Crime and mystery: women sleuths / detectives

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? Cr

Read more less

Book SynopsisJanet Evanovich''s novels are: ''Pithy, witty and fast-paced'' (The Sunday Times); ''Non-stop laughs with plenty of high jinks'' (USA Today); ''Razor-sharp'' (Sunday Express) He''s on the run. She''s an FBI agent. But putting Nick Fox in gaol is the last thing on Kate O''Hare''s mind...Nicolas Fox is a charming con man and master thief. Kate O''Hare is the FBI agent on his trail. At least that''s what everyone thinks. In reality, they''re secretly working together to bring down super-criminals. Criminals like brutal casino magnate Evan Trace.Evan Trace is running a money-laundering operation through his casino. Some of his best customers are mobsters, dictators, and global terrorists. Nick and Kate are going deep undercover as high-stakes gamblers, wagering millions of dollars - and their lives - in an attempt to topple Trace''s empire.The scam will take Fox and O''Hare from the Las Vegas strip, to the sun-soaked beaTrade ReviewPraise for Janet Evanovich: Pithy, witty and fast-paced - Sunday TimesAmong the great joys of contemporary crime fiction - GQA laugh-out-loud page-turner - HeatRomantic and gripping...an absolute tonic - Good HousekeepingMaking trouble and winning hearts - USA Today

Read more less

Book SynopsisWHO WILL BELIEVE YOUR STORY IF THE ONLY WITNESS IS DEAD?''So different, so superbly written. At no point did I know the ending'' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ REAL READER REVIEW''Rachel has done what she is best at...leaving me on the edge of my seat, unable to do anything else until I''ve read the entire book'' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ REAL READER REVIEW''I read it in a day - every page brought more twists and turns'' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ REAL READER REVIEW''What a storyteller Rachel Abbott is... I was hooked from the start'' CARA HUNTER''A truly compelling, twisty, enthralling and satisfying read... Absolutely AMAZING!'' ANGELA MARSONSCleo knows she should be happy for her brother Mark. He''s managed to find someone new after the sudden death of his first wife - but something about Evie just doesn''t feel right...When Trade ReviewA properly addictive, leave-the-light-on thriller - RedMasterly and compelling. I couldn't put it down until its heart-stopping conclusion - Robert BryndzaUnbearably tense, with a killer twist - Good Housekeeping

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe ''razor-sharp'' first book in the charming, fast-paced Pentecost and Parker mystery series. Book Two, Murder Under Her Skin, coming December 2021!Meet your new favourite duo, audacious and iconic, and perfect for fans of The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman, The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel, Agatha Christie and M. C. Beaton.It''s 1945 and Lillian Pentecost is the most successful private detective in New York City, but she needs help. Enter Willowjean Parker, a circus runaway - and the perfect assistant. Quick-witted and street-smart, she''s a jack-of-all-trades with a unique skill-set. She can pick locks blindfolded, wrestle men twice her size, and throw knives with deadly precision - all of which come in handy working for Ms P.When wealthy young widow Abigail Collins is murdered Pentecost and Parker are hired by the family to track down the culprit. On Halloween night, there was a costume party at the Collins'' mansion, Trade ReviewThis hugely enjoyable debut is a deft melange of Agatha Christie-style locked-room murder mystery and 1940s Chandler-esque pulp crime fiction with a feisty narrator . . . * Irish Independent Review *Persuasive in its attention to period detail and dialogue, with well-constructed set piece scenes deftly staged, this is a highly accomplished, auspicious first entry in what we must hope will be a long-running series * The Irish Times *A sprightly period debut. . . [A] provocative gender-flipping of Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin * Kirkus Reviews *Spotswood's stellar debut puts a modern spin on classic hard-boiled fiction. . . The deep and sensitive characterization of the two protagonists, coupled with rich description and tonally spot-on humour, make this a novel to remember. Spotswood is definitely a writer to watch. * Publishers Weekly *Will keep readers engaged from start to finish. . . [Pentecost is] reminiscent of Agatha Christie's Miss Marple * Library Journal *Witty prose. . . Humorous and fun [with] all the hallmarks of an Agatha Christie mystery, and there's a delightful dose of noir thrown in for the more hardcore pulp fiction crowd, too. . . As mysterious and fun a caper as you will ever read, with plenty of misdirection and intrigue to keep you guessing. You don't need a clairvoyant to realize this duo will be around for years to come. * Bookpage *If you've been dying for a fresh take on the sleuth genre, this book delivers that and more. A mix of classic noir aesthetics and tropes with an inclusive twist, Fortune Favours the Dead is the kind of mystery series that will capture your imagination in new and fun ways, and have you desperate to get your hands on more. * Get Literary *A relentlessly entertaining romp through 1940's New York City, and through the annals of mystery fiction, as well, with many sly nods to authors of the past and some invigorating reinventions of classic tropes and gambits. . . Spotswood's style is swift and witty, and the mystery at the novel's heart is a clever knot. * Crime Reads *Sparkles [with] wit and personality . . . Delightful. . . This mystery plot has all the twists and surprises a fan of the genre could ask for, but it is Will's distinctive, captivating voice and background [that] is Spotswood's real triumph. . . Gutsy Will, with her snappy, slangy narrative style, ultimately wins readers' hearts and carries the day. This classic noir-style mystery recast with humour, female leads and superb style is both satisfying and great fun. * Shelf Awareness *One of the most rewarding and entertaining books I've read in years, one that fully lives up to the promise of its synopsis. Every page--nay, every paragraph--is rich and compelling. . . When it comes to male authors penning feminist issues that ring true and female characters who are fully realized and complex characters, Spotswood joins Terry Pratchett at the very top of the list . . . This is an adventure you'll want to rave about to strangers on the streets. Personally, I'm already impatient for these ladies' next case. * Criminal Element *Another crime series? Where to go these days with the genre it seems? Well, in this instance to 1940s New York and a wonderful new dynamically different duo. This is the first in the Pentecost & Parker series and is a thoroughly entertaining murder mystery. -- Philipa Coughlan * NB Magazine *'Fortune Favours the Dead is ultimately a murder mystery but there is so much more between the pages. Stephen Spotswood brilliantly captures this fascinating era giving it a more feminist twist with two intriguing and exciting protagonists who have no fear in a world that is very much a male-dominated one. In creating a detective/crime novel with such a wonderful feisty duo, Stephen Spotswood takes the reader on a rollicking adventure recreating the classic murder mystery. * Swirl and Thread Blog *This novel not only offers fun, offbeat characters and an exceptional flavour of the time, it's utterly charming too. * Woman's Weekly *This really is a cracking book that leads you on a merry dance, and delights you when the pieces finally fall into place - with more than a few nicely contrived surprises. * Brown Flopsy's Book Burrow Blog *

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe perfect Christmas crime thriller! Carmine & Greene return for a new festive mystery in 2023. Pre-order The Party Season now!''A cracking read. The perfect Christmas gift for crime fans'' C. L. Taylor, author of The Lie''A quirky, cleverly plotted crime story'' Sunday Mirror''A festive cracker of a crime novel'' Cass Green, author of In a Cottage in a Wood''Dark and satisfying, it is a fine antidote to Christmas cheer'' Daily Mail**********************************It looks like a regular advent calendar. Until DC Becky Greene starts opening doors . . . and discovers a crime scene behind almost every one. The police hope it''s a prank. Because if it isn''t, a murderer has just surfaced - someone who''s been killing for twenty years. But why now? And why has he sent it to this police station? As the country relaxes into fTrade ReviewA cracking read. The perfect Christmas gift for crime fans -- C. L. TaylorA quirky, cleverly plotted crime story * Sunday Mirror *Dark and satisfying, it is a fine antidote to Christmas cheer * Daily Mail *A fun, festive twisted tale that's detonated by a killer midpoint twist I did not see coming. Wrap yourself in a duvet, grab a glass of eggnog and ask: should I answer the door? This book sleighed it. Adds a whole new meaning to Happy Hollidays. -- Angela Clarke, author of Follow MePerfect Christmas crime fiction -- Steve CavanaghA great read - pacy, clever and impossible to put down. -- Mark EdwardsA brilliant read! -- Louise VossA pacy, clever, and twisted festive treat with characters who sparkle darkly. I loved this killer Christmas tale! -- Amanda Jennings, author of In Her WakeThis twisted take on a cherished Christmas tradition is perfect for readers looking for a break from the festive cheer. * Daily Express *Combining excellent characterisation with an utterly gripping plot, Susi Holliday has provided a Christmas gift that will chill you to your bones -- Luca VesteI loved the way Holliday takes some of our most loved Christmas traditions and twists them to suit her nefarious purposes. The Deaths of December is a perfect read for that moment you've kicked out the last of your relatives, the left over turkey has dried up, and your egg-nog has gone sour. -- Michael J MaloneWith a chilling, highly-original premise and the quality writing we've come to expect from Susi Holliday, The Deaths of December is a festive cracker of a crime novel -- Cass GreenA thrilling, twisty festive mystery - it's the most wonderful crime of the year -- Mason CrossSusi Holliday's twisty story about a seasonal serial killer is gripping - a book full of chills and thrills for under the Christmas tree -- William RyanCreepy, fast-paced, unputdownable, with great characters -- Roz Watikins, author of The Devil's DiceWith a serial killer lurking beneath the festive glitter The Deaths of December is the perfect antidote to too much turkey and Christmas pudding. Creepy, tense and twisty-turny as hell. I loved it! -- Steph Broadribb, author of Deep Down DeadI loved this book. It's the perfect festive read to curl up with by the Christmas tree - but don't get too relaxed as you won't be able to put it down! -- Elodie Harper, author of The Binding SongThe Deaths of December has such a beautifully wrought cast of characters. Perfect Holliday reading. -- William Shaw, author of The BirdwatcherThe ultimate slay ride - it'll scare the baubles off your tree! -- Mark Hill, author of The Two O'Clock BoyVisual, atmospheric, full of incident...Susi Holliday has already garnered high praise for her previous titles. This one can only enhance that reputation. * Mystery People *Even though this book is filled with grim death and despair, the constant Christmas references make it the perfect gift. Especially for the crime lover in your life. * Doncaster Free Press *

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhat’s a lie among friends? It’s murder—in this riveting thriller by Viveca Sten, bestselling author of Tonight You’re Dead… It’s Midsummer’s Eve, the celebration of the longest day of the year, and on Sandhamn it’s the longest party of the year. But the fun comes to a dead halt when a young reveler is murdered, a teenage girl is found drugged and dazed on the beach, and other young women vanish. So far, what links the victims is a mystery. For Nora Linde and her new boyfriend, Jonas Sköld, the crimes are personal: one of the missing girls is Wilma, Jonas’s daughter. And her disappearance could test Nora and Jonas’s relationship in ways they never expected. Thrust into the investigation, they soon discover that it’s more than a case of bad blood between friends. But the truth, which has receded into a haze of carousing, drugs, and liquor, is getting harder to see. If Nora and Jonas are going to find out what happened to Wilma, they’d better do it fast—before the ebbing tides sweep away all the terrible secrets of that night on Sandhamn Island.

Read more less

Book Synopsis'The best Scottish crime series since Rebus.' – Daily RecordThe sins of the dead are all consuming . . . While illegally street racing in the underground tunnels of Glasgow, four Harley-Davidson riders make a horrifying discovery: a dead man left in the darkness, hands together on his chest as if peacefully laid to rest. The cause of death is unclear, the only clues being a half glass of red wine and a partially eaten chunk of bread by his side that echo the ancient religious practice of sin-eating.Called to the scene, forensic scientist Rhona MacLeod is perplexed by the lack of evidence. But when another body is found near her own flat, laid out in a similar manner, she fears a forensically aware killer stalks the city and is marking the victims with their unique signature. Even more worryingly, the killer appears to be using skills they may have learned while attending her forensic science lectures at Glasgow University.There are signs that Rhona is being targeted, that the killer is playing with her and the police, drawing them into a deadly race against time, before the sin-eater’s next victim is chosen . . .Sins of the Dead is the thrilling thirteenth book in Lin Anderson’s forensic crime series featuring Rhona MacLeod, followed by Time for the Dead.Trade ReviewThe best Scottish crime series since Rebus * Daily Record *Shades of The Wicker Man, with a touch of Agatha Christie. Superb * Daily Mail *The bleak landscape is beautifully described, giving this popular series a new lease of life * Sunday Times *Hugely imaginative and exciting -- James Grieve (Emeritus Professor of Forensic Pathology)Brilliant book by a brilliant crime writer. True forensics at its very best -- Lorna Dawson, CBE (Principal Soil Scientist, James Hutton Institute & Professor, RGU)This book will keep you guessing to the end * People's Friend *Lin Anderson is one of Scotland’s national treasures – don’t be fooled by comparisons, her writing is unique, bringing warmth and depth to even the seediest parts of Glasgow. Lin’s Rhona MacLeod is a complex and compelling heroine who just gets better with every outing -- Stuart MacBrideThey don’t call Lin Anderson the Queen of Tartan Noir for nothing! [She] is an expert at atmospheric narrative and with one swoop of her pen her prose will chill you to the bone * chaptersinmylife *Anderson is a master storyteller, filling her novels with engaging characters, clever, compelling, contemporary plotlines and a beautifully descriptive prose that belies the death and darkness of her powerful, pulsating crime mysteries * Blackpool Gazette *Overall, this is a cracking five star read that is both dark and complex. Heartily recommended . Go on, treat yourself, you know you want to . . . * Love and Deadly *

Read more less

Book SynopsisDCI Vera Stanhope returns in The Darkest Evening, the ninth novel in Sunday Times bestseller Ann Cleeves' enduringly popular series.Driving home during a swirling blizzard, Vera Stanhope's only thought is to get there quickly.But the snow is so heavy, she becomes disoriented and loses her way. Ploughing on, she sees a car slewed off the road ahead of her. With the driver's door open, Vera assumes the driver has sought shelter but when she inspects the car she is shocked to find a young toddler strapped in the back seat.Afraid they will freeze, Vera takes the child and drives on, arriving at Brockburn, a run-down stately home she immediately recognizes as the house her father Hector grew up in.Inside Brockburn a party is in full swing, with music and laughter to herald the coming Christmas. But outside in the snow, a young woman lies dead and Vera knows immediately she has a new case. Could this woman be the child's mother, and if so, what happened to her?A classic country house mystery with a contemporary twist, Ann Cleeves returns with a brilliant Vera novel to savour.Trade ReviewA thoroughly engrossing thriller * Mail on Sunday *Cleeves’s Northumberland novels are strong on atmosphere, combining old-fashioned detective work with a modern take on class * Sunday Times *Who doesn’t love “large and shabby” Vera Stanhope, the blunt detective in Ann Cleeves’s Northumberland police procedurals? She is already one of the genre immortals. Cleeves delivers some choice Vera moments in THE DARKEST EVENING * New York Times *Brilliantly written, with more twists and turns you can shake one of Vera's hats at * Heat *A gripping read * Sun *Ann Cleeves is one of my favorite mystery writers! -- Louise PennyFans will enjoy matching wits with Cleeves’ eccentric sleuth right up to the dangerous surprise in her denouement * Kirkus Reviews *Cleeves has a fine time constructing a clockwork murder plot * Booklist *Superb . . . This page-turner is must reading for fans as well as newcomers -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)This ninth instalment will keep you guessing until the end * My Weekly *Nobody does unsettling undercurrents better than Ann Cleeves -- Val McDermidOne of Britain's best crime writers * Daily Express *

Read more less

Book SynopsisA sinister killer is hiding the bodies of his victims in Glasgow's derelict cinemas in Picture Her Dead, the eighth novel in Lin Anderson's forensic crime series featuring Rhona MacLeod.When art student Jude Evans disappears on a trip to photograph one of Glasgow’s many derelict cinemas, her friend Liam reports her missing to the local police. Unable to get the authorities to take him seriously, he enlists the help of his mother, forensic scientist Rhona MacLeod, in his search for the missing girl.In an attempt to retrace the last known steps of Jude, they begin working through the list of cinemas she had intended to visit. Their efforts lead them to make a grisly discovery, hidden behind one of the cinema’s crumbling walls, and soon a murder hunt is under way.Dealing with personal trauma arising from the unknown fate of a close friend, Rhona must maintain focus as the investigation gains momentum. Fearing the girl’s disappearance could be linked with something she wasn’t supposed to see at the ruined picture house, time is running out, and if she’s not found soon it could be too late . . .Trade ReviewForensic scientist Rhona MacLeod has become one of the most satisfying characters in modern crime fiction — honourable, inquisitive and yet plagued by doubts and, sometimes, fears . . . As ever, the landscape is stunningly evoked and MacLeod’s decency and humanity shine through on every page * Daily Mail *The best Scottish crime series since Rebus * Daily Record *The bleak landscape is beautifully described, giving this popular series a new lease of life * Sunday Times *Lin Anderson is one of Scotland’s national treasures – don’t be fooled by comparisons, her writing is unique, bringing warmth and depth to even the seediest parts of Glasgow. Lin’s Rhona MacLeod is a complex and compelling heroine who just gets better with every outing * Stuart MacBride *

Read more less

Book SynopsisNow an Amazon Prime Original series, Red Queen is the first in Juan Gómez-Jurado's internationally bestselling thriller series, translated by Nick Caistor. Winner of the Cognac Prize 2022 with more than two million copies sold in Spain alone.Sunday Times - Best Thriller Books of the Year'A Spanish spin on The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo . . . A female Sherlock Holmes' – The Times'Fizzes with energy . . . echoes of Lisbeth Salander, but the crackling interplay . . . adds an extra layer of originality . . . sparkling' – Best Books of 2023, Financial TimesYou've never met anyone like her . . .Antonia Scott is special. Very special. She is not a policewoman or a lawyer. She has never wielded a weapon or carried a badge, and yet, she has solved dozens of crimes.But it's been awhile since Antonia left her attic in Madrid. The things she has lost are much more important to her than the things awaiting her outside.She also doesn't receive visitors. That's why she really, really doesn't like it when she hears unknown footsteps coming up the stairs.Whoever it is, Antonia is sure that they are coming to look for her.And she likes that even less.Praise for Red Queen:'Often compared with Lisbeth Salander . . . Antonia Scott looks destined to leave every bit as lasting an impression' – Daily Mail'One of the most extravagantly entertaining novels I’ve ever read. It's an electrifying serial-killer thriller . . . I loved every word' – A.J. Finn, bestselling author of The Woman in the WindowTrade ReviewBest thriller books of 2023 . . . What impresses is the brainy brio of Gómez-Jurado's storytelling, as well as his striking depiction of Madrid as two cities, an elegant baroque facade concealing a gothic underworld * Sunday Times *Fizzes with energy and lively scene-setting, switching . . . There are obvious echoes of Lisbeth Salander, but the crackling interplay between Scott and Inspector Gutiérrez, a gay Basque policeman, adds an extra layer of originality, as does Nick Caistor’s sparkling translation. * Financial Times *An electrifying serial-killer thriller, a fiendishly clever puzzle mystery . . . Red Queen tops even The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo as a thinking reader’s thriller. -- A.J. Finn, bestselling author of The Woman in the WindowA Spanish spin on The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo . . . stylish and stylised . . . A female Sherlock Holmes * The Times *Often compared with Lisbeth Salander from The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, Antonia Scott looks destined to leave every bit as lasting an impression. * Daily Mail *What Gómez-Jurado excels at, as conveyed in Nick Caistor’s brisk translation, is pacing of the breakneck variety. Short chapters, funny asides, lethally potent descriptions: They all contribute to a frenetic page-turning momentum . .. you’ll have great fun reading it. * New York Times *This thriller is going to have you gripping that wine glass tight as you race through the pages. * Glamour Magazine *Fast paced, memorable characters and a cinematic story that draws you in hook, line and sinker. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next in the series. -- John Marrs, author of The OneJuan Gomez-Jurado has written a fast, exciting page-turner and it’s the first in a trilogy featuring Antonia and Jon. You’ll be wanting more. * The Record *Fans of Scandinavian crime thrillers might want to broaden their horizons with the first book in a Spanish trilogy featuring a mismatched duo . . . Already an international hit, Gómez-Jurado’s smart page-turner has been made into an Prime Video series that will debut later in 2023 * Washington Post *A fast-paced thriller . . . giving us a mash-up of Nordic noir and an old-school detective with a neurodivergent mind . . . Red Queen works because along with a genius-protagonist, Gomez-Jurado has successfully wo­ven in the other ingredients that thrill a mystery reader: a diabolical antago­nist, a twisty game and a ticking clock. * Open The Magazine *A labyrinth of mystery, crisply plotted and paced, way ahead of the pack. -- Steve Berry, New York Times bestselling author of The Kaiser's WebSuspenseful and terrifying . . . A bit of Clarice Starling and a lot of Lisbeth Salander make Antonia a thoroughly compelling character, who will return in two more translations to complete Gómez-Jurado’s trilogy, -- Jane Murphy * Booklist starred review *Exciting . . . a nice balance among character, action, and setting . . . The next two, Loba Negra (Black Wolf) and Rey Blanco (White King), must be translated into English, because thriller fans will be waiting. Fast-moving and quirky fiction from Madrid. * Kirkus Reviews *Nail-biting . . . tantalizing . . . Lizbeth Salander fans will find much to like. * Publishers Weekly *This has all the velocity and thrills of Stieg Larson’s Millennium series but none of the eyeroll-inducing misogyny . . . it's all-engrossing. * First Clue (starred review) *Fresh and appealing to those that enjoy interesting characters and stories that constantly move forward and tales that end in unexpected ways. * Mystery and Suspense *Red Queen is a smart, addictive thriller, beautiful in both its complexity and devotion to characterization. Between the stunning plot twists, bold structural choices and surprising moments of wry humour, you won’t be able to put this one down -- Alafair Burke, New York Times bestselling author of Find MeThis terrific novel has all the page-turning elements of the very best thrillers, but what makes it truly remarkable is the writing itself. Engaging and heartbreaking, witty and wry and immersive . . . Juan Gómez-Jurado has written an instant classic -- Hank Phillippi Ryan, USA Today bestselling author of Her Perfect LifeReaders are going to fall for Antonia Scott. This character is, without a doubt, the best thing that has happened to the international thriller in the last ten years * ABC *Red Queen is terrific – a complex story that unfolds at breakneck speed, a compelling plot filled with twist after twist, a story told with rich, fluid language, and a fascinating, well-realized unlikely pair of characters, especially the brilliant Antonia Scott. -- David Morrell, New York Times bestselling author of Murder as a Fine ArtThe most compelling and original detective since Lisbeth Salander * The Times South Africa *

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Murders at Fleat House is the suspenseful and utterly compelling crime novel from the author of the multimillion-selling The Seven Sisters series, Lucinda Riley.'A cleverly woven mystery to savour' – Sunday ExpressThe sudden death of a pupil in Fleat House at St Stephen’s – a small private boarding school in deepest Norfolk – is a shocking event that the headmaster is very keen to call a tragic accident.But the local police cannot rule out foul play, and the case prompts the reluctant return of high-flying Detective Inspector Jazmine ‘Jazz’ Hunter to the force. Reunited with her loyal sergeant, she enters the closed world of the school and begins to probe the circumstances surrounding Charlie Cavendish’s tragic death.When staff at the school close ranks, the disappearance of a young pupil and the death of an elderly classics master provide Jazz with important leads. But, while snow covers the landscape, a suspect goes missing.As Jazz must confront her personal demons, a grim discovery at the school will make this the most challenging murder investigation of her career. Fleat House hides secrets darker than even Jazz could ever have imagined . . .'A thrilling whodunit for crime fans. Another Lucinda Riley legacy to treasure' – Lancashire PostTrade ReviewWith likeable, complex characters and a fast-paced plot, this is a cleverly woven mystery to savour * Sunday Express *An intriguing mystery held together by racy dialogue and believable characters * Daily Mail *This is a thrilling whodunit for crime fans, and another Lucinda Riley legacy to treasure * Lancashire Post *A masterclass in beautiful writing -- The Sun on The Sun SisterCaptivating . . . This multi-generational tale is a poignant yet uplifting novel that strikes just the right balance with its tone and characters -- Woman's Own on The Butterfly Room

Read more less

Book Synopsis 'AN UNMISSABLE DEBUT' Sunday Express Magazine'A GRIPPING DEBUT (...) YOU WON'T WANT IT TO END' HeatTHE FIRST IN A PHENOMENAL NEW SERIES FEATURING DI ALEX FINN AND DC MATTIE PAULSEN.Perfect for fans of Mark Billingham, Peter James and Peter Robinson.When a development in South London catches fire mid-construction, a close-knit team of fire fighters runs in to save a man spotted at the window.They come out without a body. They quit the service. They plan never to speak to each other again.Five years later one of them is set alight at his own wedding. Soon after, a second is found, nothing but a smoking corpse. It appears that someone knows what they did that night. What they chose over their duty. And there are still three men left to burn . . .DI Alex Finn and his new partner DC Mattie Paulsen are an unlikely pairing, but they need to discover who is behind these killings before the next man faces the fire.This is first in Will Shindler's Finn and Paulsen series - a British detective series that ranks with Mark Billingham, M.J. Arlidge, Stuart MacBride.***Order the second novel in the Finn and Paulsen series, THE KILLING CHOICE, now!***REAL READERS ARE LOVING THE BURNING MENRATED 4.5 STARS ON NETGALLEY'Well-constructed and cleverly penned, this is one that starts strongly, continues powerfully and ends with a very satisfying bang. It's about consequences, consciences and morals intertwined with some gruesome scenes and a thumping good ride''A real page turner. I loved this book . . . There must be more of these two, they are fascinating. More please, equally well thought out, equally well written . . . please. SOON!''If, like me, you are the kind of reader who likes to be in on the ground floor of a brand-new series, then get The Burning Men on your pre-order to be read lists because this is one of those times . . .''This is a great read about greed and treachery. An engaging, exciting read which I read in one sitting. Lots of red herrings, twists and turns''I absolutely loved it, it drew me in from the first page and didn't let go until the end. I cannot wait to read the next book by this author'Trade ReviewAn unmissable debut * Sunday Express S Magazine, Books to look forward to in 2020 *The pace is good and Finn is a great character. There is also an excellently portrayed organised crime boss * Literary Review *This debut is, simply put, fantastic. It has such a strong opening, you'll be hooked after the first chapter * Yahoo *A gripping debut with well-rounded characters and an intriguing plot. You won't want it to end * Heat *This thriller's hot stuff. A blaze of action and surprises, making it a sure crime debut of the year contender. Shindler's list (sorry!) of successes include an original plot, gasp-out-loud twists and a brilliant new detective team... the case is a humdinger. 10/10 * The Peterborough Telegraph *Arresting... an unusual novel with a rising sense of menace * The Sunday Times *Fans of police novels and dramas will lap up this tale, and as it's the first in the Finn and Paulsen series, I can't wait for the next instalment * Daily Record *Blistering debut... this is a gritty and cleverly plotted police drama - the very definition of a page- turner * Culture Fly *A highly accomplished police procedural with intriguing characters and plenty of twists to keep readers guessing until its explosive finale * The Daily Express *The Burning Men hooked me from the start and never gave me second thoughts (...) The sharp scenes, good pacing and deft characterisation mark this as a series to follow * Crime Review *

Read more less

Book Synopsis*LONGLISTED FOR THE THEAKSTON CRIME NOVEL OF THE YEAR**SHORTLISTED FOR THE CWA GOLD DAGGER** SELECTED AS A BOOK OF THE YEAR 2022 BY THE FINANCIAL TIMES, DAILY EXPRESS AND THE GUARDIAN*'Hugely entertaining ... history and mystery mixed with brutal slapstick, thwarted romance and sly humour... If only all period procedurals were as good as this' THE TIMES'The latest of Khan's excellent thrillers set in post-war Bombay is a vivid portrait of a society remaking itself in the new era of independence' MAIL ON SUNDAY'A delightful book, well-researched, complex and hugely entertaining' ANN CLEEVES'A twisting plot and an intriguing cast of characters, together with vivid glimpses of the vibrant, complex world of post-Independence Bombay - and a narrative that thunders along with the pace and drama of an elephant on the rampage' ANDREW TAYLORBombay, 1950When the body of a white man is found frozen in the Himalayan foothills near Dehra Dun, he is christened the Ice Man by the national media. Who is he? How long has he been there? Why was he killed? As Inspector Persis Wadia and Metropolitan Police criminalist Archie Blackfinch investigate the case in Bombay, they uncover a trail left behind by the enigmatic Ice Man - a trail leading directly into the dark heart of conspiracy. Meanwhile, two new murders grip the city. Is there a serial killer on the loose, targeting Europeans? Rich in atmosphere, the thrilling third chapter in the CWA Historical Dagger-winning Malabar House series pits Persis against a mystery from beyond the grave, unfolding against the backdrop of a turbulent post-colonial India, a nation struggling to redefine itself in the shadow of the Raj.'Khan writes with a charming formality and brings his characters and their dilemmas to life in this intelligent and intriguing series' LITERARY REVIEW'A rip-roaring adventure with a formidable woman at its heart' AMBROSE PARRY'A stunning, richly imagined and downright thrilling mystery. Vaseem Khan has that rare ability to transport you wholly to a bygone time, and he does so with such skill and charm. I loved it' CHRIS WHITAKER'One of my top reads this year. A peerless portrait of early independent India through the eyes of new crime fiction star, India's first police detective, Persis Wadia' BARBARA NADEL"The brilliant Persis Wadia is one of the most electrifying figures in crime fiction today. Vaseem Khan keeps getting better and better' WILLIAM SHAW'Outstanding' IMRAN MAHMOOD'This is historical crime fiction at its sharpest' SUNDAY TIMES'Vaseem Khan gets better with each book. A triumph! An intriguing mystery, a wonderfully realized historical setting and characters that make you fall in love with them' STEVE CAVANAGH'Think Mick Herron in Bombay' THE TIMES, Audiobook of the WeekTrade ReviewHard, realistic and fascinatingly hard to decipher. Persis is a terrific character * On Magazine *Vaseem Khan's friction-free ascent to pole position in historical crime is consolidated by The Lost Man of Bombay. Much to relish here * Financial Times *What should you expect from a good historical mystery? Well, a decent mystery, obviously, and interesting characters to guide you through the plot, plus some inside knowledge of a place or period in history you are unfamiliar with. The Lost Man of Bombay by Vaseem Khan ticks all those boxes, and probably more, with ease * SHOTS *The hugely entertaining result is not unlike an India(na) Jones adventure: history and mystery mixed with brutal slapstick, thwarted romance and sly humour . . . Malabar House is a subcontinental version of Mick Herron's Slough House . . . If only all period procedurals were as good as this * The Times *Khan writes with a charming formality and brings his characters and their dilemmas to life in this intelligent and intriguing series * Literary Review *British writer Vaseem Khan has shown quite comprehensively that he can write historical crime fiction well * Asian Media Group *The latest of Khan's excellent thrillers set in post-war Bombay is a vivid portrait of a society remaking itself in the new era of independence * Mail on Sunday *A brilliant whodunnit mingling fascinating history, the flavours of India and a Himalayan blizzard of clues * The Sun *Vaseem Khan doesn't only spin a fast-moving, well-plotted story; he deftly illuminates the religious rivalries that beset post-colonial India. Think Mick Herron in Bombay: inventive characterisation made laugh-aloud funny by Maya Saroya's pacey, often caustic narration * The Times, Audiobook of the Week *Vivid, bracing crime writing married to a picture of a country seeking its post Raj identity * Financial Times, Books of the Year 2022 *Vaseem Khan's excellent series set in post-partition India * Guardian, Best Crime & Thrillers of 2022 *Written with wit and heart, it's wonderfully entertaining * Daily Express, Books of the Year *His excellent Malabar House series * The Critic *The best historical thriller of the year * Daily Express *If only all period procedurals were as good as this * The Times *

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 SynopsisRome, the very end of December. The Field of Mars is packed with monuments, none more beautiful than Domitian's new Odeon and Stadium. But the area has been overtaken by ugly events: elaborately staged murders. Someone bears a spectacular grudge against the theatrical community, and intends to get revenge in the most spectacular way possible. The killer's method is to re-enact bloody scenes from the gruesome side of popular theatre, where characters in plays really die on stage.A figure from the past wants Flavia Albia's father to investigate, but Falco is out of Rome for the holidays. Albia seizes the commission. And begins to regret doing so almost immediately. 'The undertaker did it!' the first victim croaks before expiring. This seems to make no sense, because surely people are already dead when they go to their funeral?Though there is a serial killer at large, the authorities would prefer a cover-up but Albia is driven to discover what is going on. How much blood must be shed before the mania ends? And could her own family be on the list for a frightful stage death?Praise for Lindsey Davis and the Flavia Albia series'It positively crackles with knowledge of the city and its people, mixed with social comment, ingenious and bloody plots and sharp observational skills leavened by more than a smattering of genuine and sometimes earthy humour' Crime Review'Lighthearted, witty and effortlessly clever, just like its wonderful heroine, this is a window into ancient Rome, and a tonic and a joy to read' The Observer'For a totally exhilarating romp through Ancient Rome, Lindsey Davis' latest Flavia Alba novel won't be beaten and offers an immersive experience of a vibrant world full of real, recognisable characters' Shotsmag'In this witty novel by the mistress of Roman crime, the reader is transported behind the scenes of a Triumph into a fascinating world of actors, costumiers and animal trainers, all united in their hatred of the murdered man' Sunday Express MagazineTrade ReviewAncient Rome rocks thanks to this bestseller. She has the skills to have you shaking your toga with giggles one minute, and gasping the next a gruesome turn of events * Peterborough Telegraph *Fiendishly twisted mystery * Mail on Sunday *As ever, Davis transports us to a superbly realised ancient world full of persuasive detail * The Financial Times *Great fun, shot through with sharp observations * SHOTS *

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn unpaid bar bill leads Flavia Albia to her most bitter and complex case yet. Decades earlier Appius Tranquillus Surus wrote his will: it freed his slaves and bequeathed his businesses to them. He left an orchard to the Prisci, a family he was friendly with, on the condition that his freedmen could still take its harvest. The convoluted arrangement has led to a feud between the two families, each of which has its own internal strife. Endless claims and counterclaims lead to violence and even death. Lawyers have given up in exasperation as the case limps on. The original will has disappeared, along with a falsified codicil - and might there be another one?But is there a solution? Two youngsters from each side of the divide, Gaius Venuleius and Cosca Sabatina, have fallen in love, which could unite the feuding families. There is only one problem: were Sabatina's grandmother and father really liberated in the Surus will? If not, the stigma of slavery will stop the marriage and the dispute will rage on forever.Reconciliation seems impossible, but Albia will try. Her investigation must cut through decades of secrets, arguments, lies and violence to reach a startling truth.Praise for Lindsey Davis and the Flavia Albia series'It positively crackles with knowledge of the city and its people, mixed with social comment, ingenious and bloody plots and sharp observational skills leavened by more than a smattering of genuine and sometimes earthy humour' Crime Review'Fiendishly twisted mystery' Mail on Sunday'Great fun, shot through with sharp observations' SHOTS'In this witty novel by the mistress of Roman crime, the reader is transported behind the scenes of a Triumph into a fascinating world of actors, costumiers and animal trainers, all united in their hatred of the murdered man' Sunday Express MagazineTrade ReviewAll teeming Roman life is here with its smells, entrenched snobbery . . . and superstitions described by a wise-cracking heroine. A feast, to be savoured with a cup, or two, of violet wine * Shotsmag *another Roman riot of fun * Peterborough Telegraph *

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn this spellbinding collection, Sara Paretsky showcases her extraordinary talents with fourteen short stories, including one new V.I. story and seven other classics featuring the indomitable detective.In 'Miss Bianca' a young girl becomes involved in espionage when she befriends a mouse in a laboratory that is conducting dark experiments. Ten-year-old V.I. Warshawski appears in 'Wildcat,' embarking on her very first investigation to save her father. A hardboiled New York detective and elderly British aristocrat team up to reveal a murderer in Chicago during the World's Fair in 'Murder at the Century of Progress'.In the new title story, 'Love & Other Crimes' V.I. treads the line between justice and vengeance when the wrongful firing of a family friend makes him a murder suspect.Trade ReviewSara Paretsky's command of the longform private eye novel is second to none, but is she equally adept at the short story? Love & Other Crimes is a new collection, and admirers will be pleased to glimpse into the South Chicago history of her steadfast female detective VI Warshawski. Other pleasures include pieces that function as introductions to her novels and a delicious Sherlock Holmes pastiche . . . A pleasing collection of amuse-bouches * Financial Times *

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn this spellbinding collection, Sara Paretsky showcases her extraordinary talents with fourteen short stories, including one new V.I. story and seven other classics featuring the indomitable detective.In 'Miss Bianca' a young girl becomes involved in espionage when she befriends a mouse in a laboratory that is conducting dark experiments. Ten-year-old V.I. Warshawski appears in 'Wildcat,' embarking on her very first investigation to save her father. A hardboiled New York detective and elderly British aristocrat team up to reveal a murderer in Chicago during the World's Fair in 'Murder at the Century of Progress'. In the new title story, 'Love & Other Crimes' V.I. treads the line between justice and vengeance when the wrongful firing of a family friend makes him a murder suspect.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTHE GRIPPING GOTHIC THRILLERCharlotte, Emily and Anne Brontë are rather losing interest in detecting until they hear of a shocking discovery: the bones of a child have been found interred within the walls of a local house, Top Withens Hall, home to the scandalous and brutish Bradshaw family. When the sisters set off to find out more, they are confronted with an increasingly complex and sinister case, which leads them into the dark world of orphanages, and onto the trail of other lost, and likely murdered children. After another local boy goes missing, Charlotte, Emily and Anne vow to find him before it's too late. But in order to do so, they must face their most despicable and wicked adversary yet - one that would not hesitate to cause them the gravest of harm . . .Praise for Bella Ellis and the series:'Brontë aficionados are sure to enjoy the accurate characterization and context, the twists turns and Gothic touches of the plot, and the strong feminist streak that manifests itself throughout, but most triumphantly at the end. Happily, more Brontë mysteries are to be expected.' The Times Literary Supplement'A splendid adventure' Guardian'A delight' The Wall Street Journal'Brilliantly entertaining and original' CL Taylor'Insightful, moving and inspiring . . . an absolute treat from start to finish' Jane Casey'Elegant, witty and compulsively readable - I think the Brontë sisters would have been delighted' Rosie WalshTrade ReviewPraise for THE VANISHED BRIDE: Romps along and is lashed with Gothic colour. Fun and inventive * Daily Mail *Brontë fans will undoubtedly get the most out of this: possible inspirations for [the sisters' works] are everywhere. But you don't need insider knowledge to enjoy either the splendid adventure, or the touching and often funny portrayal of the sisters' devotion to and exasperation with one another and their debauched brother * Guardian *Brilliantly entertaining and original * CL Taylor *Elegant, witty and compulsively readable - I think the Brontë sisters would have been delighted. A standout book * Rosie Walsh *Incredible . . . Bella Ellis is a very special talent: the Brontës are magically brought to life in this gripping, twisty mystery. I need more! * Angela Clarke *Brontë aficionados are sure to enjoy the accurate characterization and context, the twists turns and Gothic touches of the plot, and the strong feminist streak that manifests itself throughout, but most triumphantly at the end. Happily, more Brontë mysteries are to be expected * TLS *Evocative and utterly enchanting * Sarah Hilary *Ellis's writing flows beautifully. The book gathers pace as the 'detectors', which the women like to be called, become more involved in the circuitous plot and the eventual outstanding denouement, which is one of the best and most unexpected I have come across recently. * Yorkshire Magazine *A Gothic mystery perfect for Brontë fans * Yours Magazine *Great Gothic fun for fans of the Bronte siblings * Yorkshire Living Magazine *Ellis's portrayal of this extraordinary family is so loving and persuasive that the book is more heart-warming than blood-chilling * Sunday Express *

Read more less

'Will keep you guessing and guessing' Cara HunterHe jumped to his death in front of witnesses. Now his wife is charged with murder.Five years ago, Erin Kennedy moved to New York following a family tragedy. She now lives happily with her detective husband in the scenic seaside town of Newport, Long Island. When Erin answers the door to Danny's police colleagues one morning, it's the start of an ordinary day. But behind her, Danny walks to the window of their fourth-floor apartment and jumps to his death.Eighteen months later, Erin is in court, charged with her husband's murder. Over that year and a half, Erin has learned things about Danny she could never have imagined. She thought he was perfect. She thought their life was perfect.But it was all built on the perfect lie.********'A jewel of a thriller' Heat' I loved this book, a real page-turner' 5* Reader Review'Another twisty and intense thriller from the great Jo Spain' Adrian McKinty'Wonderful, unpredictable and gripping' 5* Reader Review'This will have you absolutely gripped' Prima'A total rollercoaster from start to finish' 5* Reader Review'Superbly written, cinematic and pacey' Steve Cavanagh

Read more less

Book Synopsis'Compulsively readable and with an ending you will not see coming' WOMAN & HOME'Masterful . . . a great twist' HARRIET TYCETHE PERFECT HUSBAND . . .After a difficult pregnancy, Esther is grateful that her husband Robin offers to put his career on hold so that she can return to the job she loves.But Esther finds leaving her daughter Riley behind more challenging than she'd thought. And soon the new imbalance in her relationship with Robin brings old tensions to the surface.OR A PERFECT LIE?Then one day Esther arrives home from work to find Robin and Riley are missing. As the police investigate their disappearance, it becomes clear that nothing about this modern-day family is what it seems...Is Robin the perfect father everyone thinks he is? Or was it all a perfect lie?READERS LOVE THE PERFECT FATHER'Deceit, ambition, suspense and betrayal: this book has it all' 5* Reader Review'Gripping and nuanced' 5* Reader Review'Totally twisty, dramatic and addictive' 5* Reader Review'The best thriller I have read this year' 5* Reader Review********'A real thrill ride' HEAT'The perfect read. Surprising and original' LESLEY KARA'Doctor Foster meets Gone Girl' BP WALTER'A real thriller of a ride with a twist I did NOT see coming' NIKKI SMITH'An emotional and intelligently written thriller' ELISABETH CARPENTER'Had me hooked from the first page' RUTH HEALD'Realistic, gripping, emotional and distinctive' NICOLA MOSTYN'Unpredictable, tense and engrossing' REBECCA FLEET'I love Charlotte's dark, messy takes on modern relationships' CLAIRE MCGOWAN'Fresh, thrilling and packed with unstoppable tension' LAUREN NORTH**********Trade ReviewSmart, compulsively readable and with an ending you will not see coming, there's nothing about this gripping story that fails to satisfy * Woman & Home *A real thrill ride * Heat *The Perfect Father is the perfect read. Such a clever book. Surprising and original * Lesley Kara *I sped through it. Masterful handling of timelines and a great twist - very much enjoyed * Harriet Tyce *I absolutely loved The Perfect Father! A real thriller of a ride with a twist I did NOT see coming * Nikki Smith *Unpredictable, tense and engrossing, The Perfect Father will challenge your perceptions of parenthood and keep you hooked from the first page to the last * Rebecca Fleet *Modern, smart and fast-paced, this thriller had me hooked from the first page * Ruth Heald *I love Charlotte's dark, messy takes on modern relationships, and this is no exception * Claire McGowan *I loved this book. The Perfect Father is an emotional and intelligently written thriller. The twists are so expertly woven in, that at times I had to pause to let them sink in. Highly recommended * Elisabeth Carpenter *Doctor Foster meets Gone Girl. Tense, twisty and deeply unsettling * BP Walter *I absolutely LOVED The Perfect Father! Such realistic, well drawn characters, gripping emotional plot twists (that also feel rooted in reality) and a really distinctive story style * Nicola Mostyn *Abandoned my responsibilities to finish The Perfect Father today. Such a cleverly woven, timely thriller that covers a number of complex themes without ever dropping the pace * Amy Heydenrych *An unputdownable thriller! The Perfect Father is fresh, thrilling and packed with unstoppable tension. I will be raving about this book for ages * Lauren North *

Read more less

Book SynopsisTHE MIND-BENDING NEW THRILLER FROM THE NO.1 BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF DEAR CHILD'Hausmann's novel has the feel of a nightmare, unfolding at breakneck speed' SUNDAY TIMESIt's been years since Nadja Kulka was convicted of a cruel crime. After being released from prison, she's wanted nothing more than to live a normal life: nice flat, steady job, even a few friends. But when one of those friends, Laura von Hoven - free-spirited beauty and wife of Nadja's boss - kills her lover and begs Nadja for her help, Nadja can't seem to be able to refuse.The two women make for a remote house in the woods, the perfect place to bury a body. But their plan quickly falls apart and Nadja finds herself outplayed, a pawn in a bizarre game in which she is both the perfect victim and the perfect murderer . . .Dark secrets past and present collide in this haunting novel of guilt and retribution from the internationally bestselling author of Dear Child.PRAISE FOR ROMY HAUSMANN:'Chilling' People Magazine'[A] tantalizingly disturbing debut . . . As enthralling as it is thought-provoking' New York Times'Hausmann is a force to be reckoned with. You can't stop reading' David Baldacci'Deliciously dark' Alice Feeney'Very compelling' Peter James'Disturbingly good' Lesley KaraTrade ReviewHausmann's novel has the feel of a nightmare, unfolding at breakneck speed and exposing the terrifying vulnerability of a woman who wants nothing more than to be loved * Sunday Times *

Read more less

Book Synopsis'Seriously brilliant' CJ Tudor'Chilling and compulsive' Cara Hunter"There's something I have to explain, my love," he says, taking your hand in his. "That wasn't a dream. It was an upload."Abbie wakes in a hospital bed with no memory of how she got there. By her side is her husband Tim, the driven British founder of one of the world's most ground-breaking tech companies. They met when she joined his startup as artist-in-residence, their marriage a Silicon Valley fairy tale.But as Abbie's memories return, she realises there's something missing from Tim's version of events. Because, five years ago, Abbie Cullen-Scott was pronounced dead . . .**********See what everyone is saying about JP Delaney, the hottest name in psychological thrillers:'DAZZLING' Lee Child'ADDICTIVE' Daily Express'DEVASTATING' Daily Mail'INGENIOUS' New York Times'COMPULSIVE' Glamour Magazine'ELEGANT' Peter James'SEXY' Mail on Sunday'ENTHRALLING' Woman and Home'ORIGINAL' The Times'RIVETING' Lisa Gardner'CREEPY' Heat'SATISFYING' Reader's Digest'SUPERIOR' The Bookseller'MORE THAN A MATCH FOR PAULA HAWKINS' Sunday TimesTrade ReviewOne of the most ingenious books you'll read this year... A thrilling examination of what it is to be human * Daily Mail *First-rate psychological suspense * Observer *The kind of novel words like 'unputdownable' were invented for . . . Delaney pulls it off brilliantly, with an intoxicating knack for suspense . . . captivating, deeply engrossing * Independent *The narrative complexity, characterisation and gradual unravelling of the truth is a triumph of pacing and suspense * Woman & Home *Seriously, amazingly, awesomely brilliant * CJ Tudor, author of The Chalk Man *The twists are primed and deployed with a master craftsman's skill * Sunday Express *A tour-de-force. A chilling and uniquely disturbing 21st-century twist on the unreliable narrator makes for a compulsive and deeply thought-provoking psychological thriller * Cara Hunter, author of Close to Home *A completely original psychological thriller that grabs you and doesn't let go * Karen Cleveland, author of Need to Know *Scarily believable and utterly thought-provoking. I genuinely feared for Abbie and couldn't figure out who to trust in this unputdownable thriller * Karen Hamilton, author of The Perfect Girlfriend *Dynamic, razor-sharp and thought-provoking . . . The Perfect Wife is a cutting-edge suspense novel unlike any you've read before. A must read! * Mary Kubica, author of The Good Girl *This is going to be the buzziest book of 2017 . . . This year The Girl Before will be that book * InStyle *I was instantly gripped and held captivated by the pace and elegant writing. I devoured it in two straight sittings * Peter James *Dazzling - a pitch-perfect thriller * Lee Child *Riveting! One of the most compelling page-turners I've read in years. Twisty, turny, and with an ending not to be missed! * Lisa Gardner *The tension is built up subtly, leading to a devastating climax. A really clever thriller . . . [the film] will no doubt become the third big 'Girl' film * Daily Mail *Slick, sexy, suspenseful and smart * Mail on Sunday *Original and entertaining * The Times *A deeply addictive literary thriller that deserves to be one of this year's biggest successes * Daily Express *Get hooked on this hair-raiser about a woman who scores what seems like her dream home . . . until she finds out the mysterious fate of the previous tenant * Cosmopolitan *Creepy . . . The buzz around this could not be fizzier * Heat *The Girl Before is deservedly anointed the 'top girl' of this season's suspense novels * The Washington Post *A compulsive, sexy thriller that's set to soar * Glamour Magazine Online *Constantly cranking up the suspense . . . a thoroughly satisfying read * Reader's Digest *Enthralling * Woman and Home *A guaranteed best-seller * Red Magazine *The most intriguing plot idea I've seen in a good while * The Spectator *Genuinely eerie . . . beautifully handled . . . the pages fly * USA Today *Riveting . . . Writing with precision and grace, Delaney strips away the characters' secrets until the raw truth of each is revealed * Publishers Weekly *A guaranteed best-seller * Prima *Original and brilliantly written * The Sun *JP Delaney builds the suspense * Vanity Fair *Ingenious * The New York Times *The plotting is exceptionally well thought-through * Irish Independent *A masterfully crafted spellbinder . . . guaranteed to astonish * Booklist *A crisp psychological thriller * Sainsbury's Magazine *The Girl Before is more than worthy of the accolades . . . a complex triangle of twisted obsession . . . say goodbye to your nails * Boundless Magazine *A great thriller and one that instantly hooks you in, in the very first line, and never lets you go . . . utterly compelling and very satisfying . . . A wonderful portrayal of psychological obsession at its creepy best * Peter James for Big Issue North *The Girl Before is a cat-and-mouse game that toys with our expectations and twists our sympathies. At times almost unbearably suspenseful, it keeps us guessing from the first page to the very last. Don't miss it * Joseph Finder *One of the best thrillers you'll read in 2017 * New York Journal of Books *Compulsively readable . . . The highly unusual setup sets this one above the thriller pack * Publishers Weekly *An intriguing novel of ideas . . . plays with its themes (from AI and art to autism) just as absorbingly as recent literary fiction withsimilar preoccupations * Sunday Times *Readers who liked Before I Go to Sleep by SJ Watson will enjoy The Perfect Wife * Observer *Addictive * Woman *

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn a propulsive thriller by the #1 internationally bestselling author of The Baztán Trilogy, a female detective follows a psychopathic killer into the eye of a storm. Amaia Salazar, a young detective from the north of Spain, has joined a group of trainees at the FBI Academy in Virginia. Haunted by her past and having already tracked down a predator on her own, Amaia is no typical rookie. And this is no ordinary student lecture at Quantico. FBI agent Aloisius Dupree is already well acquainted with Amaia’s skills, her intuition, and her ability to understand evil. He now needs her help in hunting an elusive serial killer dubbed “the Composer,” and in solving another case that’s been following him his whole life. From New Jersey to Oklahoma to Texas, the Composer’s victims are entire families annihilated in the chaos of natural disasters, their bodies posed with chilling purpose amid the ruins. Dupree and Amaia follow his trail to New Orleans. The clock is ticking. It’s the eve of the worst hurricane in the city’s history. But a troubling call from Amaia’s aunt back home awakens in Amaia the ghosts from her childhood and sends her down a path as dark as that of the coming storm.Trade ReviewA New York Times Globetrotting Pick! “…[A] gripping prequel to Redondo’s Baztán trilogy…This crime thriller is a good starting place for readers new to Redondo.” —Publishers Weekly “Its far-ranging scenes are stuffed with memorable characters, from heroic public servants to habitual murderers to a zombie-like figure worthy of a Val Lewton horror movie. Ms. Redondo’s complex and ambitious book culminates in a mythological showdown, with Salazar in the eye of an epic storm.” —Wall Street Journal “The human heart has four distinct chambers. Not so The North Face of the Heart. Dolores Redondo’s atmospheric new thriller is multifaceted and layered, driving a compelling search for a serial killer into the heart of a hurricane.” —Mountain Times “An expertly crafted and riveting thriller of a suspense novel by an author with genuine originality and a flair for the kind of narrative storytelling that keeps the reader’s rapt attention from cover to cover, The North Face Of The Heart by novelist Dolores Redondo is an especially and unreservedly recommended addition to community library Contemporary Mystery/Suspense collections.” —Midwest Book Review “The world building in the novel is superb. The depiction of the experiences of Salazar and other characters being caught up in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina in 2005 is especially remarkable and vivid…translator Michael Meigs has done a wonderful job, with the prose lyrical and rich.” —The Big Thrill “The North Face of the Heart is a tour de force, a mystery with a complicated plot, intriguing characters, and vivid descriptions that bring the settings alive.” —Woman Around Town “This thriller is so wonderfully written—the descriptions of the settings and characters are as compelling as the plot.” —Books I Think You Should Read “I’d never read Redondo’s work prior to encountering The North Face of the Heart, but from the very first pages I was hooked by her masterful and complex storytelling that leads readers down a path that’s so compelling there’s no chance of putting the book down.” —Sarabeth Pollock, Culturess Praise for Dolores Redondo’s Planeta Prize–Winning All This I Will Give to You “Emotionally vivid…All This I Will Give to You has much to reveal…Ms. Redondo unfolds her lengthy saga at a steady pace, with an abundance of detail. The patient reader will be rewarded with revelations both dramatic and poignant.” —Tom Nolan, Wall Street Journal “If you’re a fan of Stephen King’s character-driven writing style and his patient spinning of suspense, you’ll love this novel from Dolores Redondo.” —Jalyn Powell, Sci-Fi Movie Page “All This I Will Give to You is a surprising, deep, and unforgettable story.” —Jason Schott, Brooklyn Digest “All This I Will Give to You, a Spanish bestselling sensation from Dolores Redondo, uses a taut psychological thriller as framework to get at the complexities of a nation in transition.” —CrimeReads “The best crime novel in translation I read this year.” —Mark Sanderson, Evening Standard Praise for Dolores Redondo’s Internationally Bestselling Baztán Trilogy “Myth and reality blend and blur in this sophisticated and razor-sharp thriller. All of the skeletons are banging on the closet doors to be set free, and free they are in this gritty, fascinating, and compelling story. Already number one in other countries, this one will be making its way up our bestseller lists too.” —Steve Berry, New York Times bestselling author “Redondo tells the ancient tales in a hypnotic voice.” —New York Times Book Review “A fascinating protagonist.” —Isabel Allende

Read more less

Book SynopsisA simple sting operation takes a violent and unexpected turn for Detective Eve Ronin in a gripping thriller by #1 New York Times bestselling author Lee Goldberg. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s detective Eve Ronin and her soon-to-retire partner, Duncan Pavone, are running a 24-7 sting in a guard-gated enclave of palatial homes in Calabasas. Their luxury McMansion is a honey trap, set to lure in the violent home invaders terrorizing the community. The trap works, leaving three intruders dead, a body count that nearly includes Eve and Duncan. Eve’s bosses are eager to declare the case closed, but there are too many unanswered questions for her to let go. Was the trap actually for her, bloody payback for Eve’s very public takedown of a clique of corrupt deputies? Or is there an even deadlier secret lurking behind those opulent gates? Eve’s refusal to back down and her relentless quest for the truth make her both the hunter…and the prey.Trade ReviewPraise for Lee Goldberg Gated Prey “The seamy side of California dreaming…Goldberg not only ties up…but links some of Eve’s investigations in ways as disturbing as they are surprising.” —Kirkus Reviews “Lively descriptive prose enhances the tight plot of this episodic crime novel, which reads like a TV show in narrative form. Columbo fans will have fun.” —Publishers Weekly “A great series…Eve Ronin continues to dazzle and show her gritty side as she progresses in the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department.” —Mystery and Suspense Magazine “Goldberg finds the perfect balance of treachery and resolve in the strong female character of Eve Ronin. She is a force to be reckoned with that all criminals will hate to come face-to-face with and one that is deserved of the big screen.” —Chris Miller, Best Thriller Books “Violent crimes and desperate criminals and homicide detectives, oh my! Lee Goldberg delivers an intriguing, fast-paced, satisfying novel in Gated Prey.” —Steve Netter, Best Thriller Books “This is going to be a must-read series for me year after year. Eve is such a badass character who will stop at nothing to see that justice is done.” —Todd Wilkins, Best Thriller Books “Lee Goldberg aims high and hits the mark in Gated Prey…Goldberg is every bit the equal of Michael Connelly when it comes to pulling no punches and packing a wallop on every page. Superb reading entertainment.” —Providence Journal “Another suspenseful, fast-paced yarn with engaging characters.” —Associated Press “Gated Prey begins, moves and ends at the speed of a bullet. Goldberg has a knack for adding subtle character nuances into his series, and here we find Eve and partner Duncan Pavone more complex than ever.” —The Mountain Times “A fast-paced mystery with interesting and well-developed characters. Lee is a very skilled writer who always manages to throw in some witty dialogue to lighten things up.” —Kings River Life Magazine “Great characters all around, a couple of gripping cases, and a breakneck pace—all par for the course for this series. If you haven’t jumped on the Eve Ronin train—now’s the time.” —The Irresponsible Reader “Readers will be rewarded with an entertaining plot, cinematic writing, strong empathetic characters, and plenty of red herrings.” —Bookmarks Magazine “It’s safe to say, three novels in, that Lee Goldberg has successfully launched a new series that could easily put him in the police procedural company of Ed McBain, Joseph Wambaugh, and Michael Connelly…there’s a solidity to all of the author’s characters, good, evil, and in-between. Be prepared to spend hours riveted to [Eve’s] relentless quest for answers.” —Mystery Scene Magazine “I whipped my head back and forth reading Gated Prey. So twisty, so funny, and so LA—a few of my favorite things. After zooming through these pages, I’ll ride shotgun with Lee any day!” —Rachel Howzell Hall, bestselling author of And Now She’s Gone Bone Canyon A Mystery and Suspense Magazine 2021 Best Book of the Year Selection “Lee Goldberg proves again that he is a master storyteller with this piece. His ability to develop strong plots and use a fast-paced narrative keeps the reader on their toes as things progress. Poignant characters also help keep things enthralling until the final reveal for the attentive reader.” —Mystery and Suspense Magazine “Goldberg follows Lost Hills with a riveting, intense story. Readers of Karin Slaughter or Michael Connelly will want to try this.” —Library Journal (starred review) “Goldberg knows how to keep the pages turning.” —Publishers Weekly “Lee Goldberg puts the pro in police procedural. Bone Canyon is fresh, sharp, and absorbing. Give me more Eve Ronin, ASAP.” —Meg Gardiner, international bestselling author “Wow—what a novel! It is wonderful in so many ways. I could not put it down. Bone Canyon is wrenching and harrowing, full of wicked twists. Lee Goldberg captures the magic and danger of the Santa Monica Mountains and the predators who prowl them. Detective Eve Ronin takes on forgotten victims, fights for them, and nearly loses everything in the process. She’s a riveting character, and I can’t wait for her next case.” —Luanne Rice, New York Times bestselling author “Bone Canyon is a propulsive procedural that provides high thrills in difficult terrain, grappling thoughtfully with sexual violence and police corruption, as well as the minefield of politics and media in Hollywood and suburban Los Angeles. Eve Ronin is a fantastic series lead—stubborn and driven, working twice as hard as her colleagues both to prove her worth and to deliver justice for the dead.” —Steph Cha, author of Your House Will Pay Lost Hills “A cop novel so good it makes much of the old guard read like they’re going through the motions until they can retire…The real appeal here is Goldberg’s lean prose, which imbues just-the-facts procedure with remarkable tension and cranks up to a stunning description of a fire that was like ‘Christmas in hell.’” —Booklist “[The] suspense and drama are guaranteed to keep a reader spellbound.” —Authorlink “An energetic, resourceful procedural starring a heroine who deserves a series of her own.” —Kirkus Reviews “This nimble, sure-footed series launch from bestseller Goldberg…builds to a thrilling, visually striking climax. Readers will cheer Ronin every step of the way.” —Publishers Weekly “The first book in what promises to be a superb series—it’s also that rare novel in which the formulaic elements of mainstream police procedurals share narrative space with a unique female protagonist. All that, and it’s also a love letter to the chaos and diversity of California. There are a lot of series out there, but Eve Ronin and Goldberg’s fast-paced prose should put this one on the radar of every crime fiction fan.” —National Public Radio “This sterling thriller is carved straight out of the world of Harlan Coben and Lisa Gardner…Lost Hills is a book to be found and savored.” —BookTrib “Lost Hills is Lee Goldberg at his best. Inspired by the real-world grit and glitz of LA County crime, this book takes no prisoners. And neither does Eve Ronin. Take a ride with her and you’ll find yourself with a heroine for the ages. And you’ll be left hoping for more.” —Michael Connelly, #1 New York Times bestselling author “Lost Hills is what you get when you polish the police procedural to a shine: a gripping premise, a great twist, fresh spins and knowing winks to the genre conventions, and all the smart, snappy ease of an expert at work.” —Tana French, New York Times bestselling author “Thrills and chills! Lost Hills is the perfect combination of action and suspense, not to mention Eve Ronin is one of the best new female characters in ages. You will race through the pages!” —Lisa Gardner, #1 New York Times bestselling author “Twenty-four-karat Goldberg—a top-notch procedural that shines like a true gem.” —Craig Johnson, New York Times bestselling author of the Longmire series “A winner. Packed with procedure, forensics, vivid descriptions, and the right amount of humor. Fervent fans of Connelly and Crais, this is your next read.” —Kendra Elliot, Wall Street Journal and Amazon Charts bestselling author “Brilliant! Eve Ronin rocks! With a baffling and brutal case, tight plotting, and a fascinating look at police procedure, Lost Hills is a stunning start to a new detective series. A must-read for crime fiction fans.” —Melinda Leigh, Wall Street Journal and #1 Amazon Charts bestselling author “A tense, pacy read from one of America’s greatest crime and thriller writers.” —Garry Disher, international bestselling author and Ned Kelly Award winner Fake Truth “A winner from first page to last. Lee Goldberg has single-handedly invented a new genre of thriller. At once nail-bitingly suspenseful and gut-bustingly hilarious…but never less than a pedal-to-the-metal, full-on page-turner. Fake Truth is clever, edge-of-your-seat entertainment that I read in one glorious sitting. And that’s no lie!” —Christopher Reich, New York Times bestselling author “Timely, satirical, and funny. Lee Goldberg’s Fake Truth is deftly ironic and painfully observant.” —Robert Dugoni, New York Times bestselling author “Hilariously surprising. The author’s juggling of truth and fiction is almost as dexterous as his hero’s.” —Kirkus Reviews Killer Thriller “Killer Thriller grabs you from page one with brilliant wit, sharply honed suspense, and a huge helping of pure originality.” —Jeffery Deaver, New York Times bestselling author “A delight from start to finish, a round-the-world, thrill-a-minute, laser-guided missile of a book.” —Joseph Finder, New York Times bestselling author “Killer Thriller is an action-packed treasure filled with intrigue, engaging characters, and exciting, well-rendered locales. With Goldberg’s hyper-clever plotting, dialogue, and wit on every page, readers are in for a blast with this one!” —Mark Greaney, New York Times bestselling author True Fiction “Thriller fiction at its absolute finest—and it could happen for real. But not to me, I hope.” —Lee Child, #1 New York Times bestselling author “This may be the most fun you’ll ever have reading a thriller. It’s a breathtaking rush of suspense, intrigue, and laughter that only Lee Goldberg could pull off. I loved it.” —Janet Evanovich, #1 New York Times bestselling author “This is my life…in a thriller! True Fiction is great fun.” —Brad Meltzer, #1 New York Times bestselling author “Fans of parodic thrillers will enjoy the exhilarating ride…[in] this Elmore Leonard mashed with Get Smart romp.” —Publishers Weekly “A conspiracy thriller of the first order, a magical blend of fact and it-could-happen scary fiction. Nail-biting, page-turning, and laced with Goldberg’s wry humor, True Fiction is a true delight, reminiscent of Six Days of the Condor and the best of Hitchcock’s innocent-man-in-peril films.” —Paul Levine, bestselling author of Bum Rap “Ian Ludlow is one of the coolest heroes to emerge in post-9/11 thrillers. A wonderful, classic yet modern, breakneck suspense novel. Lee Goldberg delivers a great story with a literary metafiction wink that makes its thrills resonate.” —James Grady, New York Times bestselling author of Six Days of the Condor “Great fun that moves as fast as a jet. Goldberg walks a tightrope between suspense and humor and never slips.” —Linwood Barclay, New York Times bestselling author of Elevator Pitch “I haven’t read anything this much fun since Donald E. Westlake’s comic-caper novels. Immensely entertaining, clever, and timely.” —David Morrell, New York Times bestselling author of First Blood

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe search for a serial killer leads a woman into the twisted tangle of her own family tree in a chilling novel by the #1 Amazon Charts bestselling author of The Missing Sister and Lies We Bury. Adopted when she was only days old, Ivy Hon knows little about her lineage. But when she’s stricken with a mystery illness, the results of a genetic test to identify the cause attract the FBI. According to Ivy’s DNA, she’s related to the Full Moon Killer, who has terrorized the Pacific Northwest for decades. Ivy is the FBI’s hope to stop the enigmatic predator from killing again. When an online search connects Ivy with her younger cousin, she heads to rural Rock Island, Washington, to meet the woman. Motivated by a secret desire to unmask a murderous relative, Ivy reaches out to what’s left of a family of strangers. Discovering her mother’s tragic fate and her father’s disappearance is just the beginning. As Ivy ventures into a serial killer’s home territory, she realizes that she may be the next victim of poisonous blood ties.Trade ReviewPraise for Strangers We Know “…the increasingly tense plot takes turns the reader won’t see coming. Marr is a writer to watch.” —Publishers Weekly “Elle Marr is an author to know. Just when you think you understand the motives behind her characters and the way their story lines are being presented—bam!—Elle will hit you with twists you won’t see coming. Told from multiple points of view, Strangers We Know is about more than Ivy learning of her past and, shockingly, the serial killer within her family; it’s also about knowing who to trust and how to discern who’s telling the complete story. Because if everyone has secrets, are they truly family or only strangers? Read Strangers We Know to find out.” —Georgina Cross, bestselling author of The Stepdaughter “Elle Marr burst onto the suspense scene in 2020 with her bestselling debut, The Missing Sister, and followed up a year later with Lies We Bury, another trust-no-one murder mystery. With her third novel, Strangers We Know, Marr firmly establishes herself as a master of ‘did that really just happen?’ thrillers. Strangers We Know has plot twists so unexpected and characters so creepy you won’t want to turn out the lights, and the ending is surprising in multiple ways. Who knew a deranged-serial-killer whodunit could leave you with all the feels?” —A.H. Kim, author of A Good Family “Dark family secrets, serial murder, and a cult? Yes, please. Twisty and a little twisted, the highly addictive and surprise-packed Strangers We Know will have you pulling an all-nighter.” —Heather Chavez, author of No Bad Deed “From the first page I was gripped by Strangers We Know and read through the night till the end. The novel is thrilling beyond belief, with suspense and twists ratcheting up on each page. Elle Marr is brilliant at delving into the darkness of a seemingly normal family, and by the time she pulls back the curtains on each character, the terror has built so excruciatingly, you just have to keep going till you find out every single thing—you’re afraid to know, but you have to know. This is the year’s must read.” —Luanne Rice, bestselling author of The Shadow Box Praise for Elle Marr “A deep, deep dive into unspeakable memories and their unimaginably shocking legacy.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “The suspenseful plot is matched by the convincing portrayal of the vulnerable Claire, who just wants to lead a normal life. Marr is a writer to watch.” —Publishers Weekly “Marr’s #OwnVoices, trust-no-one thriller unravels with horrifying ‘THEN’ interruptions, producing a jolting creepfest of twisted revenge.” —Booklist “In Lies We Bury, Elle Marr (bestselling author of The Missing Sister) has brought a cleverly plotted and compelling new mystery with unique characters and truly surprising twists.” —The Nerd Daily “A deep, thrilling dive into the painful memories that haunt us and the fight between moving on or digging in and seeking revenge.” —Medium “A twisted mash-up of Room and a murder mystery, Marr’s Lies We Bury is a story that creeps into your bones, a sneaky tale about the danger of secrets and the power the past holds to lead us into a deliciously devious present. Say goodbye to sleep and read it like I did, in one breathless sitting.” —Kimberly Belle, international bestselling author of Dear Wife and Stranger in the Lake “Dark and compelling, Elle Marr has written another atmospheric and twisted thriller that you don’t want to miss. Lies We Bury delves into the darkest of pasts and explores the fascinating tension between moving on and revenge. This is a fly-through-the-pages thriller.” —Vanessa Lillie, Amazon bestselling author of Little Voices and For the Best “This haunting and emotional thriller will keep you up at night looking for answers.” —Dea Poirier, international bestselling author of Next Girl to Die “A clever, twisty murder mystery packed full of secrets and lies that will keep you turning the pages way past bedtime. Lies We Bury hooked me from page one and kept me guessing until its dramatic conclusion.” —Lisa Gray, bestselling author of Thin Air “Marr’s debut novel follows a San Diego medical student to, around, and ultimately beneath Paris in search of the twin sister she’d been drifting away from. Notable for its exploration of the uncanny bonds twins share and the killer’s memorably macabre motive.” —Kirkus Reviews “[A] gritty debut…The intriguing premise, along with a few twists, lend this psychological thriller some weight.” —Publishers Weekly “Elle Marr’s first novel has an intriguing premise…The characters are well drawn and complex, and Marr’s prose offers some surprising twists.” —New York Journal of Books “A promising plotline.” —Library Journal “The Missing Sister is a very promising debut—atmospheric, gripping, and set in Paris. In other words, the perfect ingredients for a satisfying result.” —Criminal Element “Brimming with eerie mystery and hair-raising details…A chilling read that shows the unique bond of twins.” —Woman’s World “This thrilling debut novel from Elle Marr is a look into the importance of identity and the strength of sisterhood.” —Brooklyn Digest “An electrifying thriller. A must read—Karin Slaughter with a touch of international flair. Just when you think you have it all figured out, Marr throws you for another loop and the roller-coaster ride continues!” —Matt Farrell, Washington Post bestselling author of What Have You Done “A riveting, fast-paced thriller. Elle Marr hooks you from the start, taking you on a dark and twisted journey. Layered beneath the mystery of a twin’s disappearance is a nuanced, and at times disturbing, exploration of the ties that bind sisters together. With crisp prose, a gripping investigation, and a compelling protagonist, The Missing Sister is not to be missed.” —Brianna Labuskes, Washington Post bestselling author of Girls of Glass “A gripping thriller. The Missing Sister delivers twists and turns in an exciting, page-turning read that delves into the unique bond that makes—and breaks—siblings.” —Mike Chen, author of Here and Now and Then

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 SynopsisDeath is just one click away when a string of murders rocks a small Colorado town.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA woman’s investigation into her family’s murders uncovers lies, secrets, and dangerous truths in a heart-wrenching novel of suspense. When she was thirteen years old, Samantha Newsom’s family was murdered and their Catskills farmhouse set ablaze in an unsolved crime that left nothing behind but ashes. Twenty-two years later, Sam is pulled back to her hometown of Carney, New York, under the shadows of the grim tragedy she’s never forgotten or forgiven. Authorities mishandled the evidence, false rumors were seeded about her family, suspects yielded nothing, and the case went cold. Not anymore. Investigator Travis Meacham has been assigned to the case, and he has news for Sam: a prison inmate has come forward with a shocking admission. Sam’s baby sister, presumed dead in the fire, made it out of the house that night. It’s not the only reveal that upends everything Sam thinks she knows about the crime and her family. But Carney protects its secrets. And this time, Sam might not be able to escape the town alive.Trade ReviewPraise for Kara Thomas Out of the Ashes “This elegant suspense yarn from YA author Thomas dodges expectations at every turn…and the enthralling plot delivers a steady stream of surprises. Thomas’s first foray into adult fiction is a thrilling success.” —Publishers Weekly “This story simply engulfed me. I didn’t trust a single seedy character that Samantha Newsom came in contact with while on her quest to unearth, after twenty-two years, who was responsible for murdering her entire family and setting their Catskills farmhouse aflame. Out of the Ashes is gritty, raw, and chock-full of tension as suffocating as the tiny town of Carney itself.” —Stacy Willingham, New York Times bestselling author of A Flicker in the Dark “A masterful, smart, slow-burning suspense. Out of the Ashes drew me in with its sinister secrets and wouldn’t let me go until the very last page.” —Elle Cosimano, USA Today bestselling author of Finlay Donovan Is Killing It “Bold, unpredictable, and savagely beautiful, Out of the Ashes is that rare read that combines breakneck twists and turns with deeply woven themes of family, memory, and justice. You’ll read this with your heart in your throat, desperate to know what happened that night—but afraid at how ugly the truth might be. A searing, shocking powerhouse of a debut.” —Laurie Elizabeth Flynn, bestselling author of The Girls Are All So Nice Here That Weekend “Kara Thomas is ruthless. When you descend into That Weekend, prepare for darkness ahead, breakneck turns, and shivery secrets. I am still reeling.” —Kit Frick, author of I Killed Zoe Spanos “Deliciously twisted. Clear your schedule, because That Weekend is going to keep you up all night.” —Karen M. McManus, #1 New York Times bestselling author of One of Us Is Lying “A deliciously unsettling and grimly beautiful examination of the dark and twisted potential lurking within us all. That Weekend is a bold and expertly plotted page-turner from beginning to end, and it firmly cements Kara Thomas as a master of the craft—no one writes a thriller like her.” —Courtney Summers, New York Times bestselling author of Sadie “Kara Thomas deftly weaves a web of secrets, tangling you in a mystery so shocking you’ll never guess the ending. My jaw actually dropped.” —Erin Craig, New York Times bestselling author of House of Salt and Sorrows “A riveting, unputdownable thriller that made my palms sweat and my heart pound. I devoured this book in a single sleepless night; That Weekend is a brutal examination of what it means to survive.” —Victoria Lee, author of A Lesson in Vengeance and The Fever King “A mesmerizing, creepy, excellent thrill ride of a book.” —Kathleen Glasgow, New York Times bestselling author of Girl in Pieces The Cheerleaders “Sharp, brilliantly plotted, and totally engrossing.” —Karen M. McManus, New York Times bestselling author of One of Us Is Lying “A crafty, dark, and disturbing story.” —Kathleen Glasgow, New York Times bestselling author of Girl in Pieces “A little bit Riverdale and a little bit Veronica Mars.” —Riley Sager, bestselling author of Final Girls Little Monsters “A disturbing portrait of how bad news and gossip can curdle when mixed together.” —Oprah.com “An eerie and masterly psychological thriller…[that] culminates in a shocking and disturbing ending. Thomas expertly captures the pointed nuances and the fickle, manipulative bonds of adolescent girls’ friendships.” —School Library Journal “Taut and suspenseful…this gritty page-turner will easily hook a broad range of readers.” —Booklist “An intense psychological thriller that all but ensures the lights will be left on between dusk and dawn.” —Publishers Weekly The Darkest Corners “Gripping from start to finish, The Darkest Corners took me into an underbelly I didn’t know existed, with twists that left me shocked and racing forward to get to the end.” —Victoria Aveyard, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Red Queen

Read more less

Book SynopsisA gated dream town for the megarich becomes a murderous nightmare in a riveting Eve Ronin thriller by #1 New York Times bestselling author Lee Goldberg. Hidden Hills is a private celebrity enclave of white picket fences and horse trails that seems to exist in a dreamworld. But when reality superstar Kitty Winslow is killed within their gates and corpses are found in the vast state park outside them, LASD detective Eve Ronin realizes there is a deadly, razor-thin line between what’s real and what’s imagined. Eve discovers that Kitty’s surreal on- and off-camera life, a blur of fact and fantasy, shockingly mirrors her own as she struggles to investigate the killings, wade into a music industry war, and battle a vicious Chilean gang—all while her life is being turned into a fictional cop show directed by her estranged father. Eve’s grip on reality and the case is strained to the breaking point as the slayings continue, the media frenzy reaches a fever pitch, and the only inescapable truth she can see is death…and it’s coming for her.Trade Review“Old bones, paparazzi, rappers, sex tapes, the whole nine yards—topped off with a surprisingly Big Reveal.” —Kirkus Reviews “Fans of fast-paced police procedurals will enjoy Goldberg’s trademark humor and his insight into the entertainment world in his latest Eve Ronin novel (following Movieland).” —Library Journal (starred review) “Lee Goldberg consistently writes entertaining and engaging stories with relatable characters and plots that feel recognizable, yet fresh. Dream Town is the perfect continuation of the Eve Ronin series—an equal mix of Hollywood theatrics, personal/family drama, criminal mayhem and investigative prowess.” —Steve Netter, Best Thriller Books Praise for Lee Goldberg “Goldberg has created a terrific character in Eve Ronin, and he knows how to write a fast-paced thriller mixed with humor and inside jokes with no fluff.” —FirstCLUE Malibu Burning “Malibu Burning is a blistering thrill ride full of Southern California thieves, cops, and firefighters, all facing high stakes and imminent danger. Superbly researched and told, fast-paced, and downright fun, this is Lee Goldberg at his best!” —Mark Greaney, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Gray Man series “By turns tense and rambunctious, wildly entertaining, and breakneck-paced, Lee Goldberg’s splendid Malibu Burning is pure storytelling pleasure from beginning to end.” —Megan Abbott, Edgar Award–, Anthony Award–, Thriller Award–, and Los Angeles Times Book Prize–winning author of The Turnout “Malibu Burning is classic Lee Goldberg at the top of his game: a fast-paced, funny, and deeply satisfying page-turner.” —Jess Lourey, Amazon Charts bestselling author of The Quarry Girls “An inventive, twisty, and funny caper from one of crime writing’s true pros. Elmore Leonard and Donald Westlake would’ve loved this wild heist.” —Ace Atkins, New York Times bestselling author of Robert B. Parker’s Bye Bye Baby and The Heathens “This is a book I couldn’t put down. Lee Goldberg is a master when it comes to building tension and writing heart-pounding action scenes. Malibu Burning is a roundhouse kick of a thriller, a true nail-biting race against time.” —Simon Gervais, former RCMP counterterrorism officer and author of The Last Protector and Robert Ludlum’s The Blackbriar Genesis Movieland “Goldberg’s compelling follow-up to Gated Prey is a fast-paced, riveting police procedural influenced by actual events in California. A character-driven series entry that skillfully depicts Hollywood corruption.” —Library Journal (starred review) “The fourth book in Lee Goldberg’s series is his most ambitious and best realized yet…Movieland is crime writing of the highest order. Goldberg’s style touches on both Michael Connelly and Robert Crais, in whose company he now squarely belongs.” —The Providence Journal “Movieland, Lee Goldberg’s fourth novel featuring Ronin, is every bit as good as the first three. The characters, including victims, suspects, and an assortment of lazy, hardworking, honest, and corrupt cops, are quirky and well developed. The depiction of police procedures feels authentic. The writing is vivid and precise. And with startling twists around every corner, the suspenseful tale unfolds at a furious pace.” —Associated Press “Lee is fantastic at combining clever plotting, humor, and thrills in his stories.” —Boyd Morrison, #1 New York Times bestselling author “LA noir is real; so is Malibu noir, and no one does it better than Lee Goldberg.” —Luanne Rice, New York Times bestselling author “Finished this on the plane home. Typically classy police procedural from Lee Goldberg—giving Michael Connelly a run for his money.” —Ian Rankin Gated Prey “The seamy side of California dreaming…Goldberg not only ties up…but links some of Eve’s investigations in ways as disturbing as they are surprising.” —Kirkus Reviews “Lively descriptive prose enhances the tight plot of this episodic crime novel, which reads like a TV show in narrative form. Columbo fans will have fun.” —Publishers Weekly “A great series…Eve Ronin continues to dazzle and show her gritty side as she progresses in the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department.” —Mystery and Suspense Magazine “Goldberg finds the perfect balance of treachery and resolve in the strong female character of Eve Ronin. She is a force to be reckoned with that all criminals will hate to come face-to-face with and one that is deserving of the big screen.” —Chris Miller, Best Thriller Books “Violent crimes and desperate criminals and homicide detectives, oh my! Lee Goldberg delivers an intriguing, fast-paced, satisfying novel in Gated Prey.” —Steve Netter, Best Thriller Books “This is going to be a must-read series for me year after year. Eve is such a badass character who will stop at nothing to see that justice is done.” —Todd Wilkins, Best Thriller Books “Another suspenseful, fast-paced yarn with engaging characters.” —Associated Press “I whipped my head back and forth reading Gated Prey. So twisty, so funny, and so LA—a few of my favorite things. After zooming through these pages, I’ll ride shotgun with Lee any day!” —Rachel Howzell Hall, bestselling author of And Now She’s Gone Bone Canyon A Mystery and Suspense Magazine 2021 Best Book of the Year Selection “Goldberg follows Lost Hills with a riveting, intense story. Readers of Karin Slaughter or Michael Connelly will want to try this.” —Library Journal (starred review) “Goldberg knows how to keep the pages turning.” —Publishers Weekly “Lee Goldberg puts the pro in police procedural. Bone Canyon is fresh, sharp, and absorbing. Give me more Eve Ronin, ASAP.” —Meg Gardiner, international bestselling author “Wow—what a novel! It is wonderful in so many ways. I could not put it down. Bone Canyon is wrenching and harrowing, full of wicked twists. Lee Goldberg captures the magic and danger of the Santa Monica Mountains and the predators who prowl them. Detective Eve Ronin takes on forgotten victims, fights for them, and nearly loses everything in the process. She’s a riveting character, and I can’t wait for her next case.” —Luanne Rice, New York Times bestselling author “Bone Canyon is a propulsive procedural that provides high thrills in difficult terrain, grappling thoughtfully with sexual violence and police corruption, as well as the minefield of politics and media in Hollywood and suburban Los Angeles. Eve Ronin is a fantastic series lead—stubborn and driven, working twice as hard as her colleagues both to prove her worth and to deliver justice for the dead.” —Steph Cha, author of Your House Will Pay Lost Hills “A cop novel so good it makes much of the old guard read like they’re going through the motions until they can retire…The real appeal here is Goldberg’s lean prose, which imbues just-the-facts procedure with remarkable tension and cranks up to a stunning description of a fire that was like ‘Christmas in hell.’” —Booklist “An energetic, resourceful procedural starring a heroine who deserves a series of her own.” —Kirkus Reviews “This nimble, sure-footed series launch from bestseller Goldberg…builds to a thrilling, visually striking climax. Readers will cheer Ronin every step of the way.” —Publishers Weekly “The first book in what promises to be a superb series—it’s also that rare novel in which the formulaic elements of mainstream police procedurals share narrative space with a unique female protagonist. All that, and it’s also a love letter to the chaos and diversity of California. There are a lot of series out there, but Eve Ronin and Goldberg’s fast-paced prose should put this one on the radar of every crime-fiction fan.” —National Public Radio “This sterling thriller is carved straight out of the world of Harlan Coben and Lisa Gardner…Lost Hills is a book to be found and savored.” —BookTrib “Lost Hills is Lee Goldberg at his best. Inspired by the real-world grit and glitz of LA County crime, this book takes no prisoners. And neither does Eve Ronin. Take a ride with her and you’ll find yourself with a heroine for the ages. And you’ll be left hoping for more.” —Michael Connelly, #1 New York Times bestselling author “Lost Hills is what you get when you polish the police procedural to a shine: a gripping premise, a great twist, fresh spins and knowing winks to the genre conventions, and all the smart, snappy ease of an expert at work.” —Tana French, New York Times bestselling author “Thrills and chills! Lost Hills is the perfect combination of action and suspense, not to mention Eve Ronin is one of the best new female characters in ages. You will race through the pages!” —Lisa Gardner, #1 New York Times bestselling author “Twenty-four-karat Goldberg—a top-notch procedural that shines like a true gem.” —Craig Johnson, New York Times bestselling author of the Longmire series “A winner. Packed with procedure, forensics, vivid descriptions, and the right amount of humor. Fervent fans of Connelly and Crais, this is your next read.” —Kendra Elliot, Wall Street Journal and Amazon Charts bestselling author “Brilliant! Eve Ronin rocks! With a baffling and brutal case, tight plotting, and a fascinating look at police procedure, Lost Hills is a stunning start to a new detective series. A must-read for crime-fiction fans.” —Melinda Leigh, Wall Street Journal and #1 Amazon Charts bestselling author “A tense, pacy read from one of America’s greatest crime and thriller writers.” —Garry Disher, international bestselling author and Ned Kelly Award winner

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisMurder always sells. But when a series of dark and puzzling crimes takes place in seventeenth-century London, will printer''s apprentice Lucy Campion be publishing the news - or starring in it?London, 1667. Printer''s apprentice Lucy Campion is unsettled when, on a frozen December morning after church, an elderly woman dressed in mourning clothes whispers an ominous warning in her ear.Lucy sternly tells herself it''s nonsense, but then her much-loved former master, Magistrate Hargrave, is viciously attacked with a brass hourglass during a break-in. But what exactly was the intruder searching for? And why did they first stop to steal a piece of Cook''s lamb and lentil pie?The puzzling case is just the start of a series of dark, bizarre crimes. Lucy''s determined to uncover the truth and see that justice is done. But someone is equally determined to stop her - whatever it takes.This page-turning historical mystery set in Renaissance London is a great choice for readers who like their heroines lively, their mysteries twisty and their historical settings brimming with authenticity.

Read more less

Book SynopsisNOW THE MAJOR BBC FOUR SCANDI-CRIME DRAMA The silent, snow-covered streets of Oslo are a perfect scene of Christmas tranquillity. But as the bells toll for the last Sunday of Advent, a boy's ­body washes up near the shoreline of the city's Aker Bridge. His corpse is unrecognisable. Nobody has bothered to report him missing. One week later Eva Karin Lysgaard, the bishop of Bergen, is found stabbed to death on a deserted street. Eva is a popular public figure, a sixty-two year-old grandmother: why was she on a lone errand in the deserted city, on the night before Christmas? Johanne Vik, criminal researcher and police profiler, is called in to untangle the motivation behind the bishop's murder. But with her husband at the head of this increasingly high-profile investigation, Vik's association with the case is under intense scrutiny. And why does Lysgaard's shocking death lead her towards the sad death of an unknown boy?Trade ReviewAnne Holt reveals how truly dark it gets in Scandinavia * Val McDermid *Lively, unusual and persuasive. Holt writes with the command we have come to expect from the top Scandinavian writers * The Times *It's easy to see why Anne Holt, the former minister of justice in Norway and its bestselling female crime writer, is rapturously received in the rest of Europe. * Guardian *Step aside, Stieg Larsson, Holt is the queen of Scandinavian crime thrillers. * Red Magazine *Anne Holt is a thriller writer of the highest order -- Liza MarklundSleek... picturesque... psychological... frightening... I'm hooked: Financial TimesA handsome Swedish crime drama: ObserverPatiently paced and stylish to look at: Daily Mail -- Reviews for BBC4's MODUS production

Read more less

Book Synopsis'An excellent read! So original and clever that I was completely absorbed in the story. Gripping, tense and twisty with an unexpected ending. Phenomenal.' Claire Douglas, bestselling author of Local Girl Missing and Last Seen AliveWhen Laura wakes up after her office drinks party and sees a man’s shirt on her bedroom floor, she is horrified. But this is no ordinary one-night-stand regret.Laura suffers from severe face-blindness, a condition that means she is completely unable to identify and remember faces. So the man she spent all night dancing with and kissing – the man she thought she’d brought home – was ‘Pink Shirt’.But the shirt on her floor is blue.And now Laura must go to work every day, and face the man who took advantage of her condition. The man she has no way of recognising.She doesn’t know who he is . . . but when she finds him she’ll make him pay.***** 'A clever 'who dunnit' with a twist that almost made me miss my flight.' Jane Corry, bestselling author of My Husband's Wife and The Dead Ex'A terrifying and disorienting thriller that will leave you questioning everyone and everything right to the very last page. It's so good that I had to put everything on hold just to finish it.' Nuala Ellwood, acclaimed author of My Sister's Bones'When I Find You is a winner. It leads you down blind alleys and in to disorienting situations - I absolutely raced to the end.' T. A. Cotterell, acclaimed author of What Alice KnewTrade ReviewAn excellent read! So original and clever that I was completely absorbed in the story. Gripping, tense and twisty with an unexpected ending. Phenomenal. * Claire Douglas, author of LOCAL GIRL MISSING and LAST SEEN ALIVE *A clever 'who dunnit' with a twist that almost made me miss my flight. * Jane Corry, bestselling author of MY HUSBAND'S WIFE and BLOOD SISTERS *A terrifying and disorienting thriller that will leave you questioning everyone and everything right to the very last page. It's so good I had to put everything on hold just to finish it. * Nuala Ellwood, author of MY SISTER'S BONES *When I Find You is a winner. It leads you down blind alleys and in to disorienting situations - I absolutely raced to the end. * T. A. Cotterell, acclaimed author of WHAT ALICE KNEW *A compelling, twisty read that kept me turning the pages late into the night, without ever managing to second guess what was coming next. * Kerry Fisher, author of THE SILENT WIFE *Very clever! Kept me up the entire night . . . Total curve ball. * Cari Rosen *Absorbing. Mesmerizing. Thought provoking. I was totally engrossed in this novel. * Amanda Robson, author of OBSESSION and GUILT *

Read more less

Book SynopsisSometimes to catch a killer you have to become the prey.'A satisfying and pacey thriller from a talented author' J M Dalgliesh, author of ONE LOST SOUL___________________________________**THE THIRD DR BLOOM THRILLER**___________________________________The Foreign Secretary is being held under the Terrorism Act. He will answer the police's questions on one condition - they let him speak to Dr Augusta Bloom.He asks Bloom to track down his niece, Scarlett, who hasn't spoken to her family for ten years. The last they heard, Scarlett was getting involved with Artemis - an organisation dedicated to women's rights and the feminist movement, led by the charismatic Paula Kunis.But as Bloom learns more about Artemis, she's torn. Is this organisation everything it claims to be, or do they have a secret side and an alternative agenda? And if so, what has become of Scarlett?The only way to find out for sure is for Bloom to go undercover. But will she make it out safely - or will she become the next Artemis woman to disappear?*****READERS LOVE DR BLOOM'S LATEST INVESTIGATION:'Jam packed with excitement and twists around every corner' *****'Once again Leona Deakin has hit the ball out of the park' *****'What a gripping book, so many brilliant twists and turns' *****'This book is unlike any other crime/mystery novel that I have ever read' *****'A really intense and gripping read' *****'Well written and a real page-turner' *****'I was completely riveted by this book' *****Trade ReviewA well-crafted tale from a talented author, weaving strong characters and curious personalities together into a satisfying and pacey thriller. * J M Dalgliesh, Kindle bestselling author of ONE LOST SOUL *

Read more less

Book SynopsisA beautiful model's death uncovers an ugly conspiracy stretching all the way to Westminster in Rosie Gilmour's darkest case to date.When Scots supermodel Bella Mason plunges to her death from the roof of a glitzy Madrid hotel, everyone assumes it was suicide. Except that one person saw exactly what happened to Bella that night, and she definitely didn't jump. But Millie Chambers has no one she can tell - an alcoholic and now sectioned by her bullying politician husband, who would believe her? And that's not all Millie knows. Being close to the heart of Westminster power can lead to discovering some awful secrets...Back in Glasgow, Rosie's research into Bella's life leads to her brother. Dan is now a homeless heroin addict, but what he reveals about Bella's early life is electrifying: organised sexual abuse in care homes across Glasgow. Bella had tracked him down so that they could tell the world their story. And now she's dead.As Rosie's drive to expose the truth leads her closer to Millie and the shameful secrets she has kept for so many years, it becomes clear that what she's about to discover could prove fatal: a web of sexual abuse linking powerful figures across the nation, and the rot at the very heart of the British Establishment...'Provocative, shocking and utterly harrowing . . . grips like a vice' Daily RecordTrade ReviewThrilling and compelling * Kimberley Chambers *Rosie Gilmour is a captivating character who drags the reader along at breakneck speed * Sunday Express *Provocative, shocking and utterly harrowing . . . grips like a vice * Daily Record *Another superb outing for Rosie Gilmour . . . a real nail-biter * Eurocrime *Another thrilling rollercoaster read * Book Addict Shaun *

Read more less

Book SynopsisRosie Gilmour is hot on the trail of a ring of baby-sellers and people-traffickers. The problem is, her main suspect is a dead man. Or is he?A money-laundering accountant disappears in Romania. The hitman hired to disappear him is found dead in a Glasgow flat. And the owner of the flat, the accountant's widow, claims she knows nothing about it.Crime reporter Rosie Gilmour isn't convinced by Helen Lewis's innocent facade - she is convinced Helen was the one who ordered the hit on her husband, and she's going to prove it. But when she discovers that Helen's husband worked for a ring of gangsters selling babies from Romanian orphanages, her focus shifts. Now she has two sets of criminals to bring to justice - she'd better pray they don't catch up with her first.'Plenty of action, chills and thrills [with a] quite enchanting finale' Crime ReviewTrade ReviewChilling and compelling * Kimberley Chambers *Anna Smith is the real deal . . . Rosie Gilmour is a captivating character who drags the reader along at breakneck speed * Daily Express *Smith develops this multi-stranded story at a furious pace, with no spare words and no fillers . . . But it is the author's journalistic ability, her eye for observing and recording even the most horrific or depressing detail that makes this such a great read * Crime Review *

Read more less

Book SynopsisA suspenseful, surprising thriller for readers of THE COUPLE AT NO 9 and OUR HOUSE, about a woman who needs to solve the mystery of her husband's death... before it's too late'Twisty, dark and hugely gripping' - Sunday Times bestselling author Karen Hamilton'Impossible to predict with clever twists and gripping turns' - bestselling author Nicola Moriarty 'Had me hanging on every twist and turn' - Richard and Judy bestselling author Gytha LodgeSORRYThe only word scribbled on a note from Beth's husband before he disappeared.The police believe that Oscar took his own life and this last apology was his way of saying goodbye to his wife. But Beth knows there is more to the story. As disturbing secrets about his life emerge, and the lies of those closest to her begin to unravel, she realises she never really knew her husband at all.She wants to know what he was sorry for, and she's going to find out... but someone doesn't want her to discover the truth.And they'll do anything to stop her.What His Wife Knew is a gripping suspense which is not what it first seems. It is a tale of revenge and betrayal but also of family and loyalty, with a final showdown you won't easily forget.*PRAISE FOR JO JAKEMAN*'Revenge is a dish served with lashings of relish in this vivid suspense novel, as three women fight back against an abusive partner. I cheered them on to the bloody end.' - LOUISE CANDLISH, bestselling author of OUR HOUSE 'A cracking book. Darkly funny, yet also touching and emotive. Plus, full of suspense and twists. Buy it!' - C J TUDOR, author of THE CHALK MAN 'This is a cracker of a thriller...you will absolutely be up way past your bedtime' - JOANNA CANNON'I loved Sticks and Stones. A gripping story, sensitively told but also really funny: no mean feat given the subject matter!' - LAURA MARSHALL, bestselling author of Friend Request'I raced through this dark, tightly-plotted and satisfying thriller. Loved it!' - Roz Watkins, author of CWA Dagger shortlisted The Devil's Dice Trade ReviewI raced through this dark, tightly-plotted and satisfying thriller. Loved it! * Roz Watkins, author of The Devil's Dice *Taut, compelling, authentic, and with a superb crescendo of an ending. With its flawed but strong and relatable female characters, the book is a true page-turner. I loved the last line, which for me summed up the author's talent in cleverly mixing emotion with just the right amount of dark humour throughout. A great read. Loved it. * J.A. Corrigan *'A totally engaging, brilliantly characterised read that had me hanging on every twist and turn. An absolute 5* cracker of a book' * Gytha Lodge *Twisty, dark and hugely gripping * Karen Hamilton *Cleverly written, page-turning psychological thriller with an intriguing plot and excellent characterisation * Jenny Quintana *

Read more less

Book Synopsis‘A treat for anyone looking for an antidote to the usual saccharine Christmas fayre.’ NB magazine From the twice CWA Dagger shortlisted author of The Twelve Strange Days of Christmas come twelve thirteen stories to transport you to the macabre world of inexplicable phenomena. As dark winter nights draw in, prepare to lose yourself in the world of the peculiar. With a tale for each day of the festive period and an unlucky thirteenth, Christmas is not the only spirit in these pages. ’Tis the season for sacrificial feasts, cultish communities and sinister rituals. So wrap up warm and get ready to be terrified and delighted as you journey from the spooky to the downright strange.Trade Review‘A treat for anyone looking for an antidote to the usual saccharine Christmas fayre...inventive and original and very entertaining.’ -- NB magazine‘A quick escape from the stresses of Christmas day!’ -- Crime Review‘Starting off strongly with [Moore’s] own irresistible take on the Seven Dwarfs… all featuring some element of the macabre or paranormal and infused with a robust sense of humour… they definitely suit the long, shadowy winter evenings, and it’s a fun collection if you like to get a little spooked but not entirely grossed-out.’ -- Herald‘An indulgence for dark winter nights… transformed folk tales, folk horror… classic ghost stories, tales of supernatural revenge… a gorgeous collection.’ -- Blue Book Balloon blog Praise for The Twelve Strange Days of Christmas: ‘Spooky and sassy.’ Sunday Times Crime Club ‘From a master of the macabre comes a wonderfully weird collection of uncanny tales for the festive season...the ideal gruesome response to all that Christmas schmaltz and sentiment.’ Waterstones Bookseller Favourite

Read more less

Book SynopsisDr John Watson and consulting detective, Sherlock Holmes have a secret. In order to pursue their passion for solving crime, these women don male disguises and crack cases that have Scotland Yard running in circles. But life isn''t easy when you''re leading running a facade. How does one find the truth when you''re lying yourself? With the lines between them becoming blurred - how do you know when the disguise ends and the person begins? Follow the recorded tales of Dr Watson herself as she navigates life with the enigmatic Sherlock Holmes. And discover the truth behind their unique bond as they uncover the necessity of each other.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe chilling break out thriller, perfect for fans of Cara Hunter, Fiona Barton and Gillian Flynn. How far would you go to get what you want? Amie Slade's sexual assault feels too close to home for DS Ronnie Delmar. Forced to face the demons of her past, she vows to protect the family at all costs.But everyone's got a secret in this leafy suburb and when a child goes missing and a woman's body is found, it becomes clear that this perfect family hide a sinister reality.Someone here will stop at nothing to win, but can Ronnie beat them to it?

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 SynopsisWhen faced with superstitious townsfolk, she must keep her head to find a killer. When Macdara’s cousin Jane frantically calls for his help, Siobhán is at his side. The two garda rush from Kilbane to the rural village where Jane and her mother have recently moved. They find Jane, who is blind, outside the cottage, in a state. Inside, Aunt Ellen lies on her bed in a fancy red dress, dead. A pillow on the floor and a nearby teacup suggest the mode of death to their trained eyes: the woman has been poisoned and smothered.Devout believers in Irish folklore, the villagers insist the cottage is cursed—built on a fairy path. It turns out Ellen Delaney was not the first to die mysteriously in this cottage. Although the townsfolk blame malevolent fairies, Siobhán and Macdara must follow the path of a murderer all too human—but just as evil...A charming Irish cosy mystery, perfect for fans of Clare Chase and Margaret Mayhew.

Read more less

Book SynopsisOn the night Odie May and her married lover are due to celebrate him leaving his wife, Odie goes out to buy a bottle of his favourite wine and, on her way home, is murdered by a woman in a lime green coat. But Odie’s story does not end there… Next, she finds herself in a waiting room with a man who introduces himself as Carl Draper and who tells her he is her Initial Contact. He is carrying a clipboard and invites her into an interview room. Over the course of her interview, Carl guides Odie back through the years, asking her about the significant others in her life in a quest to work out what she’s done wrong, who might have murdered her and why. As Odie comes to realise the truth about herself, the life she’s led and her death, she's given a choice: Carl can put her back to the moment before she was murdered and prevent it from happening, but this comes at a price Odie doesn't know if she can pay and, as she decides, she not only begins to understand what she has to do to become the person she should have been all along, but who is her most significant significant other.

Read more less