Crime and mystery: private investigator / amateur detectives

Book SynopsisLord Dunsany mixes reality with fantasy in this forgotten collection of modern detective stories. Some are macabre, others have a lighter and more amusing touch, but every story stimulates the imagination and reveals the acknowledged master of the short story at his very best.Trade Review‘The book is a treasure-trove – no less than 26 tales of crime and detection, all illumined by Lord Dunsany’s charm and wit, and his individualistic style. The first nine stories record the exploits of Mr Linley, including that undeniable modern classic, “The Two Bottles of Relish”.’ELLERY QUEEN ‘There are my “Poe” pieces and my “Dunsany” pieces – but alas – where are my “Lovecraft” pieces?’H. P. LOVECRAFT ‘“The Two Bottles of Relish” is so horrific – and what a brilliant, brilliant idea. The perfect crime.’OTTO PENZLER

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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 SynopsisTime to bury the hatchetIn a dead man's sisterThere are certain things that are best left unsaid. Though tragedy had touched the life of the wealthy Richard Abernethie, his sudden death seemed pretty unremarkable for a man of his age. So why would his sister wait until his funeral to say he had been murdered?When she is savagely killed with a hatchet the next day, her extraordinary remark suddenly takes on a chilling significance. In desperation, the family solicitor turns to Hercule Poirot to unravel the mystery . . .Trade Review‘Keeps us guessing – and guessing wrongly – to the very last page.’ Liverpool Post ‘Experienced as I am, the solution took me completely by surprise.’ Frances Iles, Sunday Times Needless to say that this past-master of detection handles it in a fresh and original way. The little Belgian’s solution is both surprising and – after his briliiant exposition at the end – satisfying.’ Daily Telegraph ‘A beautiful precision-tooled job. False clues are laid with effortless skill up to the final revelation. Poirot distinguishes the book by his presence.’ Julian Symons, Manchester Evening News ‘Never has Mrs Christie exerted her incomparable power of deception with more subtlety or to better effect. Superb book.’ Ralph Partridge, New Statesman ‘Poirot at his best. Need I say more?’ Nancy Spain, Daily Express

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Book SynopsisThe complete series of Ngaio Marsh reissues concludes with the re-publication of this 20th anniversary edition of this, her final novel.Peregrine Jay, owner of the Dolphin Theatre, is putting on a magnificent production of Macbeth, the play that, superstition says, always brings bad luck.But one night the claymore swings and the dummy's head is more than real: murder behind the scene.Luckily, Chief Superintendent Roderick Alleyn is in the audienceTrade Review‘Faithful to the hallowed conventions of English detection… a fine swansong.’Observer ‘As always she writes most elegantly.’Daily Telegraph ‘Still, quite simply, the greatest exponent of the classical English detective story.’Daily Telegraph

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Book Synopsis'England's funniest crime writer' The Times'Charming and full of surprises' BooklistStrange things happen in the picture-postcard English village of Lindsay Carfax. When a young man falls into a quarry, it takes nine days to find the body. When rowdy hippies descend on the village, they're given nine days to leave. When an outspoken schoolmaster is kidnapped for nine days, he stays eerily quiet after his release.Now Albert Campion has come to town - meaning to investigate all this strangeness. But whoever is behind the unusual goings-on quickly makes it very clear that his nosing around is not welcome. Undeterred by threats, Campion is determined to expose the criminal masterminds hiding in this sleepy village.Trade ReviewRipley excels at presenting Campion, whose toff drawl and effete mannerisms hide an astute crime-solving brain -- MARCEL BERLINS * * Times * *He's produced a whimsical, delightful, witty, entertaining book that's part Jeeves and Wooster, part Laurel and Hardy, and part Miss Marple. [ . . . ] Charming and full of surprises * * Booklist * *Ripley is especially good at recreating the humorous wordplay of the originals . . . and does so in service of a well-crafted plot that plausibly places the detective, who debuted in 1929, in a more contemporary setting * * Publishers Weekly * *England's funniest crime writer * * The Times * *

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Book SynopsisTHE FIRST NOVEL IN THE RECORD-BREAKING, MILLION-COPY BESTSELLING THURSDAY MURDER CLUB SERIES.----------''Smart, compassionate, warm, moving and so VERY funny'' Marian Keyes''So smart and funny. Deplorably good'' Ian Rankin''Thrilling, moving, laugh-out-loud funny'' Mark BillinghamIn a peaceful retirement village, four unlikely friends meet up once a week to investigate unsolved murders.But when a brutal killing takes place on their very doorstep, the Thursday Murder Club find themselves in the middle of their first live case.Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron might be pushing eighty but they still have a few tricks up their sleeves.Can our unorthodox but brilliant gang catch the killer before it''s too late?The Times Crime Book of the MonthGuardian Best Crime and Thrillers----------''A warm, wise and witty warning never to underestimate the elderly'' Val McDermid''I completely fell in love with it'' Shari Lapena''This is properly brilliant. The pages fly and I can''t stop smiling'' Steve Cavanagh''Steeped in Agatha Christie joy'' Araminta Hall''Pure escapism'' Guardian''As gripping as it is funny'' Evening Standard''An exciting new talent in crime fiction'' Daily Mail''A witty and poignant tale'' Daily Telegraph''Funny and original'' SunRichard Osman, Sunday Times bestseller, March 2024The Bullet that Missed broke the record for the fastest-selling adult fiction hardback ever, September 2022Trade Review'A little beacon of pleasure' -- Kate Atkinson'Funny, clever and achingly British' -- Adam Kay'Compelling. Mystery fans are going to be enthralled' -- Harlan Coben 'A total pleasure . . . very, very funny' -- Abigail Dean

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Book Synopsis'An ingenious book' SARAH WATERS'Permanent classics in the detective field . . . no superlatives are adequate' THE NEW YORK TIMESMarion Shape and her mother are quiet and ordinary villagers, enjoying a peaceful life in their country home, the Franchise. Everything changes when a local schoolgirl accuses them of kidnap and abuse, describing the attic room of the house as her prison. Scotland Yard inspector Alan Grant is called to solve the mystery of the Franchise, but will he fall right in the middle of nightmarish affair that will change a town, and its locals' lives, forever?'Josephine Tey enjoys a category to herself' NEW STATESMANTrade ReviewThe Franchise Affair is an ingenious book ... The essential mystery is wonderfully established; the claustrophobic building-up of the apparently seamless case against the Sharpes is impeccably done -- Sarah WatersPermanent classics in the detective field . . . no superlatives are adequate * The New York Times *A detective story with a very considerable difference. Ingenious, stimulating and very enjoyable * Sunday Times *As interesting and enjoyable a book as they will meet in a month of Sundays * Observer *Suspense is achieved by unexpected twists and extremely competent storytelling . . . credible and convincing * Spectator *Really first class . . . a continual delight * Times Literary Supplement *Tey's style and her knack for creating bizarre characters are among the best in the field * New Yorker *

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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 SynopsisCorruption, conspiracy and a cop in trouble - only Cole and Pike can help.Elvis Cole is just a detective who can''t say no, especially to a girl in a terrible fix. And Jennifer Sheridan qualifies. Her fiancé, Mark Thurman, is a decorated LA cop with an elite plainclothes unit, but Jennifer is sure he''s in trouble - the kind of serious trouble that only Cole can get him out of. Five minutes after his new client leaves the office, Cole and his partner, the enigmatic Joe Pike, are hip-deep in a deadly situation as they plummet into a world of South Central gangs, corrupt cops and conspiracies of silence. And before long, every cop in the LAPD is gunning for a pair of armed and dangerous killers - Cole and Pike.Trade ReviewRobert Crais is a crime writer of incredible talent - his novels are not only suspenseful and deeply atmospheric ... they are very hard to put down -- Dan BrownElvis Cole provides more fun for the reader than any L.A. private eye to come along in years -- Joseph WambaughElvis lives, and he's on his way to being crowned king of the detectives * BOOKLIST *

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Book SynopsisPhotojournalist Sophie Medina must figure out how the death of a Supreme Court justice and the murder of a homeless man are related before she becomes an assailant''s next target.International photojournalist Sophie Medina and her old school friend Father Jack O''Hara are out for a run on Capitol Hill when they find the body of Associate Supreme Court Justice Everett Townsend lying in an alley, barely alive. Townsend, a diabetic, later dies in the ER from complications due to hypoglycemia.His tragic death has unexpected repercussions for Sophie when Javi, a young homeless man of Sophie''s acquaintance, is murdered. Before he died, Javi told her a shocking story about Townsend that could have a devastating impact on the nation''s highest court - and on the American justice system - if word got out. Unable to persuade anyone that what she learned is true and on the run from whoever is protecting Townsend''s dark secret, Sophie searches a collectio

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Book Synopsis'A well-plotted and immersive whodunnit that will you engrossed. If you enjoy the TV show Only Murders in the Building, this is for you' SUNDAY INDEPENDENTWhen Lady Anderson invites five guests to her apartment in Bruton Square, Mayfair, none of the guests know why they have been summoned. And it isn't long before dinner turns DEADLY. From the author of Twelve Motives for Murder comes another brilliant immersive murder mystery.Supper for Six . . . but murder is on the menuThe mystery of Bruton Square has never been solved. On that infamous night in 1977, six strangers were invited for dinner at Lady Sybil Anderson's Mayfair apartment. Only five made it out alive. Welcome to Supper for Six, the true crime podcast. I'm your host, Felix. Together, we'll uncover what really happened that night . . . Let's dig in.A murderous Abigail's Party - Fiona Sherlock's Supper for Six is immersive and incredibly entertaining. Join Elizabeth Chalice and Felix Caerphilly on their quest to get to the bottom of this rather deadly dinner party . . .*** READERS LOVES SUPPER FOR SIX ***'Another unique, quirky and wholly entertaining offering from this author . . . characters are well rounded and deftly drawn, the plot intriguing and the narrative compelling' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'The story was clever and intriguing and the twists were thoroughly unexpected. The secrets and lies kept me wanting more and surprised me at every turn' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Loved the story and the solving of the murder. Enjoyed all the characters and the stories associated with them. Well written, a perfect book for readers of the genre' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Fiona Sherlock's skilful storytelling and clever plotting make this book a page-turner from beginning to end. Prepare to be captivated and enthralled as you join the quest to uncover the truth behind the deadly dinner at Bruton Square' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Trade ReviewAn immersive murder mystery unlike any I've read * Belfast Telegraph *Ms Sherlock 'holmes' in on a new whodunit twist * Peterborough Telegraph *A well-plotted and immersive whodunnit that will you engrossed. If you enjoy the TV show Only Murders in the Building, this is for you. * Sunday Independent *You will be immersed in this sinister mystery * The Sun *

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Book SynopsisLatest in Ruth Dudley Edwards’s hilarious crime series lampooning the British Establishment: ‘I fear it will make you laugh out loud on public transport’ Evening StandardTrade Review‘It’s always a pleasure to welcome another iconoclastic blast against the establishment from the pen of Ruth Dudley Edwards’ Simon Brett, Daily Mail ‘This blithe series puts itself on the side of the angels by merrily, and staunchly, subverting every tenet of political correctness’ Independent ‘Sprightly, saucy and ingenious’ Sunday Times ‘Dudley Edwards is an equal-opportunities satirist. She’s rude to every persuasion.’ Daily Telegraph ‘[Ruth Dudley Edwards] writes ebullient novels frilled with entertaining eccentrics’ The Times ‘No one is writing wittier mystery fiction in Britain today that Ruth Dudley Edwards’ Val McDermid, Manchester Evening News

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Book SynopsisA touring theatre company in New Zealand forms the basis of one of Marsh's most ambitious and innovative novels.New Zealand theatrical manager Alfred Meyer wanted to celebrate his wife's birthday in style. The piece de résistance would be the jeroboam of champagne which would descend gently into a nest of fern and coloured lights on the table, set up on stage after the performance.But something went horribly wrong. Chief Detective Inspector Alleyn witnessed it himself. Was Meyer's death the product of Maori superstitions? Or something much more down to earth?Trade Review‘The brilliant Ngaio Marsh ranks with Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers’Times Literary Supplement ‘The theatre detail is engrossing.’Margaret Lewis ‘A far more ambitious novel than anything Marsh had attempted before.’American Journal of Popular Culture ‘Her work is as nearly flawless as makes no odds. Character, plot, wit, good writing, and sound technique.’Sunday Times ‘The finest writer in the English languange of the pure, classical puzzle whodunnit. Among the crime queens, Ngaio Marsh stands out as an Empress.’The Sun

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Book SynopsisThe Penguin English Library Edition of The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan DoyleMr Holmes, they were the footprints of a gigantic hound!The terrible spectacle of the beast, the fog of the moor, the discovery of a body: this classic horror story pits detective against dog, rationalism against the supernatural, good against evil. When Sir Charles Baskerville is found dead on the wild Devon moorland with the footprints of a giant hound nearby, the blame is placed on a family curse. It is left to Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson to solve the mystery of the legend of the phantom hound before Sir Charles'' heir comes to an equally gruesome end. The Hound of the Baskervilles gripped readers when it was first serialised and has continued to hold its place in the popular imagination.The Penguin English Library - 100 editions of the best fiction in English, from the eighteenth century and the very first novels to the beginning of the First World War.

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Book SynopsisAgatha Christie's seasonal Poirot and Marple short story collection, reissued with a striking new cover designed to appeal to the latest generation of Agatha Christie fans and book lovers.First came a sinister warning to Poirot not to eat any plum pudding then the discovery of a corpse in a chest next, an overheard quarrel that led to murder the strange case of the dead man who altered his eating habits and the puzzle of the victim who dreamt his own suicide.What links these five baffling cases? The little grey cells of Monsieur Hercule Poirot!Trade Review'There is irresistible simplicity and buoyancy of a Christmas treat about it all' Times Literary Supplement

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Book SynopsisAt an apparently respectable dinner party, a vicar is the first to dieThirteen guests arrived at dinner at the actor's house. It was to be a particularly unlucky evening for the mild-mannered Reverend Stephen Babbington, who choked on his cocktail, went into convulsions and died.But when his martini glass was sent for chemical analysis, there was no trace of poison just as Poirot had predicted. Even more troubling for the great detective, there was absolutely no motiveTrade Review“Makes uncommonly good reading.”New York Times

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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 SynopsisThe daughter of an American millionaire dies on a train en route for NiceWhen the luxurious Blue Train arrives at Nice, a guard attempts to wake serene Ruth Kettering from her slumbers. But she will never wake again for a heavy blow has killed her, disfiguring her features almost beyond recognition. What is more, her precious rubies are missing.The prime suspect is Ruth's estranged husband, Derek. Yet Poirot is not convinced, so he stages an eerie re-enactment of the journey, complete with the murderer on boardTrade Review“The Empress of the crime novel.”Sunday Express

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Book SynopsisAn elderly stroke victim dies without having arranged a willBeautiful young Elinor Carlisle stood serenely in the dock, accused of the murder of Mary Gerrard, her rival in love. The evidence was damning: only Elinor had the motive, the opportunity and the means to administer the fatal poison.Yet, inside the hostile courtroom, only one man still presumed Elinor was innocent until proven guilty: Hercule Poirot was all that stood between Elinor and the gallowsTrade Review“Poirot solves another exciting case”Daily Mail

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Book SynopsisDiscover the classic mystery from Dick Francis, one of the greatest thriller writers of all time''A whip cracking, page turning read with a twist in the tail'' 5***** Reader Review''Kept me turning the pages, full of twists and turns - Dick Francis at his best yet again!'' 5***** Reader Review______Jonah Dereham is a bloodstock agent who buys and sells horses for his clients. As an ex-jockey, it''s the ideal quiet life - until Jonah is attacked by thugs out to sabotage his business.Unfortunately for them, Jonah''s a man with a steely resolve. He''s determined to find out who is trying to ruin him, and why.But staying honest is more dangerous than Jonah could have imagined.And with his horses, his business and his own life on the line, Jonah must hit back - before he''s taken down for good . . .Packed with intrigue and hair-raising suspense, Knock Down is just one of the many blockbuster thrillers from legendary crime writer Dick Francis.Praise for Dick Francis:''As a jockey, Dick Francis was unbeatable when he got into his stride. The same is true of his crime writing'' Daily Mirror''The narrative is brisk and gripping and the background researched with care . . . the entire story is a pleasure to relish'' Scotsman''Dick Francis''s fiction has a secret ingredient - his inimitable knack of grabbing the reader''s attention on page one and holding it tight until the very end'' Sunday Telegraph''A regular winner . . . as smooth, swift and lean as ever'' Sunday Express''The master of suspense and intrigue'' Country Life''Francis writing at his best'' Evening Standard''Still the master'' Racing PostTrade ReviewA regular winner . . . as smooth, swift and lean as ever * Sunday Express *As a jockey, Dick Francis was unbeatable when he got into his stride. The same is true of his crime writing * Daily Mirror *

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Book SynopsisThe first mystery in the bestselling Kate Shackleton crime series! A Golden Age murder mystery set in 1920s Yorkshire, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, T E Kinsey and Verity Bright.Take one quiet Yorkshire Village, add a measure of mystery, a sprinkling of scandal and Kate Shackleton - amateur sleuth extraordinaire!Bridgestead is a quiet village: a babbling brook, rolling hills and a working mill at its heart. Pretty and remote, nothing exceptional happens, except for the day when Joshua Braithwaite, goes missing in dramatic circumstances, never to be heard of again.Now Joshua''s daughter is getting married and wants one last attempt at finding her father. Has he run off with his mistress, or was he murdered for his mounting coffers? Kate Shackleton has always loved solving puzzles. So who better to get to the bottom of Joshua''s mysterious disappearance? But as Kate taps into the lives of the Bridgestead dwellers, she opens cracks tha

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Book SynopsisA day like any other for security chief Tracy Waterhouse, until she makes a shocking impulse purchase. That one moment of madness is all it takes for Tracy's humdrum world to be turned upside down, the tedium of everyday life replaced by fear and danger at every turn.Trade Review'Atkinson's finest novel to date. Indeed, it's one of the finest British novels, in any genre, to have emerged for years...sharp and dexterous, subtle and stylish, very funny and at time extraordinarily cutting...This is very much a state of the nation novel - far sharper and more observant and satirically understanding than anything else out there at the moment. And yet Atkinson also gives us humanity, insight and entertainment...a story that deserves to be read for decades to come -- Henry Sutton * Mirror *The wonder of Atkinson's novels has been their joie de vivre, extraordinary given the high incidence of violent death. An irrepressible exuberance shines throughout..folds past and present together with Atkinson's customary flair...extraordinary combination of wit, plain-speaking, tenderness and control * Guardian *'As ever, Atkinson's prose is diamond-cut to twinkle and slice by turns' * Daily Telegraph *I can't think why it has taken me so long to discover Kate Atkinson's Jackson Brodie novels. Started Early, Took My Dog is the fourth and is so brilliant that I rushed out and bought the previous three. Lauded for her literary fiction, Atkinson has taken to writing crime with ease, skilfully weaving the lives of three characters into a complex tale of murder, child abduction and corruption -- Emma Lee-Potter * Daily Express *Crime has given Atkinson the freedom to write an ambitious, panoramic work, full of excitement, colour and compassion * Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisUmberto Eco (19322016) wrote fiction, literary criticism and philosophy. His first novel, The Name of the Rose, was a major international bestseller. His other works include Foucault's Pendulum, The Island of the Day Before, Baudolino, The Mysterious Flame of Queen Loana, The Prague Cemetery and Numero Zero along with many brilliant collections of essays.Trade ReviewThe late medieval world, teetering on the edge of discoveries and ideas that will hurl it into one more recognisably like ours...evoked with a force and wit that are breathtaking * Financial Times *A novel of sunning intelligence, linguistic richness, thematic complexity * Il Giorno *This novel belongs with Voltaire' philosophical tales-in the entertaining guise of an erudite fiction story, it is also a vibrant plea for freedom, moderation and wisdom * L'Express *A brilliant deconstruction of the traditional crime novel -- Iain Rankin * Mail on Sunday *Whether you’re into Sherlock Holmes, Montaillou, Borges, the nouvelle critique, the Rule of St. Benedict, metaphysics, library design, or The Thing from the Crypt, you’ll love it. Who can that miss out? * Sunday Times *

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Book Synopsis''Crais just gets better and better . . . Crais''s novels are as appealing as chocolate eclairs and just as satisfying. Trouble is, like cream cakes, I want to eat them all at once'' INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY''A nerve-racking, switchbacking tale of guilt and redemption...so good it gives you goosebumps'' EVENING STANDARDJoe Pike is out for revenge and no cop, no bad guy, no one alive, is going to stop him.Frank Meyer had got out of ''the life'' safely. He had put an end to his mercenary days, turned over a new leaf and settled down with his wife and children. It had been a hard decision but, encouraged by his boss and friend Joe Pike, he had walked away.Ten years later, a group of armed men break into his Los Angeles home and brutally gun down him and his family. It''s a vicious, cold and professional job. The crew leave no trace behind except the bodies.But they have made one catastrophic, and almost certainly tTrade ReviewA nerve-racking, switchbacking tale of guilt and redemption...so good it gives you goosebumps * EVENING STANDARD *Ah, the twist. The twist gives the book heart, the twist made me cry at the end. The twist makes this a classic Robert Crais novel and a marvellous Joe Pike story ... this spare book with its emotionally reserved main character is one of the most moving novels I've read this year -- Kristine Kathryn RuschCrais just gets better and better . . . Crais's novels are as appealing as chocolate eclairs and just as satisfying. Trouble is, like cream cakes, I want to eat them all at once * INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY *Crais writes some of the snappiest procedurals coming out of the States * EVENING STANDARD *An adrenaline rush of a novel that's got the laconic verve of Lee Child's thrillers and the plot surprises of Michael Connelly's mysteries * SmartMoney *Crais once mroe proves himself to be one of the finest exponents of the genre in a gripping and complex story. * HUDDERSFIELD DAILY EXAMINER *

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Book SynopsisLucie Montgomery''s discovery of her grandfather''s Parisian romance unlocks a series of shocking secrets in the gripping new Wine Country mystery. In 1949, during her junior year abroad in Paris, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis bought several inexpensive paintings of Marie-Antoinette by a little-known 18th century female artist. She also had a romantic relationship with Virginia vineyard owner Lucie Montgomery''s French grandfather - until recently, a well-kept secret.Seventy years later, Cricket Delacroix, Lucie''s neighbor and Jackie''s schoolfriend, is donating the now priceless paintings to a Washington, DC museum. And Lucie''s grandfather is flying to Virginia for Cricket''s 90th birthday party, hosted by her daughter Harriet. A washed-up journalist, Harriet is rewriting a manuscript Jackie left behind about Marie-Antoinette and her portraitist. She''s also adding tell-all details about Jackie, sure to make the book a bestseller. Then on the eve of the party a world-famous landscape designer who also knew Jackie is found dead in Lucie''s vineyard. Did someone make good on the death threats he''d received because of his controversial book on climate change? Or was his murder tied to Jackie, the paintings, and Lucie''s beloved grandfather?

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Book Synopsis'Rosie can write and Prudence Bulstrode is here to stay' Miriam Margolyes'Witty, warm and so enjoyable' Jo BrandThe next irresistible cosy crime novel from celebrity TV chef Rosemary Shrager! Preparing a midwinter's feast for all hundred residents of the little Yorkshire village of Scrafton Busk is exactly the kind of challenge Prudence Bulstrode adores. A chance to show off her muffin-topped winter stew, lamb shank hotpot and Scarborough woof - and, of course, her famous figgy pudding - is just the thing to shake off the winter blues. But on the night of the feast, local vagabond Terry Chandler is found dead - his body entombed in the pristine snowman standing pride of place on the village green. Who could have wanted Chandler dead? Why would they stow his body in such strange circumstances? And what is the meaning of his last enigmatic message, directing his brother to Mystery Hills, a place of which no one has ever heard? Crime and cookery continue to collide as Prudence and h

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Book SynopsisFour Army Rangers are accused of murdering civilians in cold blood in this scorching summer thriller from the worldwide bestseller James Patterson.________________THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLERFor seven unsuspecting victims, death comes in the dark . . .Once a luxurious getaway for a wealthy Southern family, the Summer House has long since fallen into disrepair. Its fall from grace is complete when it becomes the scene of a horrific mass murder. Shocking evidence points to four Army Rangers recently returned from Afghanistan. The Army sends Major Jeremiah Cook, a war veteran and former NYPD cop, to investigate.As Cook and his team struggle to put together pieces of evidence that just won't fit, powerful forces rally against them to try to ensure that damning secrets are buried along with the victims.________________'No one gets this big without amazing natural storytelling talent - which is what Jim has, in spades.' LEE CHILD

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Book Synopsis'An unmissable, breakneck ride into Moscow's dark underworld' James Swallow, bestselling author of Nomad'Great action sequences . . . breathtaking twists and turns' Anthony Horowitz, bestselling author of Magpie Murders'The first Private outing for couple of years, but it's been well worth the wait' Keighley News'There's enough action, adventure and excitement to fill two chunky blockbusters in Private Moscow which makes for an exhilarating and totally satisfying read.' NB Magazine'Exhilarating, high-stakes action set in sub-zero temperatures, but so fast-paced you won't have time to feel the chill!' Lesley Kara, bestselling author of The Rumour_____________________________THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLERAn invitation from an old friend draws Jack Morgan into a deadly conspiracy . . .On a cold January morning, Jack Morgan stands inside the New York Stock Exchange with his former US Marine comrade whose company is being launched onto the market, eagerly awaiting the opening bell. But before the bell rings, a bullet rips through the air and finds its mark.In the aftermath of the murder, the victim's wife hires Jack to find the killer. As the head of Private, Jack has at his disposal the world's largest investigation agency. What he discovers shakes him to his core.Jack identifies another murder in Moscow that appears to be linked. So he heads to Russia, and begins to uncover a conspiracy that could have global consequences.With powerful forces plotting against him, will Jack Morgan make it out alive?_____________________________DON'T MISS PRIVATE ROGUE - THE NEXT THRILLING INSTALMENT IN THE SERIES - AVAILABLE NOW FOR PRE-ORDERReaders love Private Moscow:'Yet another amazing addition to the series . . . Screams action right from the word go' *****'True James Patterson style. Full of adventure, excitement and thrills' *****'Another brilliant thriller from a master of the genre' *****'I loved every twist and turn' *****'A fast-paced, well-plotted page-turner. I didn't expect anything less' *****'This is exactly what I was hoping for and I wasn't disappointed' *****'Action from the first page to the last . . . As always a page-turner' *****'An exciting thriller by an amazing author' *****'Certainly did not disappoint . . . Highly recommend' *****'Can understand why he [Patterson] is considered one of the best, if not THE best in the game' *****'Had me gripped and on the edge of my seat till the very end' *****'It was all I have come to expect from this series . . . Highly recommended' *****'A real page-turner worthy of the Patterson name' ****'Non-stop action . . . I found it hard to put down' ****'The suspense and tension is raised . . . culminating in a thrilling high-octane ending' **** 'I was literally hooked from the first chapter' ****'[A] thrill-a-minute read with no dull moments' ****'A fast-paced, high-octane thriller' ****Trade ReviewPatterson and Hamdy team up for an unmissable, breakneck ride into Moscow's dark underworld.Great action sequences . . . breathtaking twists and turns.Exhilarating, high-stakes action set in sub-zero temperatures, but so fast-paced you won't have time to feel the chill! -- Lesley Kara, bestselling author of The RumourThe first Private outing for couple of years, but it's been well worth the wait . . . As always in a Patterson novel there's lots of action and plot turns as Jack tries to discover the secrets that unite the murder victims as he gets tangled up in the murky world of espionage * Keighley News *There's enough action, adventure and excitement to fill two chunky blockbusters in Private Moscow which makes for an exhilarating and totally satisfying read. Last year I would have described it as a perfect holiday novel, now I'm saying it's an ideal companion for shaking off the new semi-isolation blues. Unlike a lot of high-octane thrillers, which can be overblown and under-serious, Private Moscow has a finger on the pulse of world affairs, a grounded seriousness that gives it gravitas and makes it an altogether more intriguing read. * NB Magazine *

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Book SynopsisElvis Cole is caught up in a high-profile murder case - and between the cops and the lawyers, it''s going to be a rough ride...On his own turf in L.A., PI Elvis Cole is embroiled in a controversial, high-profile murder case.A wealthy restaurateur is accused of murdering his wife, and his hot-shot defence lawyer hires Cole to find proof that the detective on the case, Angela Rossi, fooled around with the evidence. Yet as Elvis investigates Rossi for the defence team, he begins to be more suspicious of the media-loving lawyers than the cops. And as the investigation continues, Cole is drawn deeper and deeper into the intrigue and dangers surrounding the case of the missing woman.Trade ReviewThe trouble with starting a Robert Crais book is that you just can't put it down until you finish it. Crais is one of the greats -- Tony HillermanThe king of LA crime... long may he reign * INDEPENDENT *I've been a Robert Crais fan since I first read THE MONKEY'S RAINCOAT ... Crais is a terrific writer -- Sue Grafton

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Book Synopsis____________________Extraordinary crimes require extraordinary detectives. Welcome to Private.When Santosh Wagh isn't struggling out of a bottle of whisky he's head of Private India, the Mumbai branch of the world's finest PI agency.In a city of over thirteen million he has his work cut out at the best of times. But now someone is killing women - seemingly unconnected women murdered in a chilling ritual, with strange objects placed carefully at their death scenes.As Santosh and his team race to find the killer, an even greater danger faces Private India - a danger that could threaten the lives of thousands of innocent Mumbai citizens…

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Book SynopsisWe will take on any case, solve any crime, uncover any secret.We are Private. And we're the best._______________________Even the world's greatest detective agency sometimes finds itself in too deep...Santosh Wagh quit his job as head of Private India after harrowing events in Mumbai almost got him killed. But Jack Morgan, global head of the world's finest investigation agency, needs him back. Jack is setting up a new office in Delhi, and Santosh is the only person he can trust.Still battling his demons, Santosh accepts, and it's not long before the agency takes on a case that could make or break them. Plastic barrels containing dissolved human remains have been found in the basement of a house in an upmarket area of South Delhi. But this isn't just any house, this property belongs to the state government.With the crime scene in lockdown and information suppressed by the authorities, delving too deep could make Santosh a target to be eliminated.

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Book SynopsisDespite efforts to create a safe environment to see out the pandemic, the residents of the Last Ditch Motel face more dangers than they imagined possible in this hilarious yet claustrophobic mystery.March 2020 and Operation Cocker is a go! The owners of the Last Ditch Motel, with a little help from their friend Lexy Campbell, are preparing to support one another through the oncoming lockdown, offering the motel''s spare rooms to a select few from the local area in need of sanctuary. While the newbies are settling in, an ambiguous banner appears demanding one of them return home. But who is it for? Lexy and her friends put a plan into action to ward off the perpetrator, but the very next night, a resident disappears and a message scrawled in human blood is found. As California shuts down, the Last Ditchers make another gruesome discovery. They tried to create a haven but now it seems as if everyone''s in danger. Is the motel under attack from so

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Book Synopsis THE BRAND NEW REBUS THRILLER FROM THE ICONIC NUMBER ONE BESTSELLER. ONE OF THE MUST-READ NOVELS OF THE YEAR. ''I loved it - Rebus is one of fiction''s greatest creations'' MARIAN KEYESJohn Rebus stands accused: the once legendary detective is on trial, facing the rest of his life behind bars. How does a hero turn villain? Or have times changed, and the rules with them?Detective Inspector Siobhan Clarke tackles Edinburgh''s most explosive case in years, as a corrupt cop harbouring huge secrets goes missing.But is her loyalty to the police or the public? And who can she trust when nobody is truly innocent - including her former mentor Rebus - and a killer walks among them? As the time comes to choose sides, it becomes clear: after a lifetime of lies, the truth will break your heart... * * * * *PRAISE FOR A HEART FULL OF HEADSTONES:''I loved

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Book SynopsisAmateur sleuth Astrid Swift investigates a maritime mystery in this cosy crime adventure set on the Isle of Wight. The sailors are ashore, and murder is afoot. It's summer in the Isle of Wight, and the islanders have little more to do than munch crab sandwiches, sip pints of Wight Squirrel, and complain about the hordes of tourists arriving for the world famous Cowes Week regatta. But when the local busybody drowns in the harbour, what was set to be a relaxing sailing festival starts to turn deadly. Art restorer Astrid Swift realises she has stumbled on a fresh case that only she and her new art-club friends can solve. Soon she is embroiled in an investigation involving a grand seafront mansion, a dead billionaire's nautical paintings, and a sailing prodigy who mysteriously went missing at sea three years ago. As the deaths stack up, and Astrid confronts ever more dangerous suspects, the Isle of Wight's reputation for being England's friendliest island is put to the test... Praise for the Astrid Swift mysteries: 'Feelgood fun.' The Times 'I romped through The Trust... A cosy debut set in a house brimming with secrets... An enchanting murder mystery.' Janice Hallett, author of The Appeal 'Macabre murders, quirky characters and delightful settings combine in a way that would make Midsomer proud.' Crime Fiction Lover 'A feisty heroine, an ingenious plot and a cast of quirky characters that soon feel like your best friends, make The Trust a cozy crime to savour.' Merryn Allingham, author of The Bookshop Murder 'Intelligent and gently humorous, with a suitably eccentric cast of characters.' M S Morris, author of the Bridget Hart booksTrade ReviewPRAISE FOR M.H. ECCLESTON: 'I romped through The Trust... A cosy debut set in a house brimming with secrets... An enchanting murder mystery' Janice Hallett, author of The Appeal. 'Intelligent and gently humorous, with a suitably eccentric cast of characters' M S Morris on The Trust. 'Macabre murders, quirky characters and delightful settings combine in a way that would make Midsomer proud' * Crime Fiction Lover *

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Book SynopsisThe Fourth Enemy is the sixth gripping instalment in an exciting new generation of Pitt novels from the pen of highly acclaimed crime writer and New York Times bestselling author Anne Perry.A sensational fraud case provides Daniel Pitt with his greatest challenge yet . . .When a heart attack forces Marcus fford Croft to retire from his chambers, his daughter Miriam and son-in-law Daniel are relieved that he is stepping down and handing over to Toby Kitteridge. But Daniel and Toby are concerned that their new recruit, Gideon Hunter KC, who is a brilliant barrister with a penchant for taking risks, could jeopardise their chambers'' hard-won reputation . . .Daniel''s old friend Inspector Ian Frobisher then alerts him to the fact that one of England''s most influential newspaper tycoons, Malcolm Vayne, is about to be arrested for fraud. Hunter jumps at the chance to prosecute in such a high-profile and controversial case, and Daniel soTrade ReviewOne of her most teasing mysteries, this time with a courtroom finale that may be her strongest ever * Kirkus Reviews *A truly unusual mystery * Publishers Weekly *Elegantly constructed and nail-bitingly tense * Good Book Guide *Engrossing . . . The book gallops to a dramatic conclusion * Washington Times Daily *There is a freshness about [Perry's] writing which makes it truly exceptional * Eurocrime *Anne Perry's Victorian mysteries are marvels of plot construction * New York Times *

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Book SynopsisDaníel and Áróra hunt a brutal killer when a shipping container with the bodies of five women is found outside Reykjavik, as Áróra continues the search for her missing sister. Book three in the addictive, chilling An Áróra Investigation series. ‘Lilja Sigurðardóttir is good at describing the dark and cold of her native Iceland — and making you laugh … telling a terrific tale with twist after twist’ The Times BOOK OF THE MONTH ‘Another action-packed and pacy thriller … The writing is crisp and clear, plotting ingenious and characterisation so vivid’ Liz Nugent ‘Icelandic crime queen Lilja Sigurðardóttir goes from strength to strength, as is proved by White as Snow … protagonists tackling sub-zero temperatures and baffling crimes’ Financial Times –––– On a snowy winter morning, an abandoned shipping container is discovered near Reykjavík. Inside are the bodies of five young women – one of them barely alive. As Icelandic Police detective Daníel struggles to investigate the most brutal crime of his career, Áróra looks into the background of a suspicious man, who turns out to be engaged to Daníel's former wife, and the connections don’t stop there… Daníel and Áróra’s cases pit them both against ruthless criminals with horrifying agendas, while Áróra persists with her search for her missing sister, Ísafold, whose devastating disappearance continues to haunt her. As the temperature drops and the 24-hour darkness and freezing snow hamper their efforts, their investigations become increasingly dangerous … for everyone. Atmospheric, twisty and breathtakingly tense, White as Snow is the third instalment in the riveting, award-winning An Áróra Investigation series, as crimes committed far beyond Iceland’s shores come home… Shortlisted for The Blood Drop – Icelandic Crime Novel of the Year, 2022 –––––––– Praise for the An Áróra Investigation series: 'Icelandic crime-writing at its finest’ Shari Lapena 'Lilja Sigurdardottir is rapidly becoming my favourite Icelandic writer' The Times 'Chilly and chilling … another tense and thrilling read!' Tariq Ashkanani 'The Icelandic scenery and weather are beautifully evoked…' Daily Mail ‘A stand-out voice in Iceland Noir' James Oswald 'Sure to please Scandi-noir fans' Publishers Weekly 'So atmospheric' Crime Monthly 'Another bleak, unpredictable classic' Metro 'Tough, uncompromising and unsettling' Val McDermid 'Tense and pacey' Guardian 'Deftly plotted' Financial Times ‘Breathtakingly original' New York Journal of Books 'Taut, gritty and thoroughly absorbing' Booklist 'A stunning addition to the icy-cold crime genre' Foreword Reviews ‘A thrilling ride, super-addictive, fast-paced and atmospheric’ From Belgium with Booklove ‘Another emotional, pacy, tension-filled and highly topical investigation’ Jen Med’s Book Reviews

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Book SynopsisWhen a courier for Sweden’s Press and Military Office is killed on his final mission, the Norwegian government-in-exile appoints a writer to find the missing documents … breathtaking WW2 thriller. **International NUMBER ONE bestseller** ‘A stylish stand-alone thriller from the godfather of Scandi noir … Ola Dahl ratchets up the tension from the first pages and never lets go' Sunday Times 'Absorbing, heart-rending and perfectly plotted' Denzil Meyrick ‘Expertly crafted’ John Harvey _________Summer, 1943. Daniel Berkåk, who works as a courier for the Press and Military Office in Sweden, is killed on his last cross-border mission to Norway. Demobbed sailor Kai Fredly escapes from occupied Norway into Sweden, but finds that the murder of his Nazi-sympathiser brother is drawing the attention of the authorities on both sides of the border. The Norwegian government, currently exiled in London, wants to know what happened to their courier, and the job goes to writer Jomar Kraby, whose first suspect is a Norwegian refugee living in Sweden … a refugee with a past as horrifying as the events still to come … a refugee named Kai Fredly… Both classic crime and a stunning exposé of Norwegian agents in Stockholm during the Second World War, The Lazarus Solution is a compulsive, complex and dazzling historical thriller from one of the genre’s finest writers. For fans of Sebastian Faulks, Lars Mytting, Mick Herron and Robert Harris. _______ ‘The detail is impressive' Daily Mail 'Kjell Ola Dahl's novels are superb. If you haven't read one, you need to right now' William Ryan 'A dark but richly described backdrop and a relentless, underlying tension … Fans of Nordic noir will be satisfied' Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisIn this darkly funny mystery Lexy Campbell''s first love turns up dead at the Last Ditch Motel on Thanksgiving . . . and she becomes the prime suspect!A mysterious object the size of a suitcase, all wrapped in bacon and smelling of syrup, can mean only one thing: Thanksgiving at the Last Ditch Motel. This year the motel residents are in extra-celebratory mood as the holiday brings a new arrival to the group - a bouncing baby girl. But as one life enters the Ditch, another leaves it. Menzies Lassiter has only just checked in. When resident counsellor Lexy Campbell tries to deliver his breakfast the next day, she finds him checked out. Permanently. Shocking enough if he was a stranger, but Lexy recognises that face. Menzies was her first love until he broke her heart many years ago. What''s he doing at the Last Ditch? What''s he doing dead? And how can Lexy escape the fact that she alone had the means, the opportunity - and certainly the motive -

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Book Synopsis'Jane Casey's police procedurals go from strength to strength!' Sunday Times'If you have not read Jane Casey, start immediately' Marian Keyes'The most dangerously addictive series in crime fiction. . .' Erin Kelly_______________Jenny Shephard is twelve years old and missing.Her teacher, Sarah Finch, knows better than most that the chances of finding her alive are diminishing every day.As a little girl Sarah's older brother went out to play and never come home. The strain of not knowing what happened to him tore her family apart.When Sarah finds Jenny's body, beaten and abandoned in the woods near her home, she is drawn into the heart of the investigation and a media storm.Her presence at the scene arouses suspicions. But it is not just the police that are watching her...

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Book SynopsisAs Bergen PI Varg Veum investigates two different cases, it becomes clear that they are uncannily similar to harrowing events that took place thirty-six years earlier… A gripping instalment of the award-winning Varg Veum series, by one of the fathers of Nordic Noir. Bergen Private Investigator Varg Veum is perplexed when two wildly different cases cross his desk at the same time. A lawyer, anxious to protect her privacy, asks Varg to find her sister, who has disappeared with her husband, seemingly without trace, while a ship carrying unknown cargo is heading towards the Norwegian coast, and the authorities need answers. Varg immerses himself in the investigations, and it becomes clear that the two cases are linked, and have unsettling – and increasingly uncanny – similarities to events that took place thirty-six years earlier, when a woman and her saxophonist lover drove their car off a cliff, in an apparent double suicide. As Varg is drawn into a complex case involving star-crossed lovers, toxic waste and illegal immigrants, history seems determined to repeat itself in perfect detail … and at terrifying cost... A chilling, dark and twisting story of love and revenge, Mirror Image is Staalesen at his most thrilling, thought-provoking best.

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Book SynopsisA body lost at sea, arson, murder, astronauts, wind phones, communal funerals, stalking and conspiracy theories … This can ONLY mean one thing! The Skelfs are back, and things are as tense, unnerving and warmly funny as ever! ‘A terrific read with all of Johnston’s trademark warmth and wicked wit in the latest gripping outing for this beguiling family’ A K Turner ‘Some of the best female characters in crime fiction. Pitch-perfect balance of dark and light … disturbing, compassionate and brilliantly funny’ Sarah Hilary 'The Skelfs series just gets better and better! Outstanding characters and a gripping plot … Doug Johnstone is one of the greats of Scottish crime fiction' Luca Veste ____________ Even death needs company… The Skelf women are recovering from the cataclysmic events that nearly claimed their lives. Their funeral-director and private-investigation businesses are back on track, and their cases are as perplexing as ever. Matriarch Dorothy looks into a suspicious fire at an illegal campsite and takes a grieving, homeless man under her wing. Daughter Jenny is searching for her missing sister-in-law, who disappeared in tragic circumstances, while grand-daughter Hannah is asked to investigate increasingly dangerous conspiracy theorists, who are targeting a retired female astronaut … putting her own life at risk. With a body lost at sea, funerals for those with no one to mourn them, reports of strange happenings in outer space, a funeral crasher with a painful secret, and a violent attack on one of the family, The Skelfs face their most personal – and perilous – cases yet. Doing things their way may cost them everything… Tense, unnerving and warmly funny, The Opposite of Lonely is the hugely anticipated fifth instalment in the unforgettable Skelfs series, and this time, danger comes from everywhere… _________________________ ‘If you loved Iain Banks, you’ll devour the Skelfs series’ Erin Kelly ‘Authentic female characters … Short, punchy chapters mean that the pace is brisk, and Johnstone’s deft way of portraying old and new characters means that even novice readers of the series won’t be left behind’ Scotsman 'An absolute joy to read … full of such wonderful characters, brilliantly realised, with more peril and intrigue. Certainly the best one yet' James Oswald ‘Wonderful characters: flawed, funny and brave’ Sunday Times Johnstone never fails to entertain whilst packing a serious emotional punch’ Gytha Lodge ‘A unique brand of crime fiction boasting rare heart and depth’ Ambrose Parry ‘Some of the most unique characters in crime fiction’ Daily Express ‘Gritty, atmospheric and, above all, profoundly moving. An emotional education in the most unexpected of ways … I loved it’ Sarah Sultoon ‘A must for those seeking strong, authentic, intelligent female protagonists’ Publishers Weekly ‘The Skelfs books are brilliant’ Miranda Dickinson ***SHORTLISTED FOR THEAKSTON’S OLD PECULIER CRIME NOVEL OF THE YEAR***

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Book Synopsis'Thisseriesisamust-readforanyonewholovesthesea, or islands, or joyous, intricate story-telling.' ANN CLEEVES   Days before the final Shetland fire festival, in broad daylight, a glamorous young singer tumbles down a flight of steps. Though it seems a tragic accident, sailing sleuth Cass Lynch, a witness at the scene, thought it looked like Chloe sleepwalked to her death.   But young women don't slumber while laughing and strolling with friends. Could it be that someone's cast a spell from the Book of the Black Arts, recently stolen from a Yell graveyard?   A web of tensions between the victim and those who knew her confirm that something more deadly than black magic is at work. But proving what, or who, could be lethal - and until the mystery is solved, innocent people will remain in terrible danger...  

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Book SynopsisThe Edgar Award-winning introduction to private investigator Kate Shugak, A Cold Day for Murder is the first in Dana Stabenow's critically acclaimed Kate Shugak mysteries. Kate Shugak is a native Aleut working as a private investigator in Alaska. She's five foot, one inch tall, carries a scar that runs from ear to ear across her throat, and owns a half-wolf, half-husky dog named Mutt. Resourceful, strong-willed, defiant, Kate is tougher than your average heroine – and she needs to be to survive the worst the Alaskan wilds can throw at her. Somewhere in twenty million acres of forest and glaciers, a ranger has disappeared: Mark Miller. Missing six weeks. It's assumed by the National Park Service that Miller has been caught in a snowstorm and frozen to death: the typical fate of those who get lost in this vast and desolate terrain. But as a favour to his congressman father, the FBI send in an investigator: Ken Dahl. Last heard from two weeks and two days ago. Now it's time to send in a professional. Kate Shugak: light brown eyes, black hair, five foot one with an angry scar from ear to ear. Last seen yesterday... Reviewers on Dana Stabenow's Kate Shugak series: 'An antidote to sugary female sleuths: Kate Shugak, the Aleut private investigator.' New York Times 'Crime fiction doesn't get much better than this.' Booklist 'If you are looking for something unique in the field of crime fiction, Kate Shugak is the answer.' Michael Connelly 'An outstanding series.' Washington Post 'One of the strongest voices in crime fiction.' Seattle TimesTrade ReviewPRAISE FOR THE KATE SHUGAK SERIES: 'If you are looking for something unique in the field of crime fiction, Kate Shugak is the answer' Michael Connelly. 'An antidote to sugary female sleuths: Kate Shugak, the Aleut private investigator' New York Times. 'Stabenow is blessed with a rich prose style and a fine eye for detail. An outstanding series' Washington Post. 'Crime fiction doesn't get much better than this' Booklist. 'Sparkles with energy and wit, and packs an unexpected punch' Publishers Weekly. 'For rich, idiosyncratic settings and engaging characters... let me recommend Dana Stabenow' -- Diana Gabaldon

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Book SynopsisThe Edgar Award-winning, New York Times-bestselling series by Dana Stabenow set in Alaska. Kate Shugak investigates a brutal murder spree in A Fatal Thaw. Eleven days ago, Roger McAniff bought himself a new Winchester 30.06 rifle. Ten days ago he went out to test it. Now nine people are dead. But only eight were killed by McAniff... Stephen Syms. Patrick Jorgensen. Lyle and Lucy Longstaff. Lisa Getty. The Weiss family, John, Tina, and their two children. All slaughtered. Considering she would have been his final victim, private investigator Kate Shugak almost regrets not killing Roger McAniff. But Lisa Getty was killed by a different rifle. Different rifle, different shooter. And Kate is tasked with tracking this unknown killer down before the case goes completely cold... Reviewers on Dana Stabenow's Kate Shugak series: 'An antidote to sugary female sleuths: Kate Shugak, the Aleut private investigator.' New York Times 'Crime fiction doesn't get much better than this.' Booklist 'If you are looking for something unique in the field of crime fiction, Kate Shugak is the answer.' Michael Connelly 'An outstanding series.' Washington Post 'One of the strongest voices in crime fiction.' Seattle TimesTrade ReviewPRAISE FOR THE KATE SHUGAK SERIES: 'If you are looking for something unique in the field of crime fiction, Kate Shugak is the answer' Michael Connelly. 'An antidote to sugary female sleuths: Kate Shugak, the Aleut private investigator' New York Times. 'Stabenow is blessed with a rich prose style and a fine eye for detail. An outstanding series' Washington Post. 'Crime fiction doesn't get much better than this' Booklist. 'Sparkles with energy and wit, and packs an unexpected punch' Publishers Weekly. 'For rich, idiosyncratic settings and engaging characters... let me recommend Dana Stabenow' -- Diana Gabaldon

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Book SynopsisAs All Hallows’ Eve approaches, Hettie Bagshot of The No. 2 Feline Detective Agency has more than just a ghost and a warlock tart on her plate. Upon discovering the body of Mavis Spitforce, Hettie and her trusty sidekick Tilly set out to investigate an old crime and a spate of new murders. Why was Mavis Spitforce dressed for Halloween? Can Irence Peggledrip really talk to cats from the spirit world? And what’s the connection to the legend of Milky Myers, suspected of murdering his family on Halloween, longer ago than anyone can remember? As the November fog closes in, can the tabby duo unearth the truth, and stop the murderer before they strike again – and will there be enough samosas to go round?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‘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

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Book SynopsisWELCOME BACK TO CHERRYWOOD!Preparations are underway for Cherrywood''s annual celebration of Guy Fawkes Night . . .When it''s announced that the hotly anticipated ''Penny for the Guy'' trail will have a celebrity judge - former DJ ''Screaming'' Ade Adams - competition steps up amongst the villagers.But as everyone gathers for the main event, Ade is found dead atop the bonfire with three mysterious tarot cards in his pocket, and barmaid and part-time sleuth Tess Feather suspects foul play. Why would anyone in Cherrywood want the retired disc jockey dead? And could there be a connection to a recently returned villager: Tess''s estranged brother Mikey?Once again, Tess is forced to team up with her ex-boyfriend - private investigator Liam Hanley - and her friends Raven and Oliver as they investigate a tale of murder and vengeance that could go all the way to the top.WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT T

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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' - HEATRead the thriller of the year - now available in hardback, eBook and audiobook._________________________________________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, NetgalleyTrade ReviewOne hell of a ride * THE TIMES *A distinctive detective, a striking setting, and macabre murders - what more could a reader ask for? * JOHN CONNOLLY, Sunday Times bestselling author of the Charlie Parker series *Revelatory . . . Think you know travellers? Think again. * VAL McDERMID *I'd describe Killing Jericho as 'a rollercoaster ride', if it weren't the sort of novel that flies in the face of such jaded cliche. This is a dark mystery and a unique serial killer thriller whose sense of place and history can border on the supernatural, but is never anything less than down-to-earth. It's also much more. A rare insight into the traveller community. A detective who breaks every mould. An exploration of the power of legends and a story that's not just a carousel of meaty twists, but also a tantalising glimpse of what promises to be a must-read series * JANICE HALLETT, Sunday Times bestselling author of THE APPEAL *A twisty mystery, a devious killer and a brilliantly original investigator - Killing Jericho is an absolute cracker * T.M. LOGAN, bestselling author of THE CATCH *A thrilling helter-skelter of a gripping mystery introducing an exciting and unique new detective, Killing Jericho will have you on the edge of your seat. Strap yourself in, the ride is just starting . . . * SARAH PINBOROUGH, no.1 bestselling author of BEHIND HER EYES *A beautifully wrought and fantastically gothic thriller that introduces a brilliant new detective quite unlike any I've met before. It left me hungry for more! * SJ WATSON, Sunday Times bestselling author of BEFORE I GO TO SLEEP *A refreshing standout . . . With a surprisingly twisted ending, this is addictively dark * HEAT MAGAZINE *Darkly original, suspenseful and haunting. From the gothic undertones, to the fresh protagonist and ratcheting tension, Killing Jericho is a first-class thriller * CHRIS WHITAKER, bestselling author of We Begin at the End *To remain true to hardboiled noir and still be inventive enough to destroy pre-conceived ideas is a genuine triumph. William Hussey has done this in spades * IAN MOORE, bestselling author of Death & Croissants *A terrific read. Funny, suspenseful with great twists and a wonderful new hero * AJAY CHOWDHURY, author of THE DETECTIVE *Crime fiction is crying out for more diversity, and in Scott Jericho we have been gifted a blisteringly new brand of hero * SARAH HILARY, award-winning author of FRAGILE and the DI Marnie Rome thrillers *Agatha Christie meets Se7en - I loved this book * TINA BAKER, No.1 bestselling author of CALL ME MUMMY *Dark, exciting, furiously-paced and full of twists, KILLING JERICHO sets the stage for a unique detective * ALEX SMITH, author of the bestselling DCI Kett thrillers *An accomplished and polished crime debut with a detective that's unlike any you've ever seen. Had me hooked from the first page to the last. Prepare for the rise of Jericho! * J.D. KIRK, bestselling author of HERE LIE THE DEAD *Chosen as a LoveReading Star Book, Killing Jericho is a swaggeringly moody and pulsating read, it comes as highly recommended by us! * LOVEREADING *Brilliant . . . Crime fiction's first 'Traveller detective' . . . What a rich and compelling world * CRIME MONTHLY *

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Book Synopsis‘This book was absolutely tremendous!...this mystery is definitely a five-star read!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader ReviewA murder in a locked room… can Nancy and Jane find the key to the case?Nancy Hunter is on a mission to find her mother. Samantha Hunter walked out on her family and left the village of Dedley End over twenty years ago. For two decades, Nancy has thought her mother was dead…until she discovered she was spotted at a party at a country estate five months ago.As Nancy delves into the mystery in her own family, the village of Dedley End is rocked by the appearance of Sebastian Holmes, recently released from a long stretch in prison for his part in a jewellery robbery in London. And when someone is found murdered in the local church, it seems that there may be more danger hiding in their sleepy Cotswold village…Nancy and her grandmother Jane, Dedley End’s resident amateur sleuths and owners of a crime fiction bookshop, set about trying to solve the mystery of just who could be the killer, and how they managed a murder in a locked room – but what they don’t know is that finding the murderer might just bring them closer to finding Samantha. But does she want to be found? And what made her hide away for so many years?A twisty and unputdownable cozy mystery featuring a grandmother and granddaughter detective duo – if you’re a fan of The Bingo Hall Detectives, Robert Thorogood or The Thursday Murder Club, you’ll love this!Readers are loving Murder at the Village Church:‘Brilliantly written and many twists and turns right to the end. Loved this series and the characters.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘What a read! Just enough romance and a mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘This grandmother/granddaughter duo is absolutely everything you want! Filled with so much love, joy, heartache, and truth, you won’t want to put this book down!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘A cozy mystery that was a fun read… I enjoyed the quirky characters.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘Heartwarming but cosy crime… Really kept you guessing. I was totally gripped.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘There were some really good twists in this novel. A truly fun cozy mystery series.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘Will keep you guessing until the very end.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘A page-turner of a book that keeps you hooked.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader ReviewPraise for the Dedley Ends Mystery series:‘Superb sleuthing! I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Dedley End and can’t wait to go back!’ Heidi Swain‘I loved this brilliant cozy read…it felt very Christie-esque. Nancy and Jane were fab, I loved their relationship. And I can’t wait for more.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘Fabulous cosy murder/mystery with an unforgettable crime-fighting trio. Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended.’ Angela Marsons‘A perfect read!…Will entice even the most seasoned mystery reader. If you’re a fan of Agatha Christie and M.C. Beaton, you can’t miss this series.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘This. Is. Brilliant. Could not put it down. I really hope there’s more Dedley End adventures!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘Absolutely loved this book!…The characters were great and the story flowed along nicely. I read the book in a day, I couldn’t put it down!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘If you are a fan of cosy crime then I 100% recommend this series. You will not be disappointed!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

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