Crime and mystery: private investigator / amateur detectives

Book SynopsisA PhD student uncovers dark secrets in this 'richly atmospheric and irresistibly readable' (Joyce Carol Oates) Gothic mystery set in Scotland, Italy, and France. For fans of The Secret History. Fleeing a disastrous affair with a colleague in Boston, Isabel Henley moves to Scotland to begin a PhD, only to learn upon arrival that her advisor has died mysteriously. Soon afterwards, Isabel is informed that another scholar is about to publish a book on her dissertation topic, leaving her disconcerted and in search of a new subject. After such a rocky start to life overseas, Isabel needs a good friend, and finds one when she reconnects with Rose Brewster, a charismatic former classmate. But when Rose reveals she is in trouble, then goes missing, Isabel's already unsteady life is sent into a tailspin. A suicide note surfaces, followed by a coded message: Rose is alive but captive, and unless Isabel can complete her friend's research, both women will be killed. Isabel follows Rose's paper trail through Genoa, Florence and Paris. She uncovers family secrets, the legend of an enormous cursed emerald, and a chain of betrayal and treason lasting centuries. If she can put the pieces together in time, Isabel may solve a 400-year-old mystery... and save her life and her friend's in the process. Combining epistolary elements, Gothic suspense, and an atmospheric dark academia setting, The Bequest is a gripping literary thriller that will appeal to fans of Alex Michaelides and Donna Tartt.Trade ReviewRichly atmospheric and irresistibly readable -- Joyce Carol OatesIntricately plotted, exquisitely written, and brimming with atmosphere, The Bequest is a brilliant debut, as smart as it is compelling -- Tasha AlexanderA first rate mystery by a first time author. Intriguing plot and well drawn characters -- Martin Cruz SmithThis one will appeal to lovers of Dan Brown and Elizabeth Kostova and other mysteries of old documents and historical figures * Kirkus *Readers will eagerly await Margaret's next * Publishers Weekly *There are two attractions here: the present-day academic whodunnit and the olden puzzle revealed in Renaissance letters; viewers of the Netflix series The Chair will eat this up, as will readers of Philippa Gregory and Robert J. Lloyd * First Clue *

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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 dark murder. A secret brought to light…June, 1797. From his headquarters at the Villa Mombello near Milan, the French revolutionary army’s young general, one Napoleon Bonaparte, dictates peace terms to Europe’s monarchies with breath-taking ease and arrogance.But when a series of malicious events at Mombello threaten to set Italy ablaze once again, and talk of a ghoul stalking in the night committing atrocities spreads like wildfire among the assembled guests, Napoleon forces failed magistrate Felix Gracchus out of retirement to solve the puzzling murders.Gracchus’s unwilling escort in this military world is ambitious but underachieving young cavalry officer Dermide Vanderville. Aided by Napoleon’s unruly tomboy sister Paolette, they set about unravelling the twisted skeins of intrigue and terrible secrets clogging the mansion’s shadowy corridors.A rich and compelling debut historical mystery set around Napoleon Bonaparte’s conquests, perfect for fans of C. J. Sansom, Paul Doherty and Ellis Peters.Praise for Blood and Fireflies 'A fantastic read. I recommend it unreservedly. You will probably end up reading it in one fell swoop' Paul Doherty

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Book Synopsis**SOON TO BE A MAJOR APPLE TV+ SERIES STARRING NATALIE PORTMAN AND MOSES INGRAM**A real triumph of storytelling and suspense.' Daily Mail''A very special kind of twisted genius.'' SARAH HILARY''Complex, hard-hitting and unflinching'' Irish TimesAching, thoughtful, and compulsively readable.' Vanity FairA NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERCleo Sherwood disappeared eight months ago. Apart from her parents and her two young sons, no one seems to have noticed. Until Maddie Schwartz, working her first job at the Baltimore Sun, hears of a body that has been pulled from the fountain in a city park. Thinking it's a lead that could make her name, she soon finds that, in 1966, this is a story no-one wants her to tell. . . What readers are saying:***** A twisty, thrilling, mesmerising ride. I couldn't put it down!'***** It was a delight reading this book. I enjTable of Contents'Haunting... extraordinary.' - Stephen King, New York Times'Lippman is a natural storyteller at the height of her powers.' - Lee Child

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Book Synopsis‘Tis the season for gold, frankincense and murder…It’s winter in the small town of Dewstow, and Margery is preparing for her first Christmas as Summerview school’s kitchen manager. She’s supported by her wife, Clementine, and is trying to stay focused on the task at hand.The pair are determined to stay out of the way of the Christmas concert planning that has gripped the rest of the staff. However, they are caught in the crossfire when the stage lights collapse at the first practice, killing Mrs Large, the music teacher.Mrs Smith, the Head of Drama, is the prime suspect and is desperate for the Dinner Lady Detectives to clear her name. Mrs Smith is convinced that it’s sabotage by her rival, Mrs Blossom, the drama teacher at Ittonvale Secondary, but there’s evidence that points to her own misdeeds. Can Margery and Clementine trust their friend? And when things start to heat up in the kitchen, will they make it out in time?A charming and festive British village mystery, perfect for fans of Robert Thorogood and Fiona Leitch.Praise for The Dinner Lady Detectives 'This cosy crime novel has some hilarious moments and is perfect to curl up with' Heat'A brilliant read! Bella'A brilliant whodunnit!' Closer'The plot is great, the character cast is spot on, and the dialogue and humor is so quick, smart, and addictive. Margery and Clem play off one another brilliantly. I cannot wait to read the next book (please say there will be one!!!!!!) and highly recommend this gem.' NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you are after a gentle and amusing read, this will not disappoint!' Reader review⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Heaps of fun. I found myself laughing out loud at some of the absurdities and the chaos that surrounded Clementine and Margery.' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Book SynopsisPre-order HOLMES & MORIARTY - the clever and intriguing new crime mystery from Sunday Times bestselling author Gareth Rubin, out in hardback Autumn 2024. 'The Turnglass is a bold, breathtaking piece of writing that absolutely nails its two books in one conceit. I doubt I’ll ever read anything like it again, which is the highest compliment I can offer' Stuart Turton  'Not just a book, but an experience - one in which twists and turns are both on the page and in the very act of reading itself. Two haunting narratives conspire to create a dark, menacing tale that spans half a century of secrets as they echo back and forth - all while the sand slowly drains away . . . This is a story about stories and their perspectives, the passage of time and the slow march of the inevitable. Vivid, resonant, melancholy and beautiful' Janice Hallett ‘A stunning, ingenious, truly immersive mysTrade Review‘Wildly clever and evocative, I adored it’ Angela Clarke ‘Rubin deserves top marks for originality and for braving such a niche literary format . . . what really stands out is the masterful way the tales are cemented together. Believable characters and accomplished characterization add to the suspense, and with Rubin’s expressive and easily digestible prose both stories can appreciated as old-fashioned murder mysteries' The Lady ‘Murder, mystery and secrets combine to create a dazzling achievement that will hook you in' Best Magazine ‘It’s an incredible book, it’s so different. It’s unlike anything I’ve read before’ Quick Book Reviews Podcast ‘You will feel yourself being drawn into the lives of the main characters and you will find it very difficult to put the books down' South London Press ‘The Turnglass is a narrative of mysterious beauty, locking two very different writing styles to tell two very different stories that are linked so, so very elegantly' Shots ‘This is one of the most enjoyable books I’ve read this year’ Bay Tales

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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 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 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 SynopsisA classic crime novel by Freeman Wills Crofts, The King of Detective Story Writers', featuring Inspector French, coming soon to television.James Tarrant wants to make a lot of money. But as an assistant chemist in a sleepy village backwater his career seems to have reached a dead end and he has no way to further his ambitions. Suddenly inspiration strikes, and his goal looks to be within reach, with a willing young accomplice who will do almost anything for him. But would she go as far as murder? Inspector French is called in to investigate shady business deals, two-timers, and multiple motives for revenge. . .Trade Review“Crofts is an Old Master whose work still overshadows the products of most of the Bright Young Things.” Times Literary Supplement “A detective novel by Mr. Wills Crofts is always an event to those who know … Mr. Crofts is among the few muscular writers of detective fiction. He has never let me down.”HAROLD NICHOLSON, DAILY EXPRESS

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Book SynopsisJournaling vlogger Mandy Meadows strives to preserve her hyper-organised life while searching for her cousin''s killer in this twisty mystery: first in a brand-new series.Divorced single mom Mandy Meadows scrapes by working as a barista and receiving payments from her cousin, Ryan, who rents her basement apartment. At night, she and her teenage daughter Vellum run a successful home business creating journaling content on their popular social media channels.But Mandy''s carefully organized world is about to come crashing down. While filming their latest journaling tutorial, Mandy and Vellum hear a loud noise on the basement stairs, and Mandy is horrified to find Ryan dead on the landing. The police quickly start to treat the death as a murder - with Mandy and Vellum as chief suspects. Why would someone murder Ryan? Determined to clear their names and find Ryan''s killer, Mandy soon discovers he wasn''t the man she thought he was . . .

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Book SynopsisA collection of short stories featuring some of Agatha Christie's best-loved detectives Hercule Poirot, Parker Pyne, Mr Satterthwaite and Harley QuinAll great crime writers have their favourite creations. Similarly, every great sleuth has his, or her, own preferred method of deduction.Take the charming Parker Pyne, who relies upon an intuitive knowledge of human nature to solve the Problem at Pollensa Bay. Or Mr Satterthwaite, who seeks inspiration through his collaboration with the enigmatic Mr Quin in The Harlequin Tea Set mystery. Then, of course, there's Poirot, whose measured analysis of motive and opportunity is tested to the full in Yellow Iris, when he receives an anonymous call about a matter of life and death.Trade Review‘The acknowledged queen of detective fiction’Observer

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Book SynopsisLittle Clothbound Classics: irresistible, mini editions of short stories, novellas and essays from the world's greatest writers, designed by the award-winning Coralie Bickford-Smith. Emerging from their smoke-filled rooms at 21B Baker Street, Holmes and Watson grapple with the forces of crime that stalk the streets of London. From the first story, 'A Scandal in Bohemia' where Holmes is foiled by the quick-thinking of 'the woman', Irene Adler, to what was presumed to be the last, 'The Final Problem' where Holmes at last comes face to face with the diabolical Professor Moriarty, this selection is presents the very best of Arthur Conan Doyle's iconic detective. 'Arthur Conan Doyle is unique ... Personally, I would walk a mile in tight boots to read him to the milkman' Stephen Fry

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Book SynopsisRobert Goddard's first novel, Past Caring, was an instant bestseller. Since then, his books have captivated readers worldwide with their edge-of-the-seat pace and their labyrinthine plotting. He has won awards in the UK, the US and acrossEurope and his books have been translated into over thirty languages. In 2019, he won the Crime Writers' Association's highest accolade, the Diamond Dagger, for a lifetime achievement in Crime Writing.

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Book Synopsis**Winner of the eDunnit Award for Crime ebook of the Year**Shortlisted for an LA Times Book Award, and a Daily Mail Book of the YearDeeply atmospheric. . . Combines intrigue, magic and antiquarian bookselling.' Observer''A marvellous, magical novel'' Irish Times''Irresistible. . . A lavish, lush quest novel.' LAUREN BEUKESRare book dealer Lily Albrecht has been given a tip-off about The Book of the Most Precious Substance, rumoured to be the most powerful occult book ever written. With some of the world's wealthiest people willing to pay a fortune for it, she embarks on a journey from New York to New Orleans to Munich to Paris, knowing that it could also help erase the greatest tragedy of her life.But does the book really exist at all, or will Lily lose everything in search of a ghost?What readers are saying:***** ''Erotic, thrilling, and tense all the way

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Book Synopsis''This series shows no sign of running out of steam'' Publisher''s Weekly Will Rees is on a very personal mission - to clear his wife''s estranged father of murder - in this claustrophobic turn-of-the-century mystery novel set in Boston.January, 1801. When Lydia''s estranged father is accused of murder, Will Rees escorts her to Boston to uncover the truth. Marcus Farrell is believed to have murdered one of his workers, a boy from Jamaica where he owns a plantation. Marcus swears he''s innocent. However, a scandal has been aroused by his refusal to answer questions and accusations he bribed officials. As Will and Lydia investigate, Marcus''s brother, Julian, is shot and killed. This time, all fingers point towards James Morris, Lydia''s brother. Is someone targeting the family? Were the family quarreling over the family businesses and someone lashed out? What''s Marcus hiding and why won''t he accept help?<

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Book SynopsisTrouble''s on the wind when an auctioneer turns up dead in the new Trash ''n'' Treasures cozy mystery - one of the funniest cozy series going (Ellery Queen Magazine)Two o''clock in the morning is the perfect time to be asleep. So when long-suffering Brandy Borne is rudely awoken by her eccentric mother, Vivian, and invited on a surreptitious shopping trip, the idea is less than tempting. But if Vivian - Serenity''s true-crime writing, septuagenarian super-sleuth - has a nose for sniffing out antiques, Brandy''s sense of smell is just as good . . . and trouble''s on the wind.A little light blackmail and one run-in with the police later, and Brandy and Vivian are the ''proud'' owners of a selection of dead stock, liberated ahead of an upcoming warehouse sale from unsavory auctioneer Conrad Norris. Brandy''s not convinced there''s a fortune to be made in vintage toys, retro plates and pearl buttons - there''s more mileage in their shop''s new Hallo

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Book SynopsisReady to mingle with the stars? Hollywood''s A-list takes centre stage once again in this stylish, twisty and sharply observed Golden Age of Hollywood mystery featuring irresistible sleuthing duo Lillian Frost and Edith Head. Effortlessly blending oodles of glamour and famous (and fictional) names with a stunningly crafted whodunit, this compelling, vibrant tale is bursting with twists and shocking moments. Love gossip, rumour and scandalous secrets? This page-turning read is perfect for fans of Classic Hollywood films and all mystery-loving fashionistas.What happens when your past catches up with you? Lillian Frost and Edith Head investigate a series of bizarre poison pen letters sent to a leading Hollywood actress in this mesmerising mystery. 1939, Los Angeles. Marion Davies has a problem. The actress has received poison pen letters highlighting an embarrassing event in her past from the mysterious ''Argus''. Can Lillian Frost and her friend and partner-in-crime, celebrated costume designer Edith Head, expose the writer before they expose Marion? Lillian''s boss, millionaire inventor Addison Rice, seems to think so, but when Lillian speaks to her idol, Marion is reluctant to reveal her secrets, fearful of jeopardizing her affair with newspaper tycoon W.R. Hearst. Is a prankster simply trying to tarnish the reputation of one of Hollywood''s leading ladies, or is something more sinister going on behind the scenes? As Lillian and Edith are drawn into increasingly dangerous and disturbing territory, their enquiries take an unexpected and stunningly dark twist . . .

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Book SynopsisDiscover the classic mystery from Dick Francis, one of the greatest thriller writers of all time''Dick Francis keeps you in suspense in every chapter, you are immersed in the story'' 5***** Reader Review''Really gripping with lots of twists and turns. A fast-paced thriller'' 5***** Reader Review______Ex-jockey Sid Halley works as a private detective, using his racing knowledge to solve crimes that baffle the police.He''s asked to investigate the possible doping of the horses of George Casper - a thoroughbred trainer whose once-successful mounts have been failing spectacularly on the racetrack.At the same time, he learns that a conman has left his ex-wife Jenny facing a jail sentence over a fake charity, while the Jockey Club want him to investigate certain powerful syndicates who may be acting in a ruthless and illegal manner.Quickly, Sid discovers that each of his investigations is entirely unwelcome. But he isn''Trade ReviewUnbeatable * Daily Mirror *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 *Superb. Francis's best book. And that's high praise * Sunday Mirror *

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Book SynopsisIntroducing the Fitzglens and their theatre of thieves in this spellbinding gothic mystery!Superb . . . Lovers of British historical mysteries with a dash of romance and gothic atmosphere will clamor for more Publishers Weekly Starred ReviewLondon, 1908. The Fitzglens are proud of their reputation as one of London''s leading theatre families. They are, however, equally proud of another profession which they pursue very discreetly . . . When not on stage, they are thieves. Jack Fitzglen''s latest plan is to seek out the infamous Talisman Chalice, steal it and create a dazzling piece of theatre around it. He travels to Vallow Hall in Northumberland to find the mysterious Maude - the last known link to the Chalice - but uncovers something far darker. Scandal, secrets and danger lurk in every shady corner. Perhaps the legend of the Chalice has come true: that in the wrong hands, the Chalice drags a person into a darkness from which h

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Book SynopsisIt''s all aboard for a Campbell Clan Christmas! Lexy swaps cinnamon lattes for boiled sprouts when the Last Ditch crew travel from California to an idyllic Scottish village for the holidays, but something very unmerry is lurking below the surface . . .Lexy Campbell is long overdue a trip to Scotland to see her parents, and an unexpected death in the extended Last Ditch Motel family makes Christmas in a bungalow in Dundee with nine others seem almost irresistible.But when Lexy and the Last Ditch crew hop across the Atlantic, there''s been a change of plan and they''re whisked off to Mistletoe Hall in the pretty village of Yule, where the surprises continue. The news that a man disappeared from the crumbling pile sixty years ago, along with an unsettling discovery in the bricked-up basement, means that Todd, Kathi and Lexy - Trinity for Trouble - must solve another murder.Deadly secrets, berry rustlers, skeletons and a snowy Christmas Eve in the b

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Book SynopsisSometimes it''s safer not to know your neighbors'' secrets.Where are Niko and Zora Norman? Crime writer Augusta Hawke puts her sleuthing skills to the test to solve the mystery of her disappearing neighbors in the first entry in a new series.While Augusta Hawke is a successful author of eighteen crime novels, since her husband''s death she''s been living vicariously through her Jules Maigret-like detective Claude and his assistant Caroline. Then a handsome police detective appears investigating a real-life mystery.Where are her neighbors, the Normans? No one has a clue what''s happened - except Augusta. Although she isn''t nosy, spending all day staring out the windows for inspiration means she does notice things. Like the Normans arguing. And that they''ve been missing a week.Once the Normans'' car is found abandoned, Augusta senses material for a bestseller and calls on the investigatory skills she''s developed as a crime

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Book SynopsisCourt jester Will Somers is drawn into another gripping and entertaining mystery when malevolent forces strike again at the court of Henry VIII - and Anne Boleyn is the target.1536, London. Anne Boleyn, Queen of England, is in peril. In the mid of night, court jester Will Somers is summoned to an urgent assignation when she discovers a body in her chamber. The queen wants Will to find out who the man is and how he ended up there. Is someone trying to frame her for his murder?Queen Anne has many enemies at court, and to make matters worse, Henry VIII is lining up his next conquest and suspects his queen of treason. Has the formidable Thomas Cromwell been whispering vile lies in the king''s ears, and could the queen be the target of a Catholic conspiracy? As further attacks plague the court, Will is determined to uncover the truth behind the plotting and devilry, but he will need to keep hold of all his wits to do so!

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Book Synopsis*As seen on The One Show** A SUNDAY TIMES CRIME BOOK OF THE MONTH *'Hugely entertaining' - ANN CLEEVES'An outstanding debut' - SUNDAY TIMES____________________________________Ex-detective Kamil Rahman is embroiled in a case that might just change his life - for better or for worse . . . Disgraced detective Kamil Rahman moves from Kolkata to London to start afresh as a waiter in an Indian restaurant. But the peace of his new life is soon shattered. The day Kamil caters an extravagant party, the powerful host, Rakesh, is found dead in his swimming pool.Suspicion falls on Rakesh's young and glamorous new wife, and Kamil is called to investigate for the family. Kamil and Anjoli, his boss's daughter, prove a winning team - yet as the case progresses, and their relationship grows, the events of Kamil's past threaten to catch up with him . . .____________________________________'A rip-roaring mystery that's engrossing from start to finish' - ABIR MUKHERJEE'This detective waiter has all the ingredients for a great crime series' - SUN'[Kamil is a] likeable inspector . . . We shall hear much more of him' - DAILY MAIL'An elegantly constructed thriller' - THE TIMESTrade ReviewA hugely entertaining first novel for lovers of traditional crime fiction, taking us from Kolkata to Brick Lane. I can't wait to read more about disgraced detective Kamil and his wonderfully drawn companion Anjoli. * Ann Cleeves *Superb... Chowdhury paces the novel like an old hand, juxtaposing chapters set in the East End with flashbacks to Calcutta... [an] outstanding debut -- Joan Smith * Sunday Times *From the mean streets of Kolkata to the kitchens of Brick Lane...this is a rip-roaring mystery that's engrossing from start to finish. In Kamil Rahman, Ajay has created a quixotic and all too human protagonist who is a refreshing and welcome addition to the world of detective fiction. One of my favourite reads of the year. * Abir Mukherjee, author of the Wyndham & Banerjee mysteries *The Waiter is a heady mix of murder, intrigue and all things Indian. Weaving together a dual narrative with aplomb, Ajay Chowdhury's neatly-drawn detective Kamil Rahman relives his failure to solve the murder of a Bollywood A-lister in Kolkata whilst trying to solve the killing of an Indian industrialist in London. Could the two murders be connected? An accomplished crime debut that offers something a little different. * Vaseem Khan, author of the Malabar House Baby Ganesh Agency crime series *An authentic and enthralling debut with an original new lead detective. * G.R. Halliday *

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Book Synopsis*As seen on The One Show**Dead Good 14 Best Thrillers of All Time 2023*'Thrilling . . . a terrific series' Sunday TimesSomeone has an appetite for murderKamil Rahman used to be a detective in Kolkata. Now he's a cook in London's East End.Yet trouble still knows where to find him...Kamil Rahman thought his crimefighting days were behind him. But when a woman he knows is murdered and the police arrest the most convenient suspect, he hangs up his apron and employs his detective skills once more to find the true killer.Meanwhile, restaurant manager Anjoli is volunteering with a homeless charity, where she notices a sudden troubling increase in unexplained deaths among people sleeping rough in and around Brick Lane. With the council and police uninterested, she starts an investigation of her own.Kamil and Anjoli's cases seem unrelated, but as the duo dig deeper, they discover connections that stretch from London to Lahore. Together they take on the indifference of the authorities.If the Met won't find the murderers, then they will.*A GUARDIAN BEST CRIME AND THRILLER BOOK OF 2022*Trade ReviewA real surprise... It is not just the descriptions of food that leave you hungry for more -- Mark Sanderson * The Times *Thrilling... This is a terrific series, a vivid portrait of the East End where a thriving economy is overshadowed by the effects of inequality -- Joan Smith * Sunday Times *Chowdhury's portrait of multicultural London is as effective as his portrayal of the mixed feelings of his characters, who may enjoy aspects of their lives but still long for the pleasures they have left behind -- Natasha Cooper * Literary Review *Kamil and Anjali are a terrific team. Chowdhury makes the murder mystery feel like a brand-new invention. His second thriller is chockfull of authentic flavours and tasty surprises that will leave readers wanting more. -- Christopher Fowler, author of the Bryant and May MysteriesMarvellous! A vivid romp through the Londoner's London, seen through the sharp eyes of a recent arrival. The only thing that induced me to put it down was the fact that it made me so hungry... * Alex Marwood *

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Book Synopsis** REACHER SEASON 2: BAD LUCK AND TROUBLE out now on Prime video **"The invincible Reacher is as irresistible as ever." (Sunday Telegraph)You do not mess with Jack Reacher.He is as close to untraceable as a person can get. A loner comfortable in his anonymity and solitude. So when a member of his old Army unit finds a way to contact him, he knows this has to be serious.You do not mess with the Special Investigators.In the past the elite team always watched each other's backs. Now one of them has shown up dead in the California desert and six more are missing.Reacher's old buddies are in big trouble, and he can't let that go._________Although the Jack Reacher novels can be read in any order, Bad Luck and Trouble is the 11th in the series.And be sure not to miss Reacher's newest adventure, no.28, The Secret! ***OUT NOW***Trade ReviewThe invicible Reacher is as irresistible as ever * Sunday Telegraph *Almost overnight, British author Lee Child created one of the world's most enduring and popular fiction characters in Jack Reacher . . . Child is a great storyteller . . . the reader never feels conned . . . Another sure-fire hit * Daily Mirror *Jack Reacher has the manliness of John Wayne, the coping skills of Jack Bauer, the fieldcraft of John Rambo and the coolness of Dirty Harry * Sunday Times *[Reacher] has long since gained mythical status...storytelling of the highest order: lean, laconic, laced with tension * Evening Standard *Reacher is one of those characters who is admired by his male readers and lusted after by his female ones in equal measure . . . Child's tough-as-nails protagonist has become one of the most appealing of contemporary heroes * Daily Express *

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Book SynopsisIt''s Christmas in Riddleton and crime novelist turned amateur sleuth, Jen, is in desperate need of a cozy festive season running the town''s local bookstore. But, between trying to drum up business for Ravenous Readers and attempting to finish her latestnovel, Jen is totally run off her feet. Matters get worse, however, when a man''s body is found outside the bookstore, along with a scrap of paper in his pocket with none other than Jen''s address on it! To solve the murder--and clear her own name--Jen must, once again, become Riddleton''s best detective. The stakes have never been higher and the pressure is on--but with the help of her best friend, Brittany, and trusty dog, Savannah, can Jen catch the killer, finish her novel and save Ravenous Readers before time runs out?--Trade ReviewPraise for The Bookstore Mystery Series: “Warm, amusing, and relatable… A very entertaining cozy mystery… A relaxing night-time read, and it was perfect for that… I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries” NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I loved trying to figure out the murder before I got to the end. This was a cozy, page-turning read” NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This ingenious author has written a cannot put down novel” NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Book SynopsisA dentist lies murdered at his Harley Street practiceThe dentist was found with a blackened hole below his right temple. A pistol lay on the floor near his outflung right hand. Later, one of his patients was found dead from a lethal dose of local anaesthetic. A clear case of murder and suicide. But why would a dentist commit a crime in the middle of a busy day of appointments?A shoe buckle holds the key to the mystery. Now in the words of the rhyme can Poirot pick up the sticks and lay them straight?Trade Review“The Empress of the crime novel”Daily Express 'A swift course of unflagging suspense leads to complete surprise.'New York Times

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Book SynopsisThe award-winning debut novel by New York Times bestseller C.J. Box, Open Season is the first in the hugely successful Joe Pickett series, now adapted into the hit Paramount TV show Joe Pickett, streaming on Paramount UK. There’s nothing unusual about the sound of a gunshot in Twelve Sleep. In remotest Wyoming, where elk roam the pine forests and cougars prowl the mountains, everyone owns a gun. But when Joe Pickett hears two sharp cracks ring out months before hunting season, it’s his job to investigate. As game warden, dad-of-two Joe is not only badly paid and poorly housed, he’s deeply unpopular. So when the source of the shots – a well-known poacher – gets off scot-free, the locals are delighted. And then the poacher turns up dead in the Picketts’ back yard… Investigating the first murder he’s ever encountered, Joe soon finds himself battling grudge-holding neighbours, corrupt officials, and determined activists. But will unravelling the mystery mean he risks the life and family he loves? Open Season is the winner of the highly coveted Anthony, Gumshoe, Barry, and Macavity Awards for Best First Novel. Reviews for Open Season 'A great crime novel.' Lee Child 'A muscular first novel.' New York Times 'A debut of riveting tensions.' Publishers Weekly 'Box remains square on target throughout this nearly word-perfect debut... Joe Pickett is a Gary Cooper for our time.' Booklist

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Book SynopsisThe gripping new thriller from the No.1 Sunday Times bestseller Jeffery DeaverTwist left.Unique Investigator Colter Shaw is searching for the answer to his father's final, posthumous riddle. It will lead him to evidence that will topple the secretive espionage company, BlackBridge.Twist right.He believes BlackBridge to be responsible for his father's murder and brother's disappearance. They can outmanoeuvre anyone, as the long trail of bodies behind them can confirm.But they haven't yet met Colter Shaw.Don't slip up.This time the stakes are huge the fate of a nation is in Colter's hands. He must find the solution as to why his father died but to do that he needs to stay aliveTrade ReviewPraise for The Colter Shaw series: “Gripping and ingenious tale of greed and deception in the American wilderness” The Times Thriller of the Month “Deaver balances suspense and plausibility perfectly…This is a perfect jumping-on point for readers new to one of today’s top contemporary thrillers writers.” Publishers Weekly “Deaver’s reputation as a master of the corkscrewing plot is well earned… Colter Shaw seems certain to become an enduring series lead.” Booklist Praise for The Never Game: ‘The Never Game is the very definition of a page-turner’ Ian Rankin ‘Terrific writing, vivid and raw, Deaver grips from the very first line and never lets up. He is, hands-down, one of the finest thriller writers of our time’ Peter James ‘Nailbiting’ Guardian ‘Deaver is a masterful storyteller and he’s on top form with The Never Game’ Daily Express ‘As always, Deaver gets you in his stealthy grip on page one, and then takes you on a wild and inventive ride …this time with new star character Colter Shaw. No one in the world does this kind of thing better than Deaver’ Lee Child ‘Masterful storytelling — The Never Game is Deaver’s most riveting, most twisty, most unputdownable novel yet’ Karin Slaughter ‘Lightning-fast and loaded with twists, The Never Game is a thrill a minute from one of the best. Don’t miss it’ Harlan Coben ‘Jeffery Deaver scores yet again with a fascinating new detective, Colter Shaw, and a plot as full of thrills and twists and turns as you would expect from him. With The Never Game you know you are in the hands of a master. But be warned—don’t start this too late in the evening because sleep would be an annoying interruption once you’ve started reading!’ Peter Robinson

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Book Synopsis*Shortlisted for the CWA Gold Dagger for Best Crime Novel of 2017*Chicago, 1928. In the stifling summer heat three disturbing events take place. A clique of city leaders is poisoned in a fancy hotel. A white gangster is found mutilated in an alleyway in the Black Belt. And a famous heiress vanishes without a trace. Pinkerton detectives Michael Talbot and Ida Davis are hired to find the missing heiress by the girl’s troubled mother. But it proves harder than expected to find a face that is known across the city, and Ida must elicit the help of her friend Louis Armstrong. While the police take little interest in the Black Belt murder, crime scene photographer Jacob Russo can’t get the dead man’s image out of his head, and so he embarks on his own investigation. And Dante Sanfelippo – rum-runner and fixer – is back in Chicago on the orders of Al Capone, who suspects there’s a traitor in the ranks and wants Dante to investigate. But Dante is struggling with problems of his own as he is forced to return to the city he thought he’d never see again . . . As the three parties edge closer to the truth, their paths cross and their lives are threatened. But will any of them find the answers they need in the capital of blues, booze and corruption?Dead Man’s Blues is the gripping second installment in Ray Celestin's prize-winning City Blues quartet. It is followed by the third book in the series, The Mobster's Lament.Trade ReviewA magnificent crime novel, at least as good as his stunning 2014 debut . . . His portrait of an edgy, sexy, corrupt, dangerous, deeply racially prejudiced city, where savage violence cohabited with exciting music, is totally absorbing -- Marcel Berlins * The Times *Celestin certainly doesn’t short change us on plot as his book centres on investigations into the disappearance of a celebrity heiress, the brutal murder (complete with gouged-out eyes) of a gangster and an attempt to poison a group of pro-Capone city dignitaries. But he also packs in enough details about the people, buildings, musicians and criminals of Prohibition-era Chicago to fill a fair-sized history book. He writes so vividly that at times I was convinced I could see 1920s Chicago in front of me and, even more impressively, he writes so well about music that I could virtually hear it. His first book was one of the best crime novels of its year and this sequel is even better. VERDICT: 5/5 * Daily Express *This is the sequel to the prize-winning The Axeman’s Jazz . . . Under the constant threat of bloodshed, the three stories gradually weave together into an intriguing portrait of a time and a place . . . the historical detail is captivating . . . The young Louis Armstrong turns up, and his powerful, searching, explosive jazz pulses through the pages, a soundtrack to Ida’s increasingly dangerous investigation * Spectator *Celestin’s promise of two further instalments of this lively, jazz-based series can only be cause for celebration * Sunday Times *As he did in his first novel, The Axeman’s Jazz, Celestin perfectly captures the jazzy street rhythms of this proudly pugnacious city and its peculiar characters * New York Times *

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Book SynopsisThe Edgar Award-winning, New York Times-bestselling series by Dana Stabenow set in Alaska. Aleut private investigator Kate Shugak investigates a strange disappearance in Dead in the Water. Last March, two men disappeared whilst loading supplies on a remote island in the Bering Sea: two million square miles of dark capricious ocean and tempestuous squalls. Their Skipper, Harry Gault, should have been fired, at the least. But six months later he's still aboard the Avilda, and the families of the missing men are making noises about corruption. With the crew backing his version of events, what the authorities need is an investigator who can survive the torturous conditions on an Alaskan fishing trawler. Someone like Kate Shugak... 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 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 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 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 Synopsis* WINNER OF THE CWA DIAMOND DAGGER FOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT * * A STUNNING NEW 30TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION * *INCLUDES AN AFTERWORD BY VAL MCDERMID * 'One of fifty books to read before you die' - SUNDAY MIRROR 'Mosley is a literary artist as well as a master of mystery' - NEW YORK TIMES 'I need to find somebody and I might need a little help looking...' It's the summer of '48 in the city of Angels and there's heat on the streets when Daphne Monet hits the sidewalk. Heat when she disappears with a trunkload of somebody else's cash. Easy Rawlins is a war veteran just fired from his job. Drinking in a friend's bar, he wonders how to meet his mortgage when a white man in a linen suit walks in, offering good money if Easy will locate Miss Monet, a blonde with a reputation. It's a simple decision, but for one thing. Nobody warned him - better the devil you know... In the sleazy, fearful city, Easy must rely on his instincts, not just to solve the case, but to save his own life. Adapted into an award-winning film starring Denzel Washington and Don Cheadle, Devil in a Blue is a legendary novel from a master of the mystery genre.Trade ReviewA damn good read -- Val McDermidMr Mosley makes us root for Easy Rawlins, a black knight-errant, and his lawless sidekick, Raymond Mouse Alexander, an armed and dangerous Sancho Panza * The New York Times *Astonishing virtuosity, upends Chandler's LA to show a dark side of a different kind * Sunday Times *One of fifty books to read before you die * Sunday Mirror *

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Book SynopsisTHE LATEST SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER AND RICHARD & JUDY BOOK CLUB THRILLER PICK FROM THE AUTHOR OF YOU WERE GONE''THE TENTH IN THE TERRIFIC DAVID RAKER SERIES - BLISS!'' LEE CHILDNine neighbours gather for a dinner party.But by the next morning, they had disappeared without a trace.No bodies. No evidence. No clues.Two and a half years later, it remains a mystery. Desperate for answers, the families of the missing turn to investigator David Raker.How did an entire village vanish overnight?And is he looking for nine missing people, or nine dead bodies?''I was hooked from beginning to end. A dark, thrilling rollercoaster of a read that is not only unputdownable but has heart'' Claire Douglas''From the moment I read the intriguing premise for this book, I couldn''t wait to dive in - and I wasn''t disappointed. A clever and original plot, eTrade ReviewThe tenth in the terrific David Raker series - bliss! * LEE CHILD *Such an original premise, I was hooked from beginning to end. A dark, thrilling rollercoaster of a read that is not only unputdownable but has heart. The devastating reveal left a lump in my throat. Tim Weaver is the master of clever, unpredictable plots. I can't recommend this highly enough! * Claire Douglas *From the moment I read the intriguing premise for this book, I couldn't wait to dive in - and I wasn't disappointed. A clever and original plot, expertly executed * Rachel Abbott, author of The Shape of Lies *4 **** A mysterious case for private investigator David Raker * Love it! *Another satisfying and twisty page-turner from Tim Weaver - his David Raker series is getting better as it goes on * Connaught Telegraph *A murder mystery which takes some of the archetypes from Agatha Christie and places them in a thoroughly modern world * Daily Express *A cleverly paced, engaging and a superior read in a quintessential series of crime novels * Shots Magazine *Praise for Tim Weaver * - *ThrillingTerrific * Sunday Times *Packed with twists * Daily Express *It had me racing to the endI couldn't put it down * Sun *What a talent * Daily Mail *Impressive * Guardian *Dark, complex and visceral * Financial Times *So many twists and surprises * Times *Enthralling, intriguingI never guessed any of the twistsGenuinely originalThe rising star of British crimeLittle short of brilliant * Crime Fiction Lover *Full of clever twists * Dead Good Books *Perfect plotting * Bookgeeks *

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Book SynopsisTHE MULTIMILLION-COPY BESTSELLING ADAM DALGLIESH SERIES FROM THE QUEEN OF ENGLISH CRIME' (Guardian) A legend.' VAL MCDERMIDP. D. James took the classic crime novel and turned up the dial.' MICK HERRONIngenious and beautifully written, this is P. D. James at her highly impressive best.'' SUNDAY TELEGRAPHPERFECT FOR FANS OF VAL MCDERMID, RUTH RENDELL AND ELLY GRIFFITHS__________________________________________________________________________________Venetia was much concerned with murder, but she could hardly have expected to become so intimately involved.Distinguished barrister Venetia Aldridge QC's defence of Garry Ashe, accused of the brutal murder of his aunt, is one more opportunity to triumph in her distinguished career as a criminal lawyer. But four weeks and four days after the trial, she is murdered at her desk. Commander Adam Dalgliesh and his team find plenty of motive for murder among the clients Venetia has defended, her envious professional colleagues, her wayward daughter, and the lover she has tried to keep secret. But just as Dalgliesh begins to narrow down the field of suspects, a second brutal murder sends the case in a totally new direction . . .__________________________________________________________________________________The capped tooth of middle-class English malice has seldom been better described.' GUARDIANEnthralling . . . the story gripped me.' 5* reader review''Fiendishly clever.' SUNDAY TIMES**Now a major Channel 5 series**__________________________________________________________________________________READERS LOVE THE ADAM DALGLEISH SERIES:Adam Dalgleish is one of the best characters in modern detective fiction.' 5* reader reviewIf you are not already an Adam Dalgliesh fan, I urge you to become one . . . James can describe a scene or delineate a character with precision and depth, like no other writer I have read . . . I usually stay up all night to read a P. D. James novel once I start one.' 5* reader reviewI would never give less than 5 stars to any P. D. James book. She is one of a kind, always constant, always wonderful writing, always great characters, and always a good mystery that you cannot put down.' 5* reader reviewP.D. James writes mysteries for ordinary people. Her characters are relatable and her hero is dynamic. But don''t expect cell phones or computers. Her stories are strictly old school, which is what I love about them.' 5* reader reviewCrime writing at its very best!' 5* reader reviewPRAISE FOR P. D. JAMES:P. D. James is the crème de la crème of crime writers. Her books are shrewd puzzles, full of wit and depth.' IAN RANKINNobody can put the reader in the eye of the storm quite like P. D. James.' SUNDAY EXPRESSOne of the literary greats. Her sense of place was exquisite, characterisation and plotting unrivalled.' MARI HANNAHJames manages a depth and intelligence that few in her trade can match.' THE TIMESThere are very few thriller writers who can compete with P. D. James at her best.' SPECTATORThe queen of English crime.' GUARDIAN

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewRaymond Chandler invented a new way of talking about America, and America has never looked the same to us since. -- Paul AusterOne of the greatest crime writers, who set standards that others still try to attain. * Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisNOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTUREFEATURED IN THE TIMES TOP 100 CRIME & THRILLER NOVELS SINCE 1945A murder. A murderer. No motive.Fabrizio Collini is a hard working, quiet and respectable man. Until the day he visits one of Berlin''s most luxurious hotels and kills an innocent man in cold blood. Young attorney Caspar Leinen takes the case. Getting Collini a not-guilty verdict would make his name. But far too late he discovers that he knows Collini''s victim. Leinen is caught in a professional and personal dilemma. Collini admits the murder but won''t say why he did it, forcing Leinen to defend a man who won''t defend himself. And worse, a close friend, and relation of the victim, insists that he give up the case. His reputation, his career and this friendship are all at risk.But then he makes a discovery that goes way beyond his own concerns and exposes a terrible and deadly truth at the heart of German justice . . .The Collini Case is a masterful court room drama that will have readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish - fans of John le Carre will love this. __________ ''A magnificent storyteller'' Der Spiegel''A murder trial full of political explosiveness: thrilling, clever, staggering'' Focus''Terrific'' Elle''Ferdinand von Schirach brilliantly draws you under his spell'' BunteTrade ReviewA magnificent storyteller * Der Spiegel *A murder trial full of political explosiveness: thrilling, clever, staggering * Focus *Terrific * Elle *Ferdinand von Schirach brilliantly draws you under his spell * Bunte *

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Book SynopsisNew York Times bestseller Wendy Corsi Staub is back, with a new heart-warming cozy mystery set in the magical village of Lily DaleIn the quirky, picturesque lakeside community of Lily Dale, where the residents can talk to the dead, young widow Bella Jordan is the lone skeptic among believers. She doesn''t believe in ghosts . . . but after a year in the village, she would admit that her new friends do sometimes seem to know impossible things.Still, when a Black stranger dressed in old-fashioned clothing arrives unexpectedly at Bella''s guesthouse at midnight on Juneteenth, only to vanish the next day as if he''d never existed, Bella''s sure there has to be a logical explanation. One that has nothing to do with the strange warning Odelia, the medium next door, delivers from the Spirits: Beware of . . . Barry?!Bella doesn''t know a Barry, and she has enough people in her life already, what with her young son Max and their two kitties, handso

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Book SynopsisLook out London - eccentric antiques dealer Vivian Borne and her daughter Brandy are bringing their own brand of mayhem and mischief to the British capital, in the fifteenth installment of the award-winning Trash ''n'' Treasures cozy mystery series.Vivian Borne - true-crime author, antiques dealer and ex-sheriff of Serenity, Iowa - is looking forward to meeting her new editor in London. Flying first class, rooms at the Savoy . . . Her long-suffering co-author, daughter Brandy, worries the trip will bankrupt them both, but the alternative - Mother travelling alone - is unthinkable. Brandy''s almost tempted to make her fiancé, Tony - Serenity''s Chief of Police - call Scotland Yard and warn them Vivian''s coming.But even Brandy doesn''t predict their vacation will end in murder . . . or that she and Mother will be unceremoniously ejected from the country, with an order to leave things well alone.Vivian and Brandy need a case to write about, and Mo

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Book SynopsisPentecost and Parker, the most audacious and iconic detective duo in 1940s Manhattan, are back. If you''re a fan of Richard Osman, The Marvellous Mrs Maisel, Agatha Christie and M. C. Beaton you''ll love this hugely entertaining murder mystery.Following on from Fortune Favours the Dead and Murder Under Her Skin, the third Pentecost and Parker mystery is ''even smarter, spikier and more surprising than the first two'' New York TimesNew York City, 1947. For years, Holly Quick has written gruesome tales of revenge for pulp detective magazines. Now someone is bringing her stories to life and leaving a trail of blood behind. With the threat of another murder looming, and reluctant to go to the police, Holly turns to the renowned detective duo Willowjean Will Parker and her boss Lillian Pentecost.Soon they are diving into an underground world of people obsessed with murder. Can the killer be found in the Black Museum Club, run by

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Book SynopsisThey killed the only one who ever cared and now they''re going to pay.A reckoning has come to the City of Angels...Karen Garcia is missing and her father doesn''t trust the cops - he wants someone he knows on the case. So he enlists the help of Elvis Cole and Joe Pike.It seems that Karen is the latest victim of a distinctive serial killer and the police are determined to pin her death, and four others, on the witness who found her body. Cole doesn''t believe the man has the guts to murder, and with his partner and the police at each other''s throats, it''s down to him to find the connection that will reveal the killer. But nailing the murderer means choosing between the two people he cares most about...Trade ReviewRobert Crais is, without question, one of the very best mystery writers of all time. And in Elvis Cole and Joe Pike he has created two of the most iconic figures in any genre -- David BaldacciRobert Crais is one of best storytellers at work today. He never disappoints, never leaves you anywhere but the edge of your seat -- Michael ConnellyIn the ambitious new L. A. REQUIEM, Robert Crais has created a series entry that threatens to break through the genre barrier. (He has) crafted a full-bodied novel that explores such topics as honor and friendship and justice and love, that brings its protagonists to a new point of self-awareness and, not incidentally, that provides the kind of puzzle plot that sends mystery fans into paroxysms of joy * LA TIMES *This is Crais's most ambitious novel to date, a big book that juggles aspects of friendship, trust and love against a background of violence and conspiracy. Highly recommended * IRISH TIMES *L. A. REQUIEM is an utterly gripping narrative, written straight from the heart. The almost unbearable tension is tempered by the wit and humanity of Cole himself, confirming Robert Crais's place as a major American thriller writer * MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS *Crais creates plots as lucid as blueprints and strong enough to build cities on. Ear-pinning dialogue and proper attention paid to characterization and relationships. No sunny romances on the agenda, but real feelings--love, friendship, and loathing--explored, and even celebrated. So good you'll want to shout about it * LITERARY REVIEW *L. A. REQUIEM has been one of the best books I've read this year, and this has been an exceptionally good year. This novel has everything: great setting, terrific characters, a plot that hooks you from the first page, and expert knowledge of police procedure. Simply irresistible * TORONTO GLOBE & MAIL *With a pace that never falters, Elvis and Joe burrow through layers of deceit following the death of an ex-girlfriend, with the LAPD itself under suspicion in this tale of double-crossing that is also unbearably poignant. A major US crime series that can no longer be overlooked * TIME OUT *

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Book Synopsis''THE LAST DETECTIVE is literally a thrill-a-minute read. Crais is on top form, which, believe me, is about as good as it gets. Don''t miss it'' INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY''The narrative is taut, the menace palpable, the suspense unbearable'' DAILY TELEGRAPHElvis Cole has got a problem to solve - and this time it''s personal.Elvis Cole''s girlfriend, Lucy, is out of town, and she has left her young son Ben in Elvis''s care. Elvis and Lucy have had a few problems lately - not least over his job as a private investigator. But at last things seem to be getting better. Then Ben disappears. One minute he''s playing his computer game in Elvis''s house; the next he has vanished. Elvis looks everywhere, but he just can''t find Ben; and neither can Lucy when she arrives. Then Elvis receives a phone call about Ben - and realises that something from his own past has come back to haunt him...Trade ReviewTHE LAST DETECTIVE is literally a thrill-a-minute read. Crais is on top form, which, believe me, is about as good as it gets. Don't miss it * INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY *An exciting tale of kidnap and revenge... Crais is a fine storyteller * SUNDAY TELEGRAPH *A classic. The story is shrewdly plotted and sharply written ... THE LAST DETECTIVE is a rare treat * WASHINGTON POST *Brilliant and convincing detective work, suspense that erupts in shoot-out in abandoned airport. Deeply satisfying stuff ... It's the stuff of heroes, the rare meat of crime fiction. Crais lets his convictions show and delivers a prime cut * LITERARY REVIEW *THE LAST DETECTIVE is US crime fiction at its most enjoyable - fast, funny where it needs to be and leaving the reader with a craving for more * ENIGMA *The narrative gradually ratchets up the tension to the limits of the endurable, and the final showdown could hardly be more exciting * EVENING STANDARD *An enjoyable, well-plotted thriller * TIME OUT *THE LAST DETECTIVE reads as its specially-trained heroes move - phenomenally fast . . . Crais serves up a brilliant thriller which is perfect for both long-time fans and new recruits . . . Crais has brought back his bestselling heroes with a pacy and tautly-written thriller, and the perfect plot to show off their tracking skills in the concrete jungle of LA * IRISH EXAMINER *The narrative is taut, the menace palpable, the suspense unbearable * DAILY TELEGRAPH *A satisfying thriller, this, for Crais always manages to concoct an engrossing story * IRISH TIMES *The tension is racked up from the very start . . .The pace is not just fast, it's hyperfast . . . The ending proves that this is a thriller with a heart * OBSERVER *

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Book SynopsisAll aboard the good ship SS Columbus for an African adventure to die for . . .February 1939. Mamie Mason isn''t enthusiastic when Bert, her husband of thirty years, persuades her to join him on an African cruise. Bert might be pining for adventure, but Mamie''s perfectly content with her comfortable life in Hills Corners, Ohio.But once the couple board the glamorous SS Columbus, Mamie has to admit - as much as it pains her - that Bert was right. Swimming in the pool, dancing under the stars, their own bedroom steward to serve their every whim . . . Mamie settles in and prepares to thoroughly enjoy all the sights that Africa has to offer, in the company of a motley collection of eccentric first-class passengers.Then Mamie witnesses something shocking - and her vacation takes a twist that neither she nor Bert could ever have predicted. Far from home, with a killer in their midst, the couple''s only choice is to turn detective.

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Book SynopsisAn addictive psychological thriller from a kindle bestseller. For fans of Karin Slaughter and Erin Kelly.SOME SECRETS ARE BEST LEFT BURIED...Cat panics when she sees a photofit of a murder suspect flash up on the news. It looks exactly like her, and to make matters worse, the victim is her childhood best friend, Charlie.The following day, the police arrive at her doorstep to question her. She hadn't seen or spoken to Charlie in years, but could the secrets of their past finally be coming back to haunt her?Desperate to find out who gave the police her description and to protect her five-year-old son, Cat investigates. She knows she is innocent and will stop at nothing to prove it. But some secrets are best left buried...*******See what readers are saying about Karen Cole:'Every time I thought I had it sussed a curveball was thrown. Beautifully dark and compelling'Caz, Amazon reviewer'If you like Karin Slaughter you will love this!'Cath, Amazon reviewer'I was constantly guessing throughout and I still didn't see that ending coming even though the clues are there!'Chanel, Amazon reviewer'I absolutely loved this book. I could never have guessed the outcome'Annie, Amazon reviewer

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