Crime and mystery: private investigator / amateur detectives

Book SynopsisThe perfect murder mystery for fans of Richard Osman and Robert Thorogood.''Spotswood understands that [...] spending time with unforgettable characters is paramount.'' - New York Times''A loving, intricately plotted tribute to the great days of American noir.'' - Daily MailNew York, 1946: The last time Will Parker let a case get personal, she walked away with a broken face, a bruised ego, and the solemn promise never again to let her heart get in the way of her job. But she called Hart and Halloway''s Travelling Circus and Sideshow home for five years, and Ruby Donner, the circus''s tattooed ingenue, was her friend. To make matters worse the prime suspect is Valentin Kalishenko, the man who taught Will everything she knows about putting a knife where it needs to go.To uncover the real killer and keep Kalishenko from a date with the electric chair, Will and Ms. Pentecost join the circus in sleepy Stoppard, Virginia, Trade ReviewIt's a pleasure to watch [Pentecost and Parker] sifting through red herrings and peeling secrets back like layers of an onion, all while revealing even more of themselves without guilt or shame. Just like his mystery-writing ancestor [Rex Stout], Spotswood understands that the detective story should be sound, but spending time with unforgettable characters is paramount. * New York Times *A loving, intricately plotted tribute to the great days of American noir. * Daily Mail *An excellent plot and brilliant characters * NB Magazine *Spotswood fluently blends vintage mystery and noir with a dash of old Hollywood - his wisecracking, side-of-the-mouth dialogue is first rate. * Irish Times *

Read more less

Book Synopsis'An engrossing and evocative read. Jenny Quintana captures layered atmosphere and complex emotions beautifully, alongside writing a compulsive tale. I loved it' – Kate Hamer, author of CrushedSome houses have their secrets. But so do some people . . .From the bestselling author of The Missing Girl and Our Dark Secret, comes The Hiding Place: a story about identity, love, long-buried secrets and lies.Abandoned as a baby in the hallway of a shared house in London, Marina has never known her parents, and the circumstances of her birth still remain a mystery.Now an adult, Marina has returned to the house where it all started, determined to find out who she really is. But the walls of this house hold more than memories, and Marina’s reappearance hasn’t gone unnoticed by the other tenants.Someone is watching Marina. Someone who knows the truth . . .Trade ReviewAn engrossing and evocative read. Jenny Quintana captures layered atmosphere and complex emotions beautifully, alongside writing a compulsive tale. I loved it -- Kate Hamer, author of The Girl in the Red Coat and CrushedTense [and] skillful * Daily Mail *An emotionally taut, spellbinding, vivid mystery . . . This is definitely a book readers won’t be able to put down -- Karen Hamilton, author of The Perfect Girlfriend and The Last WifeI loved The Hiding Place. Wonderful writing, mystery and intrigue, and a great story . . . I shed a tear at the end -- Emma Curtis, author of The Night You Left and Keep Her QuietAn emotional read for anyone who loves a good mystery * Woman's Weekly * The Hiding Place is a real gem of a book. Jenny Quintana's evocation of the 1960s bursts from the page and the human stories that unfold for the residents of 24 Harrington Gardens are breath-taking and compelling. A gripping plot with characters who will keep you guessing (and break your heart a little, too) -- Eleni Kyriacou, author of She Came to StayRead this if you like Lisa Jewell . . . An emotional drama, skilfully divided across two timelines -- Best magazineAnother beguiling Quintana mystery . . . The Hiding Place is about the hopes, fears and impossible choices of ordinary people. It is about the things that connect and separate us. It is a testament to the fragile nature of truth and a masterpiece of storytelling -- Claire Dyer, author of The Last DayA gripping suspense story that expertly interweaves the past and present . . . Beautifully written and extremely moving -- Nikki Smith, author of All In Her HeadAn absorbing and moving mystery which Quintana unpacks with her inimitable flair -- Rachel Edwards, author of Darling and LuckyFrom the first page of The Hiding Place I felt the delicious sense of security that comes from being in the hands of an expert storyteller . . . The Hiding Place is both a flawlessly-written mystery and a moving meditation on what it means to belong -- Carolyn Kirby, author of When We Fall and The Conviction of Cora BurnsEffortlessly engaging & full of secrets, I thoroughly enjoyed The Hiding Place, a credible mystery, intriguingly unravelled over two timelines, that kept me guessing to the very end -- Anita Frank, author of The Lost OnesThe Hiding Place is domestic suspense at its finest - tense, emotional and chock-full of secrets. Jenny Quintana's novels are always rich with atmosphere and social observation, but this is undoubtedly her best yet. Moving effortlessly between 1960s and 1990s London, Quintana keeps you guessing from the first page to the last -- Caz Frear, author of Sweet Little Lies and Shed No TearsThe Hiding Place is an emotionally-resonant and intriguing mystery, in which past and present, secrets and memories converge to unlock a vital truth, all woven together through Quintana's assured and sensitive prose -- Philippa East, author of Little White Lies and Safe And SoundMarina, a foundling, tries to discover who she really is. But the house she was found in is full of secrets and the truth becomes more and more dangerous. Gripping and full of goose bumps - I couldn’t put it down -- Frances Maynard, author of The Seven Imperfect Rules of Elvira Carr and Maggsie McNaughton's Second ChanceAt a time when I was finding it very difficult to read or concentrate, The Hiding Place came to my rescue. What a gently captivating and beautifully told mystery – I loved it -- Nicola Rayner, author of You and Me and The Girl Before YouWith a cast of fascinating characters, a gripping, emotion-packed mystery rolling out across two timelines, and written with an insightful and languorous elegance, this absorbing, heartbreaking drama sees Quintana at her storytelling best * Lancashire Post *

Read more less

The Accidental Medium is the first book in a hilarious series from Tracy Whitwell featuring Tanz, the accidental medium who, with the help of the dead, is about to become an unwilling crime-solver.Tanz is a wine-loving, straight-talking, once-successful TV actress from Gateshead, whose career has shrivelled like an antique walnut. She is still grieving for her friend Frank, who died in a car crash three years ago, and she has to find a normal job in London to fund her cocktail habit. When she starts work in a ‘new age’ shop, Tanz suddenly discovers that the voices she’s hearing in her head are real, not the first signs of madness, and that she can give people ‘messages’ from beyond the grave. Alarmed, she confronts her little mam and discovers she is from a long line of psychic mediums.Despite an exciting new avenue of life opening up to Tanz, darkness isn’t far away and all too soon there’s murder in the air . . .

Read more less

Book SynopsisOn her way home from an all-night surveillance job, V.I. Warshawski's dogs lead her on a mad chase that ends when they find a badly injured teen hiding in the rocks along Lake Michigan. The girl only regains consciousness long enough to utter one enigmatic word. V.I. helps bring her to a hospital, but not long after, she vanishes before anyone can discover her identity.As V.I. attempts to find her, the detective uncovers an ugly consortium of Chicago power brokers and mobsters who are prepared to kill the girl. before VI can save her. And now V.I.'s own life is in jeopardy as well.Told against the backdrop of a city emerging from its pandemic lockdown, OVERBOARD lays bare Chicago's neighbours and their secrets in masterly fashion.Trade ReviewForty years since her debut, Indemnity Only, Sara Paretsky's social conscience burns brighter than ever . . . the cracking pace maintains the intrigue and tension . . . Further proof, if any were needed, that Paretsky is a giant of modern American crime * Times Online *Full of passion * Literary Review *

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhen her former director is found dead in the water, librarian Lucy Richardson will have to get to the bottom of the mystery before the killer ends her tale.

Read more less

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

Read more less

Book SynopsisJoin Hettie and Tilly as they tune in to a world of blackmail, obsession and murderous pies. As the Easter weekend approaches, feline detectives Hettie Bagshot and Tilly Jenkins are called to investigate the murder of local radio DJ Hartley Battenberg. Bowled over by the prospect of a bake-off competition, a cricket match and an outdoor screening of The Sound of Music, Hettie and Tilly struggle through a sea of trifle to catch out a killer. Will Bunty Basham’s eleven be triumphant? Has Whisker FM played its final jingle? And will celebrity cook Fanny Haddock get her just desserts?Trade ReviewPRAISE FOR THE NO. 2 FELINE DETECTIVE AGENCY 'Original and intriguing… a world without people which cat lovers will enter and enjoy’ P. D. James'I loved it. The whole concept is just so “real”!’ Barbara Erskine'Mandy Morton’s Feline Detective Agency instigates a new genre, both wonderful and surreal’ Maddy Prior‘The world that Morton has created is irresistible’ Publishers Weekly‘Witty and smart. Prepare to be besotted’ M.K. Graff‘Mandy Morton’s series is both charming and whimsical’ Barry Forshaw‘Hettie Bagshot might be a new face at the scene of a crime, but already she could teach most fictional detectives a thing or two’ The Hunts Post‘An absolute delight from beginning to end… Totally original, very different – and I’m in awe of the author’s imagination. Very much recommended’ Being Anne Blog

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhen the celebrated crime writer Agatha Crispy engages Hettie and Tilly in the search for a stolen manuscript, our feline detective duo is plunged into a world of Dickensian thieves and murderers. Does the ghost of Jake the Nipper prowl the London Streets of Kitzrovia? Will Madame Two Paws’s exhibition wax or wane? And will the secrets in the crypt of the church of St Mavis and Cucumber finally be revealed? Join Hettie and Tilly as they attempt to unravel yet another darkly humorous case for The No. 2 Feline Detective Agency.Trade ReviewPRAISE FOR THE NO. 2 FELINE DETECTIVE AGENCY 'Original and intriguing… a world without people which cat lovers will enter and enjoy’ P. D. James'I loved it. The whole concept is just so “real”!’ Barbara Erskine'Mandy Morton’s Feline Detective Agency instigates a new genre, both wonderful and surreal’ Maddy Prior‘The world that Morton has created is irresistible’ Publishers Weekly‘Witty and smart. Prepare to be besotted’ M. K. Graff‘Mandy Morton’s series is both charming and whimsical’ Barry Forshaw‘Hettie Bagshot might be a new face at the scene of a crime, but already she could teach most fictional detectives a thing or two’ The Hunts Post‘An absolute delight from beginning to end… Totally original, very different – and I’m in awe of the author’s imagination. Very much recommended’ Being Anne Blog

Read more less

Book Synopsis'Lesley Thomson gets better and better' Ian Rankin When Freddy Power was eighteen, her father threw her out. Her sin had been to fall in love with a woman. Freddy waited for two decades to be invited back into the family. The summons never came. But now, in the wake of her parents' death, Freddy feels the call of home like a siren's song. The trawlers emerging out of the mist. Fishermen unloading their catch down at the harbour. Her best friend, Mags, exploring the cliffs at sunset. But when she arrives at Newhaven, after twenty-two years of silence, her brothers and her friends act like strangers. Then Mags goes missing, and old secrets – and old passions – are reignited. Freddy is determined to lead the hunt for Mags – even if it means confronting her past, and facing the truth about her family... Reviews for Death of a Mermaid: 'Catholic guilt, monstrous hypocrisy and all kinds of fishy business are explored in an atmosphere of creeping dread' The Times 'A truly brilliant book, full of atmosphere and a creeping sense of menace. Lesley Thomson lures you in with meticulously drawn characters and a matchless sense of place, and then you are caught in the jaws of a remorseless thriller' Elly Griffiths 'A strong sense of place, wonderfully woven with a cast of memorable characters' Mari Hannah 'Death of a Mermaid is a tense, beautifully written novel, with characters so well-crafted you expect them to walk off the page' Rachael Blok 'A powerful tale of dark secrets that fester in a small seaside town' William ShawTrade ReviewA truly brilliant book, full of atmosphere and a creeping sense of menace. Lesley Thomson lures you in with meticulously drawn characters and a matchless sense of place, and then you are caught in the jaws of a remorseless thriller -- Elly GriffithsCharacters so well crafted you expect them to walk off the page. Death of a Mermaid is a tense, beautifully written novel -- Rachael BlokLesley Thomson doesn't muck about: three people have popped their clogs before page 40... Thomson lets rip in this stand-alone novel. Catholic guilt, monstrous hypocrisy and all kinds of fishy business are explored in an atmosphere of creeping dread... The climactic shipwreck is deeply impressive' * The Times *Returning to a childhood home is also at the centre of Lesley Thomson's creepy thriller Death of a Mermaid * Independent *This novel examines the inability of the three women to shake off the past and its ugly secrets... Lesley Thomson is on top form yet again' * Shots eZine *A strong sense of place, wonderfully woven with a cast of memorable characters -- Mari HannahPowerful and moving and like nothing else you'll read this year, Death of a Mermaid is a brilliant tale of dark secrets that fester in a small seaside town -- William ShawLesley Thomson gets better and better -- Ian RankinThe setting positively sings with realism... Simple and complex at the same time... In Death of a Mermaid she creates an entire world, presented in enough detail to make it live, and peopled by meticulously drawn characters who stay in the mind' * Mystery People. *Stuffed full of captivating drama, wiles, and deception this is a thoroughly entertaining read... Death of a Mermaid is a stimulating read, the characters weave their way through the plot which spins to a dramatic conclusion' * LoveReading. *Thomson deploys her trademark quirky style and character choices, alongside a lyrical descriptive strand evoking the Sussex coastline. An intriguing plot keeps the reader guessing * Sussex Life *Original, full of sinister atmosphere and a creeping sense of menace... Death of a Mermaid has all the trademarks of Thomson's previous work – clever plotting interspersed with gentle humour, well-drawn characters and an atmospheric evocation of place' * Crime Review *

Read more less

Book SynopsisA life built on lies – now the truth could destroy herFrankie Turner knows what it's like to be unwanted; she was brought up in care. Now as a social worker to kids in the same system, she’s someone who understands ... But Frankie is hiding an unthinkable secret: one that may have its roots in the murder of a young, beautiful woman fifteen years ago.Yet the past is out there. Someone knows what Frankie is hiding – and now they’re back to shatter her perfectly constructed life, terrorising her with menacing letters and silent calls to the house she shares with husband Alex.She may have reinvented herself, but Frankie’s past is back to haunt her – and now, there’s nowhere to run.A gripping psychological thriller that will have you hooked. Fans of Lisa Jewell and Erin Kelly won’t be able to put this one down.Readers love Elena Wilkes' twisty psychological thrillers:'Loved it. This is a really well-written book. The plot and the characters kept me glued to the pages and I finished it in just one day.’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review‘A page turner that had my heart beating rapidly in my chest…From page one to the last page you were surprised with all the twists and turns.’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review‘Great read. The plot kept me on the edge of my seat. The author really draws the reader into the story.’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review‘A dark psychological thriller that will keep you reading long into the night…probing, sinister, and creepy, and I loved every word of it.’ Reader Review‘Suspenseful and kept me guessing right up until the very end…I will definitely be recommending this one!’ Reader Review‘WOW!!!!!…a creepy read that kept me on the edge of my chair and quickly reading to find out what would happen’ Reader Review‘This read hooked me right in! A very well-written novel that will satisfy any reader of thrillers, mystery and suspense. There is always something happening in this book’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review‘This was an amazing and suspenseful drama that kept me fascinated throughout the entire journey. The characters were engaging and believable. Can’t recommend it enough!’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review

Read more less

Book SynopsisMurder has a way of killing business...In the small village of Kilbane, County Cork in Ireland, Naomi’s Bistro has always been warm and welcoming. Nowadays, twenty-two-year-old Siobhán O’Sullivan runs the family bistro named for her mother, along with her five siblings, after the death of their parents in a car crash almost a year ago. It’s been a rough year for the O’Sullivans, but it’s about to get rougher.One morning, as they’re opening the bistro, they discover a man seated at a table with a pair of hot pink barber scissors protruding from his chest. With the local garda suspecting the O’Sullivans, and their business in danger of being shunned, it’s up to Siobhán to solve the crime and save her beloved brood.A charming Irish village mystery, perfect for fans of Betty Rowlands and Dee Macdonald.

Read more less

Book Synopsis'Danger, intrigue and glamour. My job's got the lot. If it wasn't for the hitmen paid to kill me and this ticking bomb of a case I should have never accepted, who knows? I might even enjoy it . . .'Private detective Marc Novak is given one week to find the lost treasure of the Romanovs, or his friends and family will be killed.But he's got to stay one step ahead of assassins, the Russian secret service and a mysterious, beautiful former spy if he's to stand any chance of saving his own life, let alone those of his loved ones.Outnumbered, outgunned but never out-thought, Novak must use all his guile and audacity if he's to unravel the deadly riddle of the Romanov Code . . .Trade ReviewPRAISE FOR AN ACCIDENT IN PARIS: 'Gavin Collinson has created a thriller which is both suspenseful and funny as well as interesting' Bella 'Absolutely fascinating . . . A fantastic read' * BBC Radio London *

Read more less

Book Synopsis‘Perfectly plotted, sharply sophisticated and the most original thriller I’ve read this year. I couldn’t put it down!’ Jane IsaacIs murder in her DNA?My mother lied to me. My family is not my own. If it wasn’t for the genealogy test, I would never have known I was the child of another woman.Now I’m learning that I have four brothers I have never met. And one of them is a serial killer.My brother is taunting me to play his vicious game – solving his clues before he spills more blood.Who can I trust? How can I find and stop him before it is too late? And what if it is me he really wants?A read-in-one-sitting, utterly nail-biting thriller that you will not be able to put down…Fans of Chris Carter and M.W. Craven will love this.‘Dark, chilling, original and compulsive, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough!’ A A Chaudhuri, author of The Loyal FriendReaders are hooked on The Brother:‘Geez! What a book!…suspense, intrigue, action, murder, a crazy serial killer, a great whodunit, great sleuthing and great police work… a few crazy twists and turns! I definitely recommend’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘Wow, what a book…I could not put it down. Would definitely recommend to others’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘An intense and twisted page-turner…This book had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish, I couldn’t put it down… a truly thrilling read.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘…near perfection in every way. This is one of those top tier murder mysteries that keeps you guessing. There are so many twists and turns…I was…captivated.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘Oh. Whoa. This book…The tension is immediate and slowly ratchets up with each chapter…making it impossible to put down…The ending left me literally reeling. The world will go away as you read this… Clever, diabolical and completely delicious…Colour me a lifetime fan.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review'What a nerve-wracking read! interesting and believable and quite different from other psychological thrillers I've read recently.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review'This was such a gripping read with an interesting plot that kept the pages turning.' Reader ReviewPraise for N V Peacock:‘A twisty-turny original take on the serial killer thriller. A truly captivating and, at times, chilling read.’ C.J. Skuse, author of Sweetpea‘A twisted, chilling journey to the darkest side of human nature. I burned through Little Bones in a day.’ Chris Whitaker, author of We Begin at the End‘An exciting new voice in thriller fiction.’ Sarah Pinborough, author of Behind Her Eyes‘Wow – this deftly plotted, twisty – and twisted – thriller got under my skin and chilled me to the bone! Excellent from the first page until the last. This is a debut not to be missed.’ Sam Carrington, author ofThe Open House‘Darkly addictive and creepy as hell… lingers long after the last page.’ Jane Isaac, author of Hush Little Baby‘One of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Fantastic characterisation, gripping plot and totally unexpected twists and turns…Loved it!’ Suzy K Quinn, author of Don’t Tell Teacher

Read more less

Book SynopsisShe can't see what she fears the most.As far as the police are concerned, Terence Bailey is a killer. Imprisoned for breaking and entering, he has long been the key suspect in the murders of six women but they have never been able to make the charges stick.With his release date approaching, Bailey gets a surprise visit from Madison Logan, a young influencer with a huge social media following.Hours later, Madison is missing.True crime podcaster Rachel Krall has never heard of Bailey, but when the FBI's only lead ends up at her door, Rachel must immerse herself in a cut-throat world to find the answers to the ultimate question: how do you find a woman who doesn’t exist?A tense and gripping crime thriller for fans of Ellery Lloyd and Riley Sager.Praise for Dark Corners 'A gripping story that is equal parts shocking, unnerving, and thrilling. Goldin takes the 'true crime' trope to new and unexpected territory' Karin Slaughter, New York Times and #1 international bestselling author of Girl, Forgotten'An intriguing dive into the dark and mysterious world of social media influencers. The riveting plot and twists kept me turning pages until the jaw-dropping conclusion!" Freida McFadden, New York Times bestselling author of The Housemaid'Megan Goldin excels at misdirection and crafting intricate plots. Multiple points of view, a steaming hot FBI agent, and an in-depth take on the complicated, cutthroat world of influencers kept me flipping the pages of her new novel Dark Corners in a frenzy' Sarah Pekkanen, author of The Golden Couple‘So full of twists! Great detailed characters and scenery, with a pulse-racing plot!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘The writing was clever. I loved how the story unfolded with so much detail yet I didn’t feel lost as a reader nor did I ever feel bored with the pacing… a well-thought out story.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘An excellent read. In Rachel Krall, Goldin has created a fascinating and flawed character, who is nevertheless relatable. I look forward to seeing more of her in the future.’⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘This tale is dark and complex, and your pulse will race throughout. Very recommended’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

Read more less

Book SynopsisOrganising a wedding can be murder...The entire O’Sullivan brood have gathered at St. Mary’s Church for the wedding of Siobhán O’Sullivan and Macdara Flannery. It’s not every day you see two garda marrying each other. Only Siobhán’s brother James is missing, and they can’t start without him.When James finally comes racing in, he’s covered in dirt and babbling he’s found a human skeleton in the old slurry pit at the farmhouse that Macdara has just purchased. Duty calls, so the engaged garda decide to put the wedding on hold to investigate.James leads them to a skeleton clothed in rags that resemble a tattered tuxedo. An elderly neighbor is convinced these must be the remains of her one true love who never showed up on their wedding day fifty years ago. The garda have a cold case on their hands, which heats up the following day when a fresh corpse appears on top of the bridegroom’s bones. With a killer at large, they need to watch their backs - or the nearly wedded couple may be parted by death before they’ve even taken their vows...A charming cosy mystery, perfect for fans of Margaret Mayhew and Betty Rowlands.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Edgar Award-winning, New York Times-bestselling series by Dana Stabenow set in Alaska. In Killing Grounds, the death of one local man is no great surprise... but private investigator Kate Shugak's case soon takes an unexpected turn... Stabbed, beaten, strangled, drowned. Sometimes people get exactly what they deserve... Cal Meany is a cheat, a poacher, an abusive father and an adulterous husband. So nobody is that surprised when Kate Shugak finds his body floating in the bay. What is surprising is that the corpse has been beaten, stabbed, strangled and drowned. Meany's happily bereaved wife and children are prime suspects. Then again, so are most of his neighbours. But when Meany's daughter is murdered, and her lover disappears, Kate begins to think that this unusual crime may not be so readily solved... 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

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhat happens when the safety of your home is no longer safe?Every Friday night during lockdown, six friends meet onscreen to take part in a quiz.But when it's Barton Hinton’s turn to host the event, he introduces a set of personal questions that clearly aren’t random and which set off a fatal chain of events.When the police start to ask questions, the friends agree to hide the truth.Is it possible that one of the six guests killed a fellow member?Everyone has their secrets.Some are worth dying for.Some are worth killing for…Previously published as The Six Guests

Read more less

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

Read more less

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

Read more less

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

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

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

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisA poisoning many years ago may not have been accidental after allTommy and Tuppence Beresford have just become the proud owners of an old house in an English village. Along with the property, they have inherited some worthless bric-a-brac, including a collection of antique books. While rustling through a copy of The Black Arrow, Tuppence comes upon a series of apparently random underlinings.However, when she writes down the letters, they spell out a very disturbing message:M a r y J o r d a n d i d n o t d i e n a t u r a l l yAnd sixty years after their first murder, Mary Jordan''s enemies are still ready to killTrade Review‘The Beresfords are wonderfully revived. Smooth, beautifully paced, and effortlessly convincing.’New York Times ‘Past and present interlock impressively… this is a genuine tour de force.’Observer

Read more less

Book Synopsis‘A gripping thriller from the man on the inside. You need to read this.’ Andy McNab‘Tom Fletcher was the ultimate Downing Street operator’ David CameronA global conspiracy. A man on the run. What happens when diplomacy fails?An unputdownable thriller, written with unique insight into the highest levels of diplomacy. From the former ambassador and No.10 foreign policy advisor Tom Fletcher, an urgent 21st-century thriller.In the aftermath of a global pandemic, a beautiful and charismatic human rights activist is murdered, live on the internet, at the British Embassy in Paris. It is a mystery that no one wants solved.But, when governments refuse to investigate, Ambassador Ed Barnes is determined to find out the truth himself.The quest for answers plunges Barnes into a world of cyber terrorists and warlords, taking him to Oxford, Copenhagen, the mountains of Snowdonia and Lebanon, where he picks up the trail of a shocking conspiracy.This is an international crisis – but also a personal one. Only Barnes can save his family, his diplomatic service and even his country.But can he save himself?Perfect for readers of Robert Peston’s The Whistleblower, Tom Bradby or Frank Gardner.Praise for The Ambassador ‘As one long convinced the truth is very often stranger than fiction I enjoyed Tom Fletcher’s debut novel The Ambassador. The author can draw authenticity from a career spent at the coal face of diplomacy and intelligence, which is why it is a page turner’ Frederick Forsyth‘A diplomatic genius’ Gordon Brown‘A terrific read that blends fact, fiction and fantasy. And a call for all of us to reflect on friendship, family and trust. What do we stand for, and what will we do to defend it?’ Sir Graeme Lamb, former Commander of the SAS‘A week is a long time in diplomacy: intrigue, betrayal, comradeship and reconciliation! A great read!’ Mark Sedwill, Former National Security Adviser‘A very good novel… recommended’ Alastair Campbell‘Vivid and atmospheric, [The Ambassador] rockets around the world with intoxicating verve … Hugely engaging’ Daily Mail‘A compelling tale of cyber-crime, terrorism and assassination… A real page-turner’ Tortoise

Read more less

Book SynopsisAgatha Christie's ingenious murder mystery, reissued with a striking new cover designed to appeal to the latest generation of Agatha Christie fans and book lovers.Nick Buckley was an unusual name for a pretty young woman. But then she had led an unusual life. First, on a treacherous Cornish hillside, the brakes on her car failed. Then, on a coastal path, a falling boulder missed her by inches. Later, an oil painting fell and almost crushed her in bed.Upon discovering a bullet-hole in Nick's sun hat, Hercule Poirot decides the girl needs his protection. At the same time, he begins to unravel the mystery of a murder that hasn't been committed. Yet.Trade Review“The actual solution is quite unusually ingenious.”Times Literary Supplement

Read more less

Book Synopsis'Fabulous cosy murder/mystery with an unforgettable crime-fighting trio. Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended.' Angela Marsons, author of Stolen OnesA fete worse than death…After finding the killer of Lucy Roth six months ago, life has settled back to normal for bookshop owner, Nancy Hunter, and her grandmother, Jane. The annual Dedley End village fete is just around the corner, and Nancy is delighted when bestselling author, Thomas Green, agrees to launch his first new novel in ten years there.But then a series of sinister events lead Nancy to realise someone is trying to sabotage their fete, so she, along with Jane and their journalist friend Jonathan, must turn detective to discover who isn’t at all thrilled about the return of Thomas Green.When a body is discovered at the summer fete, the death scene mirroring that in Thomas’ latest bestseller, they realise that there’s another killer in Dedley End, but can they outsmart someone who appears to have pulled off the perfect crime?The clues are right under Nancy and Jane’s noses, if only they can find them. Because the answers to life’s questions can always be found in a book…!A twisty, unputdownable cozy mystery that fans of Richard Osman, S.J. Bennett and The Marlow Murder Club will love.Readers can't get enough of Murder at the Summer Fete:'A joy of a read... I was gripped!’ Melanie Blake, author of Ruthless Women'Cleverly crafted cosy crime at its absolute best!' Heidi Swain, author of A Taste of Home'A well crafted cosy mystery with warm characters and an excellent twist. I can't wait to visit Dedley End again!' Hannah Hendy, author of The Dinner Lady Detectives'A team of likeable amateur detectives, a delightful bookshop setting and a cast of intriguing suspects. Tremendous fun.' Clare Chase, author of Mystery at the Church‘A perfect read!...Will entice even the most seasoned mystery reader. If you're a fan of Agatha Christie and M.C. Beaton, you can't miss this series.’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review‘What a fun and cozy read!...A fantastic page-turner that made my winter night far warmer.’ Reader Review‘This. Is. Brilliant. Could not put it down. I really hope there's more Dedley End adventures!’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review‘Absolutely loved this book!...The characters were great and the story flowed along nicely. I read the book in a day, I couldn't put it down!’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review‘Just as intricate, twisty, and fun as the first. It kept me guessing and I just love the small village settings.’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review‘It was very engrossing and I read it within one day… I love this book…every new mystery by Victoria Walters is an auto-read for me’ Reader Review‘The second entry in this cozy series is even better than the first…and the first was great! British cozies always have a special place in my reading list and heart and this one is right up there at the top.’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review

Read more less

Book SynopsisSwedish crime sensation and No. 1 international bestseller, Camilla Lackberg's new psychological thriller - for fans of Stieg Larsson and Jo NesboChristian Thydell's dream has come true: his debut novel, The Mermaid, is published to rave reviews. So why is he as distant and unhappy as ever?When crime writer Erica Falck discovers that Christian has been receiving anonymous threats, she investigates not just the messages but also the author's mysterious pastMeanwhile, one of Christian's closest friends is missing. Erica's husband, Detective Patrik Hedström, has his worst suspicions confirmed as the mind-games aimed at Christian and those around him become a disturbing reality.But, with the victims themselves concealing evidence, the investigation is going nowhere. Is their silence driven by fear or guilt? And what is the secret they would rather die to protect than live to see revealed?Trade ReviewPraise for Camilla Lackberg: ‘The hottest female writer in Sweden’ Independent ‘Heart-stopping and heart-warming … a masterclass in Scandinavian crime writing’ Val McDermid ‘Pacy … with flashing insight into the dark places of the psyche’ Sunday Times ‘Lackberg is an expert at mixing scenes of domestic cosiness with blood-curdling horror’ Guardian ‘Both chilling and thrilling’ Sun

Read more less

Book SynopsisA classic crime novel by Freeman Wills Crofts, The King of Detective Story Writers', featuring Inspector French, coming soon to television.The new Sir Geoffrey Buller is earning his living in Chicago when he unexpectedly inherits his title, an English baronetcy, and Forde Manor in Surrey, complete with its vast collection of priceless works of art. His widowed housekeeper, who knows a thing or two, is surprised to discover that Sir Geoffrey is having his pictures cleaned. But then disaster strikes! A devastating fire, a missing artist and a lot of insurance money from a mosaic of detail, Inspector French must reconstruct the pattern of a most cunning and complex crimeTrade Review“Good, sound, absorbing … and Inspector French, comforting as ever.”Observer “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

Read more less

Book SynopsisAgatha Christie meets Julie Caplin in this exciting new cosy crime series that captures the glamour of the 1930s with the gorgeous escapist destinations! An escape to TuscanyAn unexpected invitationA murder at midnightWhen novice detective Atalanta Ashford is whisked away to Italy by her friend, race car driver Raoul Lemont, she anticipates a happy holiday under the Tuscan sun. But a chance meeting on the Orient Express with Italian heiress Catharina Lanetti leads to a party invitationand front row seats for a mysterious murder!With their new friend under suspicion Atalanta and Raoul set to work trying to discover who really murdered Catharina's father. But with more than half a dozen suspects all with compelling motive Atalanta may just be facing her toughest case yet!Look 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 SantoriniBook 3Trade 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’

Read more less

Book Synopsis'Outstanding... Rich in details of Alaskan life, history, and archaeology, this fast-paced mystery builds to a satisfying conclusion. Fans will hope they won't have to wait another eight years for Liam's next outing' Publishers Weekly, Starred Review IT'S A NEW START FOR ALASKA STATE TROOPER LIAM CAMPBELL – BUT THE SAME OLD PROBLEMS. It's Labor Day in Blewestown, Alaska, and it seems most of the town's thirty-five hundred residents have turned out to celebrate. Not Liam Campbell, though. He's been in town for about a week when an archaeologist invites Liam out to his dig site. He's on the verge of a momentous discovery, one he says will be well worth the State Trooper's time. Two days later, the archaeologist is dead, and Liam Campbell is about to learn that he's traded one troubled bush town for another. Praise for Dana Stabenow: 'Cleverly conceived and crisply written thrillers that provide a provocative glimpse of life as it is lived, and justice as it is served, on America's last frontier' San Diego Union-Tribune 'No one writes more vividly about the hardships and rewards of living in the unforgiving Alaskan wilderness and the hardy but frequently flawed characters who choose to call it home' Publishers Weekly 'If you have in mind a long trip anywhere, including Alaska, this is the book to put in your backpack' Washington TimesTrade ReviewRich in details of Alaskan life, history, and archaeology, this fast-paced mystery builds to a satisfying conclusion * Publishers Weekly *Some may find it a little 'cosy', but there's no shortage of outlandish local colour * The Times Crime Club *If you like your mysteries set in wild and rugged places, look no further than the Alaskan settings employed by Dana Stabenow... A cosy mystery featuring some well-drawn female characters... The detail about Alaska, its history, geography and population, which Stabenow packs in is fascinating stuff' * Shots Magazine *Filled with colorful characters whose contributions make each step of the investigation rich and detailed... [An] expressive mystery novel' * Foreword *Stabenow's vivid portraits of the Alaskan landscape, along with the Campbell-Chouinard relationship (these are two people besotted with each other), lighten the tone in this smooth, character-driven mystery featuring Alaskan history and culture and the welcome return of Sergeant Campbell' * Booklist *Over everything towers the wild and mountainous Alaskan landscape, which, having been there myself albeit briefly, I can truthfully describe as literally awesome. Recommended * Promoting Crime Fiction *Dana Stabenow proves to be a good guide to the Alaskan landscape in her latest series * Crime Review *

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom the bestselling author of Death and Croissants and Death and Fromage comes a murder mystery perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Julia Chapman, or MC Beaton Richard Ainsworth's French B&B has been taken over by a production company shooting a historical film at the Château de Valençay. But everything grinds to a halt with the sudden passing of an actor under suspicious circumstances. To get to the bottom of things, Valérie d'Orçay and Richard offer catering services to the hastily resumed production. There they discover that the vanity, duplicity and murder of an 18th century French court is nothing compared to that of a 21st century film set, with more heads yet to roll.Trade ReviewPRAISE FOR THE FOLLET VALLEY MYSTERY SERIES ‘A very funny page-turner. Fantastique!’ Adam Kay‘An engaging caper… It is finely paced, truly funny and written with a wry detachment that conjures up a gentler age of murder mystery’ The Times'Bloody and funny. In fact, bloody funny!' Alan Carr'A writer of immense wit and charm' Paul Sinha‘Like going on a joyous romp through the Loire valley with Agatha Christie, P. G. Woodhouse and M. C. Beaton. A delight’ C. K. McDonnell

Read more less

Book Synopsis•The first in a series of novels by Olguín starring the journalist Veronica Rosenthal. It is set in Buenos-Aires and has been made into a TV series currently showing in Argentina. •Veronica is a successful young journalist, beautiful, unmarried, with a healthy appetite for bourbon and men. She is a fascinating and complicated heroine, driven by a sense of justice but also by lust and ambition. •Sensual and terse, the novel is also fiercely critical of a system that tolerates the powerful and wealthy of Buenos Aires putting the lives of young boys at risk for their entertainment. When she hears about the suicide of a local train driver who has jumped off the roof of a block of flats, leaving a suicide note confessing to four mortal `accidents’ on the train tracks, she decides to investigate. For the police the case is closed (suicide is suicide), for Veronica it is the beginning of a journey that takes her into an unfamiliar world of grinding poverty, junkie infested neighborhoods, and train drivers on commuter lines haunted by the memory of bodies hit at speed by their locomotives in the middle of the night. Aided by a train driver informant, a junkie in rehab and two street kids willing to risk everything for a can of Coke, she uncovers a group of men involved in betting on working-class youngsters convinced to play Russian roulette by standing in front of fast-coming trains to see who endures the longest. With bodies of children crushed under tons of steel, those of adults yielding to relentless desire, the resolution of the investigation reveals the deep bonds which unite desire and death.

Read more less

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

Read more less

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

Read more less

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

Read more less

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

Read more less

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

Read more less

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

Read more less

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

Read more less

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

Read more less

Book SynopsisTracy Whitwell's second novel Gin Palace picks up with the unwilling crime-solver, Tanz, from the hilarious The Accidental Medium, as she grows accustomed to her rather unusual gift . . .Tanz can talk to ghosts, although she’d prefer it if she couldn’t. Struggling to make ends meet as an actress and wholly unsuited to supply teaching, Tanz is only one bad day away from a meltdown. And the babbling ghosts aren’t helping.So when Tanz is offered a paid acting gig in her hometown, things start to look up. But Newcastle’s dead won’t stay quiet for long, and soon Tanz becomes haunted with visions of a mysterious Gin Palace guarded by a sinister figure. As Tanz starts to piece together a terrible tragedy, it becomes clear there’s no limit to what the poltergeist will do to keep his secrets his own.Unfortunately, he’s never met anyone quite like Tanz before . . .Trade ReviewCompelling, wasp-tongued and very funny -- Caroline Smailes, author of The Drowning of Arthur Braxton on The Accidental Medium Spooky and hilarious and brimming with oddball characters, I love this book! -- Mandasue Heller, author of Running Scared on The Accidental Medium I loved The Accidental Medium. A hilarious journey into a ghostly world of psychics and the like that’s guaranteed to put you in high spirits. I’m no clairvoyant but, trust me, this medium is about to go large! -- Trevor Wood, author of Dead End Street on The Accidental Medium

Read more less

Book SynopsisJoe Pickett investigates a mysterious death at a secret high-tech facility in this gripping new novel from #1 New York Times bestseller C.J. Box. When a prominent University of Wyoming professor goes missing, authorities are stumped. That is, until Game Warden Joe Pickett makes two surprising discoveries in his district. First, Joe finds the professor's vehicle parked on a remote mountainside. Then he finds the professor's frozen and mutilated body. When he attempts to learn more, Joe's investigation is obstructed by Federal agents, extreme environmentalists, and Governor Colter Allen. Meanwhile, Joe's associate, falconer Nate Romanowski, is approached by a shadowy group of local militant activists who are gaining in power and influence, and demanding that Wyoming join other western states in seceding from the Union – by force, if necessary. They ask Nate to throw in his lot with them, but should he trust them, or is he being set up? As a storm of peril gathers around them, Joe and Nate confront it in different ways – and maybe, for the first time, on opposite sides. Reviewers on C.J. Box: 'The king of contemporary crime fiction set in the West' Publishers Weekly 'A masterful storyteller who writes sublimely' Irish IndependentTrade ReviewPRAISE FOR C.J. BOX: 'Box is the king of contemporary crime fiction set in the West' Publishers Weekly. 'A masterful storyteller who writes sublimely' Irish Independent. 'This is terrific reading entertainment, as riveting as it is relentless' * Providence Journal, on Dark Sky *

Read more less

Book SynopsisOur Lady of Mysterious Ailments by T. L. Huchu is the second spellbinding book in the Edinburgh Nights series.‘Stupendously engaging’ – Ben Aaronovitch, bestselling author of Rivers of LondonSome secrets are meant to stay buriedWhen Ropa Moyo discovered an occult underground library, she expected great things. She’s really into Edinburgh’s secret societies – but turns out they are less into her. So instead of getting paid to work magic, she’s had to accept a crummy unpaid internship. And her with bills to pay and a pet fox to feed.Then her friend Priya offers her a job on the side. Priya works at Our Lady of Mysterious Maladies, a very specialized hospital, where a new illness is resisting magical and medical remedies alike. The first patient was a teenage boy, Max Wu, and his healers are baffled. If Ropa can solve the case, she might earn as she learns – and impress her mentor, Sir Callander.Her sleuthing will lead her to a lost fortune, an avenging spirit and a secret buried deep in Scotland’s past. But how are they connected? Lives are at stake and Ropa is running out of time.Praise for The Library of the Dead:‘Roll on the sequel’ – The Times‘One of the strangest and most compelling fantasy worlds you'll see all year’ – SFXTrade ReviewTendai’s alternative Edinburgh becomes more real and more exciting with every book. An artful combination of magic, history and imagination wrapped up in an engaging story -- Ben AaronovitchThe Library of the Dead’s alluring, shadowy Edinburgh with its hints of sophisticated academic magic will draw you in, but it’s Ropa – a hard knocks ghostalker on her paranormal grind to pay the rent – who grabs hold. The moment you meet her, you’ll follow wherever she goes -- Olivie Blake, author of The Atlas Six on The Library of the DeadA fast-moving and entertaining tale, beautifully written -- Ben Aaronovitch, bestselling author of Rivers of London on The Library of the DeadAn absolute delight . . . kept me totally hooked -- Genevieve Cogman on The Library of the DeadWhat a delight. Great pacing, wonderfully creepy villains, and so much fun! -- A. K. Larkwood on The Library of the Dead

Read more less

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

Read more less

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

Read more less

Book SynopsisA classic British crime novel from the Golden Age one of the first to feature a serial killer by the founder of the Detection Club, marking 50 years since the death of the author.Investigating the disappearance of a vicar's daughter in London, the popular novelist and amateur detective Roger Sheringham is shocked to discover that the girl is already dead, found hanging from a screw by her own silk stocking. Reports of similar deaths across the capital strengthen his conviction that this is no suicide cult but the work of a homicidal maniac out for vengeance a desperate situation requiring desperate measures.Having established Roger Sheringham as a brilliant but headstrong young sleuth who frequently made mistakes, trusted the wrong people and imbibed considerable liquid refreshment, Anthony Berkeley took his controversial character into much darker territory with The Silk Stocking Murders, a sensational novel about gruesome serial killings by an apparent psychopath bent on targetingTrade Review‘Detection and crime at its wittiest – all Berkeley’s stories are amusing, intriguing and he is a master of the final twist.’Agatha Christie ‘Anthony Berkeley is the supreme master not of the “twist” but of the “double-twist”.’ Milward Kennedy in the Sunday Times

Read more less

Book SynopsisJim Eldridge was born in central London towards the end of World War II, and survived attacks by V2 rockets on the Kings Cross area where he lived. In 1971 he sold his first sitcom to the BBC and had his first book commissioned. Since then he has had more than one hundred books published, with sales of over three million copies. He lives in Kent with his wife.

Read more less