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Book SynopsisThe Darkest Day is the first novel in the five part Inspector Barbarotti series from renowned Swedish crime author Håkan Nesser.It’s December in the quiet Swedish town of Kymlinge, and the Hermansson family are gathering to celebrate a big family birthday. But beneath the guise of happy festivities, tensions are running high, and it’s not long before the night takes a dark and unexpected turn . . . Before the weekend is over, two members of the Hermansson family are missing, and it’s up to Inspector Barbarotti to determine exactly what happened on that darkest day, and unravel a web of sinister family secrets in the process . . .Continue the thrilling investigative series with The Root of Evil.'One of the best Nordic Noir writers' – GuardianTrade ReviewBarbarotti has to disentangle years of bad blood and resentment to get to the heart of a thrillingly complex case -- Joan Smith * Sunday Times *Told with wry humour and compassion, Nesser has four more Barbarotti stories to come — cherish them all -- Geoffrey Wansell * Daily Mail *In an exemplary translation by Sarah Death, this tangled tale of guilt and betrayal whets the appetite for translations of the other Barbarotti novels -- Barry Forshaw * Financial Times *A top-notch investigation into some grisly goings-on, courtesy of his latest crime-fighting duo Barbarotti and Backman * Riveting Reads *Fiendishly complex . . . Just the thing for a winter afternoon * Metro *

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Book SynopsisSweden 2012. When Inspector Gunnar Barbarotti returns to work after a terrible personal tragedy his boss asks him to investigate a cold case, hoping to ease him back gently into his police duties.Five years previously a shy electrician, Arnold Morinder, disappeared from the face of the earth, the only clue his blue moped abandoned in a nearby swamp. At the time his partner, Ellen Bjarnebo, claimed that Arnold had probably travelled to Norway never to return. But Ellen is one of Sweden’s most notorious killers, having served eleven years in prison after killing her abusive first husband and dismembering his body with an axe. And when Barbarotti seeks to interview Ellen in relation to Arnold’s disappearance she is nowhere to be found . . .But without a body and no chance of interviewing his prime suspect Barbarotti must use all the ingenuity at his disposal to make headway in the case. Still struggling with his personal demons, Barbarotti seeks solace from God, and the support of his colleague, Eva Backman. And as he finally begins to track down his suspect and the cold case begins to thaw, Barbarotti realizes that nothing about Ellen Bjarnebo can be taken for granted . . .The Axe Woman is the fifth and final Inspector Barbarotti novel from bestselling author Håkan Nesser.Trade ReviewSome aficionados would argue that the Swede Hakan Nesser is the most accomplished writer in the [Nordic noir] field today, and The Axe Woman is choice fare . . . So much to praise here: the steady accumulation of suspense, the assured characterisation and the elegant prose, perfectly rendered by translator Sarah Death -- Barry Forshaw * Financial Times *The godfather of Swedish crime * Metro *A master of suspense * Sunday Times *One of the best Nordic Noir writers * Guardian *One of Sweden's best crime writers * Mail on Sunday *

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Book SynopsisThe Innocent Dead is a gripping crime novel by Lin Anderson featuring forensic scientist Rhona MacLeod who must solve the case of a young girl who went missing forty-five years ago.Mary McIntyre's disappearance tore the local community apart, inflicting wounds that still prove raw for those who knew her.So when the present-day discovery of a child’s remains are found in a peat bog south of Glasgow, it seems the decades-old mystery may finally be solved.Called in to excavate the body, forensic scientist Rhona MacLeod uses the advances made in forensic science since Mary’s vanishing to determine what really happened all those years ago . . . and who was responsible. One key person had been Karen Marshall who was devastated by her best friend’s abduction. Questioned by the police at the time had led to a dead end and the case soon went cold.Now the news of the discovered body brings the nightmares back. But added to that, memories long-buried by Karen are returning, memories that begin to reveal her role in her friend’s disappearance and perhaps even the identity of the killer . . .Trade ReviewForensic scientist Rhona MacLeod has become one of the most satisfying characters in modern crime fiction — honourable, inquisitive and yet plagued by doubts and, sometimes, fears . . . As ever, the landscape is stunningly evoked and MacLeod’s decency and humanity shine through on every page * Daily Mail *A gripping and enjoyable read * Scottish Field *The best Scottish crime series since Rebus * Daily Record *The bleak landscape is beautifully described, giving this popular series a new lease of life * Sunday Times *Hugely imaginative and exciting -- James Grieve (Emeritus Professor of Forensic Pathology)Lin Anderson is one of Scotland’s national treasures – don’t be fooled by comparisons, her writing is unique, bringing warmth and depth to even the seediest parts of Glasgow. Lin’s Rhona MacLeod is a complex and compelling heroine who just gets better with every outing -- Stuart MacBrideAnderson is a master story teller; her books are always incredibly well researched and her story lines resonate with her understanding of contemporary issues and the politics of expediency * Live and Deadly *

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Book SynopsisShortlisted for the Theakston Old Peculiar Crime Novel of the Year 2023Into the Dark is the gripping crime thriller from Fiona Cummins about revenge, greed, ambition and the true cost of friendship.‘Complex. Inventive. Twisting. Unsettling’ – Sarah Vaughan, bestselling author of Anatomy of a ScandalThe Place: Seawings, a beautiful art deco home overlooking the sweep of the bay in Midtown-on-Sea.The Crime: The gilded Holden family – Piper and Gray and their two teenage children – have vanished from the house without a trace.The Detective: DS Saul Anguish, brilliant but with a dark past, treads the narrow line between light and shade.One late autumn morning, Piper’s best friend arrives at Seawings to discover an eerie scene – the radio is playing, phones are charging on the worktop, the cars are in the garage. But the house is deserted.In fifteen-year-old Riva Holden’s bedroom, scrawled across the mirror in blood, are three words:MakeThemStop.What happens next?Trade ReviewBreathless plotting and twist after twist -- Ian Rankin, author of A Heart Full of HeadstonesThis kept me reading well Into The Dark last night – so many layers of darkness and twisty complexity -- Harriet Tyce, bestselling author of Blood OrangeAn absolute BELTER of a thriller. A superb plot, brilliantly executed and beautifully written -- Joanna Cannon, bestselling author of The Trouble with Goats and SheepAn absolute masterclass in misdirection. Trust NO ONE. I loved it -- Sarah Hilary, bestselling author of FragileClassy, complex, filled with twists and dizzying reveals and TOTALLY addictive -- Chris Ewan, author of The InterviewGripping. Twisty. Complex. No one does ‘dark with heart’ better than Fiona Cummins -- Tammy Cohen, author of The Wedding PartyFiona Cummins evokes the dark arts of journalism and politics with an insider’s relish in this rich, intricately woven novel of childhood crime and adult redemption. I finished it with my heart in my mouth. Highly recommended -- Louise Candlish on When I Was TenGrips like a vice -- Val McDermid on When I Was TenAbsorbing, tense and beautifully paced -- Daily Mail on When I Was TenDark, creepy and ultimately compassionate . . . a chilling look at the consequences of a childhood gone wrong -- J. P. Delaney on When I Was TenUtterly compelling; a true just-one-more-chapter thriller -- Clare Mackintosh on When I Was TenTrust me – Cummins is a keeper -- Lee Child on The Collector

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Book SynopsisNever has Inspector Montalbano's character – a unique blend of humor, cynicism, compassion, earthiness, and love of good food - been more compelling than in Andrea Camilleri's third Montalbano novel, The Snack Thief. When an elderly man is stabbed to death in an elevator and a crewman on an Italian fishing trawler is machine-gunned by a Tunisian patrol boat off Sicily’s coast, only Inspector Montalbano suspects a link between the two incidents.His investigation leads to the beautiful Karima, an impoverished house-cleaner, whose young son steals other school children’s mid-morning snacks. But Karima disappears, and the young snack thief’s life – as well as Montalbano’s – is endangered when the inspector exposes a viper’s nest of government corruption and international intrigue.The Snack Thief is followed by the fourth Inspector Montalbano novel, The Voice of the Violin.Trade ReviewMontalbano's colleagues, chance encounters, Sicilian mores, even the contents of his fridge are described with the wit and gusto that make this narrator the best company in crime fiction today * Guardian *Among the most exquisitely crafted pieces of crime writing available today . . . Simply superb * Sunday Times *One of fiction's greatest detectives and Camilleri is one of Europe's greatest crime writers * Daily Mail *The novels of Camilleri breathe out the sense of place, the sense of humour and the sense of despair that fills the air of Sicily. Remarkable -- Donna Leon

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Book Synopsis The darkest truths should never surface . . . A twisty and atmospheric Wiltshire-set crime novel from a brilliant new voice in the genre. Stay Buried will keep you guessing until the end.'Your next must-read' LUCY FOLEY 'Absolutely brilliant plotting' ANN CLEEVESDetective Inspector Matt Lockyer has been side-lined to working cold cases, following a bad decision he made in a recent investigation in order to support a friend. Lockyer isn't too bothered though, as it gives him the chance to review some of the cases that keep him up at night and to look into his own brother's senseless killing which still remains unsolved.On a quiet afternoon Lockyer receives a phone call from prisoner Hedy Lambert - a woman he put inside for murder fourteen years ago. She informs him that the man she was originally accused of killing has turned up alive and well. She begs him to reopen her case.All those years ago, Lockyer had been the one to pin down Hedy's motive, but deep down he'd never wanted to believe she was guilty. The thought that he might have sent an innocent woman down for life doesn't sit well with him and he agrees to reopen the investigation. But has it become too personal and is he being manipulated? Perhaps there are some cases that should just stay buried.Praise for Stay Buried'Gloriously atmospheric' ELLY GRIFFITHS'The twists were terrific' GYTHA LODGE'A well-written deftly plotted whodunnit' GUARDIAN'Remarkably assured' LITERARY REVIEW'Accomplished, twisty' WOMAN AND HOMETrade ReviewA stunning new voice in crime fiction: glorious writing, fantastic atmosphere and such clever plotting. Kate Webb is your next must-read. More please! * LUCY FOLEY author of The Paris Apartment *A wonderful addition to contemporary crime: clear, assured story-telling, insightful, engaging characters, and absolutely brilliant plotting * ANN CLEEVES, author of the Vera Stanhope series *I LOVED the book! It was such a brilliantly engaging, emotionally compelling read. I loved the complex relationship between Hedy Lambert and DI Lockyer, and the twists were terrific * GYTHA LODGE, author of She Lies in Wait *An intriguing plot and a gloriously atmospheric setting. DI Matt Lockyer is a complicated yet hugely appealing protagonist. I'd love to read more about him! * ELLY GRIFFITHS, author of the Dr Ruth Galloway Mysteries *This is quality stuff: a well-written, deftly plotted whodunnit as well as a moving tale of guilt, grief, isolation and the lengths to which we will got to protect our families. More, please * Guardian *Stay Buried is remarkably assured for a first crime novel . . . Webb takes the reader backwards and forwards between the past and the present, offering subplots and misdirection of all kinds, as well as some memorable characters and astute social commentary * Literary Review *There's nothing like devouring a new book and then discovering it's the first in a series, with more stories to come. I loved Kate Webb's Stay Buried, which is as astutely observed as it's elegantly written * KATE RIORDAN, author of Summer Fever *Kate Webb has had me completely hooked with her page-turning plot, incredible characterisation, and beautiful, atmospheric writing. An utterly gripping story brilliantly told. I can't wait for Kate's next one! * JENNY ASHCROFT, author of Under the Golden Sun *An accomplished, twisty, character-led novel * Woman and Home *

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