Crime and mystery: private investigator / amateur detectives

Book SynopsisEvidence that clears the name of a boy sentenced for killing his adopted mother arrives too late to save his life – so who did kill her?Trade Review‘Family tensions and suspicions are adroitly handled, and the solution is characteristically surprising’New York Times ‘Has the particular distinction of presenting a new temporary detective in place of Poirot or Miss Marple.’New York Herald Tribune Book Review

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Book SynopsisWhen Carole Seddon''s car is vandalised, it heralds the start of a disturbing series of events in the witty and entertaining new Fethering mystery. Carole Seddon''s trusty Renault is one of her most treasured possessions. So when it is vandalised, there''s only one person she will entrust with its repair: Bill Shefford has been servicing the vehicles of the good citizens of Fethering for many years. But how could something like this happen in Fethering of all places?Then the note is shoved under Carole''s kitchen door: Watch out. The car window was just the start. It would appear that she has been deliberately targeted. But by whom . and why?Matters take an even more disturbing turn when a body is discovered at Shefford''s Garage, crushed to death by a falling gearbox. It would appear to be a tragic accident. Carole and her neighbour Jude are not so sure. And the more they start to ask questions, the more evidence they uncover of decidedly foul play .

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Book SynopsisRetired schoolteachers and amateur sleuths Liz, Pat and Thelma have a brand-new mystery to solve in this witty tale perfect for fans of The Thursday Murder Club and Robert ThorogoodCurious white envelopes have been delivered to friends and neighbours. Inside are letters revealing the deepest secrets they have tried to hide.As one by one, careers are ended, marriages destroyed and no one is beyond suspicion, the three friends decide enough is enough. They must take matters into their own hands before more damage is done.But as they work to uncover the truth, they begin to wonder just how far someone will go to silence this poison penCould a murderer be in their midst once again?The second totally addictive and page-turning cosy mystery featuring these very unlikely sleuths. Fans of Agatha Christie and Midsomer Murders will be hooked from the very first page. Readers love this book!:A charming read with a cast of characters you'll really connect with' Faith Martin, author of A Fatal EndThe ingredients for the perfect modern cosy crime: intrigue, characters you care about and a good dollop of humour'' Ian Moore, author of Death and CroissantsAs delightful as it is deadly, A Pen Dipped in Poison is a feel-good, fun and fabulous cosy mystery that had me utterly gripped from page one. J.M. Hall proves once again he''s one of our very best cosy mystery writers. I absolutely loved it' Jonathan Whitelaw, author of The Bingo Hall DetectivesA gently quirky cosy mystery with plenty of twists and turns, and an intriguing cast of characters some endearing, some not so much!' Fiona Leitch, author of The Cornish Wedding MurderMalice and mayhem spur a school reunion of three modern Marples and some of their Thirsk community learn a lesson they'll never forget!' Sarah Yarwood-Lovett, author of A Murder of CrowsThe perfect page turning, guess-who cosy crime.' Northern Life MagazineThis promises to be delightfully cosy crime.' Daily MailThis fun crime novel will have you hooked from the very first page.' Woman's OwnSo brilliant I loved this so much! Perfect cosy crime I am a big fan of this author!' NetGalley review ?????Three Miss Marples for the price of one! Extremely well-drawn characters the plot is carefully assembled the writing is so good I loved this story!' NetGalley review ?????I could not put this book down! What a perfect book! I loved the three main characters I highly recommend.' NetGalley review ?????This book would make a great movie! The characters are likeable and quirky, the story moves quickly and this talented author leaves us wanting for more!' NetGalley review ?????Trade Review‘A charming read with a cast of characters you’ll really connect with’ Faith Martin, author of A Fatal End ‘The ingredients for the perfect modern cosy crime: intrigue, characters you care about and a good dollop of humour' Ian Moore, author of Death and Croissants ‘As delightful as it is deadly, A Pen Dipped in Poison is a feel-good, fun and fabulous cosy mystery that had me utterly gripped from page one. J.M. Hall proves once again he's one of our very best cosy mystery writers. I absolutely loved it’ Jonathan Whitelaw, author of The Bingo Hall Detectives ‘A gently quirky cosy mystery with plenty of twists and turns, and an intriguing cast of characters – some endearing, some not so much!’ Fiona Leitch, author of The Cornish Wedding Murder ‘Malice and mayhem spur a school reunion of three modern Marples – and some of their Thirsk community learn a lesson they’ll never forget!’ Sarah Yarwood-Lovett, author of A Murder of Crows

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Book SynopsisWhen a man plunges down a cliff, two adventurous young friends decide to find his killerWhile playing an erratic round of golf, Bobby Jones slices his ball over the edge of a cliff. His ball is lost, but on the rocks below he finds the crumpled body of a dying man. With his final breath the man opens his eyes and says, Why didn't they ask Evans?'Haunted by these words, Bobby and his vivacious companion, Frankie, set out to solve a mystery that will bring them into mortal dangerTrade Review‘A story that tickles and tantalizes but never exhausts the readers’ patience or ingenuity.’ Times Literary Supplement ‘Agatha Christie is the gateway drug to crime fiction both for readers and for writers.’ Val McDermid

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Book SynopsisA wheelchair-bound Poirot returns to Styles, the venue of his first investigation, where he knows another murder is going to take placeThe house guests at Styles seemed perfectly pleasant to Captain Hastings; there was his own daughter Judith, an inoffensive ornithologist called Norton, dashing Mr Allerton, brittle Miss Cole, Doctor Franklin and his fragile wife Barbara , Nurse Craven, Colonel Luttrell and his charming wife, Daisy, and the charismatic Boyd-Carrington.So Hastings was shocked to learn from Hercule Poirot's declaration that one of them was a five-times murderer. True, the ageing detective was crippled with arthritis, but had his deductive instincts finally deserted him?Trade Review‘First rate Christie: fast, complicated, wryly funny’ Time ‘Superb, vintage Christie’ Sunday Express

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Book SynopsisPrivate detectives Grand & Batchelor''s latest case draws them into the arcane world of high art and high society in this compelling Victorian mystery.London. May, 1878. Private enquiry agents Matthew Grand and James Batchelor have been hired by the artist James Whistler to dig into the past of outspoken critic John Ruskin, with whom he has an ongoing feud. Not particularly optimistic of success, the two detectives are sidetracked from the investigation by the murder of a prostitute in nearby Cremorne Gardens. Her body posed on a park bench, a book on birth control sitting on her lap, Clara Jenkins is not the first young woman to have met a similarly grisly fate - and she won''t be the last.Could there be a connection between the Cremorne killer and their art world case? With the investigation heading nowhere fast, Grand comes up with a decidedly unorthodox plan to ensnare the killer. But even the best-laid plans have a nasty habit of going catastrophically awry ...

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Book SynopsisAfter a horrific murder, a sleuthing English teacher will need a Christmas miracle to prove a condemned man innocent. Colourful Christmas lights dapple the family homes in the idyllic lakeside town of Sweet Haven when Jennifer Dean, a young librarian at the local elementary school, is brutally murdered. There are witnesses and her boyfriend Travis Blake confesses to the crime... but something doesn't add up. Blake is a third generation Army Ranger, awarded the Silver Star for his heroism in Afghanistan. How could a beloved son of this tight-knit community commit such a grisly deed? Sweet Haven is made up of military families, so no one wants to investigate a war hero. In steps Cameron Winter, a rugged and lonesome English professor haunted by the ghosts of his own Christmas past, whose former lover asks him to prove Blake innocent. The Sweet Haven murder echoes a horrific Yuletide memory from Winter's youth, and he knows the case is even darker than it seems. If he can solve this small-town mystery, just maybe he can find peace from his inner demons too. Reviews for When Christmas Comes 'When Christmas Comes is wonderful, gripping, a pure delight' Dean Koontz 'This terrific holiday-themed novel will leave readers unsettled and hopeful at the same time' Publishers WeeklyTrade ReviewAn exciting but tender, heartfelt crime novel about an English professor's attempt to clear a former Army Ranger of murder. It's fast-paced, haunting, with a central character you'll love * Dean Koontz, AARP The Magazine *Andrew Klavan's When Christmas Comes is a masterclass in mysteries of the melancholic kind * John Valeri, Criminal Element *This terrific holiday-themed novel will leave readers unsettled and hopeful at the same time * Publishers Weekly, starred review *Just the thing for one of those lengthening nights between Halloween and Christmas * Kirkus Reviews *Andrew Klavan is the most original American novelist of crime and suspense since Cornell Woolrich -- Stephen King

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Book SynopsisAgatha Christie's seasonal mystery thriller in a sumptuous Christmas hardback Special Edition.'There is, at Christmas, a spirit of goodwill. People who do not feel amiable are putting great pressure on themselves to appear amiable! If you dam the stream of natural behaviour, mon ami, sooner or later the dam bursts and a cataclysm occurs!'It is Christmas Eve. The Lee family reunion is shattered by a deafening crash of furniture, followed by a high-pitched wailing scream. Upstairs, the tyrannical Simeon Lee lies dead in a pool of blood, his throat slashed.But when Hercule Poirot, who is staying in the village with a friend for Christmas, offers to assist, he finds an atmosphere not of mourning but of mutual suspicion. It seems everyone had their own reason to hate the old manTrade Review‘You yearned for a “good violent murder with lots of blood”. So this is your special story – written for you.’Agatha Christie 'There is irresistible simplicity and buoyancy of a Christmas treat about it all'Times Literary Supplement

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Book SynopsisIn the eighth novel in the Dales Detective series, Date with Evil, Samson and Delilah are about to discover that all of their new cases may be connected to a network of evil that seems to be surrounding Bruncliffe. Will they solve them all before the danger comes directly to their door?'A Yorkshire Agatha Raisin' – DalesmanEvil is stalking the streets of Bruncliffe . . .From stolen washing to inheritance investigations, Bruncliffe’s Dales Detective Agency is being inundated with cases.But with Samson O’Brien still in London helping the Met Police clear his name, and the newly appointed member of the investigations team, Ida Capstick, distracted by her brother George’s insistence that their farm is haunted, Delilah Metcalfe is struggling to meet the mounting demands for the agency’s services.So when the mother of a local estate agent arrives at the offices insisting her son is missing, Delilah is relieved to have Samson return to help.Little do the detective duo know that several of their cases are about to collide when identifying the whereabouts of the missing man becomes something far more sinister.Something that will finally expose the network of evil which has been infiltrating the Dales town over the past decade, and in doing so place Delilah in the utmost danger.Following on from Date with Betrayal this new novel delights with its combination of beguiling charm and witty ingenuity. Look out for Date With Justice coming soon!Praise for The Dales Detective series:'Bags of Yorkshire charm and wit' – Northern Echo'A classic whodunit set in the spectacular landscape of the Yorkshire Dales' – Cath Staincliffe'Full of dry wit and clever plotting' – Countryside'Chapman delivers on every level' – Lancashire Evening Post'Enlivened with numerous subplots, the story moves at a cracking pace' – Daily MailTrade ReviewGreat fun! -- Carol Drinkwater, actress All Creatures Great and Small and author of The Olive FarmA classic whodunit set in the spectacular landscape of the Yorkshire Dales, written with affection for the area and its people -- Cath Staincliffe, author of the Scott & Bailey seriesBags of Yorkshire charm and wit * The Northern Echo *Enlivened by numerous subplots . . . the story moves at a cracking pace . . . But Chapman's track record suggests that the next instalment will be well worth the wait. * Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisA typist uncovers a man's body from behind the sofaAs instructed, stenographer Sheila Webb let herself into the house at 19 Wilbraham Crescent. It was then that she made a grisly discovery: the body of a dead man sprawled across the living room floor.What intrigued Poirot about the case was the time factor. Although in a state of shock, Sheila clearly remembered having heard a cuckoo clock strike three o'clock. Yet, the four other clocks in the living room all showed the time as 4.13. Even more strangely, only one of these clocks belonged to the owner of the houseTrade Review‘Deliberately fantastic.’ Times Literary Supplement ‘Superlative Christie… extremely ingenious.’ The Bookman ‘A sure-fire attention-gripper naturally.’ Saturday Review ‘Here is the grand-manner detective story in all its glory.’ New York Times

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Book SynopsisWhen the family butler is brutally attacked, land agent Matthew Rowsley and his wife Harriet determine to find the culprit in this gripping Victorian mystery. With his lordship''s mental health failing, management of his grand country estate has been assigned to a group of trustees, including land agent Matthew Rowsley and his capable wife Harriet. But the smooth running of Thorncroft House is disrupted by a series of unforeseen events. Building work on the estate workers'' new cottages is halted by the discovery of Roman remains. Shortly afterwards, the family butler is brutally assaulted and left for dead. A random attack - or was he deliberately targeted? Matters take an even more disturbing turn when Lord Croft''s long-lost cousin and heir, Julius Trescothick, arrives from Australia, ready to claim his inheritance. But is he who he claims to be . and what are his true intentions?If they are to preserve Thorncroft House and a way of life tha

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Book SynopsisPre-order the next thrilling Hawthorne mystery CLOSE TO DEATH - coming soon!By the global bestselling author, Anthony Horowitz, the third novel in his acclaimed Hawthorne and Horowitz series. The Russian mafia, a strange religious order and not one but two murders - stand by for a hugely enjoyable, twisty turny read.'EASILY THE GREATEST OF OUR CRIME WRITERS' Sunday Times'A homage to the Golden Age of mystery - it is pure delight' New York Times'Witty, wry, clever, a fabulous detective story and perfect summer reading' Kate Mosse'Funny, intriguing, thrilling and thought-provoking: a marvellous mystery' Adam Hamdy'A golden-age whodunnit on steroids' Kirkus Reviews______________Private Investigator Daniel Hawthorne and the writer Anthony Horowitz have been invited to a literary festival on the island of Alderney to talk about their new book . . .Very soon they discover that dark forces are at work.Alderney is in turmoil over a planned power line that will cut through it, desecrating a war cemetery and turning neighbour against neighbour.And the visiting authors seem to be harbouring any number of unpleasant secrets.When the festival's wealthy sponsor is found brutally murdered, Alderney goes into lockdown and Hawthorne knows he doesn't have to look too far for suspects. There's no escape. The killer is still on the island.And there's about to be a second death . . .______________Readers can't get enough of Hawthorne and Horowitz ...***** 'I loved this smartly written whodunit, but it's the characters of Hawthorne and Horowitz that have completely won me over.'***** 'A Line to Kill was a very clever, suspenseful and compelling murder mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed '***** 'This is a worthy addition to this highly addictive series, and I can't wait to begin the next installment.'***** 'Engaging, fun banter between Horowitz and Hawthorne, double deception, locked room mystery, multiple suspects that all have a motive, and someone with murder in their eyes.'

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Book SynopsisJulia Chapman’s sixth Dales Detective Agency novel, Date with Deceit, sees Delilah going undercover at a shoot involving dangerous criminals. A page-turning cosy crime mystery, perfect for fans of Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club and M.C. Beaton.A woman in tears in the Dales Detective Agency is never the best way to start the week and when it's the town mayor's wife, asking the detective to investigate whether her husband is having an affair, Samson O’Brien and Delilah Metcalfe know they will have to tread carefully.The case, however, proves to be more complex than even they had imagined. While Delilah is undercover at a local shoot to better keep tabs on the errant husband, she is on the scene for a fatal incident that sends the Yorkshire town into turmoil. Soon the detective duo are embroiled in a far more serious investigation than mere infidelity. Deceit is rife in Bruncliffe and it may well prove deadly . . .Curl up with this delightful murder mystery, full of wit, warmth, and a cast of charming characters. Continue the series with Date With Betrayal.'A classic whodunit set in the spectacular landscape of the Yorkshire Dales . . . A satisfying read riddled with dry Yorkshire humour (and dry stone walls)' - Cath Staincliffe, author of the Scott & Bailey series.Trade ReviewGreat fun! -- Carol DrinkwaterA classic whodunit set in the spectacular landscape of the Yorkshire Dales, written with affection for the area and its people -- Cath StaincliffeBags of Yorkshire charm and wit * Northern Echo *Enlivened by numerous subplots . . . the story moves at a cracking pace . . . But Chapman's track record suggests that the next instalment will be well worth the wait. * Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisA TENSE PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER RIPPED STRAIGHT FROM THE HEADLINES . . .''I was thoroughly gripped. Expertly plotted with some major twists'' 5***** Reader Review''A gripping psychological thriller that had me hooked from the first page'' 5***** Reader Review _________ Twenty years ago 21-year-old Sophie Collier vanishes one night. She leaves nothing behind but a trainer on the old pier - and a hole in the heart of her best friend Francesca. Now A body''s been found. And Francesca''s drawn back to the seaside town she''s tried to forget. Perhaps the truth of what happened to Sophie will finally come out. Yet Francesca is beginning to wish she hadn''t returned. Everywhere she turns, ghosts from her past appear. The same old faces that always haunted her. But if someone knows what really happened to Sophie that night, then now''s the time to find out . . . ITrade ReviewCompelling and page-turning, wonderfully written and impossible to second-guess with a brilliant twist -- Debbie Howells * bestselling author of Richard & Judy pick The Bones of You *The creepy goings-on in the off-season, secret-filled resort will give you chills * Sunday Mirror *A gripping and atmospheric read * Closer *Praise for The Sisters * - *Grippingly claustrophobic and unpredictable on every page: perfect for fans of The Girl on the Train * Marie Claire *Tension oozes from every page . . . an addictive read that will leave you on the edge of your seat * Sun *As soon as I finished the first page, I knew I wouldn't be able to put this down . . . I thoroughly enjoyed it * Good Housekeeping *Unforgettably dark and complex * Woman & Home *Praise for Last Seen Alive * - *This stunning new release from Claire Douglas is packed with a killer twist * Closer *Thrillingly tense and twisty, a great read -- B. A. ParisA heart-thumping psychological mystery that ticks all the boxes . . . with twists galore, it's impossible to guess the shocking ending * Saga *Fast-paced and chock-full of twists, Last Seen Alive is both absorbing and gripping. After reading it you'll never dream of a house swap again -- Paula DalyThrilling . . . superb plotting. I could hardly catch my breath between twists! -- Jenny BlackhurstIt's so twisty, turning and grippy. Highly recommend it! -- Gilly MacmillanI love stories where you're not quite sure who is telling the truth! This one kept me guessing -- Jane Corry

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Book SynopsisAnn Cleeves Classic Crime - engaging mysteries to savour, beloved characters to meet again.Come Death and High Water is the second mystery novel featuring George and Molly Palmer-Jones by Ann Cleeves, author of the Shetland and Vera Stanhope crime series.The picturesque privately owned island of Gillibry off the North Devon coast turns out to be the perfect site for a murder . . .A routine weekend visit by the Gillibry Bird Observatory Trust is made memorable by the owner’s announcement that he is going to sell the island. A sale would mean the end of the Observatory, which for some of the birders makes life worth living. A fire in Charlie Todd’s cottage adds to their distress. And when, next morning, after a fierce storm, they find Charlie dead in a bird hide, their pleasant September weekend assumes a dangerous new face.Charlie Todd’s murder could have been the deed of any member of the Trust. And it falls to one of their own, George Palmer-Jones, to unravel the identity of a killer within their midst . . .Trade Review[A] perfectly fresh, contemporary crime story meshing interesting characters with plenty of fascinating ornithological detail * Crime Fiction Catalogue *A fine writer * Sunday Telegraph *Cleeves is quietly carving out a reputation as the new Queen of Crime * Sunday Mirror *Ann Cleeves is a skilful technician, keeping our interest alive and building slowly up to the denouement. Her easy use of language and clever story construction make her one of the best natural writers of detective fiction * Daily Express *Nobody does unsettling undercurrents better than Ann Cleeves -- Val McDermidAnn Cleeves has an enviable talent . . . I love these books * CrimeSquad *

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Book SynopsisJulia Chapman is the pseudonym of Julia Stagg, writer of the Fogas Chronicles set in the French Pyrenees. She is also the author of the Dales Detective series which follows the adventures of Samson O'Brien and Delilah Metcalfe as they solve cases in the Yorkshire Dales.Born with a wanderlust that keeps her moving, Julia has followed her restless feet to Japan, Australia, the USA and France. She spent the majority of that time as a teacher of English as a Foreign Language but also dabbled in bookselling, pawnbroking, waitressing and was once checkout chick of the month' at a supermarket in South Australia. She also ran an auberge in the French Pyrenees for six years with her husband.Having spent many years wandering, she is now glad to call the Yorkshire Dales home. Its distinctive landscape and way of life provide the setting for her latest set of novels, the Dales Detective series.Trade ReviewBags of Yorkshire charm and wit * The Northern Echo *A delightful read * The Dalesman *A classic whodunnit set in the spectacular landscape of the Yorkshire Dales, written with affection for the area and its people. A satisfying read riddled with dry Yorkshire humour (and dry-stone walls) -- Cath Staincliffe, author of The Silence Between BreathsGreat fun! -- Carol Drinkwater, actress (All Creatures Great and Small) and author of The Olive FarmThe barbed electricity flowing between the two central protagonists . . . bring fire and drive to the narrative * The Yorkshire Times *

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Book SynopsisHercule Poirot is determined to solve an old husband and wife double murder that is still an open verdictHercule Poirot stood on the cliff-top. Here, many years earlier, there had been a tragic accident. This was followed by the grisly discovery of two more bodies a husband and wife shot dead.But who had killed whom? Was it a suicide pact? A crime of passion? Or cold-blooded murder? Poirot delves back into the past and discovers that old sin leave long shadows'.Trade Review‘Splendid… she tells us all we want to know and nothing that is irrelevant.’ THE TIMES

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Book SynopsisAnn Cleeves Classic Crime - engaging mysteries to savour, beloved characters to meet againA Prey to Murder is the fourth mystery novel featuring George and Molly Palmer-Jones by Ann Cleeves, author of the Shetland and Vera Stanhope crime series.The huge and powerful hawk dominated the scene. Its talons pierced the woman’s flesh and the beak pointed towards her eyes . . .The sight is a particularly horrible shock for George Palmer-Jones, ornithologist and amateur detective, as he was an old friend of the victim Eleanor Masefield. George and his wife Molly are staying at Eleanor’s family-run hotel, and whilst George believed Eleanor was a beautiful and charming widow, Molly has other ideas.Is Molly a little jealous? Or was Eleanor more a black widow – a ruthless manipulator of all those caught in her far-reaching web? Can Molly prove it in time to prevent another death?Trade ReviewA fine writer * Sunday Telegraph *Cleeves is quietly carving out a reputation as the new Queen of Crime * Sunday Mirror *Ann Cleeves is a skilful technician, keeping our interest alive and building slowly up to the denouement. Her easy use of language and clever story construction make her one of the best natural writers of detective fiction * Daily Express *Nobody does unsettling undercurrents better than Ann Cleeves -- Val McDermid, author of the Tony Hill & Carol Jordan and Karen Pirie seriesAnn Cleeves has an enviable talent . . . I love these books * CrimeSquad *

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Book SynopsisMike Hammer, the iconic PI created by hard-boiled crime master Mickey Spillane and written by New York Times bestseller Max Allan Collins, returns in Masquerade for Murder. After Mike Hammer witnesses Wall Street superstar Vincent Colby getting clipped by a speeding red Ferrari, the shaken victim's stockbroker father hires Hammer to find the driver. But the toughest private eye of them all soon is caught up in a series of bizarre, seemingly unconnected slayings marked by a forbidden martial arts technique. What do a lovely redhead, a short-tempered bartender, an exotic call girl, a murdered police inspector and a movie stuntman have to do with a scheme that might have transformed young Colby into a psychological time bomb?Trade Review“For readers of a younger age, Collins may become as synonymous with the Hammer character as Spillane was and is for seasoned fans. If that happens, it will be because he has earned it. My guess is that Spillane, if he were alive, would be overjoyed by that occurrence. Read MASQUERADE FOR MURDER and see why.” —BookReporter “Spillane fans will be pleased to see how well Collins captures the brash tone but everyman personality of the latter-day Hammer without trying to imitate the character’s infamous vigilante crusades of earlier years. Spillane (1918–2006) would be proud of how well Collins has maintained his legacy.” —Publishers Weekly “Honestly, having writer Max Allan Collins turn in another Mike Hammer novel in this Legacy series is like our enjoying the gift that never stops giving...Blood flows as is the norm in any Hammer caper with a conclusion we soundly approved of. We think you will too.” —Pulp Fiction Reviews “Collins at his best, vintage Hammer, and indistinguishable from classic Mickey Spillane–as if Spillane never really left.” —Borg.com, Best of 2020 “One-time king of American pulp fiction Mickey Spillane left a stock of literary fragments for Max Allan Collins to expand into full-length novels. And a first-rate job he makes of it.” —Daily Mail

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Book SynopsisWHEN THE FAIR COMES TO TOWN, A KILLER'S GAME BEGINS...'One hell of a ride' - THE TIMES'Revelatory' - VAL MCDERMID'A must-read' - JANICE HALLETT'A genuine triumph' - IAN MOORE'What more could a reader ask for?' - JOHN CONNOLLY'A thrilling helter-skelter' - SARAH PINBOROUGH'A fantastically gothic thriller' - SJ WATSON'An absolute cracker' - T.M. LOGAN'A first-class thriller' - CHRIS WHITAKER'A blisteringly new brand of hero' - SARAH HILARY'Agatha Christie meets Se7en' - TINA BAKER'Furiously-paced and full of twists' - ALEX SMITH'Addictively dark' - HEAT_________________________________________Scott Jericho thought he'd worked his last case. Fresh out of jail, the disgraced former detective is forced to seek refuge with the fairground family he once rejected.Then a series of bizarre murders comes to light - deaths that echo a century-old fairground legend. The police can't connect the victims. But Jericho knows how the legend goes; that more murders are certain to follow.As Jericho unpicks the deadly mystery, a terrifying question haunts him. As a direct descendant of one of the victims in the legend, is Jericho next on the killer's list?From the award-winning author of The Outrage comes Killing Jericho, the gothic, helter-skelter thriller debut that introduces crime fiction's first ever Traveller detective, Scott Jericho.What readers are saying about the most exciting thriller of 2023:'I read it all in one go just could not bear to put it down' ***** Liz W, Netgalley'A perfect thriller' ***** Kyle W, Netgalley'Simply stunning' ***** Bev H, Netgalley'Holy ****, this is good!' ***** Marieke D, Netgalley'Full of mystery and suspense with twists that kept me guessing' Aria H, Netgalley

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Book SynopsisAgatha Christie's ingenious murder mystery, now presented as a sumptuous special edition hardback.Beautiful Caroline Crale was convicted of poisoning her husband, yet there were five other suspects: Philip Blake (the stockbroker) who went to market; Meredith Blake (the amateur herbalist) who stayed at home; Elsa Greer (the three-time divorcee) who had roast beef; Cecilia Williams (the devoted governess) who had none; and Angela Warren (the disfigured sister) who cried wee wee wee' all the way home.It is sixteen years later, but Hercule Poirot just can't get that nursery rhyme out of his mindTrade Review‘Despite only five suspects, Mrs Christie as usual puts a ring through the reader’s nose and leads him to one of her smashing last-minute showdowns.’Observer ‘The answer to the riddle is brilliant.’Times Literary Supplement ‘A brilliant piece of detective fiction, in which character plays an important part.’Daily Telegraph ‘Straightforward bamboozling from start to finish.’New Statesman ‘As usual, Mrs Christie hoaxes us with a double twist at the denouement, and provides excellent entertainment.’Punch ‘Agatha Christie never fails us, and her Five Little Pigs presents a very pretty problem for the ingenious reader.’ Manchester Guardian

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Book SynopsisFabulous, cosy, mystery Wonderful Absolutely perfect for fans of Richard Osman!' NetGalley Review ?????Introducing the three unlikeliest sleuths you''ll ever meet Every Thursday, three retired school teachers have their coffee o'clock' sessions at the Thirsk Garden Centre café.But one fateful week, as they are catching up with a slice of cake, they bump into their ex-colleague, Topsy.By the next Thursday, Topsy's dead.The last thing Liz, Thelma and Pat imagined was that they would become involved in a murder.But they know there's more to Topsy's death than meets the eye and it's down to them to prove itSit down with a cup of tea and this perfectly witty, page-turning cosy crime novel. Fans of Agatha Christie, Death in Paradise and Midsomer Murders will be hooked from the very first page.Readers love A Spoonful of Murder:Warm characters and wonderful writing It's steeped in Yorkshire like a mug of hot, strong tea I loved it' SJ Bennett, author of The Windsor KnotOutstanding I read thisTrade Review‘Warm characters and wonderful writing… It’s steeped in Yorkshire like a mug of hot, strong tea… I loved it’ SJ Bennett, author of The Windsor Knot ‘An absorbing read about everyday life falling foul of murder’ Faith Martin, author of A Fatal End

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Book SynopsisSir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Hound of the Baskervilles gripped readers when it was first serialised and has continued to hold its place in the popular imagination to this day. Could the sudden death of Sir Charles Baskerville have been caused by the gigantic ghostly hound that is said to have haunted his family for generations? Arch-rationalist Sherlock Holmes characteristically dismisses the theory as nonsense. And, immersed in another case, he sends Dr Watson to Devon to protect the Baskerville heir and observe the suspects at close hand. With its atmospheric setting on the ancient, wild moorland and its savage apparition, The Hound of the Baskervilles is one of the greatest crime novels ever written. Rationalism is pitted against the supernatural and good against evil as Sherlock Holmes sets out to defeat a foe almost his equal. This edition contains a full chronology of Arthur Conan Doyle's life and works, an introduction by renowned horror scholar Professor Trade Review“The whole Sherlock Holmes saga is a triumphant illustration of art’s supremacy over life.” —Christopher Morley

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Book SynopsisAgatha Christie's seasonal mystery thriller, reissued with a striking new cover designed to appeal to the latest generation of Agatha Christie fans and book lovers.It is Christmas Eve. The Lee family reunion is shattered by a deafening crash of furniture, followed by a high-pitched wailing scream. Upstairs, the tyrannical Simeon Lee lies dead in a pool of blood, his throat slashed.But when Hercule Poirot, who is staying in the village with a friend for Christmas, offers to assist, he finds an atmosphere not of mourning but of mutual suspicion. It seems everyone had their own reason to hate the old manTrade Review‘You yearned for a “good violent murder with lots of blood”. So this is your special story – written for you.’Agatha Christie ‘There is irresistible simplicity and buoyancy of a Christmas treat about it all'Times Literary Supplement

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Book SynopsisWriter for Hire Veronica Blackstone''s latest client is found dead and police suspect a burglary gone wrong, but Veronica isn''t convinced in this intriguingly plotted mystery. As a writer for hire, Veronica Blackstone puts her keyboard to use to help others. That includes writing advertising copy for local businesses, and love letters for those needing romantic help. Tony Richards needs the latter.Debonair, charismatic, handsome, Tony seems like the last person who''d need help with love letters, but help him Veronica does . . . only, Tony owes her money and won''t tell her anything about the woman she''s writing the love letters for. That''s not how Veronica normally works. When Tony is found dead, his real name is revealed as Ted Roberts. The police think his death was part of a burglary gone wrong, but Veronica isn''t convinced. Why did he lie about his name? Who were the love letters for? And could they hold the key to his death?

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Book Synopsis"A cleverly plotted and thoroughly enjoyable book about dark deeds in beautiful places."—Elly Griffiths Welcome to the coastal paradise of Porthpella, where murder lurks among the dunes… Late one night, a distraught young man knocks on the door of retired and recently widowed Ally Bright’s remote home on the Cornish coast. But before she can make sense of his confused words, he’s gone—not to be seen again until he’s found the next morning at the foot of the nearby cliffs. In an instant, the peace of Ally’s beachcombing life is shattered. Feeling responsible for the young man’s fate, she wants to help find answers—as does ex-cop Jayden Weston, whom Ally meets at the scene. He shares her certainty that there’s more to the story than attempted suicide. When it emerges that the man is newly released ex-offender Lewis Pascoe, and that Helena, the wealthy new owner of his grandmother’s home, has subsequently disappeared, the tight-knit community of Porthpella is thrown into turmoil. Driven by their need to know more, the duo decide to investigate the mystery together. Is there a connection between the Pascoe family’s tragic history and Helena’s disappearance? And if there is a killer stalking Porthpella, do Ally and Jayden have what it takes to catch them?Trade Review“An intriguing mystery that perfectly captures how a seaside community is rocked by murder.” —The Sun “Mystery with heart! Fans of intriguing crime mysteries will adore this brand-new series, which is just crying out to become Sunday evening television.” —The People's Friend “A cleverly plotted and thoroughly enjoyable book about dark deeds in beautiful places.” —Elly Griffiths, author of the Ruth Galloway series “What a fantastic book this is! Exquisitely written, set in Cornwall, great characters, and a gripping plot.…Who could ask for more?” —Jill Mansell, author of Promise Me “Emylia was born to write detective fiction.” —Veronica Henry, author of The Impulse Purchase “An expertly plotted and hugely compelling murder mystery.…Crime fans are in for a treat.” —Lucy Clarke, author of One of the Girls “Certain to win the hearts of Richard Osman and Agatha Christie fans.” —Hannah Richell, author of The Search Party “A big-hearted page-turner with twists you won’t see coming and the best pair of amateur sleuths I’ve read in a long time. I loved it!” —Lucy Diamond, author of Anything Could Happen “My favorite new crime series.” —Ginny Bell, author of The Dover Café series “Irresistible, beautifully written, and hugely compelling.…Kept me turning the pages for one more delicious chapter well into the night.” —Rosie Walsh, author of The Man Who Didn’t Call “The Shell House Detectives is a hug of a book that is transporting and full of love, with a humdinger of a mystery at its big heart.” —Amanda Reynolds, author of The Assistant “Gorgeous writing and a plot crammed with suspense, this is your perfect new crime series for 2023.” —Kate Riordan, author of The Heatwave “Beautifully written, gripping, and so atmospheric.…One for fans of Richard Osman!” —Emily Koch, author of What July Knew “The mystery is perfectly paced and the characters vivid and true, inviting us to join in as fellow sleuths as we unravel the secrets of the past. I can’t wait to return to Cornwall with Emylia Hall for the next adventure.” —Emma Stonex, author of The Lamplighters “A treat of a book: immersive, suspenseful, full of twists and turns.…It’s as captivating as a Cornish summer. I loved it.” —Susan Fletcher, author of Eve Green “A total delight.” —Sarah Winman, author of Still Life “Captures the magic and beauty of Cornwall wrapped within a warm and engaging detective story. I loved it.” —Rosanna Ley, author of The Forever Garden “Suspenseful, twisty and unputdownable...Loved it!” —Claire Douglas, author of The Couple at No. 9 “This beautifully written cosy coastal mystery packs a real punch! With wonderfully atmospheric prose and twists and turns aplenty, the plot will have you riding a wave of suspense long after you’ve turned the final page. If you love Cornwall, you will adore this book.” —Sarah Pearse, author of The Sanatorium “Clever, plotty and compelling.” —Jane Shemilt, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Patient “I devoured The Shell House Detectives in one day. This warm-hearted, intriguing story will transport you to Cornwall and have you turning the pages to find out what happens next. I can't wait to read the next instalment.” —Libby Page, author of The Lido

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Book SynopsisHollywood diva Jessica Gray is on the last leg of her one-woman show when she suffers a sudden and fatal illness . . . but Angela Richman thinks there''s more to it."Ageless" Hollywood diva Jessica Gray is finishing the last leg of her one-woman show in St Louis, Missouri, and the nearby town of Chouteau Forest is dazzled. During the show she humiliates three homeless women onstage, fires her entourage - not for the first time - and makes a bitter enemy of the town''s powerful patriarch.After she collapses at an after-show party and is rushed to the hospital, she ignores the advice of her doctors and discharges herself in order to return to LA. On the way to the airport she suffers a deadly coughing fit. It was poison. When Angela Richman''s friend, Mario, is arrested for the murder and faces the death penalty, she is compelled to investigate.With so many grudges held against the actress and Mario''s life on the line, the stakes are higher than ever.

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Book SynopsisWilkie Collins must prove his brother is innocent of murder in the second of the compelling new Gaslight mystery series. November, 1853. Inspector Field has summoned his friends Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins to examine a body found in an attic studio, its throat cut. Around the body lie the lacerated fragments of canvas of a painting titled A Winter of Despair.On closer examination, Wilkie realizes he recognizes the victim, for he had been due to dine with him that very evening. The dead man is Edwin Milton-Hayes, one of Wilkie''s brother Charley''s artist friends. But what is the significance of the strange series of faceless paintings Milton-Hayes had been worked on when he died? And why is Charley acting so strangely?With his own brother under suspicion of murder, Wilkie Collins and Charles Dickens set out to uncover the truth. What secrets lie among the close-knit group of Pre-Raphaelite painters who were the dead man''s friends? And who is the killer in their midst?

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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

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Book SynopsisThe Cat Who Caught a Killer by L T Shearer is a charming cosy crime read, set in West London, for fans of Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club and S. J. Bennett’s The Windsor Knot.'Charming and original. This book is the cat’s whiskers' – Anthony Horowitz, author of The Twist of a KnifeMeet Conrad. Conrad is a cat. You’ve never met a detective like him before.Neither has Lulu Lewis, until he walks into her life one summer’s day. Mourning the recent death of her husband, the former police detective had expected a gentle retirement, quietly enjoying life on her new canal boat, The Lark, and visiting her mother-in-law in a nearby care home.But when her mother-in-law dies suddenly in suspicious circumstances, Lulu senses foul play and resolves to find out what really happened. And a remarkable cat named Conrad will be with her every step of the way . . .Readers are loving Conrad the cat detective . . .Five Star Reader Reviews:'This was such a charming tale and a genuine mystery that had me glued to my e-reader from start to finish''I absolutely loved this book! Conrad was a wonderful character who I would love to encounter again''I just loved Conrad the talking cat who really is the star of this gentle murder mystery story'Trade ReviewA charming, off-beat story with some great characters and wonderful London locations. I’m sure it will make readers long for their own canal boat, and quite possibly - if they don’t already have one - their own talking cat. Conrad is a delight -- SJ Bennett, author of The Windsor KnotA captivating, charming and gentle tale, perfect for all those who love their crime cosy -- Peter James, bestselling author of the Roy Grace seriesCharming and original. This book is the cat’s whiskers -- Anthony Horowitz, bestselling author of The Twist of a KnifeA gently funny novel with an original twist * Westmeath Examiner *

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Book Synopsis*From the creator of SLOW HORSES and soon to be a major TV series starring Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson*''If you haven''t read Zoë Boehm yet, welcome to your next fiction addiction'' Val McDermid, author of Past Lying''Herron is a stylish writer with a mordant sensibility and a deadly wit. He''s also a tricky plotter'' New York Times Book ReviewWhen Zoë Boehm agrees to track down the gang who knocked over Sweeney''s jewellery shop, she''s just hoping to break even in time for tax season. She certainly doesn''t expect to wind up in a coffin. But she''s about to become entangled with a strange collection of characters, starting with suicidal Tim Whitby, who''s dedicating what''s left of his life to protecting the pretty, battered Katrina Blake from her late husband''s sociopathic brothers, Arkle and Trent.Unfortunately for Zoë, Arkle has a crossbow, Tim has nothing left to lose, and even Katrina has her secretsTrade ReviewTough, bright and highly promising * Chicago Tribune *Stylish and engaging * Washington Post *Frighteningly plausible * Sunday Telegraph *

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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 *

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Book Synopsis'Cunning, explosive . . . A thumping good read.' Time OutJack Reacher, alone, strolling nowhere. A Chicago street in bright sunshine. A young woman, struggling on crutches. Reacher offers her a steadying arm.And turns to see a handgun aimed at his stomach.Chained in a dark van racing across America, Reacher doesn't know why they've been kidnapped. The woman claims to be FBI. She's certainly tough enough. But at their remote destination, will raw courage be enough to overcome the hopeless odds?_________Although the Jack Reacher novels can be read in any order, Die Trying is the 2nd in the series.And be sure not to miss Reacher's newest adventure, no.27, No Plan B! ***OUT NOW***Trade ReviewJack Reacher is a wonderfully epic hero; tough, taciturn, yet vulnerable... Irresistible * People *Reacher combines the physique of the Commando-period Schwarzenegger with the analytical brilliance of Sherlock Holmes * Himself Magazine *The taut plot, set firmly in headline territory, lays bare the world of the rabid, worm-like militias crawling in the political underbelly of America... This is an action adventure that never gives you a moment's peace and quiet - an excellent read * Publishing News *Cunning and explosive...A thumping good read * Time Out *A skilled, smart, violent page-turner * Daily Express *

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Book SynopsisSuspicious goings-on at a retirement home lead to an intriguing investigation in Date with Malice, the second cosy crime novel in Julia Chapman's Dales Detective series. Perfect for fans of Richard Osman's The Thursday Murder Club and M.C. Beaton.'A Yorkshire Agatha Raisin' – DalesmanIt’s dark in the Dales this winter . . .When Mrs Shepherd arrives at the Dales Detective Agency, quite convinced that someone is trying to kill her, Samson O’Brien dismisses her fears as the ramblings of a confused elderly lady. But, after a series of disturbing incidents at Fellside Court retirement home, he begins to wonder if there is something to her claims after all . . .With Christmas around the corner, Samson is thrown into a complex investigation – one that will require him to regain the trust of the Dales community. Faced with no choice, he enlists the help of a local: the tempestuous DeliTrade ReviewBags of Yorkshire charm and wit * The Northern Echo *A Yorkshire Agatha Raisin * The Dalesman *This second in the Dales Detective Series has Chapman well into her stride. With her eye for detail, we feel the chill of a Yorkshire deep midwinter, while taking comfort from the warmth of a close-knit community * Daily Mail *Chapman delivers on every level in this intriguing murder mystery . . . a big helping of recognizable small-town life, a suitably menacing air of malevolence, an undercurrent of suspense, lashings of Yorkshire wit and a seductively simmering relationship between handsome Sansom and the delightful Delilah * Lancashire Evening Post *Great fun * Carol Drinkwater *An engaging cast of characters and a cleverly clued puzzle move Chapman’s debut to the top of the English village murder list * Kirkus *As village murder mysteries go, this clever, witty and realistic series is quite out of the ordinary and strongly recommended * Crime Review *A classic whodunnit featuring two very likeable characters . . . A satisfying read riddled with dry Yorkshire humour (and dry-stone walls) -- Cath Staincliffe, author of Blue MurderNicely told and rather charming, so it should give traditionalists hours of innocent delight * Literary Review *

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Book SynopsisAn enthralling locked-room murder mystery inspired by crime fiction of the Golden Age, Death and the Conjuror is the critically acclaimed debut novel by Tom Mead. Selected as one of Publishers Weekly's Mysteries of the Year. 1936, London. A celebrity psychiatrist is discovered dead in his locked study. There seems to be no way a killer could have escaped unseen. There are no clues, no witnesses, and no evidence of the murder weapon. Stumped by the confounding scene, Inspector Flint, the Scotland Yard detective on the case, calls on retired stage magician turned part-time sleuth Joseph Spector. Spector has a knack for explaining the inexplicable, but even he finds that there is more to this mystery than meets the eye. As he and the Inspector interview the colourful cast of suspects, they uncover no shortage of dark secrets... or motives for murder. And when a second murder occurs, this time in an impenetrable elevator, they realise the crime wave will become even more deadly unless they can catch the culprit soon. Reviews for Death and the Conjuror 'Pure escapism and an excellent puzzle, ingeniously expounded.' The Times 'Secrets, red herrings and sleights of hand abound in an ingenious piece of intriguing escapism.' Guardian 'An intricate "impossible" crime that completely fooled me.' Peter Lovesey 'A sharply drawn period piece with memorable characters.' New York Times 'A real treat for mystery fans.' Ragnar Jónasson 'A beautiful, dark, atmospheric story.' Victoria DowdTrade ReviewA sharply drawn period piece... Locked-room mysteries shine best with memorable characters, which is one of Mead's strengths * New York Times *Secrets, red herrings and sleights of hand abound in an ingenious piece of intriguing escapism * Guardian *Death and the Conjuror is an engrossing tale of murder and magicians, and a revealing exploration of the ever-popular locked-room mystery. Mead's debut is a novel to intrigue and delight -- John Connolly[An] affectionate tribute to the golden age of impossible murder mysteries... This ingenious debut is also great fun * The Times *[A] stellar debut and series launch... This homage to golden age crime fiction rivals the best of John Dickson Carr * Publishers Weekly *With a deviously intricate locked-room plot, Death and the Conjuror unfolds as both an elegant tribute and a cunning update of the classic 'impossible crime' story. Somewhere, the great John Dickson Carr is smiling -- Daniel StashowerBoth a splendid homage to the Golden age of impossible crimes and its great exponent John Dickson Carr and a witty reconstruction of the classic locked room mystery with tongue in cheek bravado and a gallery of attendant, endearing characters, Tom Mead's debut is a sheer delight -- Maxim JakubowskiAn ingenious locked room mystery. This is a fiendishly clever puzzle wrapped in a beautiful, dark atmospheric story. Utterly captivating! -- Victoria DowdTom Mead has created an intriguing set of puzzles on par with John Dickson Carr in Death and the Conjuror. A true delight for mystery lovers! -- Charles ToddThis ingenious (and fair-play) locked-room mystery should win over a new generation of readers to this delightfully devious style of classic mystery -- Gigi PandianSparkling, exhilarating. The narrative is stuffed with provocative ideas and good humour. Tom Mead is a dazzling new talent. -- TP FieldenThe clever and complicated plots the unknown antagonist concocts will likely keep you guessing all the way through * Crime Fiction Lover *Fans of Golden Age historical fiction will enjoy this new spin on a traditional pairing for professional policeman and amateur sleuth... All the elements you would expect are here, and the book is pleasingly referential * Historical Novel Society *Pure escapism and an excellent puzzle, ingeniously expounded * The Times Audiobook of the Week *Not just a worthy imitation of the Golden Age puzzlers, but also a gently tongue in cheek rejuvenation of a type of mystery novel that is both cosy and challenging * Crime Time *There are some very fine descriptive images, a good pace, lots of variety and a skilful reveal. This is a most encouraging debut * The Critic *Mead faithfully replicates all the loving artifice and teasing engagement of golden-age puzzlers in this superior pastiche * Kirkus Reviews *Mead maintains suspense throughout, creating a creepy atmosphere en route to satisfying reveals. Puzzle mystery fans will eagerly await the sequel * Publishers Weekly *'More red herrings than a North Sea trawler, suspects galore, a dearth of clues, a locked room, and no weapon. A classic 'who?' and 'how?' -- Adrian MagsonInventive and engrossing * TripFiction *Locked room mysteries are back in fashion and in Death and the Conjuror, Tom Mead gives us one to savour. With fluid prose, sharply defined characters, and an ingenious set of puzzles, this is a book that references the Golden Age of crime fiction in the best possible way. -- Vaseem KhanFans of Golden Age mysteries, the original kind or a more modern version, have a treat in store * Promoting Crime Fiction *'A top of the range, good, old fashioned whodunnit. Great fun - and very clever! I enjoyed it enormously.' -- Daisy Waugh'An enticingly brilliant and stylish mystery.' -- Frances BrodyFans of Golden Age mysteries, the original kind or a more modern version, have a treat in store. * Mystery People *A great homage to Golden Age mysteries and a fresh angle on them, this is a witty, enthralling and atmospheric page turner with a fabulous setting and a striking cast of characters * Historical Writers' Association *Splendidly tricksy * The Guardian, Crime & Thriller Books of the Year 2023 *

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Book SynopsisShe knows your darkest secret… Can she keep it?It’s a lovely sunny day when Mia sees her ex-boyfriend on the street. But she knows that’s crazy. It can’t possibly be him. She knows that… because she killed him.Only her best friend Carrie knew what Mia did that night. Where everything went wrong and Mia’s boyfriend attacked her, so she attacked him right back.Carrie made the problem go away though. Like she always would for Mia. They’re best friends who’ve always stood up for each other. Now they just need to get on with their lives. Mia’s even met someone new – a man she thinks she could be with forever.But now it looks like her ex is back. Alive and well. So either the two best friends are losing their minds, or somebody is lying…An utterly gripping, unputdownable psychological thriller, perfect for fans of The Housemaid, The Girl on the Train and The Perfect Marriage. Readers love Keep Your Friends Close:‘I could NOT put this book down! The story was a real good one, you didn’t know what was happening. I LOVE books when they make you think, and then you change your mind on the characters. The ending was WOW, AFTER ALL THAT JUST WOW!!!!! Loved it!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Awesome… Kept me gasping on the edge of my seat!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘I was hooked. I had a hard time putting it down. I even stayed up late reading… I thought I had the twist figured out but, the author surprised me multiple times. I highly recommend this book to anybody who loves thriller books especially ones that have twists that make you yell, “WHAT?!”… Amazing.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Just WOW!... Deliciously twisty… If there was ever a book that you could skip the epilogue on, IT IS NOT THIS ONE. Pure genius.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Very fast paced… Twisty, and had me questioning what was real and true and what wasn’t all the way through… 5 stars, but it deserves more.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘The twists in this book caught me by surprise. I thought I had figured out what happened and I was way off and then the ending just blew my mind.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Wow! This was such a tense thriller, starting off with a bang and not letting up.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Book SynopsisAgatha Christie's complete Tommy and Tuppence short story collection, reissued with a striking new cover designed to appeal to the latest generation of Agatha Christie fans and book lovers.Tommy and Tuppence Beresford were restless for adventure, so when they were asked to take over Blunt's International Detective Agency, they leapt at the chance.After their triumphant recovery of a pink pearl, intriguing cases kept on coming their way: a stabbing on Sunningdale golf course; cryptic messages in the personal columns of newspapers; and even a box of poisoned chocolates.Trade Review‘Required reading.’Books ‘Distinctly worthwhile.’New York Times ‘Sherlock Holmes, John Thorndyke, Father Brown and even Poirot are amiably parodied, and once or twice the solution as well as the dialogue is deliberately facetious.’Times Literary Supplement

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Book SynopsisAn utterly gripping and twisty psychological thriller for fans of Claire McGowan, K.L. Slater and Andrea MaraI could not put it down until I finished the last page!!!' Netgalley reviewerA fantastic thriller which will have you racing to the very end' Netgalley reviewerFrances Brookman has just received the phone call every mother dreads. Her daughter Naomi has been in a life-threatening accident.As she races to the hospital, Frances catches sight of a child in another car a girl screaming for help.It''s a split-second thing and looks can be deceptive.Should she follow the car and risk a delay getting to her daughter? Or do nothing and live with the knowledge that she didn't help a child in need?What everyone's saying about The Girl Who Vanished!I thought I knew what the outcome was going to be I couldn't have been more wrong. This is an exceptional thriller' ?????Original storyline, lots of intrigue, twists, and turns (I could not guess the ending). I devoured this. ?????Twisty and unTrade ReviewPraise for R.M. Ward ‘I was completely gripped! The characters are so well drawn and the twists were shocking, yet completely plausible’ Keren David on Safe With You ‘A gripping thriller with characters I really cared about. Highly recommended’ C.S. Green on Safe With You

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Book SynopsisIntroducing turn-of-the-century archaeologist-sleuth Margaret Murray in the first of a brilliant new historical mystery series.October, 1900. University College, London. When the spreadeagled body of one of her students is discovered in her rented room shortly after attending one of her lectures, Dr Margaret Murray is disinclined to accept the official verdict of suicide and determines to find out how and why the girl really died.As an archaeologist, Dr Murray is used to examining ancient remains, but she''s never before had to investigate the circumstances surrounding a newly-dead corpse. However, of one thing Margaret is certain: if you want to know how and why a person died, you need to understand how they lived. And it soon becomes clear that the dead girl had been keeping a number of secrets. As Margaret uncovers evidence that Helen Richardson had knowledge of a truly extraordinary archaeological find, the body of a second young woman is discovered on a windswept Kent beach - and the case takes a disturbing new twist .

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Book SynopsisRichard is a middle-aged Englishman who runs a B&B in the fictional Val de Follet in the Loire Valley. Nothing ever happens to Richard, and really that’s the way he likes it. One day, however, one of his older guests disappears, leaving behind a bloody handprint on the wallpaper. Another guest, the exotic Valérie, persuades a reluctant Richard to join her in investigating the disappearance. Richard remains a dazed passenger in the case until things become really serious and someone murders Ava Gardner, one of his beloved hens... and you don’t mess with a fellow’s hens! Unputdownable mystery set in rural France, by TV/radio regular and bestselling author Ian Moore – perfect for fans of Richard Osman's The Thursday Murder ClubTrade Review'A very funny page-turner. Fantastique!' Adam Kay'A joyous read!' Alan Carr'A writer of immense wit and charm' Paul Sinha'Ian is one of my favourite writers; this is hilarious and a great mystery too' Janey Godley'Good food and a laugh-out-loud mystery. What more could anyone want in these dark times' Mark Billingham'Like going on a joyous romp through the Loire valley with Agatha Christie, PG Woodhouse and Mc Beaton. A delight.' C. K. McDonnell'Ian Moore is a brilliant, funny writer who perfectly captures the foibles of rural France but judging by this book I will never be visiting his bed and breakfast’ Josh Widdicombe'Beautifully done. Very funny indeed. I can’t imagine how one plots something like that. Tremendous work' Miles Jupp'I'm so punchdrunk from the sheer entertainment of it I've got a sore jaw. Encore!' Matt Forde'This is like two great books in one, a tricksy whodunnit, and a really, really funny story' Jason Manford'Such a brilliant read, smart, funny and his sharp writing captures the nuances of “Anglo-French” relations beautifully' Zoe Lyons'This book is a fun and funny read and I’m very much looking forward to the next one' Ian Stone'Funny, pacey and very entertaining' Robin Ince

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Book SynopsisAgatha Christie's first Tommy & Tuppence book is a thrill-packed novel of international intrigue, murder and suspense.Tommy and Tuppence, two young people short of money and restless for excitement, embark on a daring business scheme Young Adventurers Ltd.Their advertisement says they are willing to do anything, go anywhere'. But their first assignment, for the sinister Mr Whittington, plunges them into more danger than they ever imaginedTrade Review‘Refreshingly original.’Times Literary Supplement

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Book SynopsisAgatha Christie's ingenious mystery thriller, reissued with a striking new cover designed to appeal to the latest generation of Agatha Christie fans and book lovers.Lucy Angkatell invited Hercule Poirot to lunch. To tease the great detective, her guests stage a mock murder beside the swimming pool. Unfortunately, the victim plays the scene for real. As his blood drips into the water, John Christow gasps one final word: Henrietta'. In the confusion, a gun sinks to the bottom of the pool.Poirot's enquiries reveal a complex web of romantic attachments. It seems everyone in the drama is a suspect and each a victim of love.Trade Review“A grade-A plot – the best Christie in years”San Francisco Chronicle

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Book Synopsis'The best historical crime novel I will read this year' – The TimesFrom the pleasure palaces and gin-shops of Covent Garden to the elegant townhouses of Mayfair, Laura Shepherd-Robinson’s Daughters of Night follows Caroline Corsham as she seeks justice for a murdered woman whom London society would rather forget . . .'This is right up there with the best of C. J. Sansom and Andrew Taylor' – Amanda Craig, author of The Golden RuleLondon, 1782. Desperate for her politician husband to return home from France, Caroline ‘Caro’ Corsham is already in a state of anxiety when she finds a well-dressed woman mortally wounded in the bowers of the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens. The Bow Street constables are swift to act, until they discover that the deceased woman was a highly paid prostitute, at which point they cease to care entirely. But Caro has motives of her own for wanting to see justice done, and so sets out to solve the crime herself. Enlisting the help of thieftaker Peregrine Child, their inquiry delves into the hidden corners of Georgian society, a world of artifice, deception and secret lives.But with many gentlemen refusing to speak about their dealings with the dead woman, and Caro’s own reputation under threat, finding the killer will be harder, and more treacherous, than she can know . . .'Spectacularly brilliant . . . One of the most enjoyable and enduring stories I have ever read' – James O'Brien, journalist, author and LBC PresenterTrade ReviewCome for the clever mystery, stay reading late into the night for the vivid, tender portrayal of a world where women are bought, sold and abused, yet fight to retain their vim and dignity. I would gamble what’s left of my virtue on Daughters of Night being the best historical crime novel I will read this year -- Antonia Senior * The Times *Outstanding -- Sarah Hughes * The I *Here’s one where the pages turn all by themselves and the plot doesn’t let you go -- Diane Setterfield, author of Once Upon a RiverThis is right up with the best of C. J. Sansom and Andrew Taylor . . . A real treat, for readers of literary, detective and historical fiction -- Amanda Craig, author of The Lie of the LandShepherd-Robinson’s ingenious plotting, eagle eye for detail and evocative prose picked me up and dropped me in the underbelly of Georgian London. Like all the best historical fiction it makes the reader think as much about the way we live now as then -- Erin Kelly, author of He Said/She SaidA dark, fascinating and richly imagined world – brilliantly done! -- Ruth Ware, author of One By One and In a Dark, Dark WoodRich in historical detail, impeccably plotted . . . Laura Shepherd-Robinson really is the queen of the historical crime novel -- C. J. Tudor, author of The Chalk ManA very satisfying whodunnit . . . The twists and turns were masterful -- James Oswald, author of the Inspector MacLean seriesTop-drawer historical fiction meets compulsive, just-one-more-chapter crime. Expertly plotted, gloriously grisly, with characters who stomp around your brain long after you turn the last page. In other words, masterful -- Caz Frear, author of Sweet Little Lies and Shed No TearsA masterfully plotted labyrinth of a novel with a dangerously dark heart, teeming with memorable characters. Eighteenth-century London seethes from the page. I loved it -- Robyn Young, author of Brethren and the Insurrection trilogyJust finished Daughters Of Night a stunning tour de force from the hugely talented Laura Shepherd Robinson breathtaking stuff -- Chris Whitaker, author of We Begin at the EndLaura Shepherd-Robinson has at once proved herself a star -- Antonia Hodgson, author of The Devil in the MarshalseaIt thrums with life and colour, the characters are bawdy and beautiful and sly and savage, the twists are wicked, and the denouement has a satisfying modern flavour without ever straying from the confines of the setting -- Sarah Hilary, author of FragileEvery bit as good as Blood & Sugar, better even. Rich in historical detail, a fascinating exploration of the London sex-trade, and I loved the twist . . . Another terrific novel -- Jo Spain, author of The ConfessionThis book blew me away. Pitch-perfect within the eighteenth-century world and wholly immersive, it is an exquisite mystery, an exceptional voyage through danger and an extraordinary novel -- Rachel Edwards, author of DarlingExquisitely crafted and enormous fun. Murder, mythology, deception and dark doings in Georgian London -- Anna Mazzola, author of The Story KeeperShepherd-Robinson’s second offering is without doubt even better than her award-winning debut . . . Every page is a joy to read – this deserves to sweep all before it in the end-of-year book awards -- David Young, author of Stasi ChildI absolutely loved it. Laura reimagines an eighteenth-century London with seemingly effortless clarity – I read it in a permanent state of rapture, covered in goose bumps. If you want to be lost and thrilled by another world, then this is the book for you -- Emily Elgar, author of Grace Is GoneA historical murder-mystery masterpiece, with an exquisitely crafted, page-turning narrative and flawed characters that the reader can’t help but to root for -- Marnie Riches, author of TightropeLaura Shepherd-Robinson has written a story that is not only a page-turner of a thriller but, to an extent unusual in historical novels, where you feel you really are listening to a voice from the eighteenth century -- C. J. Sansom, bestselling author of Tombland on Blood & SugarLaura Shepherd-Robinson's historical crime thriller Daughters of Night brings Georgian London to life in all its seedy glory * Express *This richly woven tale brings history vividly to life . . . A gripping read * Adam Hamdy, author of Black 13 and Red Wolves *[Daughters of Night] pitched the period perfectly, you got a real sense of what London was like. The attention to detail is exceptional and the plot races along. Loved it * Woman's Way *Spectacularly brilliant. Once in a blue moon levels of fantastic. One of the most enjoyable and enduring stories I have ever read -- James O'BrienUtterly fascinating . . . Niftily plotted, vivid and thoroughly researched * Guardian *Daughters of Night is a deeply satisfying novel, reminiscent of Iain Pears’s later work in its feel for historical detail and character, and the way it subtly asks questions about our own age * The Observer *There is no doubt that Shepherd-Robinson is a rising star in the historical fiction firmament * Sunday Express *[Shepherd-Robinson] would be advised to clear her shelves for future awards * Financial Times *Deservedly described as a strong contender for the best historical novel of the year, it is a lushly written and evocative look at Georgian society, high and low, centering on the violent death of a woman who turns out not to be quite who she claimed. It is fuelled by a quiet anger over the lack of agency available to women then, and, by implication, now -- Sarah Hughes * The i *Read Daughters of Night by Laura Shepherd-Robinson, but read Blood & Sugar first: a) because it's brilliant, and b) because the characters overlap. They're both murder mysteries set in a meticulously and hyper-vividly drawn 18th-century London. The first is eye-opening about slavery, the second is about prostitution, or rather the first is about race and the second is about woman. Total page-turners -- India Knight * Sunday Times *[A] delectable whodunnit oozing with menace and lively period language * Woman & Home *

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Book SynopsisPerfect for fans of Richard Osman's The Thursday Murder Club, this is the page-turning, twisty, and often hilarious new crime novel from bestselling author Belinda Bauer.A Sunday Times 'best paperbacks of 2021' pick and The Times 'best thriller books of 2021' pick'Quirky, charming, intensely human, important . . . and very suspenseful. I loved it.'Lee Child__________________'This ingenious and darkly comic mystery is an absolute delight and Felix is one of the most loveable fugitives ever created.'Sunday ExpressMeet Felix Pink. The most unlikely murderer you'll ever have the good fortune to spend time with.When Felix lets himself in to Number 3 Black Lane, he's there to perform an act of charity: to keep a dying man company as he takes his final breath . . .But just fifteen minutes later Felix is on the run from the police - after making the biggest mistake of his life.Now his world is turned upside down as he must find out if he's really to blame, or if something much more sinister is at play. All while staying one shaky step ahead of the law.__________'Fresh, funny, flawless. The best crime novel you'll read this year.'Clare Mackintosh'Bauer's judgement of tone is perfect throughout a captivating whodunnit that's often hilarious . . . beady-eyed yet tender, it resembles a collaboration between Agatha Christie and Muriel Spark.'Sunday Times__________________Readers are loving EXIT and the marvellous Felix Pink:'Another winner from this outstanding author who has a unique ability to blend crime with humour.''Felix Pink - one of the most adorably unexpected murderers in print.''A brilliantly entertaining crime read, with an ordinary pensioner at its heart, a Felix who managed to capture my heart.''It may seem a dark topic but Exit is anything but. Pure joy, honestly.''Despite being a crime novel, it is a charming book that encompasses themes of compassion, friendship, love and standing up for what you believe is right.''This is an exceptionally cleverly crafted novel. A fair amount of black humour, two love stories, quite a lot of gambling and some unlikely friendships.'Trade ReviewSuch warmth and wit. * Sunday Telegraph *A crime novel . . . but not as you know it. * Woman & Home *Beady-eyed yet tender, it resembles a collaboration between Agatha Christie and Muriel Spark. * Sunday Times (Thriller of the Month) *Fresh, funny, flawless: EXIT is a joy from start to finish. * Clare Mackintosh, author of LET ME LIE *Charming, intensely human . . . and very suspenseful. I loved it. * Lee Child *EXIT is ingeniously plotted and every word is perfect. It’s a rare book that has you turning the pages impatiently, desperate to solve the mystery, all the while never wanting it to end because it’s such a joy to read. Felix Pink is the most loveable killer in recent fiction. * Erin Kelly, author of HE SAID/SHE SAID *Twisty, brilliantly plotted and funny too. Felix Pink is a wonderful character and I just wanted to hug him. (He'd be horrified!) * Jill Mansell, author of MAYBE THIS TIME *Cleverly plotted, touching and funny. * Bookseller *EXIT is the perfect antidote to the nervy gloom of this shut-down world. It's warm and funny and dark and sad all at the same time, beautifully plotted and paced, and peopled with fabulous, complex characters that have drawn me right into their lives. Felix is fast becoming one of my favourite fictional characters. * Donal Ryan, author of FROM A LOW AND QUIET SEA *This darkly funny crime novel has possibly the most unique concept I've come across: 75-year-old Felix is part of a network called the Exiteers, who sit with people who have chosen to end their lives. Except on his most recent mission, something goes wrong and Felix finds himself on the run for murder. For fans of Kate Atkinson's Jackson Brodie books. * Good Housekeeping *I loved Exit. Belinda Bauer writes the sort of characters who rock your world view and yet pull you in totally. Her plots are completely out of left field but she is singing my tune. A fan for life (I know, slightly creepy) and cannot wait for the next... * Fiona Barton, bestselling author of THE WIDOW *Exit is an absolute delight, a darkly comic mystery that will keep you guessing while you frantically turn the pages, and Felix is one of the most loveable fugitives ever created. This ingenious and unique crime novel is the perfect tonic to the gloom of another lockdown. * Sunday Express *A cunningly plotted thriller with more than a dash of Joe Orton-like black comedy. Bauer confirms her status as one of our most consistently inventive crime novelists. * Mail on Sunday *This intriguing, tender, funny and sometimes (in the best possible way) farcical novel about life and death is a sheer delight. * Guardian *The plot is breakneak, but what lingers most is the hero's capacity for empathy at any cost. * New York Times, Editor's Choice *

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Book SynopsisLooking for a psychological drama which will have you gripped? Then you will love the unmissable The Intruder from best-selling author J.A. BakerA fragile woman. An unwelcome intruder. A house full of secretsFaye and her husband Hugh have had a traumatic year. Wanting to start again, the couple decides to move to Cross House, hoping to leave the past behind them.However, the tranquillity of Cross House is soon ruined when Faye begins to wake, every night, to the sound of somebody creeping around the bedroom. She tries to explain it to Hugh, frightened for the safety of their children, but Hugh dismisses her claims, thinking she is heading for another breakdown.Obsessed with finding answers, Faye uncovers secrets about the Wentworth family who lived in the house before them. But when she discovers the tragic fate of the Wentworths, Faye starts to wonder if the intruder might be closer to home than she first thought. And if so, Faye could be in mortal danger…J.A. Baker is the best-selling author of Local Girl Missing, The Last wife and The Woman in the Woods.What people are saying about J.A. Baker...'Superbly written with a cast of crazy characters who will make you look differently at your co-workers from now on.’ Bestselling author Valerie Keogh'Fast-paced, riveting thriller. Gripped until the last page!' Bestselling author Diana Wilkinson'A twisty, creepy story expertly told. Perfect for reading on dark winter evenings…with the doors double-locked and bolted. Highly recommended!' Bestselling author Amanda JamesPlease Note, this book was previously published as The Uninvited

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Book SynopsisTHE TRIAL OF A LIFETIME.BUT WILL IT BE HIS LAST? ''Another masterpiece from one of the world''s greatest crime writers'' Express''This is Connelly on top form ... A terrific thriller'' Mail on Sunday''Grabs you on the very first page and doesn''t let go'' The Times* * * * *Heading home after winning his latest case, defence attorney Mickey Haller - The Lincoln Lawyer - is pulled over by the police. They open the trunk of his car to find the body of a former client.Haller knows the law inside out. He will be charged with murder. He will have to build his case from behind bars. And the trial will be the trial of his life.Because Mickey Haller will defend himself in court.With watertight evidence stacked against him, Haller will need every trick in the book to prove he was framed.But a not-guilty verdict isn''t enough. In order to truly walk free, Trade ReviewThis is Connelly on top form . . . A terrific thriller * Mail on Sunday *Grabs you on the very first page and doesn't let go until the final last-minute twist * The Times *It's a bare-knuckle fight to the end . . . Pick up this gripping book at your peril, especially if you have other things to do like working or sleeping. Another masterpiece from one of the world's greatest crime writers * Express *Connelly remains comfortably sui generis in the crime writing stakes, as The Law of Innocence once again reminds us . . . Delicious stuff as ever * Financial Times *[A] clever thriller by an old pro * The Sun *One of the very best writers working today * Sunday Telegraph *The pre-eminent detective novelist of his generation * Ian Rankin *A superb natural storyteller * Lee Child *A master * Stephen King *Crime thriller writing of the highest order * Guardian *America's greatest living crime writer * Daily Express *A crime writing genius * Independent on Sunday *

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Book SynopsisThe second Dirk Gently book by Douglas Adams, The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul is a witty detective story perfect for fans of his phenomenally successful The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.When a passenger check-in desk at Terminal Two, Heathrow Airport, shot up through the roof engulfed in a ball of orange flame, the usual people tried to claim responsibility. First the IRA, then the PLO and the Gas Board. Even British Nuclear Fuels rushed out a statement to the effect that the situation was completely under control, that it was a one in a million chance, that there was hardly any radioactive leakage at all and that the site of the explosion would make a nice location for a day out with the kids and a picnic, before finally having to admit that it wasn't actually anything to do with them at all. No rational cause could be found for the explosion – it was simply designated an act of God. But, thinks Dirk Gently, which God? And why? What God would be hanging around Terminal Two of Heathrow Airport trying to catch the 15:37 to Oslo?'A thumping good detective-ghost-horror-who dunnit-time travel-romantic-musical-comedy-epic' - Douglas Adams, on Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency.Continue this surreal series with the unfinished The Salmon of Doubt.Trade ReviewRich and endlessly entertaining -- Stephen ManganAn astonishing comic writer -- Neil GaimanA pleasure to read * New York Times *Few recent writers have had such an infectious prose style as Adams. With his fondness for paradox, his galactic perspective on things and his wonderful way with meaningful nonsense his are the books which have launched a trillion quips -- Robert McFarlane

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Book SynopsisShe thought she'd left her past behind.She was wrongDespite a childhood in the care system, Anna Price has beaten the odds and built for herself the perfect life, complete with beautiful seaside home, devoted husband and a job she loves.Then a policeman appears at Anna's door: her estranged brother Henry is a wanted serial killer, and the police need Anna's help to catch him before he strikes again.When an envelope turns up on her doorstep, Anna suddenly finds herself caught in a sick game. One that she remembers all too well from childhood one that, this time, she must win at all costsReaders are obsessing over The Serial Killer's Sister!Loved every second of this. Finished it in 36 hours. And the twistDidn't see that coming!' Real Reader Review, ?????An excellent read with a fantastic jaw-dropping ending.' Real Reader Review, ?????Loved every bit of this book. I thought I knew exactly what was going on but oh how wrong I wasThe story right until the very end is full of surprises.' Real Reader Review, ?????Alice Hunter is the queen of thrillers!' Real Reader Review, ?????The twist at the end is so clever that I was left thinking about it for days after.' Real Reader Review, ?????Twists, turns, revenge, evil, family...so freaking good!!' Real Reader Review, ?????WOW. This was such a page-turner, and I truly didn''t expect that ending.' Real Reader Review, ?????I devoured this book in just one sitting. This is an unputdownable, addictive and gripping read. Hunter has pulled me in and kept me captive until the very last page.' Real Reader Review, ?????A true masterpiece, that ending just keeps on giving, with twist upon twist.' Real Reader Review, ?????WOW WOW WOW. I could''ve read it in one sitting, but I had to restrain myself!' Real Reader Review, ?????Trade Review PRAISE FOR ALICE HUNTER: ‘Another cracking read from Alice Hunter. Compelling intrigue from the queen of page turners.’ Amanda Robson ‘Compelling, twisty and completely consuming. The pace is electric, the story kept me guessing all the way. I literally couldn’t put it down.’ Darren O’Sullivan ‘Wow, what a read! Alice Hunter is the queen of the serial killer thriller.’ J.M. Hewitt ‘A stunning debut … It richly deserves to be a hit.’ Daily Mail ‘The steadily unfurling plot … kept me hooked. The final double twist, too, is well worth waiting for.’ My Weekly ‘This book hooks you in to the drama straight away and does not let you go, even on the last page. Brilliant.’ Sun ‘I am going to go all in and say The Serial Killer’s Wife is one of the best books of 2021.’ Frost Magazine ‘Twisty and suspenseful.’ Jane Corry ‘Absolutely gripping and a brilliant premise – how well does anyone ever know anyone else? Fantastic.’ Catherine Cooper ‘A one-sitting read that absolutely gripped me from the first page.’ C S Green ‘Twisty, turny, tense and so very, very clever.’ Susi Holliday ‘Smart, assured and wickedly twisty.’ Jenny Blackhurst ‘Top end crime fiction, beautifully written and totally mesmerising.’ Amanda Robson ‘A gripping story of secrets, manipulation and power in a quiet Cotswolds village. Terrific!’ Mick Finlay ‘A novel that I was immediately sucked into … Alice Hunter cleverly kept me on my toes as I was desperately trying to work it out.’ Joy Kluver 'Scarily believable – what does go on behind closed doors? It's such a twisty, addictive read, and brilliantly written – highly recommended.' Elisabeth Carpenter

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