Crime and mystery: police procedural

Book Synopsis_________________________Jonathan Kellerman’s legendary thrillers have sold over 80 million copies.This might be his best yet.An uninvited guest. A missing identity. A trail of deadly secrets.When a horrified bridesmaid finds the body of a young woman at a wedding reception, it makes the bride and groom’s choice of a Saints and Sinners theme all the more macabre.There are no means of identification and nobody knows the victim.The bride is convinced someone is trying to sabotage her big day. The groom is sure it’s a dreadful mistake. It’s up to brilliant psychologist Alex Delaware and LAPD Lieutenant Milo Sturgis to uncover the truth. They have a hundred guests to question, and a strong suspicion that the motive for murder is personal…The party’s over.AND THE HUNT FOR THE KILLER IS ON._________________________'Jonathan Kellerman's new crime thriller delivers a killer wedding in more ways than one ... a thoroughly engaging whodunit'CULTUREFLY_________________________Jonathan Kellerman's readers love The Wedding Guest:‘Unputdownable!’‘The book ticks all of the boxes and does not disappoint’‘It has to be 5 stars!’‘This book had me gripped throughout’‘Always a thrill to read Mr Kellerman’s work and this did not disappoint’‘I devoured it in one sitting’Trade ReviewJonathan Kellermann's new crime thriller delivers a killer wedding in more ways than one ... a thoroughly engaging whodunit * CultureFly *

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Book Synopsis'Serrailler, Hill's brilliant detective, is the central character in the great writer's crime fiction novels' CAMILLA, DUCHESS OF CORNWALL'Beautifully told, Hill's gimlet eye and steely prose remind you how fierce she can be' Daily Mail One rainy night, a couple welcomes two strangers needing help into their home. It's an act they will regret for the rest of their lives. On the other side of town a woman is brutally murdered and her husband is left unconscious. Are the two crimes connected? Detective Simon Serrailler sets out to investigate but will his own demons get in the way?'Keepers the reader gripped until the last page' Sunday ExpressDiscover the bestselling Simon Serrailler series that over ONE MILLION readers have devoured.Trade ReviewSimon Serrailler, Hill’s brilliant detective, is the central character in the great writer’s crime fiction novelsBeautifully told, Hill’s gimlet eye and steely prose remind you how fierce she can be * Daily Mail *The Benefit of Hindsight evolves organically by way of a brilliant fusion of parts: plot, setting, characters, dialogue... I read it at a sitting. Not just a good book but an experience * Shots *Superb... It's a book to start when you have time to spare as you're not readily going to put it down until you get to the last page... I read it in just over a day and I'm still thinking about the characters days later * Bookbag *I love the Simon Serailler series and this was my favourite for a while... the ongoing family drama is hugely compelling. Add to that cleverly woven mystery elements and this, for me, puts this series somewhere near the top of my literary crime favourites * Liz Loves Books *

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Book SynopsisA murderous game. The killer makes the rules. Death hangs on the roll of the dice. In murder investigations, it pays to keep things simple: motive, method, opportunity. But the case in front of Detective Fabian Risk is a nightmare. A killer who strikes out of nowhere. No apparent motive. No consistent method. Victims are tortured, strangled, burned, dismembered – each grisly killing carried out with savage precision, as if following the rules of a hellish game. Fear and chaos have spread through the seaside town of Helsingborg. While Fabian Risk hunts the killer, his life is falling apart: a son on the run from the law; a daughter gravely injured; a colleague with dark secrets of his own. But there's no turning back now. The game of death is on, and Fabian Risk must play to win. After all, there are many ways to die... This explosive thriller from Scandinavia's most inventive storyteller concludes the epic events of Motive X. Reviews for Stefan Ahnhem: 'Atmospheric and complicated... with great cop characters and some imaginatively grisly perps' Sunday Times (star pick) 'More gripping than Jo Nesbo, blacker than Stieg Larsson and more bleakly human than Henning Mankell' Tony Parsons 'Epic in scale and ambition' Daily Mail 'An intense journey, with an intricate plot... Ahnhem has mastered atmosphere, pacing and intrigue' Crime Review 'Masterly plotting, grisly murders and chilling suspense: Stefan Ahnhem keeps the threads of this complex, two-country narrative pulled tense' Better ReadingTrade ReviewA tense, atmospheric rollercoaster with multiple strands criss-crossing like a complex piece of knitting... With a plethora of twists and turns and unexpected events and incidents, with a dialogue that sparkles and with well-developed, believable characters the suspense is never ending and, like one of those old black and white cowboy and injun movies, the action is relentless and doesn't disappoint. If one is looking for an intricate, multi-layered, edgy, high calibre read, this book has it in spades. Highly recommended' * Promoting Crime Fiction *PRAISE FOR STEFAN AHNHEM: 'More gripping than Jo Nesbo, blacker than Stieg Larsson and more bleakly human than Henning Mankell' Tony Parsons. 'Atmospheric and complicated... with great cop characters and some imaginatively grisly perps' Sunday Times. 'Epic in scale and ambition' Daily Mail. 'An intense journey, with an intricate plot... Ahnhem has mastered atmosphere, pacing and intrigue' Crime Review. 'Masterly plotting, grisly murders and chilling suspense: Stefan Ahnhem keeps the threads of this complex, two-country narrative pulled tense' * Better Reading *

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Book SynopsisGritty, compelling and laced with menace'Mel SherrattIf you like Martina Cole and Kimberley Chambers you will LOVE [Caz Finlay]' ?????Reader ReviewThe unmissable Liverpool gangland crime dramaOLD GAMEWhen several young prostitutes are found murdered in Liverpool, DI Leigh Moss knows there is only one person she can turn to for help with the case. Gangland queen, Grace Carter, knows the streets of Liverpool better than anyone and can ask questions Leigh can'tbut will Grace help?NEW RULESGrace doesn't trust easily, but when she discovers that her family might be linked with the gruesome murders, she decides to give Leigh a chance. But helping Leigh is risky and as Grace is dragged deeper into the murky world of vice, her own life is put in danger.Can these two sworn enemies work together?Or is that a line they will never cross?Readers have been GRIPPED by this brand new dramaAbsolutely brilliant . . . edge of my seat' ?????Well-written . . . intricately woven with drama, suspense, intrigTrade Review‘Absolutely brilliant . . . edge of my seat’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Well-written . . . intricately woven with drama, suspense, intrigue, twists and turns’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Love reading something set in my home city with such strong characters’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Fast paced and I couldn’t put it down. I read it in one sitting’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘If you like Martina Cole and Kimberley Chambers you will LOVE this author’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I am kicking myself why I haven’t read a Caz Finlay book before . . . brilliant’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A cracker of a book’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Grace Sumner is back and taking no prisoners in Caz Finlay’s follow up to The Boss! A gritty, gangland read that will have you on the edge of your seat, Back in the Game is intense and explosive reading! I bloody loved it!’ Noelle Holten, bestselling author of Dead Inside ‘Caz Finlay’s gritty tale of twisted loyalties and brutal betrayal had me gripped from the very first page’ Amanda Brooke, author of The Widows’ Club ‘Grace is back, but she’s got a secret… This powerful story of family loyalties and vengeance will leave you breathless with excitement and terror as it twists and turns through the back streets of Liverpool. Fans of Martina Cole and Kimberley Chambers will love Caz Finlay; she’s fast becoming the boss of gangland thrillers’ Mary Torjussen, author of The Closer You Get

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Book Synopsis*Don't miss The Lost Wife the brand new jaw-dropping thriller from Georgina Lees*Compelling, heartbreaking and beautifully written. This superb thriller will stay in my mind for a very long time' B P Walter, Sunday Times-bestselling author of The Dinner GuestHow well do you know your neighbour?Would you trust them with your life?I heard Emily before I saw her. The harsh smack of heels against cheap wooden floorboards. The loud phone calls. The incessant music.I knew Emily before I met her. Discarded receipts in our communal hallway. Sticky leftovers in the shared food waste bin. Wine shop vouchers in the letterbox.Now she's gone missing, and I'm the only one who can find her. The only one who can save her.Because I know her best, and I heard everything.The Girl Upstairs is a spine-tingling psychological thriller of grief and obsession that explores how lonely London can be and how sometimes it's our neighbours who see us most, who know us bestA must-read for fans of Lisa Jewell and SaTrade Review‘I am still at a loss for words. I have been chasing that Gone Girl high for so long when I read thrillers, and this one finally hit the mark’ Amber, NetGalley ‘WOW!!! I. COULD. NOT. PUT. THIS. DOWN. I read it all in ONE sitting! It was amazing! The storyline was captivating and engrossing while the main characters, Suzie and Emily, were so well written and interesting that I couldn't get enough of them. Plenty of suspense and twists to keep you guessing until the very end! Bravo!!’ Yamil, NetGalley ‘This book has the best details of any I have read this year!’ Connie, NetGalley ‘This was creepy AF and kept me guessing the entire time. Definitely not a predictable thriller and so many twists and turns’ Lisa, NetGalley ‘What a thrilling book! I was fascinated by the characters and twisting storyline. Lost a lot of sleep over it’ Anu, NetGalley ‘The creeping dread that became all-encompassing throughout this book was incredibly well done … will have you gripped from the first page!’ Lucy, NetGalley ‘This book was a page-turner from beginning to end’ Mandy, NetGalley

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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 SynopsisSimon Kernick is one of Britain's most exciting thriller writers. He arrived on the crime writing scene with his highly acclaimed debut novel The Business of Dying, the story of a corrupt cop moonlighting as a hitman. Simon's big breakthrough came with his novel Relentless which was the biggest selling thriller of 2007. His most recent crime thrillers include Siege, Ultimatum, Stay Alive and The Final Minute. He is also the author of the bestselling three-part serial thrillers Dead Man's Gift and One By One.Simon talks both on and off the record to members of the Counter Terrorism Command and the Serious and Organised Crime Agency, so he gets to hear first hand what actually happens in the dark and murky underbelly of UK crime.Trade ReviewThe pace is breakneck, the plot twists like a hooked eel... The sort of book that forces you to read so fast you stumble over the words * Evening Standard *

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Book Synopsis''The newspapers referred to it as the case of the seventy-seven clocks. There was quite a fuss at the time. We got into terrible trouble. Dear fellow, it was one of our most truly peculiar cases. I remember as if it was yesterday.'' In fact, Arthur Bryant remembers very little about yesterday, but he does remember the oddest investigation of his career...It was late in 1973. As strikes and blackouts ravaged the country during Edward Heath''s ''Winter of Discontent'', sundry members of a wealthy, aristocratic family were being disposed of in a variety of grotesque ways - by reptile, by bomb, by haircut. As the hours of daylight diminish towards Christmas, Bryant & May, the irascible detectives of London''s controversial Peculiar Crimes Unit, know that time is the key - and time is running out for both the family and the police. Their investigations lead them into a hidden world of class conflict, craftsmanship and the secret loyalties of big business. But what have seventTrade ReviewWitty, sinuous and darkly comedic storytelling from a Machiavellian jokester -- Maxim Jacubowski * GUARDIAN *Witty, charming, and informed about London, but - this is important - the storylines are vivid, tough and have a hard edge -- Marcel Berlins * THE TIMES *

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Book SynopsisA woman''s naked body is found floating in the weeds of a lake near Bath, by an elderly woman walking her Siamese cats. No-one comes forward to identify her, and no murder weapon is found, but sleuthing is Superintendent Peter Diamond''s speciality. A genuine gumshoe, practising door-stopping and deduction: he is the last detective.Struggling with office politics and a bizarre cast of suspects, Diamond strikes out on his own, even when Forensics think they have the culprit. Eventually, despite disastrous personal consequences, and amongst Bath''s rambling buildings and formidable history, the last detective exposes the uncomfortable truth . . .The very first Peter Diamond mystery, and Anthony Award winning novel, from the superb Peter Lovesey.Trade ReviewA brilliant performance * Times Literary Supplement *A terrific job * The Times *Mr Lovesey maintains a wonderful tone throughout . . . A comedy of bad manners, full of oddball characters and wacky events develops into a perfectly realised murder mystery whose skilful misdirection never oversteps the bounds of fair play * The Wall St Journal *A bravura performance from a veteran showman: slyly paced, marbled with surprise and, in the end, strangely affecting * New York Times Book Review *

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Book SynopsisTHE HEART-STOPPING THRILLER FROM THE 6-MILLION-COPY BESTSELLER BEHIND BBC SERIES THE SECRETS SHE KEEPS AND RICHARD & JUDY PICK WHEN SHE WAS GOOD''No one does suspense better'' STEPHEN KING''Why won''t he let you go?'' I ask. ''He thinks he owns me.'' To Philomena McCarthy, being a police officer means never turning your back on someone in trouble. So when a decorated detective beats his girlfriend and the case is covered up, Phil secretly helps her. But as Phil lets her new friend deeper into her life, sinister things start happening. And by the time she''s truly afraid, it''s already too late . . .''With each new book, I say it''s his best. Well, THIS is his best'' LINWOOD BARCLAY''Superb. Twists the knife with skill and precision'' GLOBE AND MAIL''A heart-clutching psychological thriller'' PEOPLE''An astonishTrade ReviewPraise for When You Are Mine * - *No one does suspense better -- Stephen KingMichael Robotham keeps upping his game. With each new book, I say it's his best. Well, THIS is his best -- Linwood BarclayRobotham is quickly becoming the go-to author for the psychological thriller and this book, his 16th, is a superb example . . . He twists the knife with skill and precision * Globe and Mail *A page-turner featuring a feisty heroine * Irish Independent *A heart-clutching psychological thriller * People *A twisty, turny, second-guessing great read with a killer ending * Herald Sun *A flawless and compassionate psychological thriller * Kirkus Reviews *Robotham delivers again with a pacey tale that ratchets up the tension and refuses to be put down * Courier Mail *All thrills and chills * Toronto Star *A nail-biter . . . Robotham tightens the screws on his sympathetic lead incrementally as the action builds to a satisfying climax * Publisher's Weekly *Robotham creates flesh and blood characters, and you won't forget Philomena McCarthy . . . A nail-biter * Peterborough Telegraph *Praise for Michael Robotham * - *An absolute master -- Stephen KingI love this guy's books -- Lee ChildHeart-stopping, heart-breaking and heart-wrenching -- Val McDermidRobotham is the real deal -- David BaldacciA writer of the highest class who can create terror from the commonplace and crush the breath out of you * Daily Mail *Robotham doesn't just make me scared for his characters, he makes my heart ache for them -- Linwood BarclayHe writes in a voice with a haunting sense of soul -- Peter JamesA highly skilled thriller writer * Daily Express *One of crime's greatest practitioners . . . a ripper, suspenseful read * The Australian *Michael Robotham has done it again - another accomplished crime novel unlike anything he has ever written before * Sydney Morning Herald *

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Book SynopsisA stunning 20th anniversary paperback edition of the groundbreaking first Tom Thorne novel, a case that changed crime fiction forever . . . Alison Willetts has survived a stroke, deliberately induced by a skilful manipulation of pressure points on the head and neck. She can see, hear and feel but she is completely unable to move or communicate. In leaving Alison Willetts alive, the police believe the killer''s made his first mistake.Then DI Tom Thorne discovers the horrifying truth: it isn''t Alison who is the mistake, it''s the three women already dead.Thorne must find a killer whose agenda is disturbingly unique, and Alison, the one person who holds the key to the killer''s identity, is unable to say anything . . .''One of my favourite authors'' Harlan Coben''A terrifically stylish debut novel'' Independent on Sunday ''The next superstar detective'' Lee ChildTrade ReviewA terrifically stylish debut novel - Independent on SundayExtremely capable and unsettling - Literary ReviewA cunning variation on the serial-murder theme - Sunday TelegraphMark Billingham is one of my favourite new authors. Highly recommended

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Book SynopsisSkinner must help a criminal in order to catch a killer, in this sixth novel in the bestselling Edinburgh crime series. When an Edinburgh car showroom is torched, leaving a charred body among the burnt-out luxury cars, Deputy Chief Constable Bob Skinner wonders if a life of crime has finally caught up with one of the city''s most elusive villains. But the corpse turns out not to be that of Jackie Charles, the owner of the showroom, but his wife Carole. Skinner now finds himself on the same side as his old enemy in the search for the killer...

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Book SynopsisSkinner faces the greatest, most personal tests of his career in this gripping crime thriller.Deputy Chief Constable Bob Skinner could be forgiven for thinking not only that someone up there doesn''t like him, but that someone down here is out to get him. Suffering the strain of a marriage on the rocks, the last thing he needs is for his private life to be plastered across the front pages of a sleazy tabloid. To make matters worse, two brutal murders and new allegations about Skinner himself make simultaneous headlines. Unless he can clear his name and uncover the secret behind the series of brutal crimes, he stands to lose everything: his family, his career and even his life and liberty.

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Book SynopsisAttempted murder and a mysterious stalker are a little close for comfort for DCC Skinner, in this thrilling crime novel.As Bob Skinner takes an evening stroll with a gorgeous filmstar on his arm, surely the worst of his worries is that back at headquarters, an ambitious new colleague is scheming to enlarge his territory at Skinner''s expense. But when a frightening shot-gun attack sends Skinner and his old flame Louise Bankier diving for cover, it seems danger has zeroed in on him once again. Returning to Scotland to shoot her latest film, Louise is one of Scotland''s most popular exports. But it seems she has a stalker; someone who is clearly determined to scare her. For Skinner, tracking down her tormentor isn''t just business - it''s now very personal indeed...

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Book SynopsisMurder is rarely cut and dried. Usually it follows its own unique, twisted logic... Deputy Chief Constable Bob Skinner has a failed marriage on his hands, and a death on his conscience. He faces the biggest challenge of his career within the secret corridors of Westminster, where dark power is wielded. Meanwhile, back in Edinburgh, Skinner''s daughter is being harassed by a stalker. Can he protect her? A bookmaker has taken one gamble too many and paid his debt in a gruesome fashion. Is it an underworld vendetta, or something more sinister? Alongside it all a casual call to the Chief Constable sets him on a personal crusade which quickly points to a bigamist at work. Or is it worse? Four crimes, four crises: can Skinner and his people solve them? Indeed can they survive them?

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Book Synopsis*US edition title: THE SIXTH IDEA*Cold Kill is the seventh book in P.J. Tracy''s bestselling Twin Cities series.Two dead bodies.On a cold winter''s night in Minneapolis, two friends are brutally murdered on opposite sides of the city. It''s clear to homicide detectives Gino and Magozzi that the men were targets - but why?A decades-old conspiracy.As Gino and Magozzi begin to uncover evidence, the clues rapidly start to disappear. Lost websites and missing CCTV footage lead them once more to Grace MacBride and her eccentric team of computer analysts - the only ones who can help. A deadly attack that could bring a city to its knees.But as more bodies appear, the team begin to realize that this isn''t fresh blood - this is a case that stretches back sixty years. And something that has been lying dormant is now awakening.As Gino and Magozzi race to find answers, Trade Review- * Praise for P.J. Tracy *Outrageously suspenseful -- Harlan CobenA fast-paced gripping read with thrills and devilish twists * Guardian *A powerful thriller and an ingenious plot * Observer Review *Some of the best new blood work in the genre . . . Scary funny, witty, and genuinely perplexing right to the end * Glasgow Herald *Eclectic characters and zingy dialogue . . . exhilarating * People *

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Book SynopsisTHE GRIPPING NEW THRILLER FROM BESTSELLING AUTHOR NICCI FRENCH ''Stunning - I loved it'' Clare Mackintosh, bestselling author of I Let You Go____________At long last, a final reckoning is coming for Frieda Klein...On a north London high street, a runaway vehicle crashes to a halt, but the man in the driving seat was murdered a week earlier.On Hampstead Heath, a bonfire blazes: in the flames lies the next victim.As autumn leaves fall, a serial killer runs amok in the capital, playing games with the police. The death toll is rising fast, and the investigation is floundering.But this is no ordinary killer, and every new victim is intended as a message to just one woman - psychologist Freida Klein. And the message is very simple. You''re next. . .Frieda Klein''s duel with her dark nemesis is finally coming to a climax - and only one can make it out alive.____________''Keeps you guessing until the final page'' Jane Corry, bestselling author of My Husband''s Wife ''I loved Day of the Dead'' - Laura Marshall, bestselling author of Friend Request ''Great writing, a compelling storyline and memorable characters'' - Cara Hunter, bestselling author of Close to HomeTrade ReviewThe stunning climax of Frieda Klein's battle with her nemesis. And what a climax! Loved it -- Clare MackintoshA multi-layered plot that keeps you guessing until the final page. -- Jane Corry, bestselling author of Blood SistersI love the Frieda Klein novels and this as good as they get. As thoughtful as it is gripping - masterful -- Sabine Durrant, bestselling author of Lie With MeThe best crime novels combine great writing, compelling storylines, and memorable characters. You get all of that in a Nicci French, but you also get something more: a deep insight into what it means to be human, and how to live with pain and loss -- Cara Hunter, Richard and Judy bestselling author of Close to HomeI loved Day of the Dead. Tension-filled, addictive and taut, with beautifully-drawn characters I won't forget. Nicci French just gets better and better -- Laura Marshall, bestselling author of Friend RequestNicci French lays out the characters with the effortless skill of a croupier dealing cards, and like a card trick, Day of the Dead builds to an ending that is as inevitable as it is unforeseeable. A masterclass in how to end a series. -- Jane CaseyPraise for Nicci French * : *Nicci French's sophisticated, compassionate and gripping crime novels stand head and shoulders above the competition -- Sophie HannahUtterly addictive * The Independent *A vivid, finely crafted performance * Guardian *Dark, nerve-tingling and addictive * Daily Express *

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Book SynopsisInspired by a blistering real-life murder, Blue Light Yokohama''s INSPECTOR IWATA is perfect for FANS OF JO NESBO''S HARRY HOLE.THE MURDERER''S IN YOUR HOUSE . . . A family of four are found murdered in their own home. A painted black sun is left dripping, as the killer walks away in broad daylight.THE FIRST DETECTIVE DIED TRYING TO SOLVE IT . . . He was said to have committed suicide by throwing himself off Tokyo''s famous Rainbow Bridge.THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING . . . Inspector Iwata and his partner must find a murderer who is only just beginning. He knows time is running out and the menacing black sun means one thing, the killer will never stop.''Outstanding'' SUNDAY EXPRESS, THE MOST AWAITED BOOK OF 2017 ''Strong . . . promises to be an excellent series'' GuardianTrade Review'An outstanding debut' The most awaited books of 2017, Sunday ExpressBased on a real-life murder Blue Light Yokohama is set among Tokyo's glitteringly busy streets, where a family of four were killed in their own home. The first detective died trying to solve it. Now it is up to Inspector Iwata to unravel the truth . . . * from the Publisher's description *Taut and atmospheric with twists galore * Woman & Home *An outstanding debut -- The most awaited books of 2017 * Sunday Express *A twisty, highly entertaining thriller that pulls us into the heart of an unconventional hero as he fights corruption in the gritty, glittering world of Tokyo -- Julia Heaberlin, author of Sunday Times bestseller * Black-Eyed Susans *Poetic, chilling and mesmerizing storytelling -- Ragnar Jónasson, internationally bestselling author of * Snowblind *This beautifully written debut takes readers on a captivating and atmospheric journey around Tokyo with plenty of twists to keep them gripped until the epic conclusion * Daily Express *With its Japanese setting and characters, Blue Light Yokohama offers up a bold and refreshingly different take on the serial killer tale * Simon Beckett *Obregón is a bright, sophisticated new voice in crime fiction: his writing sings at you, reverberates, makes you consider more than just the urgent clamour of his novel's well-hewn murder plot. In Inspector Iwata, he has created a quiet, troubled hero whom readers will be sure to follow from one disturbing, atmospheric story to the next -- Benjamin Wood, author of * The Ecliptic *Obregon's full-bodied prose is by turns gritty and poetic, and it's consistently energetic. Given the terrific chemistry between the two lead detectives, here's hoping this debut novel kicks off a new series * Kirkus Review *Refreshing. Engaging. * Daily Mail *Obregon balances the key components of modern detective fiction seamlessly... Blue Light Yokohama is nicely done for a first book; it's nicely done, period * Bookpage *With a labyrinthine plot and a likable protagonist, Blue Light Yokohama is a strong beginning to what promises to be an excellent series * The Guardian *

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewIt is nothing less than a landmark in modern crime fiction * The Times *A world-class crime writer. One of the most astonishing plots of modern crime fiction. A triumphant conclusion to the trilogy [that] makes Iceland's pre-eminence in the crime genre even more marked * Sunday Times *Is this the best crime writer in the world today? . . . He's truly a master of his genre * The Times Online *This is Icelandic noir of the highest order, with Jonasson's atmospheric sense of place, and his heroine's unerring humanity shining from every page * Daily Mail *This is such a tense, gripping readTriumphant . . . Other writers have explored the possibilities of telling a story in reverse; thus far only Ragnar Jonasson has rendered hindsight so heartbreaking * The Times *Jónasson takes us back to Hulda's origin story with a tale that combines his special talents for spinning a chilling and ingeniously constructed mystery and evoking the dramatic Icelandic environment * Sunday Times Crime Club *Triumphant conclusion. Chilling, creepy, perceptive, almost unbearably tense -- Ian RankinJonasson's is a unique voice in this genre. The beauty of this trilogy is that each book enraptures us almost to the point of forgetting the future we already know. Brilliantly effective * The Times Literary Supplement *Jónasson weaves his suspenseful tales together with remorseless logic up to a climax more nightmarish than the buildup * Kirkus *Fans of dark crime fiction that doesn't pull punches will be amply rewarded * Publishers Weekly *Extraordinary . . . a triumph -- Ian RankinWrap up warmly for this invigorating Iceland-set slice of Nordic noir * Financial Times *Shades of Alfred Hitchcock . . . The author's deceptive plotting in this story is certain to blow readers away * Dayton Daily News *Snow and ice provide the background to Ragnar Jónasson's latest exploration of trauma and hardship in Iceland. Throughout the novel, the characters' wilful refusal to face reality is both exasperating and credible * Literary Review *Ragnar Jónasson is a brilliant storyteller, who skilfully tells the story on multiple time levels, with different main characters and surprising twists. It is frighteningly believable, and exciting to the end * Dagens Nyheter, Sweden *Standalone thriller from the author of the Hulda Trilogy lives up to expectations and offers psychological drama and a ghostly atmosphere at the world's end. A story that gets under your skin * Göteborgs Posten, Sweden *Praise for Ragnar Jónasson * - *Jónasson is an automatic must-read for me . . . possibly the best Scandi writer working todayDark, chilling and utterly gripping, The Island is Nordic noir at its best, and is destined to become a classic of the genre. I couldn't put it down. I can't wait to read the rest of the Hulda series! * Shari Lapena, bestselling author of The Couple Next Door *Adds several shades of darkness to Nordic noir * Anthony Horowitz *One of the great tragic heroines of contemporary detective fiction * Sunday Times *I often get asked about tips on good crime novels which "are not like everything else". Well, here you have it. Read Ragnar Jónasson's trilogy from beginning to end, let the brain work, the body shake and be amazed at how the author also lets the language follow the development of the story . . . hats off * GöteborgsPosten *Ragnar Jónasson is a brilliant storyteller, who skillfully tells the story on multiple time levels, with different main characters and surprising twists. Frighteningly believable, and exciting to the end * Dagens Nyheter *Ragnar Jonasson is old school . . . He deals in vertiginous, unputdownable stories that are nevertheless still imbued with melancholy and heartbreak. This is his best yet * Metro *[Jonasson's] chilling whodunits currently have readers firmly in their icy grip * Daily Telegraph *Unforgettable * Sunday Times *Will leave you breathless * Sunday Post *

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Book SynopsisFor readers who enjoy Angela Marsons, Robert Bryndza and Mark Edwards. Fawkes and Baxter return in the rocket-paced followup to the global bestseller RAGDOLL

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Book SynopsisThe latest thriller in Lara Dearman's atmospheric crime series set in the Channel IslandsTrade ReviewCrisply written... An intricate plot, intriguing characters, and an unusual setting make this a winner. * PUBLISHERS WEEKLY *Brilliant! * Alison Belsham *In Dark Sky Island Lara Dearman portrays island life and landscape so vividly, you might believe you'd actually been there. Tense, intriguing and alive with island atmosphere. I loved it. * Niki Mackay *In Dark Sky Island Lara Dearman portrays island life and landscape so vividly, you might believe you'd actually been there. Tense, intriguing and alive with island atmosphere. I loved it. * Isabel Ashdown, author of Little Sister *Lara Dearman's second novel is even more accomplished than her debut. Atmospheric, mysterious, and brilliantly-written. Highly recommended. * Mason Cross *A deeply atmospheric and gripping thriller with a wonderful sense of place. * Roz Watkins *

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Book SynopsisFrom #1 New York Times bestselling author Lee Goldberg, comes an explosive, page-turning investigative thriller - with a mind-blowing twist.There''s a saying in Barstow, California, a decaying city in the scorching Mojave desert . . . The Interstate here only goes in one direction: Away. But it''s the only place where ex-LAPD detective Beth McDade, after a staggering fall from grace, could get another badge . . . and a shot at redemption. Over a century ago, and just a few miles further into the bleak landscape, a desperate stranger ended up in Calico, a struggling mining town, also hoping for a second chance. His fate, all those years ago, and hers today are linked when Beth investigates an old skeleton dug up in a shallow, sandy grave . . . and also tries to identify a vagrant run-over by a distracted motorhome driver during a lightning storm. Every disturbing clue she finds, every shocking discovery she makes, f

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Book SynopsisMcGilloway returns with a nail-biting follow-up to the No. 1 Bestseller Little Girl Lost.

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Book SynopsisDonna Morris has chosen to do her probationary year as detective constable in the small seaside town of Scarborough. But on her first day, a body is found in the woods: the corpse of Henrik Grünttor presents itself as that of a homeless man, dead from his own drug use. However, until recently, Grünttor had been working at the local GCHQ centre on the Russian section and the postmortem reveals the cause of his death to be uncertain. Now in her early fifties, Donna has her own reasons for wanting to be in Scarborough, ones she would prefer to keep from her colleagues. For she''s not been drawn there by the landscape or the light, or even the beach, but to be closer to her wayward daughter - a daughter serving time in the nearby prison for GBH. Yet beyond even this, Donna hides another secret: she grew up in East Berlin, escaping across the wall in the early 1980s. Due to the circumstances of her past Donna is drawn to the dead man whose background is not dissimilar to

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Book SynopsisDead in the Water by Ann Granger is set in the Cotswold village of Weston Saint Ambrose and features Inspector Jess Campbell and Superintendent Ian Carter in their fourth murder mystery.It is the wettest winter on record and as Christmas approaches the rivers burst their banks and the farmers'' fields lie under several feet of water. In the village of Weston Saint Ambrose, a young girl''s body is seen floating downstream and when it becomes stuck under the jetty at a reclusive writer''s home, the author is alarmed to discover that he recognises the victim of a brutal murder...Trade ReviewCharacterisation, as ever with Granger, is sharp and astringent * The Times *The plot is neat and ingenious, the characters rounded and touchingly credible ... a pleasure to read * Ham and High *The reader can expect a treat. Lively, different and fun * Yorkshire Post *She is on to another winner * Birmingham Post *

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Book Synopsis''Scottish crime-writing at its finest, with a healthy dose of plot twists and turns, bodies and plenty of brutality'' SunThe gritty new mystery in Quintin Jardine''s bestselling Bob Skinner series, set in Edinburgh and the Scottish countryside; not to be missed by readers of Ian Rankin and Peter May. Nine years ago, divorcee Marcia Brown took her own life. A pillar of the community, she had been accused of theft, and it''s assumed that she was unable to live with the shame. Now her former husband wants the case reopened. Marcia was framed, he says, to prevent her exposing a scandal. He wants justice for Marcia. And Alex Skinner, Solicitor Advocate, and daughter of retired Chief Constable Sir Robert Skinner, has taken on the brief, aided by her investigator Carrie McDaniels. When tragedy strikes and his daughter comes under threat, Skinner steps in. His quarry is about to discover that the road to hell is marked by bad intentions . . .Trade Review'Scottish crime-writing at its finest, with a healthy dose of plot twists and turns, bodies and plenty of brutality' * Sun *'Jardine writes like he chews girders, but there's a subtlety too to his hard-edged crime thrillers that are very much in the vanguard of the tough but intelligent tartan noir movement . . . Skinner's lost none of his hard edge when he steps up to the plate after his daughter Alex, a legal eagle, is in trouble when a cold murder case explodes red hot and dangerous. Someone's going to meet his match in Skinner' * Peterborough Evening Telegraph *'Well-constructed... intriguing' * Scotland on Sunday *'The legendary Quintin Jardine . . . such a fine writer' * Denzil Meyrick *

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Book SynopsisBarbara Nadel''s gripping Ikmen mysteries are the inspiration behind The Turkish Detective, BBC Two''s sensational eight-part TV crime drama series, out now.Every relationship comes at a cost in this tense and gripping Turkish mystery from award-winning crime writer Barbara Nadel and featuring Ikmen - ''one of modern crime fiction''s true heroes'' The TimesWhen jeweller Fahrettin Muftugolu is found dead in his apartment in the Istanbul district of Vefa, it looks like suicide. Searching the jeweller''s home, Inspector Mehmet Suleyman and his team come across a hoard of extraordinary artefacts including solid gold religious relics and a mummified human head. But are they real and, if so, who owns these priceless possessions?As his colleagues begin their investigation, Suleyman is distracted by troubles of his own. His wedding to Gonca Serekoglu is days away, but when Gonca receives her bridal bedcover from a Roma haberdasher aTrade ReviewComplex and beguiling: a Turkish delight -- Mick HerronIkmen is one of modern crime fiction's true heroes, complex yet likeable, and the city he inhabits - Istanbul - is just as fascinating * The Times *Barbara Nadel's distinctive Istanbul-set Inspector Ikmen thrillers combine brightly coloured scene setting with deliciously tortuous plots - the resourceful Ikmen is always struggling with intractable cases * Guardian *Inspector Çetin Ikmen is one of detective fiction's most likeable investigators, despite his grumpy and unsociable character . . . think of him as the Morse of Istanbul * Daily Telegraph *Ikmen and Süleyman form an easygoing if tense partnership as ever, and Nadel has no equal when it comes to summoning the dark side of her fictional environment, behind the glossy image of tourist brochures * Crime Time *Nadel's deep passion for Turkish culture and her intimate knowledge of that land come through vividly in this riveting crime drama * Publisher's Weekly *The delight of Nadel's books is the sense of being taken beneath the surface of an ancient city . . . We look into the alleyways and curious dark quarters of Istanbul, full of complex characters and louche atmosphere * Independent *Fans of Barbara Nadel's Inspector Çetin Ikmen have had a front-row seat for the social and political changes that have been happening in Turkey, and revealing insights into the way they've affected the lives of the city's richly diverse inhabitants * The Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisThe gripping new mystery in Quintin Jardine''s bestselling Bob Skinner series, not to be missed by readers of Ian Rankin and Peter May.Sir Robert Skinner''s stock is rising - after retiring from the police service he''s been promoted to head an international media organisation. Yet a series of unexplained deaths on his home turf in Scotland threaten to bring him crashing back down to earth.As Skinner helps the elderly in his local community, several residents seem to die of natural causes. But when a gruesome discovery is made in a Glasgow flat and one of Skinner''s long-time friends - an aspiring politician - emerges as the prime suspect, things become very murky indeed.After unpicking clues that go nowhere, Skinner and his team are left grappling the most baffling conundrum they have ever encountered - is there a mystery at all?Praise for Quintin Jardine''s Bob Skinner series:''The legendary QTrade ReviewPraise for Quintin Jardine's novels: 'Well constructed, fast-paced, Jardine's narrative has many an ingenious twist and turn * Observer *The legendary Quintin Jardine . . . such a fine writer -- Denzil MeyrickScottish crime-writing at its finest, with a healthy dose of plot twists and turns, bodies and plenty of brutality * Sun *Another powerful tartan noir that packs a punch * Peterborough Evening Telegraph *Incredibly difficult to put the book down . . . a guide through a world of tangled family politics, hostile takeovers, government-sanctioned killing, extortion and the seedier side of publishing . . . Quintin Jardine should be . . . your first choice! * Scots magazine *Well constructed, fast-paced, Jardine's narrative has many an ingenious twist and turn * Observer *

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Book SynopsisNo one feels safe when there''s a murderer in their midst...Ann Granger returns to her fan favourite series with the gripping sixteenth Mitchell and Markby novel, featuring her trademark strong and appealing characters, gentle wit and engrossing intrigue.Superintendent Alan Markby and his wife Meredith have retired for the night when they are disturbed by a visitor. It''s not the first time someone has called at the Old Vicarage in search of a priest, but in this case, having just found a dead body in the churchyard, Callum Henderson needs the police. Accompanying Callum to the graveyard, Alan declares that this has all the hallmarks of a murder scene.News of the incident travels fast in the market town of Bamford, but no one seems willing to admit to knowing the dead man or how he ended up in the cemetery. As Alan and his team search for clues, Meredith becomes convinced that something must have been overlooked. Meanwhile, Trade ReviewCharacterisation, as ever with Granger, is sharp and astringent * The Times *Her usual impeccable plotting is fully in place * Good Book Guide *A clever and lively book -- Margaret YorkeTo be savoured by connoisseurs of characterisation * Publishers Weekly *Lovely characterisation and a neat plot * Yorkshire Post *Her characterisation is excellent * Cotswold Life *Good plotting and believable motivation * Crime Time *

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Book SynopsisMorse had solved so many mysteries in his life. Was he now, he wondered, beginning to glimpse the solution to the greatest mystery of them all . . . ? How can the discovery of a short story by a beautiful Oxford graduate lead Chief Inspector Morse to her murderer? What awaits Morse and Lewis in Room 231 of the Randolph Hotel? Why does a theft at Christmas lead the detective to look upon the festive season with uncharacteristic goodwill? And what happens when Morse himself falls victim to a brilliantly executed crime? Morse's Greatest Mystery and Other Stories is a dazzling collection of short stories from Inspector Morse's creator, Colin Dexter. It includes six ingenious cases for the world's most popular fictional detective – plus five other tantalizingly original tales to delight all lovers of classic crime fiction.

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Book SynopsisA secluded hut in the middle of the woods. A double life that could be his downfall. The Secret Life of Mr Roos is the third Inspector Barbarotti novel from the ‘Godfather of Swedish crime’ (Metro), Håkan Nesser. At fifty-nine years old, Valdemar Roos is tired of life. Working a job he hates, with a wife he barely talks to and two step-daughters he doesn’t get on with, he doesn’t have a lot to look forward to. Then, one day, a winning lottery ticket gives him an opportunity to start afresh.Without telling a soul, he quits his job and buys a hut in the remote Swedish countryside. Every day he travels down to this man-made oasis, returning each evening to his unsuspecting wife. Life couldn’t be better, until a young woman arrives in paradise . . .Anna Gambowska is a twenty-one-year-old recovering drug addict. On the run from the rehab centre she hated and an abusive relationship she can’t go back to, all Anna’s prayers are answered when she comes across a seemingly vacant hut in the Swedish woodland. But it’s not long before Anna’s ex discovers her location, and an incident occurs that will mar the lives of both Anna and Valdemar forever.Inspector Barbarotti doesn’t take much interest when a woman reports her husband as missing. That is, until a dead body is found near the missing man’s newly bought hut, and Mr Roos becomes the number one murder suspect . . .The Secret Life of Mr Roos is the third novel in Håkan Nesser’s Inspector Barbarotti quintet.Trade ReviewThe godfather of Swedish crime * Metro *Told with wry humour and compassion, Nesser has four more Barbarotti stories to come – cherish them all -- Daily Mail on The Darkest DayA master of suspense * Sunday Times *In an exemplary translation by Sarah Death, this tangled tale of guilt and betrayal whets the appetite for translations of the other Barbarotti novels -- Financial Times on The Darkest DayOne of the best of the Nordic Noir writers * Guardian *One of Sweden’s best crime writers * Mail on Sunday *

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Book SynopsisA ruthless killer is stalking Glasgow's streets in The Reborn, the seventh novel in Lin Anderson's forensic crime series featuring Rhona MacLeod.When the body of a pregnant teenager is found at a Glasgow funfair, her unborn baby surgically removed, forensic scientist Rhona MacLeod is called in to assist the police. Suspecting the baby may still be alive, finding the killer becomes paramount.Delving deeper into the twisted case shines suspicion on Jeff Coulter, a psychotic inmate at a nearby hospital whose hobby is making Reborns – chillingly realistic baby dolls intended for bereaved parents. But how could he have orchestrated the murder from a secure psychiatric facility?With time running out, the investigation soon leads to four of the girl’s friends, who have mysteriously all fallen pregnant at the same time, calling themselves the Daisy Chain. It becomes clear that something much more sinister is at play than Rhona could ever have imagined. A killer is out there, watching, waiting and ready to strike again . . .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 *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 *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 MacBride

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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 SynopsisThe Scent of the Night is the sixth comic detective novel in the Inspector Montalbano series by Andrea Camilleri.Montalbano learned how hard it was to put on a wetsuit while in a dinghy speeding over a sea that wasn't exactly calm. Mimì, at the helm, looked tense and worried."Getting seasick?" the inspector asked him at one point."No. Just sick of myself.""Why?""Because every now and then I realize what a stupid shit I am to go along with some of your brilliant ideas."When an angry octogenarian holds a terrified and lovelorn secretary at gunpoint, Inspector Montalbano is reluctantly drawn into the case. The secretary's boss, a financial advisor, has vanished along with several billion lire entrusted to him by the good citizens of Vigàta. Also missing is the advisor's young colleague, whose uncle just happens to be building a house on the site of Inspector Montalbano's very favourite olive tree . . .Ably abetted by his loyal and eccentric team, Montalbano, the food-loving, commitment-phobic inspector, returns for another delicious investigation served up in vintage Camilleri style.The Scent of the Night is followed by the seventh book in the series, Rounding the Mark.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 *

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Book Synopsis'Stunning' - Sunday Times Claire Askew won the Scottish Debut Crime Award with her debut All the Hidden Truths, praised as 'A meticulous and compelling novel' by Ian Rankin.'What if I told you,' he said, 'that I believe my mother's life to be in danger?'Robertson Bennet returns to Edinburgh after a 25-year absence in search of his parents and his inheritance. But both have disappeared. A quick, routine police check should be enough - and Detective Inspector Helen Birch has enough on her plate trying to help her brother, Charlie, after an assault in prison. But all her instincts tell her not to let this case go. And so she digs.George and Phamie Bennet were together for a long time. No one can ever really know the secrets kept between husband and wife. But as Birch slowly begins to unravel the truth, terrible crimes start to rise to the surface.Beautifully written and ingeniously plotted, Cover Your Tracks confirms Claire Askew as a major new talent in crime fiction.Praise for Claire Askew's novels:'Stunning debut... compellingly written' - Daily Mail'A meticulous and compelling novel about the aftermath of a major crime and its effect on the affected families and investigating officers both' - Ian Rankin'Splendid debut... thoughtful and well-written' - Guardian'Gripping, heartbreaking and horrifyingly plausible. I couldn't tear myself away from this book. Claire Askew is a stunning new voice in crime fiction' - Erin Kelly, author of He Said/She Said'Moving and memorable' - The Sunday Times'A fine, thought-provoking debut' - Mail on Sunday'Claire Askew takes us away from the obvious plot and asks us tantalising questions... an absorbing psychological trio for Askew's thought-provoking entry into crime fiction' - The TimesTrade ReviewEngaging * Literary Review *Askew tackles her third Edinburgh procedural with confidence in her original plot structure, warm characterisation and a credible story that resonates * Sunday Times Crime Club *Thoroughly engrossing series * Sunday Sport *It's as good as Rankin! * The Peterborough Telegraph *Stunning * The Sunday Times *This is the first of Askew's books I've read and I wasn't disappointed . . . I enjoyed being able to jump along for the ride on the back of Birch's hunch to dig up the truth * Daily Record *A smart, thoughtful, intriguing crime novel. I absolutely adore this series, for me it contains one of the more realistic characters in the modern book world of policing * LoveReading *

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Book Synopsis'A dark, disturbing and highly original thriller' MARK BILLINGHAM'Haunting, twisted and compelling' C.L. TAYLOR'Clever, dark, unusual and full of genuine surprises' LOUISE BEECH'One of the highlights of my reading year. A deliciously dark masterpiece' HELEN FITZGERALD'A brilliantly original thriller, dark and brooding, with a real emotional punch' DOUG JOHNSTONEDeath is not the end. For Grace McGill, it's only the beginning.When people die alone and undiscovered, it's her job to clean up what's left behind - whether it's clutter, bodily remains or dark secrets. When an old man lies undetected in his flat for months, it seems an unremarkable life and an unnoticed death. But Grace knows that everyone has a story and that all deaths mean something more.A STAND-OUT NOVEL WITH A UNIQUE NARRATIVE VOICE AND AN UNGUESSABLE MYSTERY, YOU ARE GUARANTEED TO REMEMBER GRACE McGILL.Reader praise for The Undiscovered Deaths of Grace McGill:'A twisted story of undiscovered deaths and twisted minds, of people of little or no morality and Grace right in the thick of it, setting records straight and doing good in her own inimitable way''Wow! What an absolute stunner of a book. This was so different to a lot of the books out there at the moment. Totally gripping and thrilling and I couldn't stop reading it although I really didn't want to finish it!''A premise that, gratifyingly, delivers the goods in spades and does so with a superbly well drawn cast of characters and a rather unique, well written, often dark narrative. Compelling and wholly engaging reading. Top notch''The story was engrossing and I couldn't wait to see where it would go. I highly recommend this''A masterpiece'Trade ReviewA dark, disturbing and highly original thriller. You'll love Grace McGill * Mark Billingham *Dark, twisted and compelling, you won't want Grace to clean your house . . . * C.L. Taylor *A brilliantly original thriller, dark and brooding, with a real emotional punch * Doug Johnstone *Clever, dark, unusual and full of genuine surprises * Louise Beech *One of the highlights of my reading year. A deliciously dark masterpiece * Helen Fitzgerald *Twisted, twisting, original and sinister. The Undiscovered Deaths of Grace McGill is unforgettable * Chris Whitaker, author of We Begin at the End *So original * Crime Monthly *This is an ingenious, disturbing and chilling thriller in which Grace is an unforgettable character, and not what she seems. Superb storytelling, with an elegant twist * Daily Mail *[A] Gut-wrenching thriller. There are jaw-dropping revelations and startling assertions in C.S. Robertson's gruesome tale * The Times *Dark and quirky - there's just something readers are going to love about meeting Grace McGill * Scottish Sun *A brilliant read * Daily Record *A truly startling novel * The Sunday Times *A sharp and vigorous novel with a massively original theme * On Magazine *Dark and quirky - there's just something readers are going to love about meeting Grace McGill * The Sun, 2022 Must Reads *This enthralling story defies genre description * NFOP Magazine *It's not just a clever read - you'll sail through a range of emotions and there's no way you'll forget Grace. I'm struggling to remember reading a book like it before, and what a way to start 2022 reading * Belfast Telegraph *Beautifully written with a shocking twist, this remarkable thriller has a unique narrator in Grace McGill, and her voice stays with you long after you read the final page * Sunday Express *It's a dark page ripper * Peterborough Telegraph *This fascinating thriller had me hooked from the first chapter . . . as dark and disconcerting as it is compelling * Scottish Field *It's a dark and disturbing novel. It's chilling and haunting. It's original and touching. This book will genuinely be one of your best reads of the 2022 * Crime Squad *This novel is something a bit different: off-beat, slightly macabre, and not the usual psychological crime drama * Yorkshire Times *This is a very colourful and vivid novel . . . gripping, intense and atmospheric * Crime Fiction Lover *Robertson tries something audacious, and he pulls it off superbly * The Spectator *This is a disturbing read with a shocking twist * Sunday Express *Inventive * Guardian, Best Crime & Thrillers of 2022 *

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Book SynopsisSome games can be deadlyAt first, Detective Chief Superintendent Frankie Sheehan believes the murder mystery game sent to her office is a birthday gift from one of her colleagues. But when Frankie studies the game's contents, she notices a striking resemblance between the 'murder victim' and missing twenty-two-year-old Lydia Callin. As Frankie and her team investigate, a series of grisly crimes connected to the game are discovered across Dublin city and Lydia's involvement with a shadowy network of murder mystery players becomes clear. On the hunt for Lydia's murderer, Frankie is drawn more deeply into the game. Every successful move brings her closer to the killer. But the real question is not what happens should she lose -- but what happens if she wins. PRAISE FOR OLIVIA KIERNAN:'A wonderfully rich lead character and a story that twists in unforeseen directions' Claire McGowan'What an absolute winner of a book. Five stars from me' Gytha Lodge 'The heir to Tana French's throne' Irish Times 'Cracking . . . Taut, gripping and beautifully written' Steve Cavanagh 'An ending you definitely won't see coming' JP Delaney 'A superior crime thriller . . . Highly recommended' Mark Edwards'A superior police procedural' Sarah Vaughan'Pin-sharp prose, brilliant characters and a hook to die for' Phoebe Locke'Tight, tense, pacy and full of twists. A cracker' Neil Lancaster'Very clever, chilling and brilliantly written! LOVED it!' Karen Hamilton'Clever, shocking, and psychologically astute - this deserves to be huge' Caz Frear'Grabs you by the throat from the first page and doesn't let go until the last' Araminta Hall'An original concept that kept me utterly gripped from start to finish' Nikki Smith'Sleekly written, atmospheric, and beautifully macabre' Charlotte Philby'Authentic, taut, intriguing storytelling' Mari Hannah'You won't be able to close it until you've solved the puzzle' Trevor Wood'The Murder Box is compulsive reading - and has the most genius twist' Sam Blake'A genius premise and beautiful writing. Loved it' Susi Holiday'A masterful and original thriller' Rachel Edwards'Line of Duty fans, here's your next obsession!' Amanda Reynolds'Olivia's Kiernan's The Murder Box cements her position as one of the rising stars of crime fiction' Fiona CumminsTrade ReviewKiernan's best yet. You'll be gripped from the minute you open the Murder Box..... -- Cara HunterCleverly plotted, it's a page-turner that keeps you guessing * Choice *Offers something a little different, as Kiernan tests the elasticity of the police procedural's parameters * Irish Times *A clever, original story is augmented by Kiernan's masterful writing, credible characters, and a smashing finale * Sunday Independent *Twisty, smartly plotted * Real People * A multi-layered novel and the main plot that is so cleverly put together - you will want to devour this book and do little else but read * Belfast Telegraph *told efficiently and with relish * Sunday Times Crime Club – Mark Sanderson’s Pick of the Week *So dark and so clever - a thrilling puzzle for the reader to solve. I loved it. -- Lucy Foley

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Book Synopsis'Dark and terrifying, utterly compelling' SARAH PEARSE********A luxury resort. Three missing women. One body.When young London professional Alex Evans is informed that his sister's body has been pulled from an icy lake in Northern Lapland, he assumes his irresponsible sister accidentally drowned. He travels to the wealthy winter resort where Vicky worked as a tour-guide and meets Agatha Koskinen, the detective in charge. Agatha is a no-nonsense single mother of three who already thinks there's more to Vicky's case than meets the eye.As the two form an unlikely alliance, Alex also begins to suspect the small town where his sister lived and died is harbouring secrets. It's not long before he learns that three other women have gone missing from the area in the past and that his sister may have left him a message.On the surface, Koppe, Lapland is a winter wonderland. But in this remote, frozen place, death seems only ever a heartbeat away.********'A breathless, tense thriller' B. P. Walter'Utterly ingenious' Liz Nugent'Tense and atmospheric' Catherine Cooper'Unforgettable!' Allie Reynolds'Jo Spain never disappoints' Chris WhitakerTrade ReviewSmall-town Finnish life is engagingly drawn and Spain's straightforward style makes for an easy, enjoyable read as she steadily builds the sense of threat * Financial Times *I was absolutely blown away by this utterly ingenious book. So deftly plotted with entirely credible characters. Even though it's early in the year, I doubt I'll read a better crime novel in 2022. I absolutely loved it * Liz Nugent *Tense and atmospheric, set against a frozen landscape with reindeer, snowmobiles and interesting, varied and realistic characters. Beautifully written - loved it * Catherine Cooper *A superb crime thriller, brilliantly written, with a unique winter wonderland setting and a fascinating bunch of characters. The story offers terrifying glimpses of the darkness inside us. Unforgettable! * Allie Reynolds *A tense, breathless thriller with such an evocatively drawn setting, you feel like you're right there in the ice yourself, on the hunt for a killer. The Last to Disappear is absolutely stunning * B. P. Walter *What an amazing thriller! I loved everything about it. So vivid, atmospheric and chilling with a tight, unpredictable plot and a cast of characters that jumped off the page. A triumph! * Claire Douglas *Spain has always been one of the finest Irish crime writers and The Last to Disappear is her best book yet * Irish Times *This brilliant book captured me from the first page and didn't let go! Jo Spain's beautifully atmospheric prose transports you to the beautiful, frozen landscape of Finland, immersing you in a dark and terrifying mystery that kept me constantly guessing. Agatha Koskinen, the detective, is utterly compelling as a character and I relished following her throughout the twists and turns of the investigation. A fantastic, page-turning read. I absolutely loved it! * Sarah Pearse *Thrilling and twisty, with a plot as chilling as the setting. The Last to Disappear is further proof that Jo Spain never disappoints * Chris Whitaker *Whether you're heading off on holiday or just chilling in the garden, this gripping new thriller from Jo Spain should be on your to-read list * YOU Magazine *Spain's best mystery yet * Irish Independent *Building to an incendiary, skilfully contrived, genuinely unexpected series of revelations,The Last to Disappear is a compelling, immensely satisfying crime novel * Irish Times *A Scandi thriller to give you chills! * Peterborough Telegraph *An exceptionally good crime novel; fluently written with some nicely-judged surprises and insights * Shots *Vividly described . . . Brilliant * Belfast Telegraph *A fast-paced thriller with captivating characters * Candis *The queen of the corkscrew plot has not lost her Midas touch * Sunday Times Crime Club *The plot is gripping, driven by snappy writing, expertly crafted with unexpected twists * Sunday Independent *Makes for ideal poolside reading * STELLAR Magazine *Fans of Wisting and other Scandi writing will love this * Irish Independent *Ingenious * Irish Times *

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Book SynopsisBruno Johnson is a wanted fugitive—and unless he helps the Costa Rican police, they’re turning him in Ex-cop, ex-con Bruno Johnson is hiding from US law enforcement in Costa Rica with his wife, Marie, and the twelve children they rescued from toxic homes in south central Los Angeles. Bruno works at the Lido Cabana Bar at the Punta Bandera Hotel, and his friend, Karl Drago, is getting married on the beach right outside. After the festivities, Bruno and Marie go skinny dipping in the ocean, but they’re quickly interrupted by a visit from law enforcement. A shooting has just occurred at El Gato Gordo nightclub, and the victim is a prominent local figure and Bruno’s close friend. The chief of police asks Bruno to help investigate, but the stakes are higher than ever—if Bruno doesn’t find the shooter, the chief will turn him over to US authorities. Everything is complicated further when Bruno becomes a victim of a crime himself, realizing that someone else may be after him. Bruno has to juggle the police investigation with figuring out who’s targeting him—if he drops the ball, it might be the last thing he ever does.Perfect for fans of Michael Connelly and David Baldacci While all of the novels in the Bruno Johnson Crime Series stand on their own and can be read in any order, the publication sequence is:The Disposables The Replacements The Squandered The Vanquished The Innocents The Reckless The Heartless The Ruthless The Sinister The Scorned The DiabolicalTrade ReviewPraise for The Diabolical ”The Diabolical is Bruno at his absolute best: quick-witted, quick with his fists, and frighteningly formidable in protecting those he loves.” —Glen Erik Hamilton, award-winning author of Island of ThievesPraise for the Bruno Johnson Crime Series *“[In The Sinister] the twists come fast, and Putnam’s brisk prose maintains the momentum. Fans of Marcia Clark’s Samantha Brinkman series will be gripped.” —Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) “Riveting, scary, but with plenty of wit and humanity, author David Putnam brings ex-cop Bruno Johnson’s world alive in a way that only another ex-cop could. In Putnam’s capable hands, the characters jump off the page—even the dog.” —Janet Evanovich, New York Times best-selling author “Putnam is a master of the gritty realism of law and order at street level. I guarantee that The Ruthless will grab you by the throat, shove you against the wall, and won’t release you until the final, satisfying page.” —William Kent Krueger, New York Times best-selling author “I really loved The Disposables. It’s raw, powerful, and eloquent. It’s a gritty street poem recited by a voice unalterably committed to redemption and doing the right thing in a wrong world. I'll be first in line for the next one from David Putnam.” —Michael Connelly, New York Times best-selling author “David Putnam's The Heartless is terrific—a smart, well-written, relentless account of a battle against evil, fought by a protagonist who has a real man's flaws, but also shows us the kind of heroism that's real.” —Thomas Perry, New York Times best-selling author “This is a police procedural that dazzles with authenticity, sharply-drawn characters, crackling dialogue, and insider details that only a real cop could bring to the page. Putnam can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Joseph Wambaugh and Michael Connelly.” —Lee Goldberg, New York Times best-selling author “Dark, disturbing, and all too believable, this is the tale of one man’s quest for atonement in a world where innocence is a liability.” —T. Jefferson Parker, New York Times best-selling author “Reading a novel by David Putnam is almost as good as riding shotgun in a patrol car. He writes what he knows and what he knows is that justice on the mean streets isn’t always black and white. Gritty and dark, The Reckless is a realistic and highly entertaining police procedural.” —Robin Burcell, New York Times best-selling author “David Putnam provides an insider’s knowledge of the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department. His characters and settings are rich and authentic, and his dialogue is spot on accurate.” —Robert Dugoni, New York Times best-selling author “David Putnam knows the mean streets and the characters who inhabit them better than anyone writing crime fiction. In The Heartless, Putnam is at the top of his game. Fans of Bruno Johnson will rejoice at this latest offering.” —Alan Russell, New York Times best-selling author “Putnam puts his years of law enforcement experience to good use in The Squandered, a shocking and intense tale of brotherly love and redemption realized in the midst of moral decay. It’s a raw and gritty story I couldn’t put down.” —C. J. Box, New York Times best-selling author “[The Ruthless is] a true thriller that is fast-paced, with twists and turns you will never see coming.” —D. P. Lyle, Macavity and Benjamin Franklin Award-winning author

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Book Synopsis" A cracking slice of Aussie Noir." – Heat magazine A murder made to look like an accident. A disgraced cop trying to forget his past. Nash Baker was once a celebrated cop, but his career was ended when he chose to take justice into his own hands. Now he’s living a quiet life in a small town caring for the local wildlife and trying to stay away from trouble. Jesse Redpath has a new job in a new town, Satellite – the stormy weather that greets her first few days on the new beat seems like a sign for what’s to come. A local has died in what seems like an accident, but Jessie isn’t so sure that ‘accident’ wasn’t planned. All evidence seems to point to Nash, but Jessie’s not sure about that either. Seems like Nash has enemies. And what looks like a close knit community might just be cover for dark secrets.No amount of rain will wash this town clean. The new Jesse Redpath crime thriller from the bestselling author of Canticle Creek.Praise for Canticle Creek: ‘The rural crime fiction wave continues with this brilliant new arid drama.’ ― Australian Women's Weekly ‘Hyland has mastered the architecture of noir – his sinister tale seethes with small-town atmosphere and satisfying twists, set against the dangers and harsh beauty of the Australian landscape.’ ― Sydney Morning Herald ‘an entertaining and engrossing novel. Hyland has written the ideal story for a long, hot summer, where fire always seems a possibility.’ ― The Canberra Times ‘You can almost feel the blanketing heat and crunch of dry foliage underfoot while reading Canticle Creek ... a well-paced, atmospheric thriller with unexpected twists’ ― The West AustralianTrade Review"This new Australian thriller crackles with danger ... rival to Chris Hammer’s Oz bestsellers." * Peterborough Telegraph *"A cracking slice of Aussie noir" * Heat magazine *

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Book SynopsisIntroducing criminologist Will Traynor in the first of a gripping new forensic mystery series from an expert in the field.When a headless body is discovered on a popular jogging trail, Detective Inspector Bernard Watts and his team are plunged headlong into a baffling murder investigation. Why would someone stab to death a young woman on her daily run - and take her head? When a close examination of the crime scene results in a shocking discovery linking the present murder to a past crime, criminologist Will Traynor is brought in to assist the police. Aware of Traynor''s troubled past and already having to deal with inexperienced rookie PC Chloe Judd on his team, Watts is sceptical that Traynor will bring anything useful to the investigation. He''s about to be proved very wrong ...

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