Crime and mystery: private investigator / amateur detectives

Book SynopsisMichael Moorcock's triumphant return to Britain's adventuring detective, Sexton Blake! His first published novel restored, revised, expanded... and presented with a brand new prequel story!A deep sea mission...A baffling murder...Beneath a sky of limpid sapphire blue, the research ship Gorgon rolls gently on the scintillating waters of the Caribbean Sea.Below, two men in a bathysphere, lowered more than a 150 fathoms into the crushing depths. But when the sphere is raised, there is only one man inside... and he has a knife in his back!Now Sexton Blake must answer an impossible question: How did the killer escape?**Trade Review“Makes Jack Reacher look like a bungling amateur...definitely not be missed.” — The Crime Review“Delighted to see Sexton Blake still going strong – and with such aplomb!” -- Agatha Christie"The Sexton Blake Saga is the nearest approach to a national folk-lore" -- Dorothy L Sayers"After more than seventy years of continuous publication, Sexton Blake is still the doyen of detectives." -- Daily Telegraph"[Moorcock] is the greatest writer of post-Tolkien British Fantasy." — Michael Chabon, Pulitzer Prize winning author of The Amazing Adventures of Kavalaier & Clay, and Telegraph Avenue"Moorcock’s influence is nothing like Tolkien’s, at least on the surface, but his vision of a speculative-fiction genre that can be psychologically complex is evident in how very sophisticated some of it has become—from “True Detective” to Jeff VanderMeer, from David Mitchell to “Under the Skin.” — The New Yorker"Moorcock as the most important successor to Mervyn Peake and Wyndham Lewis... The vast, tragic symbols by which Moorcock continually illuminates the metaphysical quest of his hero are a measure of the author’s remarkable talents" — J.G.Ballard, author of Empire of the Sun, Crash, and The Drowned World"[Moorcock] can gleefully give you all the formulae of every kind of story there ever was, because he's tried and tested all of them ... the master story-teller of our time." — Angela Carter author of The Bloody Chamber, and Nights at the Circus"Serious literary fun as Mark Hodder vaults to the front of the new steampunk writers pack. Elaborately researched and name-checked, THE SECRET OF ABDU EL YEZDI races Victorian explorer Sir Richard Burton through a diabolically baffling maze of historical possiblities -- plus there's corsets and airships. Hard to imagine any lover of alternate British empires not being thoroughly amazed and entertained" ? K.W. Jeter

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Book SynopsisWinner of the 2009 Edgar Award for Best Novel, Blue Heaven is a thrilling read from New York Times bestseller C.J. Box, creator of the characters of hit TV shows Joe Pickett and Big Sky. They were running away from home. Now they're running for their lives. If twelve-year-old Annie hadn't been angry with her mother, she would never have taken her younger brother William fishing in the woods near Blue Heaven. And they would never have witnessed four police officers committing a violent murder. These men know exactly who William and Annie are. To save themselves, the children must run. They don’t trust anyone until they meet Jess Rawlins, an old-school rancher, who knows there’s something wrong with the law in this town. Jess helps the children, but there are eyes everywhere – and you can only run for so long before you’re caught . . . Reviews for Blue Heaven 'Crackles with electric tension and action.' Denver Post 'Hard to put down.' Toronto Sun 'A terrific suspense novel... You'll be hooked.' Toronto Globe and Mail 'Box delivers surprises until the final page.' Billings GazetteTrade Review'A thriller with a heart.' Boston Globe 'One of the best thrillers of the year. It kept me up most of the night, the way few books have ever done. C.J. Box owes me a night's sleep!' Tess Gerritsen 'A first-rate thriller, peopled by complex characters and unpredictable action. Don't miss it.' T. Jefferson Parker 'A first-rate, edge-of-your seat read.' Omaha World-Herald 'A non-stop thrill ride – a provocative suspense novel that has you rooting for the characters every step of the way.' Harlan Coben 'An unusual, intelligent thriller that resonates long after the last page is turned.' George Pelecanos 'A suspenseful tour de force.' Kirkus 'Relentless. C.J. Box sucked me in with good cops, bad cops, and missing money, then blind-sided me with unexpected twists and surprises in this novel of clashing cultures and dark secrets. Box delivers the goods!' Robert Crais * Reviews for Blue Heaven *

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Book SynopsisA thrilling read set in the American West from New York Times bestseller C.J. Box, award-winning author of the Joe Pickett and Cassie Dewell series, now adapted into the hit TV shows Joe Pickett and Big Sky. No way forward? No way back? Your time is up when you reach Savage Run. Wyoming Game Warden Joe Pickett is called to a bizarre crime scene deep within the forests of Twelve Sleep County. Famous eco-activist Stewie Woods has been killed in an explosion, along with his new bride and ten head of cattle. The case is wrapped up far too quickly: an environmental publicity stunt gone wrong. But what is the millionaire rancher who owned the cattle hiding? And why is Joe’s wife Marybeth receiving mysterious phone calls from someone claiming to be Stewie Woods? Joe’s search for the truth leads him ever deeper into the wilderness of the Bighorn Mountains. With two unlikely allies at his side, and two hired killers on his heels, Joe can’t avoid the legendary Savage Run – a treacherous, isolated canyon with no crossing… Reviews for Savage Run 'Reinforces Box's status as a first-class talent.' Publishers Weekly 'Jaunty and thought-provoking.' New York Times 'This fresh (and fresh-air) thriller skillfully balances issues of conservation vs. landowners' rights. PeopleTrade ReviewREVIEWS FOR SAVAGE RUN 'Suspenseful' New York Daily News 'Fascinating' USA Today 'Heartfelt' Washington Post Book World 'A high-country Presumed Innocent that moves like greased lighting' Kirkus

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Book SynopsisA sparkling return to the Golden Age of Crime Fiction, where even the most fiendish of mysteries can be unlocked by a keen eye and a sharp mind... 1938, London. Ambitious lawyer Edmund Ibbs has got his teeth into the case of a lifetime – defending the young woman accused of shooting her husband in the infamous ‘Ferris Wheel Murder’ case. Despite a plethora of evidence against his client, Ibbs is certain he can secure her acquittal. But after a night of magic and illusion at London’s Pomegranate Theatre, Ibbs finds himself behind bars, accused of a double murder. The renowned prestidigitator Professor Paolini and the operator of said notorious Ferris wheel are dead, and as far as Scotland Yard’s Inspector Flint is concerned, all signs point to the lawyer’s guilt. Luckily for Ibbs, illusionist turned sleuth Joseph Spector also attended the theatre that night. Can Spector’s eye for detail pierce the veil of deceit in a world of illusion and misdirection, where seeing is not always believing? Reviews for The Murder Wheel 'Wildly entertaining... Confirms Tom Mead’s status as a master of the locked-room mystery.' Tim Major 'Pitch perfect magical locked-room extravaganza. Astounds and amazes.' Barbara Nadel 'Tom Mead establishes himself as the current master of the locked-room mystery.' Aaron Elkins 'A delicious locked room feast of impossibilities. I love the Mephistophelean Joseph Spector!' Ovidia Yu ‘An absolute masterclass in the locked room mystery... I love this series. More please!’ Victoria Dowd Reviews for the Spector Locked-Room Mystery series: 'An intricate 'impossible' crime that completely fooled me.' Peter Lovesey 'A sharply drawn period piece with memorable characters.' New York Times 'Great fun.' The TimesTrade ReviewMaking things even more fun is the combination of two vintage templates: the locked-room puzzle and the theatre mystery. Add a charismatic protagonist, and you have a recipe for pure nostalgic pleasure * The Wall Street Journal *An affectionate tribute to the Golden Age locked-room mystery... Mead’s skilled homage draws from early 20th century true-crime cases and classic genre motifs, all set against the charmed worlds of the fairground and theatre * Irish Times *Bears every sign of being possessed by the ghost of the master of the locked-room mystery, John Dickson Carr * The Daily Telegraph *A brilliantly contrived plot, scattered with false trails, makes for a literary sleight of hand that is a delight to read. * Daily Mail *'The Murder Wheel is a wildly entertaining mystery brimming over with knotty puzzles, sleight of hand, wit and intelligence. It confirms Tom Mead’s status as a master of the locked-room mystery, and secures Joseph Spector as one of my favourite fictional detectives.' -- Tim Major'Set within the theater world of 1938 London, this ingenious new novel is packed full with lush period detail, a glittery cast of characters, and a genuinely compelling puzzle at its center. Mead knows his subject and gives the reader a full immersion into this compelling mystery.' * CrimeReads *Ingenious and enjoyable, this is just the job for those needing a few hours’ respite from real-world horrors * Morning Star *'A delicious locked room feast of impossibilities set in the golden age of theatre and murder mysteries. I love the Mephistophelean Joseph Spector!' -- Ovidia Yu, author of the History Tree MysteriesPeppered with a wide range of theatre-like characters, the reader enjoys a twisted road to an unexpected denouement * Historical Novel Review *Mead has extensively researched crime, magicians and their tricks from the 1930s for this highly entertaining tale * The Sun *'In his captivating second novel Tom Mead establishes himself as the current master of the locked-room mystery, and The Murder Wheel doesn't give us to merely one example of this honored tradition to solve, but three of them... three interlocking "impossible" murders, each with plenty of twists and skillful misdirection. The characters are charming, the plot moves briskly along, and in the end, the brilliant "Old Conjuror," Joseph Spector, puts it all together and comes up with the goods. A winner!' -- Aaron Elkins'Tom Mead has quickly become one of my must-read authors, writing some of the most ingenious and entertaining locked-room mysteries being published today.' -- Gigi PandianIllusion blend with reality to create an outcome that is impossible to predict * My Weekly *'What an absolute treasure! Tom Mead writes with the sophisticated and knowing voice of another era, with a skilled sleight of hand, and with deep knowledge of psychology, magic, and human nature. THE MURDER WHEEL is an engaging, perplexing, and irresistible riff on locked room mysteries – you've never seen a series of crimes as delightfully complex, or as brilliantly crafted. You will not be able to put this down, and what's more, you will never be able to solve all the puzzles within puzzles. But you will stand and applaud, as I did, at the marvelously fair solutions. I promise you'll be given all the clues, dear murder mystery readers, but, trust me: give up trying to identify whodunnit, and simply enjoy the journey to an elegant and satisfying conclusion, where the impossible becomes – presto! – possible.' * Hank Phillippi Ryan *A gripping locked room mystery * BBC Bristol *REVIEWS FOR DEATH AND THE CONJUROR: 'Mead faithfully replicates all the loving artifice and teasing engagement of golden-age puzzlers in this superior pastiche' Kirkus '[A] stellar debut and series launch... This homage to golden age crime fiction rivals the best of John Dickson Carr' Publishers Weekly Best Books of 2022 - Mystery/Thriller '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 Stashower 'An ingenious locked room mystery. This is a fiendishly clever puzzle wrapped in a beautiful, dark atmospheric story. Utterly captivating!' Victoria Dowd 'Tom 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 Todd 'Both 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 Jakubowski 'This ingenious (and fair-play) locked-room mystery should win over a new generation of readers to this delightfully devious style of classic mystery' Gigi Pandian 'A sharply drawn period piece... Locked-room mysteries shine best with memorable characters, which is one of Mead's strengths' New York Times 'Mead maintains suspense throughout, creating a creepy atmosphere en route to satisfying reveals. Puzzle mystery fans will eagerly await the sequel' Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisJack Taylor has finally traded in his violent life in Galway for a quiet retirement in the country. But on a day trip back into the city, Jack is hit by a truck and left in a coma, mysteriously without a scratch on him. When he awakens weeks later, he finds Ireland in a frenzy over the so-called 'Miracle of Galway'. People have become convinced that the two children who tended to him are saintly, and the site of the accident sacred. The Catholic Church isn't so sure, and Jack is commissioned to help find the children – to verify the miracle or expose the stunt. But Jack isn't the only one looking for these children, and he'll need all the help he can get – and a stiff drink of Jameson – once he finds them. Praise for Ken Bruen: 'Bruen is an Emerald Noir maestro' – DUBLIN SUNDAY INDEPENDENT 'The best-kept literary secret in Ireland' – INDEPENDENT 'One of Ireland's most original voices in crime fiction' – IRISH INDEPENDENT 'Bruen's visceral writing and anger brings a fierce, almost surreal intensity to this mad story of a heretical book that turns up in Galway' – METROTrade ReviewIt is 20 years since Jack Taylor – the ex-Garda turned private eye – made his debut in The Guards. Like his creator, he has made a career out of being unlike anyone else... The welter of violence is punctuated with typographical tricks and quips' * The Times Crime Club *This is Irish noir to the core and Ken Bruen, with his unique poetic style, is at its dark beating heart * Shots Mag *The plot Bruen spins out is serviceable and offers the right complement of thrills and adventure, but many of us don't read him for rollercoaster storylines, but for the quirky, telegraphic style, the insights into bruised psyches and the often poetic insights and digressions into books, music and religion that make Bruen's bruised universe somewhat unique * Crime Time *Bruen is truly an original writer, wickedly entertaining, stylish and sardonic. A masterclass in how to write funny crime fiction like a shark bite * Crime Time *Gritty, violent at times and generously garnished with expletives that reflect the brutal world in which the detective lives and works. Taylor is a thought-provoking, sometimes infuriating and always entertaining maverick. The novel is a page-turner that can be read perfectly well as a stand-alone and recommended for all those who like a twist of Byron with their Sam Spade or Philip Marlowe. I loved it * Promoting Crime Fiction *It sounds bizarre to say that the book is a pleasure to read, given how dark it is. But it really is! * Crime Review *Bruen, the master of Galway noir, once again takes us down the mean streets of the Claddagh * RTÉ *An enjoyable read, funny in parts and gripping – Jack is a character you'll continue to root for * Belfast Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisA BBC RADIO 2 BOOK CLUB PICKA KINDLE TOP 5 BESTSELLER'Fast, funny and furious, this book has bags of humour, bags of heart and a proper murder mystery at its core' Janice HallettClaire and Sophie aren't your typical murder investigators . . .When 30-something freelance medium Claire Hendricks is invited to an old university friend's country pile to provide entertainment for a family party, her best friend Sophie tags along. In fact, Sophie rarely leaves Claire's side, because she's been haunting her ever since she was murdered at the age of seventeen.On arrival at The Cloisters it quickly becomes clear that this family is hiding more than just the good china, as Claire learns someone has recently met an untimely end at the house.Teaming up with the least unbearable members of the Wellington-Forge family - depressive ex-cop Basher and teenage radical Alex - Claire and Sophie determine to figure out not just whodunnit, but who they killed, why and when.Together they must race against incompetence to find the murderer - before the murderer finds them... in this funny, modern, media-literate mystery for the My Favourite Murder generation.'Read this fabulous book' Ben Aaronovitch'A delicious mashup of grisly murder, country house and semi-helpful ghosts' Stuart MacBride'Fresh, funny and hugely enjoyable' Catherine Ryan HowardTrade ReviewYou've never read a country house whodunit quite like Grave Expectations. Nor is there a generation gap quite as wide as the one between Claire and Sophie. Fast, funny and furious, this book has bags of humour, bags of heart and a proper murder mystery at its core. Alice Bell writes with real verve and crafts a preposterous premise into a sharp, well written and lively story that's at once out of this world and yet reassuringly real. As reader, you're along for the ride, and it's a runaway ghost train of a ride at that! Bell is one to watch. -- Janice HallettA delicious mashup of grisly murder, country house and semi-helpful ghosts - imagine a really cockeyed game of Cluedo heavily seasoned with whimsy ... it's a lot of fun -- Stuart MacBrideRead this fabulous book - you will not regret it -- Ben AaronovitchA modern mashup of Ghosts, Blithe Spirit and Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased) ... the lightly acerbic style is a delight ... plenty of spooky fun. More, please. * Guardian *Knives Out vibes with added ghosts. Fresh, funny and hugely enjoyable. -- Catherine Ryan HowardA very funny, entertaining, twisted take on the country house murder mystery. Wonderful.' -- S J BennettFunny, fast, sharp, original, and addictive ... a unique breath of fresh air. Brilliant! -- Andrea MaraA fun and surprising character-driven whodunnit * Heat *A fun, gripping murder mystery with a supernatural spin * Woman's Own *An addictive, hilarious, rollicking debut - fresh, original and utterly brilliant, Alice Bell is a real talent to watch. I cannot WAIT for the next book! -- Sam BlakeClever, unpredictable and a genuinely humorous modern day country house murder mystery which left me guessing. Perfect for anyone who fancies themselves as a detective. -- Nadine MathesonA great read, with great characters, lots of humour, some misty-eyed moments and lots of swearing. Utterly delightful - like the BBC show Ghosts mixed with Cluedo -- Simon ToyneA really unique concept paired with whip-smart writing and lots of heart -- Heather Darwent, author of The Things We Do to Our FriendsA clever and playful contemporary cosy mystery by Cobh-based debut author, the talented Alice Bell. Think Ghosts meets Knives Out. -- Catherine KirwanA highly original, clever, contemporary and funny take on the crime genre * Irish Examiner *Wickedly good * Belfast Telegraph *A murder mystery with lots of heart and heaps of comedy ... full of fun and intrigue, this book's a winner * Meath Chronicle *This book positively lit up my weekends with its cosy, affectionate, funny, awkward brand of ghostly crime-solving. Perfect for fans of BBC's Ghosts, Alice Bell has a keen eye for characterisation and the ridiculous, creating a story that will both send chills down your spine and wrap you up in a hug. -- Ally WIlkes, author of All the White SpacesWitty, addictive, and breathes some much needed (undead) life into the cosy crime murder mystery genre -- Adam SimcoxDelightful, charming, breezy ... A spirited cold-case mystery * Set the Tape *Sharp and hilarious -- Cailean SteedA funny, distinctive, constantly clever genre-bending supernatural crime novel' * Bookseller *

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Book SynopsisWhen a police officer's daughter was found raped and murdered, Sailor Grant, the local nonce, was sent down. Sharman always had his doubts, but that part of his life is over. Now, Sailor is out of prison and keeps phoning Sharman to help him get justice, but Nick wants to be left alone. When Sailor is found dead and Sharman is half beaten to death by the local coppers, Nick realises that he must find the truth about the events from his past before those close to him are killed.

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Book SynopsisHarry Stonehouse had been a cop, a good one - and straight, unlike Nick Sharman. After taking early retirement he'd landed a job at a security firm. Now he's dead, and his wife wants Nick to find out who killed him and why. Nick's been taking a close look at hell recently and doesn't care too much about anything beyond the next Jack Daniel's. But Harry had been a friend, and Nick had screwed his wife and he feels sorry for her. Big mistake. In an unlikely partnership with ex-DI Robber, escaping from resentful retirement at his sister's, Sharman sets off in pursuit - and finds himself swept along in the deadly aftermath of a £20 million heist. And with that much money at stake, betrayal, double-crossing and murder are just for starters...

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Book SynopsisThe iconic, tough-but-tender Boston PI Spenser returns in an outstanding new addition to the New York Times-bestselling series from author Ace Atkins. What started out as a joke landed seventeen-year-old Dillon Yates in a lockdown juvenile facility in Boston Harbor. When he set up a prank twitter account for his vice principal, he never dreamed he could be brought up on criminal charges, but that's exactly what happened. This is Blackburn, Massachusetts, where zero tolerance for minors is a way of life. Leading the movement is hard-as-nails Judge Joe Scali, who gives speeches about getting tough on today's wild youth. But Dillon's mother, who knows other Blackburn kids who are doing hard time for minor infractions, isn't buying Scali's line. She hires Spenser to find the truth behind the Draconian sentencing. From the Harbor Islands to a gated Florida community, Spenser and trusted ally Hawk follow a trail through the Boston underworld with links to a shadowy corporation that runs New England's private prisons. They eventually uncover a culture of corruption and cover-ups in the old mill town, where hundreds of kids are sent off to for-profit juvie jails.

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Book SynopsisWhen the body of a man in eighteenth-century Highland dress is discovered on the site of the Battle of Culloden, journalist Rebecca Connolly takes up the story for the Chronicle. Meanwhile, a film being made about the ’45 Rebellion has enraged the right-wing group Spirit of the Gael which is connected to a shadowy group called Black Dawn linked to death threats and fake anthrax deliveries to Downing Street and Holyrood. When a second body – this time in the Redcoat uniform of the government army – is found in Inverness, Rebecca finds herself drawn ever deeper into the mystery. Are the murders connected to politics, a local gang war or something else entirely?Trade Review'Set in Inverness, a refreshing change from Glasgow or Edinburgh…the author’s background' * Scottish Field *'Once again great characters, we hear more from reporter, Rebecca Connolly and the tension just keeps you on your toes all the way through. It’s also full of Douglas Skelton humour too which just makes it a marvellous read!' * Independent Book Reviews *'Excellent. Credible, multi-layered characters enhance the intricate, high-tension plot. Skelton’s growing legion of fans will avidly await brave, dogged Rebecca’s next outing' * Publishers Weekly US *'Incorporating concerns about the spread of populism and the downsizing of news reporting, Skelton’s intriguing premise keeps you reading avidly to see how he’s going to tie it all together and make it work' * The Herald *'A corking read… Skelton's talent is casting his descriptive eyes on the familiar and rendering truthful characters with a believable backstory' * The Scotsman *'Once again this is a book that delivered everything – great characters, mystery, tension, atmosphere and a myriad of emotions and I loved it' * Jen Med Reviews *'The Blood is Still is Tartan Noir at its most tartan, and noir: and a book we'd highly recommend' * Undiscovered Scotland *'one's absolute attention is demanded right to the last. Thunder Bay was a fine book; The Blood is Still is several rungs higher' * Journal of the Law Society of Scotland *'While the action keeps coming like blood from a severed artery, Skelton show us the souls of his characters ... A stand-out thriller' * Scots Magazine *'It would be so easy to romp through The Blood is Still – the plot is compelling and the characters are so darn realistic, but I advise you to hold fire and take time to savour some of the gorgeously lyrical prose that’s sitting there in among all of the drama' * Crime Fiction Lover *'Skelton’s years as the editor of a local newspaper make for an intrinsic, pitch-black depiction of the competition between the police, the press, and the powers-that-be in the scramble to construct and control narratives… [Skelton’s] first-hand experience of real-life crime enriches his writing, as the book’s complexities gradually increase and the finer details of the murders become ever more important' * Dundee Courier, Scottish Book of the Week *'I was only a few pages into this new novel before I decided on the phrase I would use to describe it. It's a corking read' -- Kirsty McLuckie * Scotland on Sunday *'If you don’t know Skelton, now’s the time' -- Ian Rankin'The Blood is Still is a compelling read with characters you care about and a layered, intelligent plot that captures both the heart and the mind. Absolutely unmissable' * LiveandDeadly.net *'A captivating, intricate and thoroughly satisfying thriller' * LoveReading *'[I]t shows how versatile a writer Skelton is and that he is just going from strength to strength. It's a triumph. I absolutely loved it and everyone should read it!' * SimplySuzeReviews *'An intricately plotted thriller ... Lyrical and thoughtful' * The Library Journal (US) *

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Book SynopsisLONDON, 1942. A killer going by the name of 'Crimson Jack' is stalking the wartime streets of London, murdering women on the exact dates of the infamous Jack the Ripper killings of 1888. Has the Ripper somehow returned from the grave? Is the self-styled Crimson Jack a descendant of the original Jack or merely a madman obsessed with those notorious killings? In desperation Scotland Yard turn to Sherlock Holmes, the world’s greatest detective. Surely he is the one man who can sift fact from legend and track down Crimson Jack before he completes his tally of death. As Holmes and the faithful Watson tread the blacked out streets of London, death waits just around the corner. Inspired by the classic film series from Universal Pictures starring Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce, which updated Sherlock Holmes to the 1940s.Trade Review'In two previous books, the author resurrected John Buchan’s World War I-era character Richard Hannay to good effect and with strong period flavor. “A Study in Crimson” achieves a similar mix of action-adventure, detective savvy and Holmesian surprise' * Wall Street Journal *'Besides providing the duo with a worthy challenge, Harris makes his Watson an intelligent and competent sidekick. Both the strong characterization and plot bode well for a sequel' * Publishers Weekly US (STARRED) *'Despite the death of Arthur Conan Doyle, readers still cannot get enough of his most famous creation, Sherlock Holmes. Robert J. Harris is adding to the new Holmes canon with his brilliant tribute' * Books From Scotland *'Unmitigated pleasure is Harris's stock in trade. In A STUDY IN CRIMSON he revives Basil Rathbone's wartime Sherlock Holmes with great affection and peerless skill. A must-read for Homes aficionados and consumers of literary homage in general' -- Anthony O'Neill, author of 'Dr Jekyll and Mr Seek' and 'The Devil Upstairs''Robert J Harris captures the character of Holmes and Watson wonderfully well in this intriguing mystery' * Irish Independent *'A riveting read…written in an engrossing and engaging manner, this book is a unique development of the Holmes novel and worthy of your time' * Journal of the Legal Society of Scotland *'The book is very well written, well-paced, and extremely entertaining. I look forward to reading more in the same vein' * The Sherlock Holmes Journal *'A thoroughly enjoyable homage to Sherlock Holmes, and very good it is too' * Undiscovered Scotland *'If you like the books, the films or any of the Sherlock Holmes related material that’s out there, you’re going to love this. Perfect reading when you want to fall into something that’s new but familiar as well. I absolutely loved it' -- Ali Braidwood * Camglen Radio's Scots Whay Hae! *'It’s a solid detective thriller that moves at a good pace. The Second World War, and the suggestions of a society on the brink of change, make an intriguing backdrop' -- Alastair Mabbott * The Herald *'Harris' take on the iconic characters is outstanding' -- Bruce Tierney * BookPage (US) *'A new Sherlock Holmes mystery and it’s something to celebrate. The mystery motivates Holmes, energises Watson, and leaves Lestrade hanging on their coattails. A captivating start to a new series' -- Liz Robinson * LoveReading *'With all the expected quirkiness of the main characters and the charm of the original author, Robert J. Harris’ A Study in Crimson will be an easy and enjoyable read for fans of Holmes and Watson' * The Book Review Station *

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Book SynopsisLondon, 1943. Across the city prominent figures in science and the military are bursting into flame and being incinerated. Convinced that the Germans have deployed a new terror weapon, a desperate government turns to the one man who can track down the source of this dreadful menace - Sherlock Holmes. The quest for a solution drives Holmes into an uneasy alliance with the country’s most brilliant scientific genius, Professor James Moriarty. Only Holmes knows that, behind his façade of respectability, Moriarty is the mastermind behind a vast criminal empire. As they pursue the trail of incendiary murders, Holmes is quite sure that the professor is playing a double game and that there lies ahead a duel to the death which they cannot both survive. A tribute to the classic Universal Pictures Sherlock Holmes film series starring Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce.Trade Review'There are a lot of Sherlock Holmes series out there, but Robert J. Harris’ has the best twist on the format' * BookPage US, Fall 2022 preview: Most anticipated mysteries & thrillers *'[B]oth easy to read and hard to put down. It's a romp that manges to replicate the lightness of touch and feel of the orginal Sherlock Holmes stories ... Robert J. Harris has captured the entertainment value of the films beautifully' * Undiscovered Scotland *'A strong sequel to 2020’s A Study in Crimson: Sherlock Holmes 1942... Fans of the Basil Rathbone Holmes movies will be eager for more' * Publishers Weekly *'The Devil’s Blaze is taut and absorbing, particularly as the hero and anti-hero attempt to devise strategies to defeat each other' -- Joanne F. Vickers * Historical Novel Society *

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Book Synopsis'Brilliant debut. The Darker the Night pulled me in from the start and didn’t let go' – Jeremy Bowen, BBC International Editor NPR's Book of the Day A referendum on Scottish independence is only days away, and the campaign has been expertly orchestrated by First Minister Susan Ward. All signs point to victory for the nationalists. But when senior civil servant John Millar is shot in a Glasgow alley on a furiously rain-soaked night, his death triggers a chain of catastrophic events. An incriminating phone number and video are found in his possession. Into this chaos walks reporter Fulton Mackenzie. A man himself blighted by tragedy but also someone used to seeing beneath the surface to find the truth. Who was John Millar? Who wanted him dead? And why? And the biggest question of all – who is trying to alter the future path of an entire nation?Trade Review'Patience writes with a newsman’s sharp eye ... an impressive mix of backstreet noir and high Scottish politics' * Financial Times *'Punchy, political and bursting with clever plot twists, this page-turner kept me on my toes from start to finish' -- Hollie Bruce * Dundee Courier *'A strong and confident debut novel unafraid of playing for high stakes' -- Alastair Mabbott * The Herald *'Brilliant debut. The Darker the Night pulled me in from the start and didn’t let go. The latest in a distinguished line of Scottish thriller writers, Martin Patience could do for his native Glasgow what Ian Rankin did for Edinburgh' -- Jeremy Bowen, BBC International Editor'The storytelling skills that made Martin a great BBC correspondent are brought to bear in the pages of this book' -- Jon Sopel, journalist and presenter'Time you gave Martin Patience a go! Fabulously intricate, up-until-the-wee-small hours compelling!’ -- Denzil Meyrick'This is a gritty, no-nonsense thriller that will engage you, draw you in and keep you reading. I thoroughly enjoyed it’ -- Matt Johnson * LoveReading *'The Darker the Night by Martin Patience is a fascinating combination of murder mystery and political thriller' -- Ken Lussey * Undiscovered Scotland *'I enjoyed Martin Patience's debut novel The Darker the Night so much I stayed up way past midnight last night to finish it. Gripping crime-thriller about a seismic murder on the eve of Scotland's independence referendum' -- Rachel Savage * Reuters *'Cracking read from Martin Patience, five stars!' -- Mark Leggatt, author'Patience – a BBC foreign correspondent for 15 years – manages to keep things rattling along with pleasing efficiency' * The Scotsman *'With a dark and gripping plot and characters so engaging that you wouldn't be surprised to bump into one in a Glasgow boozer, this is a thoroughly enjoyable crime thriller' * Scottish Field *

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Book SynopsisWhen Rachel Verinder's legacy of a priceless Indian diamond is stolen, all the evidence indicates that it is her beloved, Franklin Blake, who is guilty. Around this central axis of crime and thwarted love, Collins constructs an ingenious plot of teasing twists and surprises, and an elaborate multi-voiced narrative that sustains the tension all the way to its stunning ending. Described by T.S. Eliot as the first, the longest and the best of modern English detective novels, Wilkie Collins's The Moonstone is an important precursor of the modern mystery and suspense genres.Trade ReviewThe Moonstone is the first, the longest and the best of modern English detective novels. -- T.S. Eliot Probably the very finest detective story ever written. -- Dorothy L. Sayers You can't help feeling that Wilkie Collins was more in tune with modernity than his friend Charles Dickens. -- Nicholas Lezard * The Guardian *

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Book SynopsisWhen Sherlock Holmes receives a bungled tip-off from one of the agents of his nemesis, Professor Moriarty, the great detective hopes to avoid a murderous crime and bring the would-be assassin to justice. But on being informed soon afterwards that one John Douglas of Birlstone Manor has been found with his head blown apart by a shotgun, he realizes that he is too late. And so begins an enthralling tale of revenge, vigilantism and secret societies, one that transports the reader from the English countryside to the violent world of the American frontier of the 1860s. The fourth and final novel in the Sherlock Holmes canon, originally published in the Strand magazine between September 1914 and May 1915, The Valley of Fear is a riveting whodunit that showcases all of the classic elements that have ensured the enduring popularity of the stories featuring Conan Doyle's most famous creation.

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Book SynopsisLong-forgotten scandals. Dark secrets. Hidden identities. Rona Parish investigates!An old school photograph in which someone has been deliberately blacked out marks the start of a new case for Rona Parish. Who was this person and why would someone want to hide his or her identity? Rona sets out to uncover the secret and soon finds that the school in question closed down many years ago due, it was rumoured, to a long-forgotten scandal. Could this be the link that will solve the mystery? Meanwhile, a visit to a a stage hypnotist results in more than Rona and her friends bargained for . . .

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Book SynopsisOn the run from a troubled past, Kate Weller, the newest member of Price Investigations, covers her tracks, changes her name and takes a case in Charleston, South Carolina, where she can hide in plain sight. Renting a charming room with a waterfront view, Kate sets about trying to locate her adopted client''s natural siblings, only to find more questions than answers when she eventually tracks down a long-lost sister. Meanwhile, her new landlord won''t stop sticking his nose into her case. As far as Kate''s concerned, Eric Manfredi should focus on whatever competitor is bent on ruining his family business. But when petty vandalism turns lethal, and Eric''s father is arrested for murder, Kate determines to prove his innocence. Can she find the real culprit before a killer from her own past tracks her down?

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Book SynopsisWhen TV talkshow host Elias Claymore is accused of raping a 19-year-old girl he turns to his friend Alex Sadaka to defend him. But Alex has a fight on his hands, for Claymore – a former Black Power activist – is anything but squeaky clean and this time even the DNA evidence is stacked against him. Forced to share the defence with a lawyer from Claymore’s insurance firm, Alex must battle his way through jury tampering, conflicts of interest and vicious hate mail to uncover the truth. With Claymore a vulnerable target in prison and the prosecution scenting blood, Alex knows that time is running out. Could it be that this time there is No Way Out?Trade Review‘This will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.’Closer ‘No Way Out is impossible to put down.’Closer

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Book SynopsisEvery full moon a Ripper runs amok on the streets of Brentford. Masters Simon and Keith Innes set out to catch the killer under the disturbing guidance of the repellently delightful and now immortal sleuth, Mrs Bradley. Full of the very British eccentric goings-on that mark the popular tales of Gladys Mitchell, this shows her at her mordant and morbid best.Trade ReviewA delightfully subversive read -- Liza CodyHer tour-de-force -- Philip Larkin** 'A delightfully subversive read. * Liza Cody *** 'Her tour-de-force. * Philip Larkin *

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Book SynopsisIn the beginning was the Word— When Theodore Terhune’s wealthy client Arthur Harrison is found stabbed and his library ransacked, the police suspect the murderer was looking for a book. Harrison collected rare early printed books called incunabula, but as the provenance of such titles is well documented in the book world it would make little sense to steal one. Terhune is hired by the estate to sell off Harrison’s library, but another armed break-in and a very strange book auction suggest the killer is still searching for something. Soon Terhune himself becomes a target, but what exactly does the murderer want? And why are crosses appearing in the turf of local fields? The sixth book in the entertaining series involving bookseller and amateur sleuth Theodore Terhune.

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Book SynopsisStretched across the road was the body of a policeman. On the way home one evening in the Romney Marsh, Bookseller Theodore Terhune and friend Julia are caught in heavy coastal fog. A passing lorry provides some guidance on the narrow country roads, but the night ends with intentional mishap and a dead body. It becomes clear that the constable’s death was not accidental, but what possessed Tom Kitchen to try to stop a lorry singlehandedly at 1am? His widow is frightened; local farms vandalized; his home ransacked. Suspicion centres around the Load of Hay, an ancient Dickensian pub full of unsavoury characters, and Terhune finds the clues may lay in the history of 18th century smuggling in the Romney Marsh.

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Book Synopsis"This letter has come straight from the murderer, don't you realize that? Hot from his bloody hand. Don't just stand there dithering, man. Don't you realize you hold the key to everything?" The Clove and Hoof is the hot spot in Larcombe for a pint of bitter, a good story and some laughs. It's also the focal point of a bizarre series of murders, for the only connection the victims have seems to be that they all frequented the local pub. Strange pranks, a spate of anonymous letters all painted in blue watercolor, and a decapitated head found floating in the stream near Starehole Gap all lead to the police uncovering unusual criminality dating back 20 years. Two policemen with decidedly differing approaches to crime solving head up the professional side of the investigation, accompanied by Christian Peascod, dilettante of the arts and amateur detective.

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Book SynopsisChristabel Strange, a highly successful young novelist, is taken ill and dies a year before the story begins. It was her wish that her biography should be written by her friend Marcia Wentworth; but inexplicably, she bequeathed her diaries to her wily, eccentric grandmother, who loathes Marcia and refuses to allow her to see them. Dr. George Cardew, Christabel's childhood friend, arriving at the house (which according to Christabel's will, is being shared by Marcia), finds himself between opposing and bitterly hostile camps, for the family are at loggerheads with Marcia. He begins to wonder why Christabel behaved in such a peculiar way, and whether her death was really due to a fever. The possibility of foul play becomes a certainty when another murder takes place and a volume of the diary is stolen. Gradually Dr. Cardew pieces together the clues to Christabel's hidden life, but it is not until there has been further violence that he is able to identify the murderer and the reason for the original crime.

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Book SynopsisOn the eve of her adored adopted daughter Augusta’s twenty-first birthday, and after bullying her harpist Tenella, and telling her great nephew Palin a family secret so dreadful he leaves Tristowell Castle and goes straight down a pothole, old Lady Elizabeth Carn is found securely and determinedly strangled. All sorts of developments in every direction occur, with some thumping subterranean scenes. Inspector Mallet investigates.

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Book SynopsisNominated for the 2017 McIlvanney Award for Scottish Crime Book of the Year Two Women, One Quest, Grave Consequences. When Maggie Laird's disgraced ex-cop husband suddenly dies, her humdrum suburban life is turned upside down. With the bills mounting, she takes on his struggling detective agency, enlisting the help of neighbour `Big Wilma'. And so an unlikely partnership is born. But the discovery of a crudely mutilated body soon raises the stakes... and Maggie and Wilma are drawn into an unknown world of Aberdeen's sink estates, clandestine childminding and dodgy dealers. Cross Purpose is surprising, gritty, sometimes darkly humorous - a tale combining police corruption, gangs and murder with a paean to friendship, loyalty and how `women of a certain age' can beat the odds.Trade Review"The dialogue is fantastic. The development of the characters [is] well done... It takes great skill to create a character that makes the skin crawl." The Quiet Knitter; "An entertaining and engrossing thriller featuring Aberdeen's own Thelma and Louise... An intricate plotline with well-created characters woven into a dark and yet uplifting story, written with a touch of humour." Bits About Books; "A fast-moving, humorous, yet dark read... a stonking debut. Claire MacLeary is a fresh new voice in Scottish crime fiction and this quine is one for the watching!" Chapter In My Life; "Great characters [and] a warm tale of a developing friendship... Very enjoyable." Col's Criminal Library; "Clever, involving and beautifully done. Highly Recommended." Liz Loves Books; "A fantastic debut novel... A real page-turner, I was totally hooked from the beginning." It's All About the Books blog; "Refreshingly different... a fast-paced tale." - Shirley Whiteside, Herald; "All the different stories merge together in an unflinching, often funny and yet ultimately tender portrayal of life on the margins of society... It might just launch a new kind of crime subgenre, for which some of us have been waiting for some time now: `cosy with bite'... A lively debut, with a fresh, different vibe." Crime Fiction Lover; "Edgy and thought-provoking... With lashings of authentic Aberdeen and a fast paced plot keeping the pages turning, Cross Purpose was a blast to read and is highly recommended." Grab This Book; "[A] fantastic new crime novel...a gritty book with a surprisingly warm theme of female friendship." The List; "MacLeary's prose is assured and engaging, bursting with the liveliness of the Aberdonian vernacular... an impressive debut." Raven Crime Reads; "Crime fiction has a new stellar voice in Claire MacLeary. Cross Purpose is feisty, funny and darkly delicious." Michael J Malone; "A dark devious delight, definitely one to watch." Neil Broadfoot; "A terrific crime debut with an unlikely crime-fighting partnership that sets it apart from the rest. Takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster. Unsettling at times, even uncomfortable, but compelling to the end." Theresa Talbot ; "A thoroughly enjoyable book, and a highly commendable (and recommendable) first-time novel." - Undiscovered Scotland; "A brilliant new talent for the lover of crime." - Sue Black, DBE, forensic anthropologist.

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Book SynopsisMaverick investigator Dominic Queste is on the trail of missing butcher Sam Price. But he soon uncovers links to a killer with a taste for games. What began as a simple favour for his girlfriend quickly descends into a battle for survival against an enemy who has no qualms about turning victims into prime cuts. Amidst a twisted game of cat and mouse, suspicious coppers, vicious crooks and a seemingly random burglary, Queste has to keep his wits about him. Or he might just find himself on the butcher’s block.Trade Review“Skelton takes the usual ingredients of the crime novel then adds his own sparkle. Witty, well observed, compelling - this is a book you'll want to savour. A fine, fine writer, at the very top of his game.” -- Denzil MeyrickA thoroughly gripping whodunit that shows just how darkly humorous Tartan Noir can become: and how genuinely chilling it can be at the same time.” -- Undiscovered Scotland“There is a wonderful “old-school PI feel in modern times” about this book that I simply adored. With dry wit and off-the-cuff banter, the fast-paced plot will keep the reader turning the pages in this quirky, cool and fantastically clever storyline.” -- Crime Book Junkie“Stands out from the crowd… A highly entertaining and gripping read.” By the Letter blog; “Top-notch writing, top-notch storytelling, some brilliantly observed life realities and really believable, well-drawn characters.” -- Liz Loves Books"A dark, suspenseful thriller… top, top reading." Grab This Book; “Raymond Chandler meets Glasgow gangland: Dominic Queste is a breath of humorous fresh air in what is a dark, fast-paced, one-liner wisecrack of a read!” -- Chapter In My Life“The Dead Don’t Boogie introduced us to a memorable new star of Scottish crime fiction, but Tag – You’re Dead takes what Douglas Skelton started with that book and dials everything up to 11. Funnier, wittier, darker and more dangerous than its predecessor, it is a novel which dares you to put it down and wins every time.” -- Scots Whay Hae“A tense and exciting thriller. Gritty, memorable writing, a superb lead character, witty dry humour, all in a multi-layered, enjoyable story.” -- Random Things“So noir, you almost need a torch to read it… The style is authentic, heady and pitch-perfect… A fun read, a sobering one and every page is compelling.” -- Blue Book Balloon“Brilliant… a great story, with some fantastic characters.” -- Steph’s book blog

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Book SynopsisTHE FIFTH BOOK IN CLAIRE MACLEARY'S MULTI-AWARD-LISTED HARCUS & LAIRD SERIES 'Claire MacLeary has, with little fuss or fanfare, written a crime series that subverts and rejuvenates the crime genre' Scots Whay Hae A disturbing hanging with a backstory of secrets and shaming highlights some outdated attitudes within Aberdeen’s finest. After past skirmishes with the police, local PI Maggie Laird is determined to steer clear, but her partner, Wilma Harcus, goes rogue. Not only does she have leads up her sleeve, but she has grandiose ideas to expand their PI agency into the realm of romance fraud and cybercrime. Then, troubled schoolchild Frankie Bain goes missing. As the clock runs down, the two investigations collide. Was the hanging the last, desperate act of a tortured mind or a calculated murder? And will Frankie Bain be found alive? In this fifth Harcus and Laird novel, Claire MacLeary fashions a fast-paced, fresh and topical new adventure for her inimitable PI partnership.

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Book Synopsis'Splendid' Wall Street Journal'A wry, warm and proper rib-tickling slice of dirty Victorian gothic’ Julia Crouch 1876, Victorian London. Minnie Ward, a feisty scriptwriter for the Variety Palace Music Hall, is devastated when her best friend is found brutally murdered. She enlists the help of private detective Albert Easterbrook to help her find justice. Together they navigate London, from its high-class clubs to its murky underbelly. But as the bodies pile up, they must rely on one another if they’re going to track down the killer – and make it out alive . . .The first in a sharp, witty series of Victorian mystery novels, The Tumbling Girl is sure to delight fans of Sarah Waters, Elizabeth Macneal, and Miss Scarlet and the Duke.Trade Review'Ms. Walsh does a splendid job depicting Minnie’s flea-bitten yet appealing theatrical world and Albert’s monied yet treacherous milieu.' Wall Street Journal'Neatly weds historical detail and quiet wit' Sunday Times'This atmospheric debut historical mystery captures the world of music halls and the danger to women in Victorian London' Library Journal (Starred Review)'Walsh’s diligent research pays off in spades here, and her rich and nuanced portrayal of the period will leave readers feeling like they’re on the soggy streets of London. Imogen Robertson readers will be eager for a sequel to this un-put-downable mystery' Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)‘A sparkling novel and a complete delight to read. The characters and world are wild, vivid and enchanting. A wry, warm and proper rib-tickling slice of dirty Victorian gothic . . . I can’t wait to see what Minnie and Albert are up to next’ Julia Crouch, author of The Daughters'A brilliantly written page-turner. A bravura performance tumbling us into a compelling mystery in a vivid, richly imagined world. You can smell the greasepaint and hear the roar of the crowd on every page' Imogen Robertson, author of The Paris Winter‘Beautifully evocative, deftly plotted and with engaging characters, it was a page-turner from beginning to end’ Sheila O’Flanagan, author of What Eden Did Next ‘Brilliant . . . Beautifully written . . . keeps you guessing till the end’ A. J. West, author of The Spirit Engineer ‘An accomplished crime murder mystery, with an addictively gritty plot and truly remarkable cast of characters . . . deliciously dark and compelling’ Essie Fox, author of The Somnambulist‘Minnie Ward is a woman you want to follow through all the wicked twists and turns of Victorian London. Bridget writes wonderfully. It had me on the edge of my seat until the final page’ S. J. Bennett, author of Murder Most Royal‘Smart, funny and expertly plotted, The Tumbling Girl cartwheels off the page . . . A cracking start to a charismatic and distinctive series’ Emma Styles, author of No Country for Girls'I absolutely loved The Tumbling Girl. Bridget Walsh is a fresh and fabulous new voice in historical crime fiction' Elizabeth Chadwick, author of The King's Jewel'One of the most engaging double acts I've read in ages. Delightful, dark and depraved' Trevor Wood, author of You Can Run'A racy and thrilling ride that doesn't let up till the last sentence. Superbly done' Femi Kayode, author of Lightseekers'Walsh resurrects the culture and crimes of Victoriana without cliché or condescension, but with warmth, wit, remarkable texture and rare authority' Tom Benn, author of Oxblood'The Tumbling Girl is gripping, dark and thrilling and takes the reader on a rollercoaster journey from music hall to gentleman's club and back again; all in the company of two engaging protagonists' W. C. Ryan, author of A House of Ghosts

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Book SynopsisA failed writer connects the murder of an American journalist, a drowned 80s musician and a Scottish politician’s resignation, in a heart-wrenching novel about ordinary people living in extraordinary times. ‘A dazzling, time-hopping patchwork of pop and politics, sewn together with wit and compassion’ Kirstin Innes ‘This amiable and ambitious transatlantic extravaganza is a busy social tapestry pegged to real-life events in Scotland and the US … Ross’s affection for his characters shines through. There’s so much going on here that value for money is pretty much all but guaranteed’ Daily Mail ‘A mesmerising road trip through the America of Kerouac, Warhol and Reagan. Dashboard Elvis may be dead, but this book is full of vibrant, authentic, colourful life’ Stuart Cosgrove **David F. Ross was shortlisted for Scottish Fiction Book of the Year in the Scottish Book Awards** ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Renowned photo-journalist Jude Montgomery arrives in Glasgow in 2014, in the wake of the failed Scottish independence referendum, and it’s clear that she’s searching for someone. Is it Anna Mason, who will go on to lead the country as First Minister? Jamie Hewitt, guitarist from eighties one-hit wonders The Hyptones? Or is it Rabbit – Jude’s estranged foster sister, now a world-famous artist? Three apparently unconnected people, who share a devastating secret, whose lives were forever changed by one traumatic night in Phoenix, forty years earlier. Taking us back to a school shooting in her Texas hometown, and a 1980s road trip across the American West – to San Francisco and on to New York – Jude’s search ends in Glasgow, and a final, shocking event that only one person can fully explain… An extraordinary, gritty and tender novel about fate and destiny, regret and absolution – and a road trip that changes everything… ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ‘Few do raw, authentic, almost palpably believable characters better than David F. Ross' The Times ‘A masterclass in transatlantic intertwining storytelling from one of Scotland’s finest writers’ Derek Steel, Razur Cuts ‘A rich and rewarding novel that takes in the culture and social history of both Scotland and the USA, beautifully weaving stories together over decades … devastating’ Alistair Braidwood, Scots Whay Hae ‘An ambitious, sweeping novel … Taut and gritty, Dashboard Elvis Is Dead interrogates truth, and pulses with life’ Donna McLean ‘An irresistible story of chances taken and missed, and of last-ditch hopes of redemption … the writing is exquisite’ Katie Allen ‘Gripping, gritty and gloriously written, David F. Ross captures characters, places and moods like few other writers … a triumph of a novel’ Martin Geissler ‘A rawness and sensitivity that is so visceral … another extraordinary novel from David F. Ross’ Anne Cater ‘Simultaneously intimate and epic … my head and heart are spinning’ From Belgium with Booklove

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Book SynopsisWhen Tia reluctantly agrees to look after Bindu, her peevish, grumpy granddaughter, during half term, the last thing that she expects is to spend the week unravelling the theft of a seventeenth century painting Head of a Girl, ‘Hedova’. Hoping to start a new and more exciting life, Robert sets himself up as an art thief. His first target? A picture from the Whitler Gallery, where Tia and her recently widowed colleague Douglas work. Follow Douglas and Tia, an unlikely detective duo, as they investigate the theft and race frantically across the city to prevent the painting from being destroyed. Can Robert prove that he’s got what it takes to embark on a life of crime? And can Tia and Douglas save Hedova? What’s Going on at The Whitler? is a gentle detective story with elements of humour and fantasy, all punctuated by commentary from a Greek chorus of talking portraits for a unique twist.

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Book Synopsis‘Dark Truth’, the second in a series of three novels, is a suspenseful mystery thriller full of intrigue that will leave you guessing right until the very end. Private investigator Joe Wilde is hired by Tom and Marie Archer to investigate the disappearance of their six-year-old daughter Laura. Joe also takes on an unusual case for a client by the name of Jack Riley. Jack believes he was framed to make it look like he was cheating on his fiancée Claire Brooks. Claire has been the target of disturbing vandalism. As Joe helps the police investigate Laura's disappearance, he uncovers disturbing secrets concerning the Archers and some of their neighbours. Meanwhile the attacks on Claire become more extreme. Fearing for her life, Claire also hires Joe. As Joe continues to investigate, he puts himself in great danger.

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Book SynopsisLondon, 1891. Deliveries. Opium. Regret. The only three things twenty-one-year-old Gabriel Ashmore’s life consists of until four murder victims are found in the increasingly criminal city, all marked with the same black veins. Gabriel is connected to all four. He delivered Erebus to them, a new opium variant on the market, after being forced to provide for his family following the brutal death of his mother four years ago. Fearing his involuntary part in the murders, he becomes embroiled in an amateur investigation led by the wealthy aspiring detective Alexander Wakefield, supported by the Leader of the Opposition, Lord Benedict Granville. However, when they witness the fifth death, they realise nothing is as it seems in the city of veils and shadows. Truths become twisted, secrets are revealed and it soon becomes clear they are not dealing with a single killer, but the greatest criminal plot London has ever seen. 'A darkly enchanting and engrossing read – kept me hooked from start to finish.' James Brogden, critically acclaimed author of Bone Harvest

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