Crime and mystery: private investigator / amateur detectives

Book SynopsisBrought to you by Penguin.1992. Two strangers bring a hospital patient a list of names. They ask him for one more, but it's a question the patient can't answer. Minutes later he is dispatched through the 12th floor window.His death generates some unexpected attention. That attention comes from the Secretary of Defence, who brings in an inter-agency task force to investigate. Jack Reacher, recently demoted from Major to Captain, is assigned as the Army's representative.Reacher may be an exceptional soldier, but sweeping other people's secrets under the carpet isn't part of his skill set. As he races to find the killer, he must navigate around the ulterior motives of his new 'partners'. And all while moving into the sight line of some of the most dangerous people he has ever encountered.His mission is to uncover the truth. Fast. The question is: will Reacher bring the bad guys to justice the official way . . . or his way?PRAISE FOR THE JACK REACHER SERIES'There's only one Jack Reacher. Accept no substitutes.' MICK HERRON'Jack Reacher is today's James Bond, a thriller hero we can't get enough of.' KEN FOLLETT'Everyone needs to kick some butt sometimes, even if it's just imaginary.' JOJO MOYESAlthough the Jack Reacher novels can be read in any order, The Secret is the 28th book in the internationally bestselling series.©2023 Andrew Child & Lee Child (P)2023 Penguin AudioTrade ReviewThe Secret is a corker . . . Fast and furious, this is classic Jack Reacher doing what he does best – busting heads and breaking rules to get to the bottom of a conspiracy * Daily Express *A flow to the fight scenes . . . some flashes of humour . . . Welcome back, Jack * The Times *If there is a more iconic character in modern fiction than Jack Reacher, I’d like to meet them * Daily Mirror *Jack Reacher is on good form . . . Cue classic laconic violence * The Sun *

Read more less

Book SynopsisBOOK THREE IN THE SHIRES MYSTERIES - A GRIPPING NEW WHODUNNIT SET IN THE ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE.All is not well in the village. The local meadows have been the pride of Bishops Well for hundreds of years, but now they are facing the sharp blades of developers. The landowner is a rich and reclusive author who is happy to see them destroyed, but the villagers - including Sam Dee and Maggie Kaye - are fighting back.Until, that is, someone decides to silence one of their number permanently.As Maggie and Sam soon discover, there is more than a quick buck to be made in the developers' plans. There are age-old secrets and personal vendettas that could have deadly repercussions in Bishops Well today.With Sam's legal expertise and Maggie's... well, Maggie-ness, they delve into the past, determined to unearth the truth. And, as sparks begin to fly, could there finally be something more between this sleuthing duo?A GRIPPING NEW COSY CRIME SERIES, FOR FANS OF BETTY ROWLANDS, FAITH MARTIN AND JOY ELLIS.What readers are saying about Anna Legat:'Brilliant. I didn't want to put it down!''It's a rare author who can keep me guessing until the end - and the ending was a shocker''Plenty of twists and turns''A brilliantly complex spaghetti of unrelated sub-plots to challenge any armchair sleuth''I thoroughly enjoyed this book, reading it cover to cover in a weekend''I shall look out for more from Ms Legat'

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis punk ain’t feelin’ lucky. It’s 2032 and we live in the worst cyberpunk future. Kiera is gigging her ass off to keep the lights on, but her polycule’s social score is so dismal they’re about to lose their crib. That’s why she’s out here chasing cheaters with Angel Herrera, a luddite P.I. who thinks this is The Big Sleep. Then the latest job cuts too deep—hired to locate Herrera’s ex-best friend (who’s also Kiera’s pro bono attorney), they find him murdered instead. Their only lead: a stick of Nag Champa incense dropped at the scene. Next thing Kiera knows, her new crush turns up missing—sans a hand (the real one, not the cybernetic), and there’s the familiar stink of sandalwood across the apartment. Two crimes, two sticks of incense, Kiera framed for both. She told Herrera to lose her number, but now the old man might be her only way out of this bullshit... A fast-talker with a heart of gold, Bang Bang Bodhisattva is both an odd-couple buddy comedy that never knows when to shut up and an exploration of finding yourself and your people in an ever-mutable world.Trade Review"The antidote to sci fi as usual: Simultaneously gritty and shiny neon new, realist but not nihilist, unabashedly queer and endlessly inventive." -- Bitter Karella (The Midnight Society)“Fresh, exciting cyberpunk” -- Publishers Weekly“A crafty, intoxicating romp.” -- Maya Deane, author of Wrath Goddess Sing“Wood melds genres with ease—noir and cyberpunk, mystery and sf—in a wickedly funny and heart-wrenching, dystopian thrill ride. Bang Bang Bodhisattva will knock readers off kilter in the best way possible.” -- Booklist“Packed with one liners and crassly loveable characters Bang Bang Bodhisattva is the perfect melting pot for genre lovers in need of a relevant and modern spin on futuristic crime thrillers.” -- SciFiNow

Read more less

Book Synopsis'Denise Mina is a one-of-a-kind storyteller' James Patterson"This is Marlowe.""Mr. Philip Marlowe?" She asked.I glanced at the clock. It was exactly eleven am, as if she had been waiting by thephone for an appointed hour, following someone else's orders to the letter."What, d'you think we're a troupe of brothers? There is only me."It's mid-September, a heatwave has descended on the parched hills of LA and Private Detective Philip Marlowe is called to the Montgomery estate, an almost mythic place sitting high on top of Beverly Hills. Wealthy twenty-two-year-old Chrissie Montgomery, set to inherit an enormous fortune, is missing. She's a walking target, ripe for someone to get their claws into. Her dying father, along with his sultry bottle blonde girlfriend, wants her found before that happens. They've hired Anna Riorden, Marlowe's nemesis, too. The search takes them to the roughest neighbourhoods of LA through dive bars and Skid Row. And that's before he finds the body at The Brody Hotel. Who will get to her first, Marlowe, Anne, or the men chasing her fortune? And does she want to be found?Discover the rest of the inimitable Philip Marlowe series - nine classic Chandler adventures, from The Big Sleep to The Long Goodbye, available now in paperback and eBook from Penguin Books.______________________________Readers love The Second Murderer: 'I must congratulate Denise Mina for bravely stepping into the shoes of Raymond Chandler and continuing the tales of the much loved Philip Marlowe... I think the author has done a great job capturing the essence of Marlowe such as his duelling dialogue with other characters or his descriptions of the heat soaked LA landscape in midsummer. The Chandler sarcastic humour is also present....one line I cant seem to find but from memory was something like..." this place was so sleazy even the rats had to wipe their feet on the way out". Brilliant! I encourage all fans of the genre to read this book. It is very well written and much like Chandlers books, the descriptions are so vivid you feel you are in each scene.' Michael N., 5 starsTrade ReviewDenise Mina is an even better writer than Raymond Chandler. She's also a one-of-a-kind storyteller. I'll leave it at that * James Patterson *Denise Mina is crime writing royalty * Val McDermid *Mina successfully emulates the language and tone of Raymond Chandler's hard-boiled novels featuring P.I. Marlowe in this terrific pastiche. Mina delivers a truly surprising plot. Noir fans will hope Mina returns to the mean streets of L.A. again soon * Publishers Weekly *Denise Mina is the cream of the crop, an author who pushes the crime novel in new and exciting directions * Ian Rankin *Denise Mina gets to the heart of what crime really is. You feel like you are right there, in all the dark nooks and crannies that her characters inhabit * Karin Slaughter *

Read more less

Book SynopsisWHEN THE VOICES CALL, DON'T ANSWER... In the wake of his parents' tragic deaths fourteen-year-old Richard Elauved has been sent to live with his aunt and uncle in the remote town of Ballantyne, where all is not as it seems. Richard quickly earns a reputation as an outcast, and when a classmate named Tom goes missing, no one believes him when he says the telephone booth out by the edge of the woods sucked Tom into the receiver like something out of a horror movie. No one, that is, except the enigmatic Karen, who encourages Richard to pursue clues the police refuse to investigate. He traces the number to an abandoned house in the woods. There he catches a glimpse of a terrifying face in the window. And then the voices start. A twisted spin on a classic coming-of-age horror story from the Sunday Times Number One bestseller Jo Nesbo, author of the Detective Harry Hole series. 'This horror fan loved it' Josh Malerman, bestselling author of Bird Box *** READERS LOVE THE NIGHT HOUSE:‘Fasten your seat belt, go along for the ride and be prepared for sleepless nights and vivid dreams’. ‘Highly recommend to fans of horror and paranormal who like to have thrilling and spine shivering reads! ’ ‘This novel has everything you would want from a horror story’. ‘A storyline that would cause Stephen King to tremble.’‘Wow! What a Halloween rollercoaster ride.’Trade ReviewNesbø doesn't spend any time fiddling about, building up, or misdirecting. In The Night House, the horror begins immediately. And it only keeps calling from there. There are lessons to be learned here: who to believe and what to believe in. And how a person can change, when the impossible turns possible and the unimaginable is laid bare. This horror fan loved it * Josh Malerman, best-selling author of Bird Box and Spin a Black Yarn *A beguiling coming-of-age tale that becomes more terrifying as it builds, with plenty of tension and surprises packed into its pages * SUNDAY EXPRESS *

Read more less

Book SynopsisTHE SEQUEL TO INSTINCT, A SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLERDr Dylan Reinhart is no stranger to solving crimes.When an Ivy League professor is murdered, Reinhart reunites with his old partner Detective Elizabeth Needham. With his unrivalled mind for criminal psychology and Needham's investigative experience, Reinhart is confident that together they can find the killer, and close the case.But as the investigation proceeds, a terrifying attack on New York sends the city into chaos. In the aftermath, a name from Reinhart's past emerges on the list of victims - a name he thought he'd left behind.As long-buried secrets threaten to derail everything he's worked for, can he keep his life together long enough to outsmart the killer?Or has Reinhart finally met his match?___________________________Don't miss the next book in the series - STEAL___________________________'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'James Patterson is The Boss. End of.' IAN RANKIN

Read more less

Book SynopsisFROM THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE MATCH AND CREATOR OF HIT NETFLIX DRAMA STAY CLOSE____________________________Thirty years ago, a child was found in the New Jersey backwoods.He had been living a feral existence, with no memory of how he got there or even who he is. Everyone just calls him Wilde.Now a former soldier and security expert, he lives off the grid, shunned by the community - until they need him.A child has gone missing. With her family suspecting she's just playing a disappearing game, nobody seems concerned except for criminal attorney Hester Crimstein. She contacts Wilde, asking him to use his unique skills to find the girl.But even he can find no trace of her. One day passes, then a second, then a third.On the fourth, a human finger shows up in the mail.And now Wilde knows this is no game. It's a race against time to save the girl's life - and expose the town's dark trove of secrets...Also featuring the character of Wilde: The Match - OUT NOW _____________________________'The absolute master' RICHARD OSMAN 'A helter-skelter of a read!' LISA JEWELL 'One of the all-time greats' GILLIAN FLYNN 'One of my favourites' JOHN GRISHAM 'At the top of his game' PETER JAMES 'Never lets you down' LEE CHILD 'Insanely readable' SUNDAY MIRROR 'Coben is a phenomenon' THE TIMESTrade ReviewHarlan Coben is the absolute master of huge twists and turns. * RICHARD OSMAN *Coben never, ever lets you down * LEE CHILD *If you liked The Stranger on Netflix, you’ll love this novel […] The novel is a splendid reminder that Coben is as brilliant at creating wonderful characters as he is at those textbook twists. * HEAT MAGAZINE *Thriller-lovers who just want some adrenaline to lift their spirits should escape with this riveting page-turner from the hugely popular author and screenwriter, Harlan Coben, who not only has more than 70 million books in print worldwide, but also recently brought us the hit TV series The Stranger and Safe on Netflix. * MAIL ONLINE *Harlan Coben’s thrillers are like intricately patterned knitting […] He has created a cracker of a hero in the aptly named Wilde […] Hopefully Wilde will return – Coben certainly leaves clues that he will. * THE TIMES *

Read more less

Book SynopsisSometimes figuring out the truth means going to the point of no return. For Mitchum, returning isn't something he concerns himself with. HIDDEN: Rejected by the Navy SEALs, Mitchum is content to be his small town's unofficial private eye, until his beloved 14-year-old cousin is abducted. Now he'll call on every lethal skill to track her down – but nothing is what it seems... MALICIOUS: Mitchum's brother has been charged with murder. Nathaniel swears he didn't kill anyone, but word on the street is that he was involved with the victim's wife. Now, Navy SEAL dropout Mitchum will break every rule to expose the truth – even if it destroys the people he loves.MALEVOLENT: Mitchum has never been more desperate. One by one his loved ones have become victims of carefully staged attacks. There's only one way to stop the ruthless mastermind intent on destroying everyone around him – to go on the most dangerous hunt of his life.

Read more less

Book Synopsis 'Fresh, original, authentic and gritty - should be an instant classic' LEE CHILD NO ONE SEES HIM. BUT HE SEES EVERYTHING. It started with a splash. Jimmy, a homeless veteran grappling with PTSD, did his best to pretend he hadn't heard it - the sound of something heavy falling into the Tyne at the height of an argument between two men on the riverbank. Not his fight.Then he sees the headline: GIRL IN MISSING DAD PLEA. The girl, Carrie, reminds him of someone he lost, and this makes his mind up: it's time to stop hiding from his past. But telling Carrie, what he heard - or thought he heard - turns out to be just the beginning of the story.The police don't believe him, but Carrie is adamant that something awful has happened to her dad and Jimmy agrees to help her, putting himself at risk from enemies old and new. But Jimmy has one big advantage: when you've got nothing, you've got nothing to lose.Praise for The Man on the Street'Intricate, expertly paced with a shocking conclusion' M. W. CRAVEN'A unique protagonist and a cracking plotline' MARI HANNAH'Engaging and complex . . . deeply satisfying' HARRIET TYCE'A brilliant read and I love Jimmy' PATRICIA GIBNEY 'An unsparing examination of life on the streets' VAL MCDERMIDWINNER OF THE CWA JOHN CREASEY DAGGER AND OF THE SPECSAVERS DEBUT CRIME NOVEL AWARD. A THEAKSTON'S NEW BLOOD AUTHOR FOR 2020 AND SHORTLISTED FOR THE THEAKSTON'S OLD PECULIER CRIME NOVEL OF THE YEAR AWARD.Trade ReviewFresh, original, authentic and gritty - should be an instant classic * Lee Child *What more do you want from a debut than a unique protagonist and a cracking plotline? A smart, thought-provoking crime read with bags of heart and humanity -- Mari HannahThe story races along at a cracking pace, lots of tension in the twists and turns, and Jimmy is hugely engaging and complex. It's a rare skill to develop a sympathetic character with such a chequered history for whom one so wants a happy ending. A deeply satisfying read -- Harriet Tyce, author of Blood OrangeIntricate, expertly paced with a shocking conclusion. The dialogue is on-point, the narrative is flawless and Jimmy is a character you root for from page one. Believe me when I say this, Trevor Wood has a bright future in the world of crime fiction. Simply superb -- M W Craven, author of The Puppet ShowI can safely say it will be huge . . . Flying through it. It's a brilliant read and I love Jimmy -- Patricia GibneyA superbly written trip through the shadows of my hometown with a unique protagonist as a tour guide -- Robert ScraggSuperb and going to make serious waves. Love it -- Rob ParkerBrings a fresh voice and a totally original perspective to the 'detective as outsider'. A homeless man, traumatised and violent, makes an unusual hero, but a hero with wit and courage who will win readers' hearts -- Isabelle GreyI've just finished The Man on the Street, and I hugely enjoyed it. Wood is the real thing. I recently read the last Rebus, and it absolutely stands up to that level. It's smart, witty, compassionate and real, and the dialogue is brilliant. It's a fine thriller with something to say - and it feels like a blast of fresh air in the genre -- Stef Penney, author of The Tenderness of WolvesWood's vivid evocation of Newcastle takes us into the depths of the city, and through Jimmy - our unlikely investigator - delivers an unsparing examination of life on the streets * Val McDermid *Jimmy is an original and convincing character... Wood not only weaves an enjoyable crime novel, but also explores the real world plight of many ex-servicemen and women * Spectator *

Read more less

Book SynopsisPrivate Eyes with eagle eyes and rare skills, PI's and gumshoes, bloodhounds and sleuths, the shadowy arts of the detective have intrigued us since tales of the Pinkerton Detective Agency and Sherlock Holmes. Add some treachery, intimacy, and a little murder to the mix and you'll find a powerful series of dark stories from classic and contemporary writers. This new title in our successful Gothic Fantasy Short Stories collection contains a fabulous mix of classic and brand new writing, with contemporary authors from the US, Canada, and the UK. New, contemporary and notable writers featured are: Daniel Brock, Elliott Capon, Philip Brian Hall, Tina L. Jens, Tom Mead, Marshall J. Moore, Pat Morris, Amelia Dee Mueller, Trixie Nisbet, Patsy Pratt-Herzog, Michele Bazan Reed, Lesley L. Smith and Cameron Trost. Alongside classic stories by authors such as Margery Allingham, G.K. Chesterton, Arthur Conan Doyle, Baroness Orczy and Catherine Louisa Pirkis.

Read more less

Book SynopsisChicago. 1992. A hospital patient wakes to find two strangers by his bed. They show him a list of names and ask a simple but impossible question. Minutes later he falls to his death from his twelfth-floor window - a fall which generates some unexpected attention.That attention comes from the Secretary of Defense, who calls for an inter-agency task force to investigate. Jack Reacher, recently demoted from Major, is assigned as the Army's representative. If he gets a result, great. If not, he's a convenient fall guy.Reacher may be an exceptional military investigator, but office politics aren't what gets him up in the morning. As he races to identify a cold-blooded killer and uncover a secret that stretches back 23 years, he must navigate around his new partners.Will Reacher bring the bad guys to justice the official way . . . or his way?Trade ReviewThe Secret is a corker . . . Fast and furious, this is classic Jack Reacher doing what he does best – busting heads and breaking rules to get to the bottom of a conspiracy * Daily Express *A flow to the fight scenes . . . some flashes of humour . . . Welcome back, Jack * The Times *If there is a more iconic character in modern fiction than Jack Reacher, I’d like to meet them * Daily Mirror *Jack Reacher is on good form . . . Cue classic laconic violence * The Sun *

Read more less

Book Synopsis'An excellent action-thriller' Daily Telegraph'The action never lets up for a moment' Daily Mail'Very entertaining' Guardian'An old-fashioned blockbuster...Conway writes with brio and ambition' Financial Times'The most incredible spy franchise since Ian Fleming’ Matthew Vaughn_____________________The globe-trotting spy thriller that inspired the upcoming action blockbuster Argylle , featuring a star-studded cast including Henry Cavill, Bryce Dallas Howard, Samuel L. Jackson, and John Cena.One Russian magnate's dream of restoring a nation to greatness has set in motion a chain of events which will take the world to the brink of chaos. Only Frances Coffey, the CIA's most legendary spymaster, can prevent it. But to do so, she needs someone special.Enter Argylle. His life came to a crashing halt as a teenager. Since then he has been treading water, building barriers between himself and the world. Until one moment of compassion and brilliance will bring him to the attention of the most powerful woman in the secret world.Coffey knows all about Argylle's dark past. She knows it haunts him. But she also knows it may give him the skills to join the team going up against one of the most powerful men in the world. His crash course in espionage will take him from the jungles of Thailand to the boulevards of Monaco, from the monasteries of Mount Athos to a forgotten cavern buried deep in the mountains.It is a deathly rollercoaster ride that will either make him - or break him...

Read more less

Book Synopsis** SHORTLISTED FOR THE CWA HISTORICAL DAGGER AWARD ** ** AN INSTANT TIMES BESTSELLER ** ** A FINANCIAL TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR ** 'A TRULY GRIPPING READ' - GUARDIAN 'FABULOUS, A DELIGHT' - S.G. MACLEAN 'A FINE ADVENTURE REMINISCENT OF PATRICK O'BRIAN' - SUNDAY TIMES This is the secret report of Laurence Jago. Ex-clerk. Unwilling spy. Reluctant sailor. Accidental detective. New Year 1795, and Laurence Jago is aboard the Tankerville mail ship, en route to Philadelphia. Ostensibly travelling as assistant to the irrepressible journalist William Philpott, Laurence's real mission is to aid the civil servant carrying a vital treaty to Congress. A treaty that will prevent the Americans from joining with the French in the war against Britain. However, when the civil servant meets an unfortunate - and supposedly accidental - end and the treaty disappears, Laurence realises only he can now prevent war with the US. Trapped on the ship with travellers including two penniless French aristocrats, an Irish actress and a dancing bear, Laurence must hunt down both the lost treaty and the murderer, before he has a tragic 'accident' himself... The new page-turning historical mystery from the author of BLACK DROP, a 2021 TIMES Book of the Year. Perfect for readers of Andrew Taylor, Laura Shepherd-Robinson and S.J. Parris.Trade ReviewA perfect storm of historical intrigue, bloody mystery and heart-stopping tension! An eighteenth century whodunnit on a ship, with a bear, a dog and a set of tarot cards. What absolutely top-sail rollicking entertainment -- Janice Hallett, author of THE APPEALA satisfying nautical mystery * The Times *Intrigue, tension, memorable characters and shipboard life depicted in all its reeking authenticity add up to a truly gripping read * Guardian *A fine adventure reminiscent of the Patrick O'Brian novels * Sunday Times *Fabulous... A delight. Nattrass again and again had me wondering at her skill and marvellous turn of phrase in filtering complex eighteenth-century history in a way that resonates with our own times -- S. G. MacLean, author of THE SEEKERLuscious prose, an immersive setting, and a fine eye for detail. A nautical mystery with serious historical heft -- Vaseem Khan, author of MIDNIGHT AT MALABAR HOUSEI admired Black Drop. I loved Blue Water. Even more welcome than an extra rum ration on Christmas Day, and slips down just as easily -- Robert Lloyd, author of THE BLOODLESS BOYDanger and mystery trapped inside a rocking barrel, far from home. Artful and authentic historical fiction at its best -- A.J. West, author of THE SPIRIT ENGINEERI absolutely loved this book. Full of intrigue and excitement with a brilliantly-realised cast of characters and a totally immersive setting, it's a superb historical thriller -- Philippa East, author of LITTLE WHITE LIESIngenious and deftly plotted with a pleasing cast of characters. Nattrass's nautical detail is most effective, never overplayed and just as satisfying as any of the C.S. Foresters I adored in my olden days. A hugely enjoyable read -- Alix Nathan, author of THE WARLOW EXPERIMENTA compelling locked room murder-mystery filled with an exquisitely drawn cast of eccentric characters. A wonderful historical naval adventure which keeps the reader guessing right to the final pages -- Louise Fein, author of PEOPLE LIKE USI loved this rip-roaring tale of murder and intrigue on the high seas. A locked-ship mystery, and a cracking sequel to the brilliant Black Drop -- Trevor Wood, author of THE MAN IN THE STREETBeautifully written, immaculately plotted and filled with more red herrings than the Atlantic, it takes readers on a thrilling voyage of murder and mystery. If Patrick O'Brian & Agatha Christie had ever got it together... -- Kate Griffin, author of FYNESHADELeonora Nattrass has woven an incredible novel against an incredible backdrop. It's a real art to combine history and intrigue and yet she has delivered it - again - with such skill -- Liv Matthews, author of THE PRANKBrilliantly written, spine-chillingly evocative and hugely compelling. A stunning book -- Miranda Dickinson, author of THE START OF SOMETHING

Read more less

Book Synopsis** AN INSTANT TIMES BESTSELLER ** ** A FINANCIAL TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR ** ** SHORTLISTED FOR THE CWA HISTORICAL DAGGER AWARD ** ** LONGLISTED FOR THE THEAKSTON OLD PECULIAR CRIME NOVEL AWARD ** 'A TRULY GRIPPING READ' - GUARDIAN 'FABULOUS, A DELIGHT' - S.G. MACLEAN 'A FINE ADVENTURE REMINISCENT OF PATRICK O'BRIAN' - SUNDAY TIMES This is the secret report of Laurence Jago. Unwilling spy. Reluctant sailor. Accidental detective. New Year 1795, and Laurence Jago is aboard the Tankerville mail ship, en route to Philadelphia. Laurence is travelling undercover, supposedly as a journalist's assistant. But his real mission is to protect a civil servant, en route to Congress with a vital treaty that will stop the Americans from joining the French in their war against Britain. When the civil servant meets an unfortunate - and apparently accidental - end, the treaty disappears, and Laurence realises that only he can keep the Americans out of the war. Trapped on the ship with a strange assortment of travellers including two penniless French aristocrats, an Irish actress and a dancing bear, Laurence must hunt down both the lost treaty and the murderer, before he has a tragic 'accident' himself... The new page-turning historical mystery from the author of BLACK DROP, a 2021 TIMES Book of the Year. Perfect for readers of Andrew Taylor, Laura Shepherd-Robinson and S.J. Parris.Trade ReviewA satisfying nautical mystery * The Times *Will have you hooked from start to finish * Metro *Intrigue, tension, memorable characters and shipboard life depicted in all its reeking authenticity add up to a truly gripping read * Guardian *A fine adventure reminiscent of the Patrick O'Brian novels * Sunday Times *Fabulous... A delight. Nattrass again and again had me wondering at her skill and marvellous turn of phrase in filtering complex eighteenth-century history in a way that resonates with our own times -- S. G. MacLean, author of THE SEEKERA perfect storm of historical intrigue, bloody mystery and heart-stopping tension! An eighteenth century whodunnit on a ship, with a bear, a dog and a set of tarot cards. What absolutely top-sail rollicking entertainment -- Janice Hallett, author of THE APPEALLuscious prose, an immersive setting, and a fine eye for detail. A nautical mystery with serious historical heft -- Vaseem Khan, author of MIDNIGHT AT MALABAR HOUSEI admired Black Drop. I loved Blue Water. Even more welcome than an extra rum ration on Christmas Day, and slips down just as easily -- Robert Lloyd, author of THE BLOODLESS BOYDanger and mystery trapped inside a rocking barrel, far from home. Artful and authentic historical fiction at its best -- A.J. West, author of THE SPIRIT ENGINEERI absolutely loved this book. Full of intrigue and excitement with a brilliantly-realised cast of characters and a totally immersive setting, it's a superb historical thriller -- Philippa East, author of LITTLE WHITE LIESIngenious and deftly plotted with a pleasing cast of characters. Nattrass's nautical detail is most effective, never overplayed and just as satisfying as any of the C.S. Foresters I adored in my olden days. A hugely enjoyable read -- Alix Nathan, author of THE WARLOW EXPERIMENTA compelling locked room murder-mystery filled with an exquisitely drawn cast of eccentric characters. A wonderful historical naval adventure which keeps the reader guessing right to the final pages -- Louise Fein, author of PEOPLE LIKE USI loved this rip-roaring tale of murder and intrigue on the high seas. A locked-ship mystery, and a cracking sequel to the brilliant Black Drop -- Trevor Wood, author of THE MAN IN THE STREETBeautifully written, immaculately plotted and filled with more red herrings than the Atlantic, it takes readers on a thrilling voyage of murder and mystery. If Patrick O'Brian & Agatha Christie had ever got it together... -- Kate Griffin, author of FYNESHADELeonora Nattrass has woven an incredible novel against an incredible backdrop. It's a real art to combine history and intrigue and yet she has delivered it - again - with such skill -- Liv Matthews, author of THE PRANK

Read more less

Book Synopsis* A WATERSTONES SCOTTISH BOOK OF THE MONTH * * SHORTLISTED FOR THE CWA HISTORICAL DAGGER AWARD * 'As moving as it is gripping... I loved it' CHRIS BROOKMYRE 'Utterly compelling' MARION TODD 'Extraordinary' JAMES OSWALD 'Excellent' HERALD SCOTLAND There were good people in The Homes. But there were also some very, very bad ones... A thousand unwanted children live in The Homes, a village of orphans in the Scottish Lowlands on the outskirts of Glasgow. Lesley was six before she learned that most children live with their parents. Now Lesley is twelve, and she and her best friend Jonesy live in Cottage 5, Jonesy the irrepressible spirit to Lesley's quiet thoughtfulness. Life is often cruel at The Homes, and suddenly it becomes much crueller. A child is found murdered. Then another. With the police unable to catch the killer, Lesley and Jonesy decide to take the matter into their own hands. But unwanted children are easy victims, and they are both in terrible danger... Inspired by a true story, and introducing readers to the unforgettable voice of young orphan Lesley, The Homes is a moving and lyrical thriller, perfect for readers of Val McDermid, Chris Whitaker, Jane Casey and Denise Mina.Trade ReviewA serial-killer mystery and a whodunit, but so much more. Tragic, gritty and haunting, yet brims with bitter-sweet humour and a main character who will steal your heart away -- Janice Hallett, author of THE APPEALAn evocative, compelling and ultimately moving mystery with a captivating central character -- Brian McGillowayTense yet tender, as moving as it is gripping... set to be one of the Scottish crime books of the year. I loved it -- Chris BrookmyreAn extraordinary story quite brilliantly told. Lesley is a wonderful character, and J.B. Mylet catches her voice perfectly. I found myself staying up long after lights out reading "just another chapter". And then another, and another -- James OswaldHeart-warming, heart-breaking and utterly compelling. I could not put this beautiful book down and it stayed with me long after I finished it -- Marion Todd, author of the Detective Clare Mackay seriesAmazing. I was hooked from the first page... A brilliant, must read story, all the more powerful because it's told through the bewildered logic of a child. I read it with an ache in my chest for all the Lesleys and Jonesys out there -- Anna Smith, author of the Kerry Casey seriesIn an unguarded voice that conveys her intelligence and courage while still passing convincingly as that of a smart 12-year-old girl, Mylet balances the whodunnit aspects with the painful lessons Lesley is learning about life... It's a testament to the strength of Mylet's characterisation, and his ability to make us care about her, that by the end of this excellent debut the real question is not so much "Who committed the murders?" but "Where does Lesley go from here?" * Herald Scotland *

Read more less

Book Synopsis** A WATERSTONES SCOTTISH BOOK OF THE MONTH ** ** SHORTLISTED FOR THE CWA HISTORICAL DAGGER AWARD ** 'One of the Scottish crime books of the year. I loved it' CHRIS BROOKMYRE 'Heart-warming, heart-breaking and utterly compelling' MARION TODD 'Excellent' HERALD THE GREATEST DANGERS LIE BEHIND CLOSED DOORS... Twelve-year-old Lesley has lived in the Homes since she was three weeks old, just one of a thousand unwanted children who occupy the village-like estate in the lowlands of Scotland in the 1960s. Life for her and her best friend Jonesy has been hard, and often cruel, but never dangerous. Until now. A girl is found dead at the Homes, soon followed by another. With the police unable to catch the killer, Lesley and Jonesy decide to take matters into their own hands. But unwanted children are easy victims, and the closer they get to the truth, the more they will put themselves in terrible danger... Inspired by a true story, and introducing readers to the unforgettable voice of young orphan Lesley, The Homes is a moving and lyrical thriller, perfect for readers of Val McDermid, Chris Whitaker, Jane Casey and Denise Mina.Trade ReviewA serial-killer mystery and a whodunit, but so much more. Tragic, gritty and haunting, yet brims with bitter-sweet humour and a main character who will steal your heart away -- Janice Hallett, author of THE APPEALAn extraordinary story quite brilliantly told. Lesley is a wonderful character, and J.B. Mylet catches her voice perfectly. I found myself staying up long after lights out reading "just another chapter" -- James OswaldTense yet tender, as moving as it is gripping... set to be one of the Scottish crime books of the year. I loved it -- Chris BrookmyreHeart-warming, heart-breaking and utterly compelling. I could not put this beautiful book down and it stayed with me long after I finished it -- Marion ToddAn evocative, compelling and ultimately moving mystery with a captivating central character -- Brian McGillowayAmazing. I was hooked from the first page... A brilliant, must read story, all the more powerful because it's told through the bewildered logic of a child. I read it with an ache in my chest for all the Lesleys and Jonesys out there -- Anna SmithIn an unguarded voice that conveys her intelligence and courage while still passing convincingly as that of a smart 12-year-old girl, Mylet balances the whodunnit aspects with the painful lessons Lesley is learning about life... It's a testament to the strength of Mylet's characterisation, and his ability to make us care about her, that by the end of this excellent debut the real question is not so much "Who committed the murders?" but "Where does Lesley go from here?" * Herald Scotland *

Read more less

Book SynopsisReality TV turns deadly in Cherry Hinton’s first case When Kenny Thorpe, a contestant on Expose TV’s Big Blubber, the hot new celebrity weight-loss show, is murdered on live television in front of 3 million viewers, the case seems pretty watertight. After all, everyone saw Martin do it – didn’t they? Cherry Hinton knows there’s more to this than meets the eye. As an investigative reporter, she went undercover on dating show Caravan of Love… but after getting in too deep with one of the other contestants, she was caught knickerless in front of the nation. Humiliated, fired and heartbroken, she has fled to Brentwood, where she opens a cake shop, and tries to forget all about Expose. Until Kenny Thorpe’s sister walks into her shop with a letter that turns Cherry’s world upside down. Is Martin innocent? How is infamous gangster Leon Solent involved? Is Expose to blame, and is there a killer still on the loose? Cherry is the only one in a position to find out.Trade Review'If you’re in need of comic distraction (as we all are…) this is extremely funny' Harriet Tyce, author of international bestseller Blood Orange 'A scathingly satirical look at reality TV and society's hypocritical standards, Cherry Slice might not be as nice as pie, but its gooey centre is our intrepid P.I Cherry Hinton ... I think I love her!' Lucy V. Hay, author of Never Have I Ever

Read more less

Book SynopsisIt’s murder on the dance floor, as Cherry is about to discover Keeping temperamental ballroom dancers happy feels like a full-time job for the producer of TV night show The Dance is Right. So when star dancer Nadiya Slipchenko senses that she is in danger, she turns to local detective Cherry Hinton to act as an on-set bodyguard. Though Cherry is sceptical of Nadiya’s claims at first, it’s not long before things start to make her story add up. Then the host of the show is found dead and suddenly even the police start taking it seriously. Cherry – who has her hands full making cakes for her bakery and avoiding turning up on Watch My Ex Having Sex – teams up with her former flame DS Jacob Stowe to get to the truth of the matter. Can Cherry and Jacob solve the case before it is too late?

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe town is gripped by a big freeze, and blizzard after blizzard has engulfed the feline community, leaving shops and businesses snowbound. Hettie Bagshot and her sidekick, Tilly Jenkins, have found sanctuary by their fireside but soon they are bucketed into a terrifying nightmare, called to investigate the disappearance of the town’s kittens as – one by one – they are taken in the snow. Who are the strange cats living in Wither-Fork Woods? Will the ancient prophecy of the Ice Maid’s Tail become a reality? And can Hettie and Tilly defrost the fish fingers in time for tea? Join them as they slip and slide their way through another frost-biting case for The No. 2 Feline Detective Agency.Trade ReviewPRAISE FOR THE NO. 2 FELINE DETECTIVE AGENCY 'Original and intriguing… a world without people which cat lovers will enter and enjoy’ P. D. James'I loved it. The whole concept is just so “real”!’ Barbara Erskine'Mandy Morton’s Feline Detective Agency instigates a new genre, both wonderful and surreal’ Maddy Prior‘The world that Morton has created is irresistible’ Publishers Weekly‘Witty and smart. Prepare to be besotted’ M. K. Graff‘Mandy Morton’s series is both charming and whimsical’ Barry Forshaw‘Hettie Bagshot might be a new face at the scene of a crime, but already she could teach most fictional detectives a thing or two’ The Hunts Post‘An absolute delight from beginning to end… Totally original, very different – and I’m in awe of the author’s imagination. Very much recommended’ Being Anne Blog

Read more less

Book SynopsisEx-SAS officer Tom Knight is now a 73-year-old private detective in a seaside town, with a bad leg, a taste for good weed and a morbid fear of growing old. He’s also fallen in love with Fran, a sprightly 52-year-old carer at a retirement home. The bad news is that she’s dumped him for lying about his age. So when she’s framed for the murder of three old ladies at the home he resolves to win her back by proving her innocence. His quest takes him behind the town’s veil of respectability... He even faces up to his fear of old age and dementia, by going undercover at the care home where the murders happened. But will it be enough to win back the lady of his dreams? Proving that you’re just as young as you feel, the Tom Knight mysteries combine delicious comedy with a precision-engineered plot.

Read more less

Book SynopsisKnight’s surveillance work has dried up and he’s reduced to accepting a gig as a life model for a reclusive painter. When she’s found dead in the same location as a suspicious death 30 years earlier, instinctively he knows they’re connected - but cannot find the proof. Enter a bewitching pole dancer in her sixties who puts Knight on the trail of priceless stolen Chinese art, shady dealings in a country house – and a dangerous con man. Even with decades of experience, he finds himself unexpectedly in the grip of events, and at the business end of a shotgun. Proving that you’re just as young as you feel, the Tom Knight mysteries combine delicious comedy with a precision engineered plot.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTom Winscombe is having a bad day. Trapped at the top of the tallest building in Minsk while a lethal battle between several mafia factions plays out beneath him, he contemplates the sequence of events that brought him here, starting with the botched raid on a secretive think tank and ending up in the middle of the Chernobyl exclusion zone. More importantly, he wonders how he's going to get out of this alive when the one person who can help is currently not speaking to him. Join Tom and a cast of disreputable and downright dangerous characters in this witty thriller set in a murky world of murder, mystery and complex equations.Trade ReviewPraise for Jonathan Pinnock: ‘Lovely stuff’ Ian Rankin'A series of humorous, riotous mathematical mysteries' David Nicholls‘He makes funny and self-deprecating company’ The Herald‘Jonathan Pinnock writes compelling tales with a deliciously wicked glint in his eye’ Ian Skillicorn, National Short Story Week‘Jonathan Pinnock is Roald Dahl’s natural successor’ Vanessa Gebbie‘Funny, clever, and sometimes brilliantly daft. A comedy that I am sure would have made Pythagoras, Archimedes and Douglas Adams all laugh out loud’ Scott Pack on The Truth About Archie and Pye

Read more less

Book SynopsisJoin Hettie and Tilly as they tune in to a world of blackmail, obsession and murderous pies. As the Easter weekend approaches, feline detectives Hettie Bagshot and Tilly Jenkins are called to investigate the murder of local radio DJ Hartley Battenberg. Bowled over by the prospect of a bake-off competition, a cricket match and an outdoor screening of The Sound of Music, Hettie and Tilly struggle through a sea of trifle to catch out a killer. Will Bunty Basham’s eleven be triumphant? Has Whisker FM played its final jingle? And will celebrity cook Fanny Haddock get her just desserts?Trade ReviewPRAISE FOR THE NO. 2 FELINE DETECTIVE AGENCY 'Original and intriguing… a world without people which cat lovers will enter and enjoy’ P. D. James'I loved it. The whole concept is just so “real”!’ Barbara Erskine'Mandy Morton’s Feline Detective Agency instigates a new genre, both wonderful and surreal’ Maddy Prior‘The world that Morton has created is irresistible’ Publishers Weekly‘Witty and smart. Prepare to be besotted’ M.K. Graff‘Mandy Morton’s series is both charming and whimsical’ Barry Forshaw‘Hettie Bagshot might be a new face at the scene of a crime, but already she could teach most fictional detectives a thing or two’ The Hunts Post‘An absolute delight from beginning to end… Totally original, very different – and I’m in awe of the author’s imagination. Very much recommended’ Being Anne Blog

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhen the celebrated crime writer Agatha Crispy engages Hettie and Tilly in the search for a stolen manuscript, our feline detective duo is plunged into a world of Dickensian thieves and murderers. Does the ghost of Jake the Nipper prowl the London Streets of Kitzrovia? Will Madame Two Paws’s exhibition wax or wane? And will the secrets in the crypt of the church of St Mavis and Cucumber finally be revealed? Join Hettie and Tilly as they attempt to unravel yet another darkly humorous case for The No. 2 Feline Detective Agency.Trade ReviewPRAISE FOR THE NO. 2 FELINE DETECTIVE AGENCY 'Original and intriguing… a world without people which cat lovers will enter and enjoy’ P. D. James'I loved it. The whole concept is just so “real”!’ Barbara Erskine'Mandy Morton’s Feline Detective Agency instigates a new genre, both wonderful and surreal’ Maddy Prior‘The world that Morton has created is irresistible’ Publishers Weekly‘Witty and smart. Prepare to be besotted’ M. K. Graff‘Mandy Morton’s series is both charming and whimsical’ Barry Forshaw‘Hettie Bagshot might be a new face at the scene of a crime, but already she could teach most fictional detectives a thing or two’ The Hunts Post‘An absolute delight from beginning to end… Totally original, very different – and I’m in awe of the author’s imagination. Very much recommended’ Being Anne Blog

Read more less

Book SynopsisHettie and Tilly are summoned to a mysterious tea party hosted by Tilly's long-lost great-aunts. The ancient windmill they live in is not what it seems, and very soon the mill begins to reveal its terrifying secrets of murder and betrayal. Tilly must face her family's demons as Hettie fights to unravel the tragedies of the past. Who are the hippy cats camped in the field? Why do the walls of the windmill whisper at night? And who haunts the derelict priory? Will Hettie and Tilly have the wind blown out of their sails before this baffling case is brought to a grinding conclusion? Join these fearless cats as they investigate another pastry-laden mystery for The No. 2 Feline Detective Agency.Trade ReviewPRAISE FOR THE NO. 2 FELINE DETECTIVE AGENCY 'Original and intriguing… a world without people which cat lovers will enter and enjoy’ P. D. James'I loved it. The whole concept is just so “real”!’ Barbara Erskine‘Deliciously clever and a true delight’ Laura Thompson'Mandy Morton’s Feline Detective Agency instigates a new genre, both wonderful and surreal’ Maddy Prior‘The world that Morton has created is irresistible’ Publishers Weekly‘Witty and smart. Prepare to be besotted’ M. K. Graff‘Mandy Morton’s series is both charming and whimsical’ Barry Forshaw‘Hettie Bagshot might be a new face at the scene of a crime, but already she could teach most fictional detectives a thing or two’ The Hunts Post

Read more less

Book Synopsis'Lesley Thomson gets better and better' Ian Rankin When Freddy Power was eighteen, her father threw her out. Her sin had been to fall in love with a woman. Freddy waited for two decades to be invited back into the family. The summons never came. But now, in the wake of her parents' death, Freddy feels the call of home like a siren's song. The trawlers emerging out of the mist. Fishermen unloading their catch down at the harbour. Her best friend, Mags, exploring the cliffs at sunset. But when she arrives at Newhaven, after twenty-two years of silence, her brothers and her friends act like strangers. Then Mags goes missing, and old secrets – and old passions – are reignited. Freddy is determined to lead the hunt for Mags – even if it means confronting her past, and facing the truth about her family... Reviews for Death of a Mermaid: 'Catholic guilt, monstrous hypocrisy and all kinds of fishy business are explored in an atmosphere of creeping dread' The Times 'A truly brilliant book, full of atmosphere and a creeping sense of menace. Lesley Thomson lures you in with meticulously drawn characters and a matchless sense of place, and then you are caught in the jaws of a remorseless thriller' Elly Griffiths 'A strong sense of place, wonderfully woven with a cast of memorable characters' Mari Hannah 'Death of a Mermaid is a tense, beautifully written novel, with characters so well-crafted you expect them to walk off the page' Rachael Blok 'A powerful tale of dark secrets that fester in a small seaside town' William ShawTrade ReviewA truly brilliant book, full of atmosphere and a creeping sense of menace. Lesley Thomson lures you in with meticulously drawn characters and a matchless sense of place, and then you are caught in the jaws of a remorseless thriller -- Elly GriffithsCharacters so well crafted you expect them to walk off the page. Death of a Mermaid is a tense, beautifully written novel -- Rachael BlokLesley Thomson doesn't muck about: three people have popped their clogs before page 40... Thomson lets rip in this stand-alone novel. Catholic guilt, monstrous hypocrisy and all kinds of fishy business are explored in an atmosphere of creeping dread... The climactic shipwreck is deeply impressive' * The Times *Returning to a childhood home is also at the centre of Lesley Thomson's creepy thriller Death of a Mermaid * Independent *This novel examines the inability of the three women to shake off the past and its ugly secrets... Lesley Thomson is on top form yet again' * Shots eZine *A strong sense of place, wonderfully woven with a cast of memorable characters -- Mari HannahPowerful and moving and like nothing else you'll read this year, Death of a Mermaid is a brilliant tale of dark secrets that fester in a small seaside town -- William ShawLesley Thomson gets better and better -- Ian RankinThe setting positively sings with realism... Simple and complex at the same time... In Death of a Mermaid she creates an entire world, presented in enough detail to make it live, and peopled by meticulously drawn characters who stay in the mind' * Mystery People. *Stuffed full of captivating drama, wiles, and deception this is a thoroughly entertaining read... Death of a Mermaid is a stimulating read, the characters weave their way through the plot which spins to a dramatic conclusion' * LoveReading. *Thomson deploys her trademark quirky style and character choices, alongside a lyrical descriptive strand evoking the Sussex coastline. An intriguing plot keeps the reader guessing * Sussex Life *Original, full of sinister atmosphere and a creeping sense of menace... Death of a Mermaid has all the trademarks of Thomson's previous work – clever plotting interspersed with gentle humour, well-drawn characters and an atmospheric evocation of place' * Crime Review *

Read more less

Book SynopsisIt’s 1915 in New York City and an intrepid young journalist is about to get her biggest story yet…The Lusitania has just been sunk, and headlines about a shooting at J.P. Morgan’s mansion and the Great War are splashed across the front page of every newspaper. Capability “Kitty” Weeks would love nothing more than to report on the news of the day, but she’s stuck writing about fashion and society gossip over on the Ladies’ Page – until a man is murdered at a high society picnic on her beat.Determined to prove her worth as a journalist, Kitty finds herself plunged into the midst of a wartime conspiracy that threatens to derail the United States’ attempt to remain neutral – and to disrupt the privileged life she has always known.The first book in a highly anticipated mystery series featuring rising journalism star Kitty Weeks packed full of historical detail, A Front Page Affair is perfect for fans of Rhys Bowen and Jacqueline WinspearPraise for A Front Page Affair‘A delightfully spunky heroine defies convention as an investigative reporter in this engaging historical mystery. The small factual details of New York life are gems’ Rhys Bowen‘This lively and well-researched debut introduces a charming historical series and an appealing fish-out-of-water sleuth who seeks independence and a career in an age when most women are bent on getting married, particularly to titled Englishmen. Devotees of Rhys Bowen’s mysteries will enjoy making the acquaintance of Miss Weeks.’ Library Journal ‘The fascinating historical details add flair to this thoroughly engaging mystery starring an intelligent amateur sleuth reminiscent of Rhys Bowen’s Molly Murphy. Vatsal’s debut will leave readers eager for Kitty’s next adventure.’ Booklist ‘The mystery plot was enthralling in and of itself, but it was the portrait of Old New York that provided the wow factor - there are very few writers who can conjure up this kind of authenticity. A fun, fascinating, feminist read – especially if you love New York!’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘It is very rare to find a debut novel so well written and so engrossing’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisA powerful psychological thriller by the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Guest House. For fans of Alex Michaelides and Ruth Ware. Thirty years ago, three girls followed a stranger into the woods. Only two returned. The surviving pair have never been able to remember what happened or what the fate of the third girl was. Local rumours in the Lake District talk of hippies and drugs and mystic rituals, but no one has learned the truth. This story is just what Rowan Blake needs. He's in debt, his journalistic career is in tatters – as well as his damaged body – and he's retreated to the Lake District to write. Yet even Rowan isn't prepared for the evil he is about to unearth, for the secrets that have been buried in that wood for far too long... Reviewers on David Mark: 'Mark is an extraordinary talent – one of the best in the business. I adore how he writes' M.W. Craven 'Dark, compelling crime writing of the highest order' Daily Mail 'Breathtaking' Peter May 'A wonderfully descriptive writer' Peter James 'Exceptional... Mark is writing at the top of his game' Publishers Weekly 'A master of the dark psychological thriller' KirkusTrade Review'A lovely and atmospheric read, filled with magical moments' Samantha Tonge, author of The Winter We Met * Richard Madeley, Richard and Judy Book Club, on Dark Winter *

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe second novel in the PI Jim Keegan series.A reclusive millionaire hires PI Jim Keegan to look after her interests, she is currently hidden away at the legendary Chateau Marmont hotel. All Keegan has to do is humour her, keep her important papers in his office safe, and make weekly checks of her LA properties, but within a week she goes missing. Keegan suspects her ne'er-do-well young nephew of murderbut all the evidence he can find is circumstantial, and there's a good chance the kid will get away scot free.Valley of Shadows is an excellent blend of the golden era of crime fiction and sharp modern plotting that reminded me of Poirot, Sam Spade and Columbo all in the one character of Jim Keegan The plot in Valley of Shadows is a corker.' Linda's Book BagWith a clever sense of humour, Paul Buchanan has put together a solid mystery that is engrossing, entertaining, and engaging. Fans of the genre will not be disappointed!' TheJoyousLiving.comUnforgettable, page turning this crime novel should be on all our book shelves' @bookandstitchI thought Valley of Shadows was terrific' The Book Lover's Boudoir

Read more less

Book Synopsis‘Amazing!... I was absolutely blown away. Twists and turns and so much suspense.’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader ReviewNo one can love a son like his mother…Patricia Mullner is trapped in a nightmare no parent should ever experience. Three years ago, 17-year-old son Andrew vanished without trace. There was no note, no goodbye and no body has ever been found, and now her days are spent in a fog of heartache and alcohol, crying to husband Thomas about their lost boy.But Patricia is more than just a grieving mother, and as Andrew’s disappearance starts to unravel the perfect family she’s built with Thomas, it seems that the actions of her past may be back to haunt her.Because someone is watching from the shadows - someone who knows exactly what Patricia is hiding. Someone who will stop at nothing to take revenge – and might just hold the key to Andrew’s disappearance…An absolutely gripping psychological thriller with a shocking twist in the tale. Readers of My Lovely Wife, KL Slater and B.A. Paris will not be able to put this one down.Readers can't get enough of Mummy's Boy: ‘Wow! Started and finished this in several hours as it was such a compelling storyline… Fantastic storyline, loved the ending. Highly recommended.’ ☆☆☆☆☆ ‘WOW!!! JA Andrews has an incredible gift of writing psychological thrillers…I was just blown away by everything in this book and need to read more by this author. Needless to say I am an instant huge fan!!’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review‘An excellent book with twist after twist. Gripping from the start, and I loved the ending.’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review‘Amazing! This is my first from JA Andrews and I was absolutely blown away. Twists and turns and so much suspense. Just when I thought I had everything figured out I was proven wrong.’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review‘a dark psychological thriller that should be read by anyone that loves this genre. Given the chance, pick up this book and read it, I can guarantee you will love it.’ Reader Review‘It's brilliant. It is well written, with a good plot and the characters are credible with plenty of twists and turns’ Reader Review‘I have absolutely adored this book. I haven’t been able to put it down. I have been kept on the edge of my seat.’ Reader Review‘I was hooked….I read this book in one sitting and finally turned the last page in the wee hours…This read had me sat on the edge of my seat, got my heart racing and at times chills. A tale of how a mind can unravel and I had a front row seat. A MUST READ and so highly recommended.’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review‘It’s a dark and tense read, of which the author had no problem pulling me into the story and keeping me there. There are some nice little twists that gives the reader bursts of adrenaline rushes as they take them in. Highly recommended.’ Reader Review‘a dark and twisted domestic thriller that did not disappoint! You will love this one if you like dark thrills!’ Reader Review‘A good, dark thriller that will stay with me for a long time.’ Reader Review

Read more less

Book SynopsisHow far would you go for family?Anna’s done bad things before. Neglected and unloved as a child, she had to do whatever it took to keep herself and her little sister, Birdie, safe. But the worst thing she’s ever done is let her sister walk out of a diner when they were teenagers. She would never see her sister again.Years later, and Anna is a new person. After a whirlwind romance, she’s married handsome, successful, and generous Guy. She has a steady job and a new life of comfort. Things seem perfect. But she hasn’t told her husband about her dark past or about Birdie, that she’s still looking for her. It’s not about his too-perfect veneer, or her suspicion that he flirts with other women. It’s that he has a complicated past and family secrets, too. Secrets that might be more entwined with hers than he knows.After all this time, one thing about Anna remains the same. There’s nothing she wouldn’t do for her sister. And when she finds out who’s kept them apart for all these years, there will be hell to pay.A completely addictive, dark and eye-opening novel about what people hide behind closed doors, perfect for your next book club pick. Fans of Megan Miranda and Shari Lapena will love The Secret Sister.Read what everyone is saying about The Secret Sister… ‘Okay, I was totally blown away by this book. I thought it was going to be your run-of-the-mill mystery… Wow, I was wrong. This is an amazingly written book. If you think you can figure it out, well good luck to you… I will be bringing this book up every chance I get. Great story!!!!’ NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘A heart-wrenching clash of past and present which is not for the faint-hearted. It is rare for a book to make you feel so many strong emotions… Captivating and intriguing… I couldn't put the book down… This has been the most memorable book I have read in a long time.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘This novel is one you cannot put down! I put aside all my work so I could binge it in a day. A gripping story… With many twists and turns, this novel kept me on edge and guessing till the end.’ NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Crazy good. This story tells of an incredible bond between twin sisters who end up in the care system. Ups and downs throughout and an absolutely heartbreaking ending. I loved it.’ NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Utterly compulsive reading. I found the subject matter harrowing but so well written and well researched… The story of Anna and her twin sister Birdie broke my heart… I can highly recommend it.’ NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Ooo this one definitely had a twist that I was not expecting! Go ahead and read this one for yourself because trust me it will keep you guessing until the very end. I loved it! Writing style was fantastic as well.’ NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘This book had such a raw storyline. I really enjoyed it. Would recommend this to every person who asked me.’ NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Really enjoyed this quick read… It did not end how I expected which left me both surprised and satisfied…. Would recommend!’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘This book is a very good read… The author builds tension that grows throughout the book and you find yourself unable to put the book down. I would definitely recommend this book.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Read more less

Book SynopsisHer dream escape is about to become a nightmare… Kimberley King has spent the last five years trying to outrun the reason she left the police force. Her life is a mess and she’s desperate for change. So when she is randomly selected for the new series of the hit show LoveWrecked, she can’t pass up the chance to win the £100,000 prize. All Kimberley needs to do is couple up with one of her fellow contestants, win the infamous LoveWrecked challenges, and she will have enough cash for a fresh start.But the island isn’t the paradise she was promised and within hours, one of the contestants is dead. Then the announcement comes: one of the islanders is a murderer and Kimberley must find out who, live on television. For every hour it takes her, one more person will die. The game is rigged, everyone is hiding secrets, and time is running out… An addictive and unputdownable crime thriller, perfect for fans of Lucy Foley and T.M. Logan.Readers are loving The Islanders A Grazia Best Book of 2021‘Sinister and twisty, The Islanders shows the terrifying darker side of reality TV … An utterly compelling read.’ Lisa Hall, author of The Party‘The Islanders is a confident debut with a crackling mystery at its heart. Anyone who has ever thought a murder might spice up a reality show will have a fantastic time with this wonderfully frenetic and wildly entertaining read.’ Chris McGeorge, author of Guess Who‘I found it highly addictive, which of course, led me to finishing this book off in the early hours of the morning! This is a great thriller with an end that feels suited to its surroundings.’ Crimesquad‘What a thrilling ride! I Know What You Did Last Summer meets Love Island! Fast paced and fresh – essential reading for fans of a murder mystery!’ Carys Jones, author of The List‘The Islanders is an energetic, fast-paced ride you won't be able to put down.’ NetGalley Review ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐‘A great story, fast-paced, I loved it!’ NetGalley Review ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐‘An addictive, mysterious thriller which keeps you gripped right until the last page! I absolutely loved this book!’ NetGalley Review ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐‘Such fun! I absolutely loved this book.’ NetGalley Review ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐‘If you love a good locked room mystery that will keep you on your toes as well as entertained until the very last page, I can highly recommend this debut. I will definitely be hoping to see more of her work in the future!’ NetGalley Review ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Read more less

Book SynopsisA filter can hide all manner of secrets…When budding true crime blogger Maggie Shaw is invited to the Influencer of the Year awards, it feels like everything is finally falling into place. The party is held on a glamorous yacht and presents the perfect opportunity for Maggie to network – the first step towards achieving her dream of turning her hobby into a full-time job. But by the end of the night, there’s one question on everybody’s lips: who killed Stella Knight?Stella was beautiful and famous. Her life appeared to be perfect. But behind the façade, Stella had made a number of enemies – and all of them were on board.A page-turning crime thriller, perfect for fans of Catherine Cooper and Lucy Foley.Praise for The Influencers 'I sped through this book at lightning speed. I loved it.' NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'OMGGG I knew this book was going to be fabulous after reading Leonard's debut last year, but wow that ending was really something... I sailed through this glamorous, pacy and thrilling ride of a novel.' NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'I loved it!!!! I’ve always been invested in books with deal with rich people mystery, murder and suspense and SV delivered everything in this one!' NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'A thrilling, glossy, and super fun thriller. The pacing was spot on and it was very engaging. I loved all the different characters and the way the author integrates them. Definitely see this being a popular summer book. Also... THAT ENDING!!!!' NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Glamorous and seductive, The Influencers is a classic whodunit with a brilliant twist. Pure escapism, I loved it.' NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'I loved this one. Very fast paced, had me turning pages as I tore through it – I had to see how it would end.' NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'An addictive, mysterious thriller which keeps you gripped right until the last page!' NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'I absolutely love this sundrenched thriller! A collection of social media stars go on a trip and one ends up dead. An updated classic whodunit! I spent the entire book trying to figure out the mystery and was highly entertained.' NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Read more less

Book SynopsisShe’s on the hunt for a missing woman, but she’s being hunted herself. Clare is on the run. From her past, from her husband, from her own secrets. When she arrives in the remote mining town of Blackmore asking about Shayna Fowles, a local girl who disappeared, everyone wants to know who Clare really is and what she’s hiding. Everyone in Blackmore is hiding something, but Clare more than most, including what ties her to Shayna in the first place.Mysteries around Shayna’s disappearance abound - did she flee? Was she killed? Is it possible she’s still alive? As Clare unravels the truth, she must also come face-to-face with her own demons and confront what she’s really running from. A tense and gripping mystery from bestselling author Amy Stuart, perfect for fans of Liz Nugent and Lisa Gray. Praise for Still Mine ‘An impressive debut, rooted in character rather than trope, in fundamental understanding rather than rote puzzle-solving.’ The Globe and Mail‘Stuart is a sensitive writer who has given Clare a painful past and just enough backbone to bear it.’ New York Times‘A gripping page-turner, with a plot that takes hold of you and drags you through the story at breakneck speed. The characters are compelling, the setting chilling and the suspense ever-present.’ Toronto Star‘Author Amy Stuart has created a likable heroine, complete with some pretty serious flaws. Between Clare and the other characters of Blackmore, the story is both haunting and compelling.’ Vancouver Sun‘Twisty and swift, Amy Stuart’s Still Mine is a darkly entertaining mystery machine. But what will really surprise you is the emotional foundation on which it has been built.’ Andrew Pyper, bestselling author of The Homecoming‘Still Mine delivers all the nail-biting moments of a fast-paced thriller and filters them through the eyes of girl-with-a-past Clare O’Dey: deeply flawed yet instantly recognizable, O’Dey is a noir detective hero for a postmodern age. Author Amy Stuart sends one missing woman out to look for another one, and the result is chilling. You’ll find yourself turning the pages faster and faster.’ Elisabeth De Mariaffi, author of The Devil You Know‘An intricately woven thriller. . . . You’ll want desperately to solve the mystery not only of the missing Shayna, but of Clare O’Dey, Amy Stuart’s heartbreaking heroine, on the run from the darkest forces both within and without. . . A vivid and haunting debut.’ Holly LeCraw, author of The Swimming Pool‘From its evocative opening to its heart-pounding conclusion, Still Mine is a gripping mystery that I felt desperate to solve... A tense and absorbing read.’ Lucy Clarke author of The Castaways

Read more less

Book SynopsisHow well can you really know a stranger?Malcolm is missing. Clare is certain that she can find him, so she travels to the oceanside city where he last lived to start investigating. However, she soon discovers that not only is Malcolm gone without a trace, but so is his wife, Zoe. Everyone who knew the couple points to Malcolm as the prime suspect in his wife’s disappearance, but Clare is certain there’s something darker at play. Something that has to do with Zoe’s family business and the murder of her father years ago. As Clare pulls back the layers, she finds secrets the entire community is desperately trying to hide. As for Malcolm, his past is far more sinister than Clare could ever have imagined. As she searches for the man who helped her build her career, Clare discovers that he may not be innocent after all. Many women are in grave danger, and she is among them.A gripping and unputdownable mystery from #1 bestseller Amy Stuart, perfect for fans of Lisa Grey and Louise Penny.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn aircraft carrier adrift with a crew the size of a small town. A murderer in their midst. And the disgraced Navy SEAL who must track him down...‘Sensationally good – an instant classic, maybe an instant legend’ Lee ChildThe moment Navy SEAL sniper Finn sets foot on the USS Abraham Lincoln, it’s clear something is deeply wrong.Leadership is weak. Morale is low. And when crew members start disappearing one by one, what at first seems like a random string of suicides soon reveals something far more sinister: there’s a serial killer on board.Suspicion falls on newcomer Finn. After all, he’s being sent home in disgrace, recalled from the field under the dark cloud of a mission gone wrong. He’s also a lone wolf, haunted by his past.Finding the killer offers a chance at redemption... if he can stay alive long enough to prove it isn’t him.A gripping and high-octane thriller from New York Times bestselling writing team of Navy SEAL Brandon Webb and award-winning author John David Mann, Steel Fear is perfect for fans of Tom Clancy, Brad Thor and Adam Hamdy.‘An edge-of-your-seat thriller ... once you get going there’s no stopping’ Steve Berry, New York Times bestselling author‘For readers who can’t resist a bureaucracy-battling action hero, there’s a new kid on the block’ Booklist [Starred review]‘That more thrillers are to come from these authors will be welcome news to readers who appreciate carefully plotted and intelligent suspense’ Publishers Weekly [Starred review]

Read more less

Book SynopsisA life built on lies – now the truth could destroy herFrankie Turner knows what it's like to be unwanted; she was brought up in care. Now as a social worker to kids in the same system, she’s someone who understands ... But Frankie is hiding an unthinkable secret: one that may have its roots in the murder of a young, beautiful woman fifteen years ago.Yet the past is out there. Someone knows what Frankie is hiding – and now they’re back to shatter her perfectly constructed life, terrorising her with menacing letters and silent calls to the house she shares with husband Alex.She may have reinvented herself, but Frankie’s past is back to haunt her – and now, there’s nowhere to run.A gripping psychological thriller that will have you hooked. Fans of Lisa Jewell and Erin Kelly won’t be able to put this one down.Readers love Elena Wilkes' twisty psychological thrillers:'Loved it. This is a really well-written book. The plot and the characters kept me glued to the pages and I finished it in just one day.’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review‘A page turner that had my heart beating rapidly in my chest…From page one to the last page you were surprised with all the twists and turns.’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review‘Great read. The plot kept me on the edge of my seat. The author really draws the reader into the story.’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review‘A dark psychological thriller that will keep you reading long into the night…probing, sinister, and creepy, and I loved every word of it.’ Reader Review‘Suspenseful and kept me guessing right up until the very end…I will definitely be recommending this one!’ Reader Review‘WOW!!!!!…a creepy read that kept me on the edge of my chair and quickly reading to find out what would happen’ Reader Review‘This read hooked me right in! A very well-written novel that will satisfy any reader of thrillers, mystery and suspense. There is always something happening in this book’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review‘This was an amazing and suspenseful drama that kept me fascinated throughout the entire journey. The characters were engaging and believable. Can’t recommend it enough!’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review

Read more less

Book SynopsisMurder has a way of killing business...In the small village of Kilbane, County Cork in Ireland, Naomi’s Bistro has always been warm and welcoming. Nowadays, twenty-two-year-old Siobhán O’Sullivan runs the family bistro named for her mother, along with her five siblings, after the death of their parents in a car crash almost a year ago. It’s been a rough year for the O’Sullivans, but it’s about to get rougher.One morning, as they’re opening the bistro, they discover a man seated at a table with a pair of hot pink barber scissors protruding from his chest. With the local garda suspecting the O’Sullivans, and their business in danger of being shunned, it’s up to Siobhán to solve the crime and save her beloved brood.A charming Irish village mystery, perfect for fans of Betty Rowlands and Dee Macdonald.

Read more less

Book SynopsisYou can’t run from the truth…Cassie McNamara was found guilty of the murder of her husband, Paul Cavellini, but she has always protested her innocence. Upon her release, she hires local journalist, Dee Doran, to prove she was wrongfully convicted.Cassie and Paul’s young daughter, Grace, was adopted by Paul’s family. When eighteen-year-old Grace goes missing and her body is found, all eyes turn to Cassie as the prime suspect in her daughter’s death. Then, Cassie, just like Grace, disappears.Left behind to investigate, Dee must work to find the truth behind Grace and Paul’s deaths, because someone is keeping secrets. They’ve killed before, they’ll do it again if they have to.A gripping crime thriller you won’t be able to put down, perfect for fans of Alex Marwood and Fiona Barton.Praise for You Were Always Mine ‘The plot is compelling and Dee Doran is an excellent character to carry the story. The twists and turns kept me turning the pages at record speed.’ Patricia Gibney, author of The Guilty Girl‘A beautifully crafted novel that had me guessing right up to the thrilling conclusion. Sheila Bugler’s best novel yet.’ Marion Todd, author of Old Bones Lie‘I was captivated by Bugler’s meticulous story-weaving and characterisation - especially Dee and Freya whom I particularly enjoyed. You Were Always Mine is a delicious slow-burn, who-done-it that hooked me from the first line. If you want fast-pace, tension and pithy prose, pick up a Sheila Bugler novel!’ Amanda Cassidy, author of Breaking‘You Were Always Mine moves at a great pace. I found myself flicking through the pages with gusto as past and present collide in this thrilling page turner filled with dark secrets and lies that will keep you guessing until the very end.’ Louise Phillips, author of They All Lied‘You Were Always Mine has captivating characters, plenty of thrills, an enthralling storyline and a wonderful sense of place… everything I look for in a great mystery.’ Chris Curran, author of When the Lights Go Out‘I loved this book. Its cleverly constructed plot was so twisty it tied my mind up in knots trying to work out who, what, why and when! A great addition to the Dee Doran series. Highly recommended.’ Lorraine Mace, author of Say Your Prayers‘A gripping thriller from the start. The book reads with great speed and it’s truly a page-turner.’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘BAM! Full of high suspense, intrigue, action, a great who done it and great mystery! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book!’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘A fabulous read. It was so full of tension, I was on the edge of my seat. I grappled with who the murderer was, continually changing my mind.’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘A riveting fast paced thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat until the last page. This thriller will bring you in from the first page.’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe truth could ruin everything.A decade ago, the bodies of nine people were discovered at Black Valley Farm. The only suspect vanished without a trace.Clare has spent ten years living a lie, but a new podcast on the murders threatens to bring her carefully built life crashing down. Because someone else has listened to the podcast.Someone who knows Clare is lying, and who will stop at nothing to ensure the truth never comes to light.An absolutely unputdownable crime thriller. Perfect for fans of C. L. Taylor, Tim Weaver and T Orr. Munro.Praise for Black Valley Farm ‘Black Valley Farm kept me turning the pages and with intricate plotting and memorable characters this is a thrilling read.’ Patricia Gibney, author of the Detective Lottie Parker Series‘Chilling and compulsive, this darkly menacing tale is full of suspense that keeps on building – everything you want from a crime thriller.’ Marion Todd, author of the DI Clare Mackay Series‘A dark visceral thriller where nobody and nothing is what it seems. Bugler has evoked a terrifying world where power over the most needy leads to the most shocking outcomes.’ Graham Bartlett, author of Force of Hate‘Twisting and shocking. A sinister community, dangerous politics and a host of complex characters make this heart-thumping thriller a truly engrossing read.’ Heather Critchlow, author of Unsolved‘The twists keep coming... The final resolution is so perfect it moved me to tears.’ Chris Curran, author of When the Lights go out‘Wow! What a great book. I loved every moment of it. Just when I thought I had it all figured out (yet again) there was another twist.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘Black Valley Farm is a fascinating read, and the plot kept me turning the pages well into the night. I thought I figured it out, but the author weaved in some good twists that proved me wrong!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘A fresh new take on a thriller! I couldn’t put this one down and highly recommend it!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘Fantastic! I thought the plot was excellent, and there are a couple of twists in the story that you don’t expect.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘Completely mesmerising. I was hooked from the first page. You will think you have this figured out but it gets real twisty. Just fantastic.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

Read more less

Book SynopsisBe careful what you wish for… Callie has known sadness, and sometimes doubted she would ever have the life she wanted. When she meets James, also no stranger to grief, it seems as though her luck has changed. She becomes his wife, and in the process a stepmother to his two sons. Callie has finally got what she always imagined for herself. But things don’t go to plan for Callie. She tries to get things right, but at every turn she makes mistakes. If she can only show her new family just how much she cares, perhaps everything will be okay. Yet the harder she tries, the more she fails. A split-second decision leads to her spiralling out of control, and there is no way back for Callie. When the police arrest her for murder, the dark tale of Callie’s shocking fall from grace slowly unfolds. But how much is Callie willing to reveal about the choices she made? If those she cares for the most learn the truth, they will hate her. Will her secrets be her undoing? Or will she tell the truth, no matter the cost?A compelling psychological thriller with an unforgettable ending from #1 bestseller Kathryn Croft. Perfect for readers who love Sheryl Browne, Alison James and Claire McGowan. *** Previously published under the title The Stranger Within. ***What everyone is saying about The Lying Wife ‘A story full of twists and turns. This is an amazing thriller that will keep you engrossed until the last page.’ NetGalley review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‘Awesome read’ NetGalley review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‘Wow. A roller coaster of emotions and twists and turns. … Bloody brilliant!’ Goodreads review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‘FREAKING AWESOME BOOK! Ms Croft had me hooked on page 1. I couldn't stop reading! A hell of a good read.’ Goodreads review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‘The story itself is excellent and the plot twist at the end... wow, just wow! I did not see that coming. … It's so well-written and because of that twist, it's one of those books that requires a re-read, which I am going to do!’ Goodreads review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‘WOW! Totally unexpected! This story is not your average family drama or psychological thriller… It's a fabulous novel with characters so well defined and developed that you feel they are real.’ Goodreads review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Read more less

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

Read more less

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

Read more less

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

Read more less

Book Synopsis‘Holy hell, this book was intense…it kept me on edge the whole time. I absolutely LOVED this book.’ Reader Review‘Ben, I need you. Help me.’‘PLEASE HELP ME!’‘It was an accident…but there’s so much blood…’In a frantic late-night phone call, Ben learns his wife, Mia, has killed a man. And she needs his help.When Ben arrives at Mia’s hotel room, the scene is horrific – but over the course of the night it will get much worse.All their secrets will be uncovered, and they will discover how far they’ll go to protect themselves and each other… will they kill for love? Or will they die for it?One phone call. Twelve hours to save their marriage. And their lives.Told in real-time half-hour chapters, this is a read-in-one-sitting thriller that fans of T.M. Logan and Harlan Coben will devour. Sit down and strap yourself in for the rollercoaster read of 2022.Readers are hooked on answering The Call:'It grabs you on the first page and the tension doesn't let up. Atmospheric, twisted and utterly compelling – I couldn't put it down.' Debbie Howells, author of The Secret'Incredibly fast-paced and well plotted, a cracking read.’ Araminta Hall, author of Perfect Strangers'An excellent book – I flew through it...A dark, chilling, twisted delight that had me hooked from the start' Susi Holliday, author of Substitute and The Last Resort‘I loved it! A very fast-paced, action-packed story with lots of craziness and suspense to keep you reading straight to the very end!’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review‘Go with the flow and enjoy the rollercoaster ride…A gripping thriller that surprises, at times, by being laugh-out-loud funny.’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review‘Don't start it unless you have a spare few hours…you won't want to put it down.’ Reader Review‘So gripping that I couldn’t have put it down even if I had wanted to…full of suspense and mystery, I loved it.’ Reader Review‘This one is certainly worth a read. A fun ride through a very dark night. Recommended.’ Reader Review‘A fun, high-energy read…this thriller offers you a rollercoaster of a ride.’ Reader Review‘Wow… It's intense, gory and gripping, and I really enjoyed it!’ Reader Review‘I really enjoyed this book, it grabbed me from the very first page.’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review‘From the very first page this book draws you in. The suspense starts straight away… it kept me hooked throughout’ Reader Review‘A twisty and scary read that I couldn’t put down!’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review‘A psych thriller, domestic suspense mash-up that is filled to the brim with lies and secrets’ Reader Review‘I read The Call in one sitting. It was fast-paced and twisty and kept me intrigued right to the end.’ Reader Review

Read more less

Book SynopsisAmongst the scholars, secrets and soporifics of Victorian Oxford, the truth can be a bitter pill to swallow…Jesus College, Oxford, 1881. An undergraduate is found dead at his lodgings and the medical examination reveals some shocking findings. When the young man’s guardian blames the college for his death and threatens a scandal, Basil Rice, a Jesus College fellow with a secret to hide, is forced to act and finds himself drawn into Sidney Parker’s sad life.The mystery soon attracts the attention of Rhiannon ‘Non’ Vaughan, a young Welsh polymath and one of the young women newly admitted to university lectures. But when neither the college principal nor the powerful ladies behind Oxford’s new female halls will allow her to become involved, Non’s fierce intelligence and determination to prove herself drive her on.Both misfits at the university, Non and Basil form an unlikely partnership, and it soon falls to them to investigate the mysterious circumstances of Parker’s death. But between corporate malfeasance and snake-oil salesmen, they soon find the dreaming spires of Oxford are not quite what they seem…An intriguing first installment of The Oxford Mysteries series by master crime writer, Alis Hawkins. Perfect for fans of Laura Shepherd-Robinson, S.G. MacLean and Kaite Welsh.Praise for A Bitter Remedy ‘An excellent historical mystery dripping with atmosphere that exposes the chauvinism, misogyny and bigotry of late Victorian England’ The Times‘Her inventiveness is prodigal’ Financial Times‘Fearlessly tackles taboo attitudes of the era, taking aim at misogyny, homophobia, and sexual politics. An excellent addition to the historical mystery canon. Marvellous!’ Vaseem Khan, author of Midnight at Malabar House‘A Bitter Remedy is a perfect tonic for our times.’ S. G. MacLean author of The Seeker‘Absolutely brilliant! Thoughtful, complex and engrossing’ Chris Lloyd, author of The Unwanted Dead‘A superb atmospheric mystery to the last page’ Rachel Lynch, author of Dark Game‘I can’t wait for Non and Basil’s next case!’ Katherine Stansfield author of Falling Creatures

Read more less

Book SynopsisHello, Nancy.You're at your usual locker at Fitness Plus. The time is 09:15.Your cell phone is dead, your home phone won't answer and your daughter, Beth, is home with the nanny.It will take you 18 minutes to get home. If you drive fast.Shame. You're already 18 minutes late...The kidnappers' only stipulation is that Nancy must tell her husband, Michael.The problem is, she doesn't know where he is, or how to contact him. But she recalls him mentioning a number she should call if anything unusual happens. This triggers a Code Red at specialist security company Cruxys Solutions, who send investigators Ruth Gonzales and Andy Vaslik to track him down.But they can't find a single trace of him. What do you do when a child's life depends on finding a man who doesn't seem to exist?A white-knuckle suspense thriller that just won’t let go, perfect for fans of Harlan Coben, Daniel Silva and Michael Connelly.Praise for The Locker 'Readers who enjoy Harlan Coben and Joseph Finder will happily get lost in the nightmare presented here' Booklist'[An] intriguing and inventive plot' Mystery Scene'Magson is arguably one of the most entertaining writers of British spy fiction currently operating. His novels are sharp and exciting, with intelligent plots and interesting characters' Deadly Pleasures'Gonzalez and Vaslik make an appealingly mismatched investigative unit' Kirkus Reviews

Read more less