Crime and mystery: private investigator / amateur detectives

Book Synopsis'Martin Edwards is a true master of British crime writing' Richard Osman ‘Highly recommended, with a touch of the gothic’ Ann Cleeves How can you solve a murder before it's happened? 'This is my challenge for you,' the woman in white said. 'I want you to solve my murder.' London, 1930s: Rachel Savernake is attending renowned artist Damaris Gethin’s latest exhibition, featuring live models who pose as famous killers. But that’s just the warm-up act... Unsure why she was invited, Rachel is soon cornered by the artist who asks her a haunting favour: she wants Rachel to solve her murder. Damaris then takes to the stage set with a guillotine, the lights go out – and Damaris executes herself. Why would Damaris take her own life? And, if she died by her own hand, what did she mean by ‘solve my murder’? There are many questions to answer, and the clues are there for those daring enough to solve them... Rachel Savernake faces her most puzzling murder yet in this glamorous gothic mystery from the winner of the CWA Diamond Dagger. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and Richard Osman. Praise for Martin Edwards: 'Martin Edwards celebrates and satirises the genre with wit and affection... He leaves you wanting more.' The Times 'The brilliant Savernake is a fascinatingly enigmatic character.' Washington Post 'Ingeniously plotted and racily told...This is Edwards on the top of his form.' Dorothy L Sayers Society Bulletin 'Martin Edwards holds his own with the best of classic crime.' Daily Mail ‘Reads as if Ruth Rendell were channelling Edgar Wallace.’ Mick HerronTrade ReviewMartin Edwards is a true master of British crime writing. * Richard Osman *In treating us to what is as much a thriller as a traditional mystery, Edwards hits all the right notes to create a palpable hit. * Daily Mail *Highly recommended, with a touch of the gothic. * Ann Cleeves *The settings are atmospheric and the writing enjoyable – in short, this book is a classic crime treat * Promoting Crime Fiction *PRAISE FOR MARTIN EDWARDS: 'Edwards has managed, brilliantly, to combined a Golden Age setting with a pace that is bang up-to-date.' Peter James. 'Superb – a pitch-perfect blend of Golden Age charm and sinister modern suspense, with a main character to die for. This is the book Edwards was born to write.' Lee Child. 'Liberally spiced with mystery, suspense and action... A thoroughly gripping read.' -- Peter Robinson

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Book SynopsisAn eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.‘A wonderful novel. Big ideas wrapped in a plot that moves like a freight train’ Stuart Turton'Compelling and complex, but still emotionally charged and devastating' Helen Fields'A Clockwork Orange for the modern cohort. A terrifying near future imagined perfectly' Imran MahmoodThe future of law enforcement has arrived, courtesy of private health contractor Janus Justice. Their ground-breaking ‘Offender Treatment Programme’ has been hailed as the most effective way of tackling crime yet.As offenders move through the four-tiered system, their needs are dealt with, each tier more drastic in its methods:Tier One: Low-risk crimes. Physical therapy encouragedTier Two: Trauma and addiction. Emotional and psychological reasons for offending are examinedTier Three: Aversion therapy & moral punishmentTier Four: Siberia, where all hope is lostBut Grace Gunnarsson, one of Janus’ most highly regarded rehabilitation psychiatrists, has uncovered a terrible flaw in the system, one that is allowing people to get away with murder...‘A high-octane, spine-shivering thriller, in which neuropsychology, crime, ethics and justice are melded in a mind-stretching concoction’ Philippa EastPraise for The Treatment 'My favourite kind of thriller: intriguing, intelligent and with a complex moral question at its core' Simon Lelic'Tense and thought-provoking, The Treatment has a bold narrative that's startlingly relevant' Sarah Ward'In The Treatment, Sarah Moorhead takes a stunningly original and frighteningly plausible premise of a twisted criminal justice system, and creates a page-turning thriller with characters readers will love and hate. Brilliantly done!' Guy Morpuss‘Thoughtful and chilling, The Treatment offers a terrifying glimpse into a wholly believable dystopian future of crime and the justice system' Brian McGilloway'A great plot, very nasty villains but more importantly tackles moral and societal issues you rarely see in crime fiction' Trevor Wood'Intelligent futuristic thriller writing at its very best. The central idea is mind-blowing and the characters beautifully realised' Victoria Dowd'Intense and unsettling, this Orwellian tale had me gripped to the very last page' Marion Todd

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Book SynopsisA PhD student uncovers dark secrets in this 'richly atmospheric and irresistibly readable' (Joyce Carol Oates) mystery set in Scotland, Italy, and France. For fans of Donna Tartt and Elizabeth Kostova. Fleeing a disastrous love affair, Isabel Henley leaves the US to begin a PhD in Scotland. There she reconnects with the charismatic Rose Brewster, a former classmate, who becomes a much-needed friend. When Rose reveals she’s in trouble, Isabel decides to help her. Then Rose vanishes. No clues can be found until Isabel receives a coded message: Rose is alive, but held captive by people who don’t want her to complete her historical research. Isabel realises she must finish Rose’s work if she wants to save her life. The trail leads Isabel to the great cities of Italy and France. She must decipher a chain of betrayal and treason lasting centuries, and solve a 400-year-old mystery... or risk being claimed by it too. For fans of The Cloisters, The Secret History and The Maidens, this is a gripping literary thriller set in the world of dark academia. Reviews for The Bequest 'A brilliant debut, as smart as it is compelling' Tasha Alexander 'A first rate mystery by a first time author. Intriguing plot and well drawn characters' Martin Cruz SmithTrade ReviewRichly atmospheric and irresistibly readable -- Joyce Carol OatesA high-tension tale of academic skulduggery and murky aristocratic intrigue. * The Daily Mail *This one will appeal to lovers of Dan Brown and Elizabeth Kostova and other mysteries of old documents and historical figures * Kirkus *Intricately plotted, exquisitely written, and brimming with atmosphere, The Bequest is a brilliant debut, as smart as it is compelling -- Tasha AlexanderReaders 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 *A first rate mystery by a first time author. Intriguing plot and well drawn characters -- Martin Cruz Smith

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Book Synopsis"An enthralling murder mystery that kept me turning the pages. Well worth a read." Bestselling author T.A. Williams.The start of Cozy Crime series! Welcome to Hopgood Hall.An unlikely duo…When investigative journalist, Alexi Ellis, falls victim to cutbacks, she and Cosmo, her anti-social feral cat, head for beautiful Hopgood Hall, where they plan to lick their wounds in the boutique hotel run by her old friends, Cheryl and Drew Hopgood.A missing woman…But when she arrives Alexi discovers Cheryl and Drew both distraught. Their close friend, Natalie Parker, who recently settled in the area, has gone missing. Alexi’s sure the woman has just taken a trip somewhere, but she still has a nose for a story and agrees to look into it.A case to solve!So too does ex-Met Police detective turned private eye, Jack Maddox. Natalie Parker had been using his sister’s online dating agency and Jack needs to find her before his sister’s business is ruined.Reluctantly, Alexi, Jack - and Cosmo! - join forces to find out what happened to Natalie. But soon they discover secrets that someone desperately wants to make sure are never revealed!Perfect for fans of Faith Martin, Frances Evesham and Emma Davies.Reader Reviews for A Date To Die For'If you want to dip your toe into the cosy crime genre then this is the book for you! It is incredible. I loved every word and Cosmo the cat is just hilarious' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review'A Date To Die For would make a fabulous early evening television series. I really enjoyed it and look forward to much more from E V Hunter'⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review'The author certainly knows how to grab the reader's attention and draw them into what proves to be one heck of a story'⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

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Book Synopsis'A slice of scary, escapist fun' Observer'The twists and turns are never-ending' Daily Mail'An unnervingly plausible and scintillatingly paced thriller' Radio Times'A phenomenal thriller, meticulously plotted and brilliantly realised' Clare Mackintosh, Books of the Year_______________________________If you can hear it, your time is running out.Teacher Kit Chaplin can't understand why some students at his north London school are experiencing an extreme ticking noise in their ears. Perhaps it's just a severe form of tinnitus? But only days later, it spreads to more students - and starts leaving bodies in its wake.Eminent vaccinologist Lilly Slater has never seen anything like this before. She must race against the clock to work out what is happening - and to find a cure.But their investigation throws up more questions than answers until they realise the mystery behind the illness is even bigger than they could have imagined...Will the truth behind this catastrophe become clear before it's too late?_______________________________Readers are loving Tick Tock'Well, BBC Radio presenter Simon Mayo sure can write a darned good thriller!''An excellent conspiracy theory thriller, it's exciting, full of danger... it's riveting and hard to put down''I was utterly gripped and read this in one sitting! I could feel the tension and fear in every page - loved it!''Never has there been a more timely thriller! I was gripped from the first page. I was so immersed, I read it in one night.'Trade ReviewTick Tock is an unnervingly plausible and scintillatingly paced thriller * Radio Times *Thrilling * Shots Magazine *Cracking * Peterborough Telegraph *The characters are well observed, the dialogue effortless and the twists and turns never-ending * Daily Mail *Mayo spools out his many twists and turns skillfully. A slice of scary, escapist fun * Observer *

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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 SynopsisReal escapismfor me the book was an absolute win' ?????A gorgeous Greek islandA stranger in a veilAnd a fatal fall from the cliffsMiss Atalanta Ashford is sightseeing near Venice when a mysterious veiled lady approaches her with the urgent request to look into her daughter''s mysterious death on the idyllic Greek island of Santorini. Whilst working as a companion for the eminent Bucardi family, the unfortunate girl took a plunge from the dramatic cliffs during a walk alone. But is all as it seems?Sailing to Santorini and going undercover as the new companion, Miss Ashford soon discovers that her client hasn''t told her the full truth. Someone is watching her. Now she must unravel the mystery and prevent the breathtaking azure sea views from becoming the last she too will ever seeLook out for more Miss Ashford mysteries and get your passports ready as you travel with her to some of the most sought-after destinations on the continentBook 1: Mystery in ProvenceBook 2: Last Seen in SantoriTrade ReviewReader reviews for Vivian Conroy: ‘A good old-fashioned whodunit’ ‘Vivian most definitely did not disappoint’ ‘Engaging, well written, and entertaining’ ‘Fantastic stories’ ‘If you like a really good mystery on a par with Christie then this is for you’

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Book SynopsisThe second blistering Elvis Cole novel from the bestselling author of RACING THE LIGHT''Brilliant... read this, then read all his others'' MirrorBradley Warren had lost something very valuable, something that belonged to someone else: a rare thirteenth-century Japanese manuscript called the Hagakure.Everything PI Elvis Cole knew about Japanese culture he''d learned from reading SHOGUN, but he knew a lot of crooks - and what he didn''t know, his sidekick Joe Pike did. Together, Cole and Pike begin their search in L.A.''s Little Tokyo, the nest of the notorious Japanese mafia, the Yakuza - and find themselves caught up in a white-knuckled adventure filled with madness, murder and sexual obsession. Just another day''s work for Elvis Cole...Trade ReviewSTALKING THE ANGEL is a righteous California book: intelligent, perceptive, hard, clean -- James EllroyElvis Cole is the very best kind of hero * GUARDIAN *Brilliant... read this, then read all his others * MIRROR *Out on the West Coast, where private eyes thrive like avocado trees, Robert Crais has created an interesting and amusing hero in Elvis Cole * WALL STREET JOURNAL *

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Book SynopsisA brand new bumper omnibus gathering together over 50 classic Agatha Christie stories featuring Tommy and Tuppence Beresford, Harley Quin, Parker Pyne and Hercule Poirot, plus her rare Christmas Stories not available in any other volume.This new compendium of over 50 stories is the first time all the stories featuring Agatha Christie's detectives have been collected together. Here you will meet -PARKER PYNE - a consulting detective whose practice is to solve less murderous enigmas and restore happiness to his clients;HARLEY QUIN - a tall, dark, mysterious young man who takes a more surreptitious approach to solving crime;TOMMY AND TUPPENCE BERESFORD - a newly married pair of self-styled Young Adventurers' who are prepared to do anything in the name of justice.And in addition to presenting the complete oeuvre for these detectives, this volume includes as a bonus four rare short stories featuring that grand master of detection, Monsieur HERCULE POIROT, plus Agatha Christie's little-knownTrade Review‘The plots are so good that one marvels … most of them would have made a full length thriller.’ Daily Mirror

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

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

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Book SynopsisA classic crime novel by Freeman Wills Crofts, The King of Detective Story Writers', featuring Inspector French, coming soon to television.Moneylender Albert Reeve has added blackmail to his activities. When his cottage burns down and he perishes within the flames, his death comes as a shock to one of his victims and Tony Meadows finds himself accused of murder. Luckily for him, his sister remembers Inspector French and asks him to help. French fears a miscarriage of justice and agrees to commence one of his most challenging investigations.Trade Review“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 SynopsisTheNew York TimesBestselling master of suspense is back with a riveting thriller, as reward seeker Colter Shaw plunges into the woods and races the clock in a case where nothing is quite what it seems.The Times Book of the Month (November 2022)THERE ARE TWO FUNDAMENTAL RULES OF SURVIVAL.#1: NEVER BE WITHOUT A MEANS OF ESCAPE.Allison Parker is on the run with her teenage daughter, Hannah, and Colter Shaw has been hired by her eccentric boss, entrepreneur Marty Harmon, to find and protect her. Though he's an expert at tracking missing personseven those who don't wish to be foundShaw has met his match in Allison, who brings all her skills as a brilliant engineer designing revolutionary technology to the game of evading detection.#2: NEVER BE WITHOUT ACCESS TO A WEAPON.The reason for Allison's panicked flight is soon apparent. She's being stalked by her ex-husband, Jon Merritt. Newly released from prison and fueled by blinding rage, Jon is a man whose former profession as a police detectivTrade Review“The alternating friction and affection between parent and child make Hunting Time especially convincing and nerve-wracking. Mr. Deaver is well-known for maintaining suspense while also subverting readers’ expectations. This fourth Shaw novel—full of “oh no!” surprises and tire-screeching escapes —is guaranteed to make your heart pound, your blood race and your head spin. And how likely is it that you’re being set up for a finale that will pull the rug out from under you? One hundred percent.” Financial Times “Hunting Time has got what distinguishes good page-turners from landfill: grip … a neat twist, a deadly chase, plus a pair of killers … and you’re good to go.’ The Times Book of the Month ‘Colter Shaw is one of Deaver's most intriguing characters, a survival specialist who finds people who don't want to be found, for high financial rewards. He is resourceful, smart and courageous … Deaver's plot skills shine out of this tale of treachery and redemption.’ Daily Mail ‘The twists in the plot and relationships are unexpected’ Literary Review

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Book SynopsisTruly gripping and unputdownable' Claire AllanHow well do you know the people closest to you?It's not just secrets buried in the garden next doorJane doesn't know her new neighbours very well.She thought they were nice. She thought they were happy.She was wrong.First there's the explosive rows. Then she catches one of them digging a grave-shaped trench in the garden.When the truth emerges, someone would kill to cover their tracks-Beautifully crafted, ominous and engrossing truly gripping and unputdownable' CLAIRE ALLENA delicious domestic suspense about families who are never quite what they seem' JANE CORRYA fantastic thriller which I could not put down' READER REVIEW ?????Kept me on the edge of my seat' READER REVIEW ????A great read, a twisty thriller that will keep you turning the pages' READER REVIEW ?????Twisty and unpredictable' READER REVIEW ????Gripping storyline where the reader so easily misinterprets what they are seeing' READER REVIEW ????Definitely her best book yet and Trade Review‘Beautifully crafted, ominous and engrossing … truly gripping and unputdownable’ Claire Allan, The Nurse ‘A delicious domestic suspense about families who are never quite what they seem’ Jane Corry, We All Have Our Secrets ‘Secrets, lies and duplicity with surprising twists that made me question everything. Vividly drawn and beautifully written’ Mary Torjussen, The Closer You Get ‘A masterclass in thriller writing … Taut and packed full of tension, secrets and strong women’ Caroline Corcoran, Through the Wall Praise for Amanda Brooke: ‘Suspenseful … Deeply enjoyable’ Lucy Clarke, The Castaways ‘Enthralling and twisty’ Annabel Kantaria, I Know You ‘A thought-provoking page-turner’ Nicola Rayner, You and Me ‘Clever, unnerving, and unputdownable’ Rachel Lucas, The State of Grace ‘A tense and torrid family drama’ Sunday Mirror ‘Intriguingly plotted and with relatable characters’ Sunday Mirror ‘A haunting and heartbreaking story that stayed with me long after I’d finished’ Fern Britton ‘An extraordinary novel’ Daily Express

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Book SynopsisAt the root of all riches lies evilCan he uncover their deadly conspiracy before they find him first?When ex-MI5 operative Joe Mason gets a call from the Vatican, he knows it is bad news. Marduk, crazed leader of The Amori cult, has escaped from a fortress-like prison in Milan, and he''s hell-bent on revenge. His target? None other than Joe Mason himself.Fuelled by an unrelenting hatred for Mason, Marduk launches a burning vendetta: to not only destroy his nemesis but annihilate the very foundations of the church itself.As the cult's sadistic assassins close in, Joe and his team embark on a treacherous pursuit of Marduk across Europe in a life-or-death race against time to unravel his conspiracy.Both Joe and Marduk are out for blood and in this game, it's winner takes all. But can Mason and his team uncover the plot in time? And who will strike first in a battle that can leave only one person standing?Fans of Lee Child, Clive Cussler and Dan Brown will love this adrenaline-filled and Trade Review Readers are gripped by David Leadbeater: ‘Loved it… A fast-paced, adventure-packed, non-stop fight for survival, balanced with a great team dynamic of real characters’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Action packed, fast paced and filled with adventure… Great characters too!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Amazing rollercoaster ride of mayhem…David just gets better and better!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Action, history, fun characters and lots of exciting adventures. You will love it’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Buckle up… Impossible to put down!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A wild rollercoaster ride!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Filled with memorable characters….I highly recommend.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘High-octane action from beginning to end!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Book SynopsisThe mind-blowing murder mystery debut with magical passengers, epic adventure, and a twist you can't guess.If Agatha Christie wrote fantasy, this would be it!----------Agatha Christie with glitter magic.'' I'm totally here for it. I hoovered up White's chunky novel in a day. Both funny and flirty as it deals with issues of class, snobbery and sexuality amongst all the magic and murder. The result is hugely entertaining'' Herald-----------For a thousand years, Concordia has maintained peace between its provinces. To mark this incredible feat, the emperor''s ship embarks upon a twelve-day voyage to the sacred Goddess''s Mountain.Aboard are the twelve heirs of the provinces of Concordia, each graced with a unique and secret magical ability known as a Blessing.All except one: Ganymedes Piscero class clown, slacker, and all-round disappointment.When a beloved heir is murdered, everyone is a Trade ReviewFrances White’s VOYAGE OF THE DAMNED is a fiendishly compelling locked room mystery brimming with character and heart that blew me away! White’s protagonist Ganymedes Piscero is utterly endearing. His unique brand of humour, bravado, and vulnerability hits a bullseye in the feels. A delightful debut. * A.Y Chao, bestselling author of Shanghai Immortal *Frances White has crafted a brilliantly clever tale full of heart-warming characters, riveting twists and a gloriously conceived world. A poignant, quirky and utterly delightful read. I felt EVERYTHING while reading Voyage of the Damned. * Bea Fitzgerald, bestselling author of Girl, Goddess, Queen *An enchanting, bloody delight. Full of magic, laugh-out-loud humor, and so much murder * Gabi Burton, author of Sing Me To Sleep *I burned through this in about two days. Absolutely bloody brilliant! Voyage of the Damned is clever and comedic, while also heartfelt and harrowing. I hope readers will come to enjoy Dee's escapades as much as I did * Sunyi Dean, author of The Book Eaters *Voyage of the Damned is hilarious and full of heart. The twists and turns in this novel had be genuinely gasping with surprise. I had to pace myself as I really didn’t want it to end * A. S. Webb, author of Daughter of Chaos *I would take a bullet for Ganymedes Piscero and that is no exaggeration. VOYAGE OF THE DAMNED's endearingly quirky main character is the shining star of this magical, murderous, romantic romp through a fantasy world as colorful as it is captivating. Boundless imagination, sparkling prose—and a knack for the heartwarming moments as well as the hilarious—all combine to make Frances White a force to be reckoned with * Thea Guanzon, USA Today, New York Times, and Sunday Times bestselling author of THE HURRICANE WARS *

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Book SynopsisTightly paced and cleverly defying the conventions of the classic detective story, this 1933 novel remains a milestone of the inverted mystery subgenre.

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

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Book 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 Synopsis''I have heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold wickedness of the human heart''. Scandal, treachery and crime are rife in Old London Town. A king blackmailed by his mistress, dark dealings in Opium dens, stolen jewels, a missing bride - these are cases so fiendishly complex that only the great Sherlock Holmes would dare to investigate. For he, and he alone, has the extraordinary faculty of perception and almost unhuman energy which could solve them ...Trade ReviewHe is unique in simultaneously bringing down the curtain on an era and raising one on another, ushering in a genre of writing that... has never been surpassed. His own life, as footballer... eye surgeon, champion of injustice and investigator into the paranormal, is the stuff of legend. Personally, I would walk a mile in tight boots to read his letters to the milkman * Stephen Fry, The Arthur Conan Doyle Collection *

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Book SynopsisFrom Warhammer 40,000 author Guy Haley, his first original series remastered and collected together in this new omnibus edition!Meet Richards & Klein - the Holmes and Watson of the 22nd century. Well, if Holmes were an advanced AI obsessed with pulp fiction, and Watson a gun-toting cyborg. When AI rights activist Zhang Qifang winds up murdered, Richards has to get involved – the man set his kind free after all. What should be a simple case turns out to be anything but, because Qifang has been killed more than once. Someone really wanted him dead.  A deadly trail leads the duo across a warming globe, from New London to Colorado, Sinosiberia and beyond, for the ultimate answers lie in the virtual world of Reality...File Under: Science Fiction [ Detectives Rebooted Ghost in the Machine Remurder Take Two ] Trade Review“The plot is so compelling that it would be hard not to be swept into its pull.”“An entertaining, cyberpunk vision of the near future, delivered with just the right amount of wry humour.”

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Book SynopsisSarah Hilary, Theakston’s Crime Novel of the Year winner and author of Fragile, returns with Black Thorn, another compulsive psychological thriller that questions how much you know about the people who live next to you . . .'An astonishingly gifted writer' – Marian KeyesBlackthorn Ashes was meant to be their forever home. For the first six families moving into the exclusive new housing development, it was a chance to live a peaceful life on the cliffs overlooking the Cornish sea, safe in the knowledge that it had been created just for them.But six weeks later, paradise is lost. Six people are dead. And Blackthorn Ashes is left abandoned and unfinished, its dark shadows hiding all manner of secrets.One of its surviving residents, Agnes Gale, is determined to find out the truth about what happened. Even if that truth is deadlier than she could have ever believed possible . . .Praise for BlackTrade ReviewI’ve loved Sarah’s work from the beginning. She’s a brave writer, shifting tone and subject matter, always surprising. Above all, she’s a master of her craft. In every book she makes the words sing -- Ann Cleeves, author of The Raging StormNail-biting, heart-wrenching stuff. Black Thorn has the atmosphere and drama of a modern-day du Maurier novel. Sarah Hilary’s uncanny ability to make readers not just see through her characters’ eyes but feel through their skin in unparalleled -- Erin Kelly, author of He Said/ She SaidA creepy and atmospheric tale, beautifully and sensitively written * The Guardian *A mesmerizing story of family and community, secrets and lies. Psychologically rich and captivatingly told, Sarah Hilary’s Black Thorn sweeps you into its dark embrace from the start and holds you there until its final revelations -- Megan Abbott, author of Beware the WomanExudes a tightly-controlled menace that ratchets up to full-blown claustrophobia as the pages turn. A book that oozes under your skin from the opening sentence -- Vaseem Khan, author of Death of a Lesser GodMulti-layered, unexpected, and carrying a strong emotional punch, Black Thorn is refreshingly different. Sarah Hilary is an exceptionally gifted writer -- Sharon Bolton, author of The PactBrilliant. Taking a really deep dive into some dark spaces that Sarah brings vividly to life, it's wonderful and unlike anything else I've read lately -- Mick Herron, author of Slow HorsesAn absolute master of her craft. Beautiful writing. This book is fascinating on so many levels. Not your run-of-the-mill thriller. A haunting captivating book -- Imran Mahmood, author of Finding SophieA stunning, haunting and often moving novel. I loved it -- Anna Mazzola, author of The Clockwork GirlSarah Hilary is a writer with all the gifts: character and psychology, language and one-more-chapter suspense. In twisting, turning, ever-changing Black Thorn, she shows us how very easily the wrong people can turn paradise into hell on earth -- Lucie Whitehouse, author of Keep You CloseSarah Hilary has done it again with this tale of toxicity in all its forms. Excellent writing and tight plotting on top of shifting sands make Black Thorn an unforgettable read with the most sympathetic protagonist I've read in years -- Liz Nugent, author of Strange Sally DiamondAn *extraordinary* book. Beautifully written, densely plotted, with an uncanny insight into the best and worst of family relationships -- Emma Flint, author of Other WomenI was blown away by the writing and the world and the sensitivity with which the characters are drawn . . . you literally absorb it. Sarah Hilary just gets better and better -- Sabine DurrantBlack Thorn finds Sarah Hilary right back at the top of her game, melding a darkly disturbing sense of place with some pinpoint-accurate characterisation and a plot that keeps you guessing, and guessing again. At its epicentre is the wonderful Agnes, one of my favourite crime fiction creations since MW Craven‘s Tilly Bradshaw. This one’s a real cracker * Crime Fiction Lover *

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Book SynopsisThe 'deliciously dark and utterly addictive' (Lucy Foley) thriller from Sunday Times bestseller Ruth Ware.

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Book SynopsisThe missing pieces in your past can be deadly . . . Will Rebekah find hers before it''s too late?THE GRIPPING AND PULSE-RACING SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER''Gripping'' SUNDAY TIMES CRIME CLUB''Smart, pacy and completely gripping - you''ll feel like you''re right there in the thick of the action. A five-star thriller'' T.M. LOGAN, bestselling author of THE HOLIDAY________Two missing women.Rebekah Murphy is stranded on an island closed for the winter. Her family doesn''t know where she is. And now a killer is on her trail. She needs to survive long enough to make it back home - but what''s waiting there could be even worse.Two pieces of the same puzzle.Detective Travis can''t find Louise Mason. The case has no leads and is getting colder by the day. Then Travis gets an anonymous tip-off -but is this a clue or part of something more sinister?What links theTrade ReviewGripping * Sunday Times Crime Club *Missing Pieces is an emotional and compulsive thriller which, like the David Raker series showcases Tim Weaver's trademark clever and original plotting. Rebekah is an unforgettable character that I rooted for from the very first page. Twisty, unpredictable and so gripping. That ending will stay with me for a long time. A brilliant book! -- Claire DouglasRaw, fraught, multi-layered, and a fantastic portrayal of a strong female heroine in peril -- Gillian McAllisterSmart, pacy and completely gripping - you'll feel like you're right there in the thick of the action. A five-star thriller -- TM LoganAs gripping as anything he's written before . . . Chilling * New *Buckle up - this is one serious pulse-pounder * Heat *Praise for Tim Weaver * - *Terrific * Sunday Times *ThrillingPacked 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, intriguingA brilliant crime-meets-survival thriller * Heat *

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Book Synopsis''Be warned: once started, you''ll have to cancel all engagements until you finish it'' Independent on Sunday''The action in THE SENTRY is intense and the body count high but what is more memorable is the manner in which Crais cracks open the door into the enigmatic Pike''s emotions'' L A TimesAfter the nightmare of Hurricane Katrina, Dru Rayne and her uncle relocated to Los Angeles. Five years later, their struggling restaurant faces a different danger. When Joe Pike witnesses Dru''s uncle beaten by a neighbourhood gang, he offers his own brand of protection, but neither Dru nor her uncle want his help. And neither do the federal agents mysteriously watching their store . . .But Pike is falling for Dru, and won''t back away whether she wants his help or not. As the violence escalates, Joe discovers Dru and her uncle are not who they seem - and now a vengeful, murderous force from their past is catching up with them...Trade ReviewA rip-roaring read, and a smart and careful character study * ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY *The action in THE SENTRY is intense and the body count high but what is more memorable is the manner in which Crais cracks open the door into the enigmatic Pike's emotions * L A TIMES *Robert Crais is a crime writer of incredible talent - his novels are not only suspenseful and deeply atmospheric ... they are very hard to put down -- Dan BrownTeeth-rattlingly good -- Alex Gorden * Evening Telegraph (Peterborough) *

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Book SynopsisA trip to the local cemetery draws Hannah into a puzzling case stretching back forty years. It may seem creepy, but Hannah Ives enjoys her expeditions to the local cemetery to help people find their deceased relatives. Usually a quiet affair, Hannah is surprised when she encounters Isabel ''Izzy'' Randall laying flowers on the grave of Amy Madison, a college senior who was killed in 1978. Last seen in a popular Annapolis disco bar, Amy''s murder remains unsolved.Hannah''s interest in the case leads her to join Silent Sleuths, a small, passionate group of ''citizen detectives'' dedicated to trying to solve cases like Amy''s, and their research soon suggests that Amy may have been the first of several victims targeted by a serial killer. As DNA from the scene of the murder throws up surprising results, their investigation takes them down unexpected avenues. Is Amy''s killer still alive, or has an untimely death taken them beyond justice?

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Book SynopsisNora heads home to Chateau in search of a fresh start, but her arrival comes at a time of social unrest that threatens to uncover long-hidden secrets.Nora Best is done running. She''s heading to her hometown of Chateau, to the grand Quail House, to stay with her mother and claim the great American privilege of starting over. But she might find it is hard to start over when the past is catching up . . .The night Nora arrives in Chateau, a white police officer shoots and kills Robert Evans, a young black man. The officer in question is Nora''s school sweetheart, Alden Tydings. What really happened that night? Did Alden act in self-defense as he claims? Robert is the nephew of Bobby Evans, a man whose murder during the race protests of 1967 was never solved. Bobby and his sister, Grace, used to work at Quail House before Nora was born and, as tensions in Chateau rise, Nora begins to uncover secrets within her family home that could upend the lives

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

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Book SynopsisFood critic and blogger Tiffany Austin investigates a murder at a pizza baking contest in her Southern home town in this second instalment of the Tiffany Austin Food Blogger Mystery.I was hooked from start to finish! Laura Childs, New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries on Eat, Drink and Drop DeadThe Bon-Appetempting Pizza Bake-Off has the small town of Branson, Georgia buzzing. Not least its organizer, Southern Style''s food critic and blogger Tiffany Austin. But right before the finals one of the celebrity judges falls ill, and to Tiffany''s horror the magazine replaces him with none other than handsome TV star and restaurateur Bartholomew Driscoll.Tiffany once gave his restaurant a poor review, and she''s convinced he''s only accepted the job to get revenge. She fully expects Driscoll will find a way to ruin the contest . . . but she definitely doesn''t expect to trip over his dead body backstage!Soon

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Book SynopsisCrime writer turned sleuth, Augusta Hawke finds herself drawn into her second mystery when a celebrity doctor is found dead at a party she is attending! Callie Moore is no ordinary aspiring writer. Notorious wife of a Washington lobbyist, Callie believes no publicity is bad publicity and that publishing her scandalous memoirs will help her achieve her heart''s desire: a diplomatic posting. She just needs crime novelist Augusta Hawke to be her ghostwriter. It''s hard to say no to Callie, but Augusta does agree to attend her dinner party. The guest list is impressive, and it''s Augusta''s chance to meet celebrity doctor Doc Burke. But before Augusta really gets a chance to chat with the famous humanitarian, the evening ends in his untimely death. Signs point to a heart attack, but Augusta isn''t convinced. Especially when his niece tells Augusta about the mystery woman who claimed the doctor''s remains.Augusta decides to hos

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Book SynopsisTo the accompaniment of heavenly choirs singing, the fearless Miss Phryne Fisher returns in her 20th adventure with musical score in hand. An orchestral conductor has been found dead and Detective Inspector Jack Robinson needs the delightfully incisive and sophisticated Miss Fisher''s assistance to enter a world in which he is truly lost. Hugh Tregennis, not much liked by anyone, has been murdered in a most flamboyant mode by a killer with a point to prove. But how many killers is Phryne really stalking? At the same time, the dark curls, disdainful air and the lavender eyes of mathematician and code-breaker Rupert Sheffield are taking Melbourne by storm. They''ve certainly taken the heart of Phryne''s old friend from the trenches of WWI, John Wilson. Phryne recognizes Sheffield as a man who attracts danger and is determined to protect John from harm. Even with the faithful Dot, Mr. and Mrs. Butler, and all in her household ready to pull their weig

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Book SynopsisThe gripping new thriller in the brilliant Constance Fairchild series, from one of Scotland''s foremost crime writers.On compassionate leave following the death of her mother, Detective Constable Constance Fairchild thought renting a cottage near Aberystwyth, Wales would get her far enough from London to finally relax. But trouble always seems to find Con, and it''s not long before she is cooling off in a police station cell after defending herself from two would-be rapists.In custody she meets a young Ukrainian woman, Lila, who confides in Con that she''s been forced by her manipulative boyfriend into prostitution and running drugs. Fearing for her life, she has run away from him, only to end up in the cells.Con offers to help, but when her cottage is ransacked, and Lila subsequently disappears, she realises she''s stumbled into very dangerous company. International drug smugglers and ruthless people traffickers - those who will stop at nothing to proTrade ReviewCrime fiction's next big thing * Sunday Telegraph *Oswald's writing is in a class above most * Daily Express *Creepy, gritty and gruesome * Sunday Mirror *The new Ian Rankin * The Daily Record *Oswald is among the leaders in the new batch of excellent Scottish crime writers * Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisThey say you can't choose your family . . . But what if they're wrong?Chloe lives a quiet life. Working as a newspaper archivist in the day and taking care of her nan in the evening, she's happy simply to read about the lives of others as she files the news clippings from the safety of her desk.But there's one story that she can't stop thinking about. The case of Angie Kyle – a girl, Chloe's age, who went missing as a child. A girl whose parents never gave up hope.When Chloe's nan is moved into care, leaving Chloe on the brink of homelessness, she takes a desperate step: answering an ad to be a lodger in the missing girl's family home. It could be the perfect opportunity to get closer to the story she's read so much about. But it's not long until she realizes this couple isn't all they seem. In a house where everyone has something to hide, is it possible to get too close?Anna Wharton’s debut, The Imposter, is a thought-provoking story of obsession, loneliness and the lies we tell ourselves in order to live with ourselves.'Evocative and compelling' – Karen Hamilton, author of The Perfect Girlfriend and The Last WifeTrade ReviewMasterful characterisation and a compelling narrative makes this a must-read debut -- Clare MackintoshA slick, clever book that delivers the most chilling and claustrophobic setting: moving the narrator into the home of the character you fear the most. You won’t be able to stop page turning until you finally find out what the hell is going on -- Caroline Corcoran, author of Through the Wall and The Baby GroupKeeps you guessing about the characters until the last page * Good Housekeeping *Evocative and compelling -- Karen Hamilton, author of The Perfect Girlfriend and The Last WifeAn intricate plot stuffed with surprises and underpinned with a huge helping of heart -- Holly Seddon, author of Try Not To Breathe and The Hit ListA darkly compelling and original story exploring loneliness and obsession and the desire to belong -- Jenny Quintana, author of The Missing Girl and The Hiding PlaceI loved The Imposter. It's twisty and gripping, and I raced through to the end. It's also thoughtful and moving, with characters who lingered in my mind long after I'd turned the last page -- Laura Marshall, author of Friend Request and Three Little LiesA compelling story of obsession and loneliness -- Nell Pattison, author of The Silent House and The Silent SuspectWith an intriguing and obsessive protagonist and a claustrophobic setting, it’s a tense and compelling read that kept me turning the pages until the final twist -- Debbie Howells, author of The Bones of You and The VowI read Anna’s book in one sitting and loved it! It grips and drags you into ever darker, more terrifying territory right up to the last paragraph, and beyond that, too, leaving you grappling with your own sense of morality -- Tasha Kavanagh, author of Things We Have in CommonEvocative, beautifully written and wise, this pacy novel really is one of the best pieces of fiction I have read this year -- Fiona Mitchell, author of The SwapTakes the perennial theme of a missing child and makes something unfamiliar from it -- The Literary Review

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Book SynopsisWATERSTONES BEST CRIME BOOKS OF 2023 PICK'A terrific read - murder, arson and a cat who is so much more than he seems!' – J. M. Hall, author of A Spoonful of MurderThe Cat Who Solved Three Murders by L T Shearer is a charming cosy crime read for fans of Richard Osman and S. J. Bennett.Retired police detective Lulu Lewis’s life changed forever when she met a street cat named Conrad. There’s something very special about Conrad, but it’s a secret she has to keep to herself.When Lulu takes her narrowboat to Oxford, she is planning nothing more stressful than attending a friend’s birthday party. And drinking a few glasses of Chardonnay.But a brutal murder and a daring art theft means her plans are shattered – instead she and Conrad find themselves on the trail of a killer . . .A killer who may well strike again.'A charming, off-beat story with some great characters and wonderful locations' – S. J. Bennett on The Cat Who Caught a KillerTrade ReviewA terrific read - murder, arson and a cat who is so much more than he seems! -- J. M. Hall, author of A Spoonful of MurderA charming, off-beat story with some great characters and wonderful London locations. I’m sure it will make readers long for their own canal boat, and quite possibly – if they don’t already have one – their own talking cat. Conrad is a delight -- S. J. Bennett on The Cat Who Caught a KillerA captivating, charming and gentle tale, perfect for all those who love their crime cozy -- Peter James on The Cat Who Caught a KillerCharming and original. This book is the cat’s whiskers -- Anthony Horowitz on The Cat Who Caught a Killer

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Book SynopsisIn Night Shift, an exhilarating medical mystery-thriller by Robin Cook, a doctor's murder will lure Jack and Laurie into the dark underbelly of their New York hospital.Juggling intense work with family pressures, Jack Stapleton and Laurie Montgomery are married doctors with hectic schedules. The last thing they need on their plates is a murder.When Laurie’s long-time friend Dr Sue Passero dies mysteriously in a hospital car park, an autopsy is required. It falls squarely under Laurie’s remit as newly-appointed chief medical examiner but, when Laurie asks Jack to take special care with the examination, he can hardly refuse.As he looks more closely into the case, Jack senses foul play around Sue's sudden death. He sets out to investigate on-site at Manhattan Memorial Hospital, even if it means defying the rules.What starts as an inquiry soon becomes a deadly game of cat-and-mouse – between Jack Stapleton and a deranged killer, ready to strike again . . .Trade ReviewForensic pathologists and doctors-turned-detectives do battle against epidemics, lethal illness and drug-related deaths, the causes of which are far from natural . . . You’ll find yourself completely hooked * Daily Mail *Gripping . . . Terrifying * New York Times *Likeable heroes, a compelling medical mystery and growing suspense – the result is a highly entertaining read. Commercial fiction, at its best, is pure entertainment. But Cook, like Michael Crichton, offers readers a smart dissection of contemporary issues that affect us all * USA Today *

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Book SynopsisA young woman is dead.Her family are convinced she was murdered, and they know who did it.The case is about to be closed.Everyone else says the evidence speaks for itself: this is nothing more than a tragic case of suicide.Only you can uncover what really happened.But the truth is never that simple, and this case could cost you your life...Everyone is talking about The Simple Truth!'A British take on John Grisham's The Firm' The Times'Fast-paced and suspenseful.' Woman & Home'Pacy and clever, The Simple Truth is a multi-layered mystery, brimming with action and intrigue.' Andrea Mara'James Buckler delivers a lightning-paced thriller.' Woman's Own'A fast-paced thriller in which no one can be trusted.' Prima MagazineTrade Review'A British take on John Grisham's The Firm ... the interlocking circles of the plot are well oiled and the narrative of greed and corruption timely.' * The Times *'A fast-paced and suspenseful legal thriller.' * Woman & Home *'James Buckler delivers a lightning-paced thriller' * Woman's Own *'A fast-paced and suspenseful legal thriller - and an unwavering crusade to discover the truth.' * Woman Magazine *'Pacy and clever, The Simple Truth is a multi-layered mystery, brimming with action and intrigue, all woven perfectly together in the expertly crafted plot.' * Andrea Mara *

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Book Synopsis'Incredible! A vividly told mystery, perfect for fans of Jane Harper' ALLIE REYNOLDS, AUTHOR OF SHIVER'A triumphant debut' ROSE CARLYLE'Intriguing and compelling. Shelley Burr is a bright new talent' CHRIS HAMMEREVERYBODY THINKS THEY KNOW MINA McCREERY.EVERYONE HAS A THEORY ON WHAT HAPPENED TO HER SISTER.NOW IT'S TIME TO FIND OUT THE TRUTH...Mina McCreery's sister Evelyn disappeared nineteen years ago. Her life has been defined by the intense public interest in the case. Now an anxious and reclusive adult, she lives alone on her family's destocked sheep farm.When Lane, a private investigator, approaches her with an offer to reinvestigate the case, she rejects him. The attention has had nothing but negative consequences for her and her family, and never brought them closer to an answer.Lane wins her trust when his unconventional methods show promise, but he has his own motivations for wanting to solve the case, and his obsession with the answer will ultimately risk both their lives.Superbly written, taut and compassionate, Wake looks at what can happen when people's private tragedies become public property, and the ripples of trauma that follow violent crimes. Wake won the CWA Debut Dagger in 2019.Trade ReviewIncredible! A vividly told mystery, perfect for fans of Jane Harper * Allie Reynolds, author of SHIVER *A triumphant debut * Rose Carlyle *Intriguing and compelling. Shelley Burr is a bright new talent * Chris Hammer *Atmospheric, tense, poignant - the most gripping cold case investigation I've read in a long time. SUPERB * Will Dean *It is hard to believe WAKE is a first novel. Plot, pacing and characterisation are so finely judged that it feels more like the work of a past master. The tension builds, and the revelations keep coming, right until the final page where a thrilling climax combines horror, relief and hope * The Times *WAKE is a stunning, masterfully written debut novel, its remote, bleak locations adding tension to an atmospheric and compelling mystery that is hard to put down * Sunday Express *We devoured this stunningly drawn, deeply compelling mystery in one day * Crime Monthly *I guarantee you will feel exhausted and satisfied as the end of this remarkable book is reached. WAKE has more twists and turns than the usual novel and it is very tempting to make your own suppositions as to the end of the book, but it has a brilliant denouement. In fact the book itself is an impressive achievement for a debut novel and I'll be searching out whatever Shelley Burr writes next * On Magazine *Sinuous and spellbinding, this debut from a young Australian civil servant comes with a big reputation, which it richly deserves. Intense, evocative and with two characters to move the soul, it deserves to be a hit. It's sensational * Daily Mail *A cracking debut * Peterborough Telegraph *An outstanding first novel . . . Burr writes clear-sightedly about the corrosive effect of suspicion on people who have achieved a horrible kind of fame, forced on them by events beyond their control * The Sunday Times *This outstanding debut . . . With a slow build and complex characters, this is both a well-plotted, gripping mystery and a sensitive exploration of the aftermath of trauma * The Guardian *My crime novel of the year so far, a moving depiction of the pain that a mysterious disappearance can wreak on those left behind -- Sarah Vine’s Female Half Hour Summer Books Special * Daily Mail *The plot builds slowly, but the tension never slackens in this forceful story of damage and retribution * Book Brunch *Australian newcomer Shelley Burr's sensitive exploration of the aftermath of trauma in a parched outback town * Guardian, Best Crime & Thrillers of 2022 *

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Book SynopsisIt takes a village to save a child in this pulse-pounding standalone thriller from the acclaimed author of The Man on the Street.'Fast-paced and gripping' Harriet Tyce'A propulsive page-turner' Vaseem KhanIt wasn't her dad they were after. It was her.Ruby Winter is surprised when her reclusive father invites a stranger into their house. She eavesdrops on their conversation and is alarmed when she hears a fight break out. She dashes into the kitchen to save her dad but the stranger's the one lying on the floor in a pool of blood.Her dad urges her to pack a bag. They must quit their Northumbrian cottage and run. There isn't time to explain why. But as they try to flee her dad is captured.The only people who can help her are the villagers she has shunned her whole life. But, desperate to find her father and to work out who took him and why, she must seek their help.But what if learning the truth means discovering the life she once knew was a lie?******************************************Discover what readers are saying about You Can Run'A fast-paced, edge-of-the-seat ride from start to finish' 5* Reader Review'This story had me hooked from the start . . . Trevor Wood is now one of my favourite authors' 5* Reader Review'The tight, twisty plot keeps you guessing right up to the end' 5* Reader Review''A brilliantly written book which I found very difficult to put down' 5* Reader ReviewTrade ReviewFast paced and gripping but with a heart of solid gold. Great stuff -- Harriet TyceI raced through it. I loved the characters and the dark humour. A cracking, pacy read. -- Patricia GibneyA tour de force. From behind the twitching curtains of a small divided village a force of unlikely ne'er do wells come together in this edgy, electrifying modern thriller. Once again Wood proves himself a brilliant champion of the underdog -- William ShawAt once tense and compelling, Ruby is a character that no one could fail to root for * Daily Mail *Begins at the speed of a runaway train. A propulsive page-turner * Vaseem Khan *Punchy, pacy and packed with powerful scenes. Nailed on to be one of THE books of 2023 -- Robert ScraggA good thriller needs more than just a compelling plot, I want to care about the characters too. Trevor Wood pulls that off superbly in You Can Run with a cast of characters I was sorry to say goodbye to at the end. -- Frances QuinnTrevor Wood has written another cracker of a book. A different cast of characters from his previous trilogy but equally engaging with a theme that focuses on community and what it takes to belong. I loved it -- Nikki SmithGot up early to finish this smashing new book. Go Ruby! What a hero! Books of 2023 will definitely include You Can Run -- Fiona ErskineSuperb. Wood delivers the perfect package with brilliantly authentic voices and a wildly exciting plot. But it's a thriller with heart. The perfect balance of pace, compassion and black humour as we rally for his exquisitely executed underdogs. Everything you want from a book -- Emma ChristieA menacing isolation action thriller. At once an affecting mediation on family and identity, and also a heart-pounding survival tale that digs into issues of power and class -- Dominic NolanA masterclass in suspense ... vividly-drawn villagers take on a foe that exudes genuine menace. Wood has distilled the authenticity and wry humour of his Jimmy Mullen trilogy into this compulsive thriller. Be careful picking it up - you won't want to put it down! -- Tom BenjaminAn incredibly fun, page-turner locked village thriller (is that a thing? It is now!). It's exciting, has a cast of great characters, humour and is full of personality! * Charlotte Levin *Trevor Wood is a force to be reckoned with in the genre * Mystery People *Wood's punchy prose is perfect for such an enticing set-up, and he's a past master at keeping those cliff-hangers (and revelations) coming * The Crack *Cracking . . . Breathlessly gripping * Peterborough Telegraph *Trevor Wood has fashioned a rip-roaring, action-packed and nail-bitingly tense thriller * Irish Independent Review *Original and unputdownable * Promoting Crime Fiction *A gripping new tale from adopted Geordie Trevor Wood * Living North *Trevor's inimitable voice, humanity and humour really shone through in this locked village mystery * Mari Hannah *A sinister standalone thriller * Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisJust a few years ago, Corie Geller was busting terrorists as an agent for the FBI. But at thirty-five, she traded in her badge for the stability of marriage and motherhood. Between cooking meals and playing chauffeur, Corie scouts Arabic fiction for a few literary agencies and, on Wednesdays, has lunch with her fellow Shorehaven freelancers at a so-so French restaurant. Life is, as they say, fine.But at her weekly lunches, Corie senses that something's off. Pete Delaney, a seemingly bland package designer, always shows up early, sits in the same spot (often with a different phone in hand) and keeps one eye glued to his car. Corie intuitively feels that Pete is hiding something - and as someone who is accustomed to keeping her FBI past from her new neighbours, she should know. But does Pete really have a shady alternate life, or is Corie just desperate to add some spark to her humdrum suburban existence? She decides that the only way to find out is to dust off her FBI toolkit and take a deep dive into Pete Delaney's affairs.Legendary crime writer Susan Isaacs is at her formidable best in a novel that is both bitingly wry and ominously thrilling.Trade ReviewMs. Isaacs is a witty author, but comedy gives way to terror as Corie's inevitable confrontation with her dangerous quarry nears. All the foreshadowing and presaging pays off in spades, and the scenes that tie up loose ends are a pleasure to read. * Wall Street Journal *What is it that makes Susan Isaacs' books so delicious to read? She's funny, for starters. And that humor combined with romance and old-fashioned murder mystery tickles every feel-good bone in our bodies. Her characters are whole and flawed and lovable, and you want only the best for them, even as you ardently wish to find them in danger - repeatedly - along the way. * Newsday *There are so many layers - and thrilling twists and turns - that you won't want to put it down. * InTouch *Isaacs has written numerous best-sellers, beginning with her debut, Compromising Positions, but this is her first full-length novel since 2012's Goldberg Variations, and it's a good one... Turns out, [ex-FBI agent turned suburbanite] Corie's still got it, but it leads her straight into a deadly trap. Corie's combat skills and investigative prowess are still up to snuff, but her snarky commentary and hilarious interactions with her father are the real page-turners here. * Booklist *[A] stylish beach read... [with] vibrant characters, snappy dialogue, and an arresting first-person narrative. * Publishers Weekly *Isaacs' writing is clever and funny, with laugh-out-loud moments and strong character development... Highly recommended for anyone who likes fast-paced storytelling, quirky and interesting characters, and a plot that keeps you guessing right along with the protagonist. * New York Journal of Books *Isaacs's latest suburban novel starts out as a low-key story of a wife looking for a diversionary project for herself and her father, a retired cop, then escalates into action requiring all of her skills as a trained FBI agent. For fans of Kate White and the movie True Lies. * Library Journal *I love [Susan Isaacs]...I don't think she's ever written a heroine I wouldn't want to be friends with. And I think she's really brilliant in a Jane Austen way about social strata and place. She nails all the details. -- Jennifer Weiner * Miami Herald *Nobody does smart, gutsy, funny, sexy women better than Susan Isaacs. * Washington Post *[Susan Isaacs is] a witty, wry observer of contemporary life. * New York Times Book Review *

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Book SynopsisA triple homicide in a small Pennsylvania town is no small event. And when one of the locals is a writer with a hefty dose of curiosity, the secrets that people have been trying their best to hide never stay hidden for long...Acclaimed author Randall Silvis pushes the boundaries of crime fiction with The Deepest Black, a gripping and twisty novel written in the style of a true crime memoir that blends fact and fiction and leaves the reader guessing every step of the way.

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Book SynopsisIn the seventh and final book of Bree Baker's critically acclaimed Seaside Café Mystery series, Pleading the Fish, Everly Swan's wedding plans are upended by a dead body. She'll have to run her teashop, find a dress, and catch a murderer all before she can walk down the aisle!Hitting all the sweet-tea spots, this series is:A delightful Tea Shop and Café Culinary MysteryThe ideal cozy beach readPerfect for fans of Laura Childs and Kate CarlisleCafé owner and amateur sleuth Everly Swan, like every Swan woman before her, is cursed in love. The only problem? Her fiancé Detective Grady Hayes has something to say about it—he doesn't believe in magic and is determined to prove the curse wrong so they can spend their lives together. Everly wishes it could be so simple!It feels like a sign when a historian looking into Swan history is found dead in an antique wishing well, and Everly fears the curse is spreading. Grady takes the case, looking to find justice and prove the curse wrong, while Everly does a bit of investigating on her own. Big change is coming for Everly and her friends, but with mysterious strangers lurking about and someone leaving increasingly threatening messages for the happy couple, Everly's not sure she'll get her happily-ever-after!"A smart and likable protagonist, a vividly rendered setting, a suitably twisty plot, and some colorful supporting characters are the ingredients for a concoction as appealing as any of Everly Swan's specialty sweet teas."—Livia J. Washburn, national bestselling author, for Live and Let ChaiINCLUDES DELICIOUS FOOD AND DRINK RECIPES

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Book SynopsisWhen a murder is staged at magnificent Knebworth House, Victorian writer-sleuths, Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins investigate.August, 1856. Wilkie Collins and Charles Dickens are spending the summer at Knebworth House, the magnificent Hertfordshire home of fellow writer Lord Edward Bulwer-Lytton, where they are putting on a charity performance of one of Lord Edward''s most successful plays, The Lady of Lyon. But the dress rehearsal is disrupted by the discovery of a body lying in the centre of the stage, shot to death.With everyone involved in the play coming under suspicion, the two writer-sleuths feel compelled to investigate. Their enquiries unearth a number of scandalous secrets lurking among the writers, artists and actors assembled at Knebworth. Secrets that stretch back more than twenty years. Secrets that will have devastating repercussions for the present.

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Book Synopsis'Conjures an atmosphere of quiet menace' Daily MailIT ONLY TAKES A MOMENT TO UNRAVEL A PERFECT LIFE . . .When Grace’s fiancé vanishes without a trace the night after proposing, her life is turned upside down. But has Nick walked out on her, or is he in danger?As Grace desperately searches for answers, it soon becomes clear that Nick wasn’t the uncomplicated man she thought she knew. And when she uncovers a hidden tragedy from his childhood, she realises an awful truth: that you can run from your past – but your secrets will always catch up with you . . . *****YOUR FAVOURITE AUTHORS ARE RAVING ABOUT THE NIGHT YOU LEFT . . . 'Congratulations Emma Curtis on another breathtakingly brilliant thriller . . . Psychological suspense at its best' Nuala Ellwood, author of The Day of the Accident'So addictive and compulsive . . . Clever, unpredictable and beautifully written. I loved it!' Claire Douglas, author of Local Girl Missing'Filled with drama and twists that exploded on to the page at every turn. Another fantastic psychological suspense by Emma Curtis' Lauren North, author of The Perfect Betrayal'A tense and twisted read' Sarah Vaughan, author of Anatomy of a Scandal'Another deeply satisfying read from Emma Curtis . . . I couldn't put it down' Amanda Robson, author of Obsession'A truly fantastic psychological suspense novel' Rachel Edwards, author of DarlingTrade ReviewCongratulations Emma Curtis on another breathtakingly brilliant thriller. The Night You Left had me gripped from the first page and left me questioning everything I thought I knew. Psychological suspense at its best. * Nuala Ellwood, bestselling author of THE DAY OF THE ACCIDENT *So addictive and compulsive . . . Clever, unpredictable and beautifully written. The ending was a brilliant shock! I loved it. * Claire Douglas, bestselling author of LOCAL GIRL MISSING *The tension and pace had me hooked! Filled with drama and twists that exploded on to the page at every turn. The Night You Left is a tense and gripping novel . . . I couldn't stop reading. Another fantastic psychological suspense by Emma Curtis. * Lauren North, bestselling author of THE PERFECT BETRAYAL *A tense and twisted read. Rattles along at a good pace with villains aplenty and false leads. * Sarah Vaughan, bestselling author of ANATOMY OF A SCANDAL *Deft, tense, serpentine and completely gripping. * Fanny Blake *Another deeply satisfying read from Emma Curtis. Intense atmosphere, beautifully crafted characters. I couldn't put it down. * Amanda Robson, bestselling author of GUILT and OBSESSION *Sometimes, it's the not knowing which is the scariest thing of all. Emma Curtis's new book does uncertainty to perfection! * Jane Corry, bestselling author of MY HUSBAND'S WIFE *The Night You Left is an excellent premise and Emma truly delivers with a complex, clever storyline told with real heart. I loved it from start to finish. * Phoebe Morgan, author of THE DOLLHOUSE *A compelling read with deftly handled twists to the very end. * Jane Shemilt, bestselling author of DAUGHTER *A truly fantastic psychological suspense novel - intriguing and immersive, with exceptional characters, it kept me gripped until the final page. * Rachel Edwards, author of DARLING *Suspenseful from the first page to the last, this was a perfect edge-of-your-seat thriller. Compelling writing, believable characters and enough tension to steal your breath - Emma Curtis has delivered it all. * Sam Carrington, author of ONE LITTLE LIE *I loved The Night You Left - I couldn't stop reading, kept bumping into the furniture! * Natalie Daniels, acclaimed author of TOO CLOSE *Tense, gripping and filled with twists and turns. Another excellent thriller from Emma Curtis that will keep you hooked right to the very end. * Cari Rosen *Conjures an atmosphere of quiet menace. * Daily Mail *An intriguing and thought-provoking character-driven mystery. * CultureFly *Kept me gripped with every page and ended with a satisfying, didn't-guess-it twist . . . An excellent thriller with tasty red herrings galore. * Peterborough Telegraph *

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Book Synopsis'Will keep you reading long into the night. I absolutely loved it.' Lesley Kara'Absolutely outstanding.' Lauren North________________________________Jenny has just given birth to the baby she's always wanted. She's never been this happy.Her husband, Leo, knows this baby girl can't be his. He's never felt so betrayed.The same night, a vulnerable young woman, Hannah, wakes to find her newborn lifeless beside her. She's crazed with grief.When chance throws Hannah into Leo's path, they make a plan that will have shattering consequences for all of them.Years later, a sixteen-year-old girl reads an article in a newspaper, and embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about herself. But what she learns will put everything she has ever known - and her own life - in grave danger. Because some people will go to desperate lengths to protect the secrets their lives are built on . . .________________________________'As always, Emma Curtis's clever skilful writing keeps the reader racing through the pages.' Jane Corry'A blood-chilling scenario that set my heart racing . . . Emma Curtis is the queen of the unputdownable thriller.' Nuala Ellwood *****READERS CAN'T STOP TALKING ABOUT KEEP HER QUIET'Lots of twists and turns, suspense and heart-stopping moments' 'The type of book that you GENUINELY can't put down' 'Emma Curtis just gets better all the time' 'This book will suck you right in and you won't want to stop reading' 'With each page I turned the intensity of this psychological thriller increased'Trade ReviewIts shocking opening, knotty plot and psychologically intriguing characters kept me turning the pages. This is grip-lit at its best. * Fanny Blake *This book had me gripped from the first page. The pace ramped up throughout the novel creating an intensity that had me on the edge of my seat. A 'WOW' of a read I won’t be forgetting! Absolutely outstanding! * Lauren North, bestselling author of THE PERFECT BETRAYAL *Keep Her Quiet takes you to shocking events that you will not see coming. A fresh look at every new parent's nightmare. As always, Emma Curtis's clever skilful writing keeps the reader racing through the pages. * Jane Corry, author of MY HUSBAND'S WIFE *I inhaled Emma Curtis’s superb new thriller in just a few short sittings. Starting from a brilliantly twisted premise, the tension simply doesn’t let up. Exquisitely plotted, Keep Her Quiet held me in its grip until the small hours. And then I couldn’t sleep. * Nicola Rayner, author of THE GIRL BEFORE YOU *Emma Curtis expertly twists and turns three people's lies into a fallout of such magnitude that I dreaded what was going to happen next, yet felt a real urgency to know. * Kerry Fisher, author of THE SECRET CHILD *

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Book SynopsisOne death. Eighteen facts. What's the truth?How do you solve the mystery of your mother's death if no one wants to talk about her? Not even your family. Especially not them.July knows a lot about her mother. She knows that she loved dancing on tables. That she was covered in freckles. She also knows that she misses her. Her mother died in a car crash when July was little. Or so she's been told.July is determined to find out the truth. But it might be more painful than the lies she's been told all these years.A compelling and moving mystery about family, community and the secrets people keep to protect those they love. Perfect for fans of Joanna Cannon, Janice Hallett and Elizabeth is Missing.______________________________________Praise for What July Knew:'July Hooper is a brilliant creation. . . a captivating story' T.M. Logan'Touchingly effective in conveying a childhood lived in fear' Sunday Times'Tenderly told and utterly compelling, full of twists and surprises' Emma Stonex'Funny, thrilling, nostalgic and deeply affecting' Chris WhitakerTrade ReviewTouchingly effective in conveying a childhood lived in fear * Sunday Times *If you liked Elizabeth is Missing, you'll love this * Cara Hunter *Big-hearted novel. By turns charming and shocking, it's both a deftly-woven mystery and a redemptive family drama - and I was cheering July on all the way * Emylia Hall *July Hooper is such a brilliant creation - smart, inquisitive and determined - that you'll be rooting for her every step of the way as she unravels the mystery of her own life in this captivating story. * T.M. Logan, author of The Holiday *Tenderly told and utterly compelling, this coming-of-age mystery is as full of twists and surprises as it is of heart. July is an unforgettable lead - I loved following her back to the 90s! * Emma Stonex *

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

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Book SynopsisHarry Vos, a retired man and part-time private investigator who lives near Antwerp, is torn between the pleasures of retirement and the attractions of involvement in challenging investigations. A big family man, he nevertheless finds it difficult to turn down opportunities to test his investigative skills. When an old friend phones and tells him about the possibility of becoming an heir hunter, he jumps at the chance. Kurt Baumer, from St Vith, in the German speaking area of Belgium, died with no known heirs. Progress on finding an heir is slow, but assisted by his daughter Josina, Harry gradually allows himself to get drawn into a wider investigation, which uncovers Kurt’s questionable dealings in African artefacts. When the deceased is found to have been in possession of some diamonds, alarm bells really start to ring. Further enquiries take Harry into the world of art smuggling. And as an old adversary from the Redline case resurfaces in search of revenge, the stakes for Harry are higher than ever.

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