Crime and mystery: women sleuths / detectives

Book SynopsisEllen Curtis is about to have her own life thrown into chaos in this third light-hearted decluttering mystery!Brett layers the old-fashioned puzzle with deep psychological insights . . . Not to be missed Booklist Starred ReviewDeclutterer Ellen Curtis has been working to bring order into the life of Cedric Waites, a recluse in his eighties who hasn''t left his house or let anyone inside it since his wife died. On one of her regular visits, Ellen finds the old man dead.Sad but, given his age, perhaps not unexpected. Nothing to get worked up about . . . until the police raise the suspicion that Cedric might have been poisoned! The cause seems be something he ate, and as Ellen cleared away the old man''s food containers, she is under suspicion. As is Dodge, who works for Ellen and has unhelpfully done a runner . . .Meanwhile, a rival declutterer is out to sabotage Ellen''s reputable business, her two grown-up children a

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Book SynopsisA baby abandoned in the palace gardens leads scribe sleuth Christine de Pizan into a mystery involving murder, superstition and scandal in fourteenth-century France.Paris, 1396. Scribe Christine de Pizan is shocked when the Duke of Orléans'' fools find a baby, wrapped in rags and covered in sores, abandoned in the palace gardens. Was there really a wicked plan to substitute the child for the queen''s own baby daughter and blame the Duchess of Orléans, Valentina Visconti? Who would commit such an evil act, and why?Accused of being a sorceress, Valentina is the victim of much slander and has powerful enemies at the palace, where rumours of witchcraft and superstition run riot. Convinced of the duchess''s innocence, Christine is determined to uncover the truth, and soon makes a number of disturbing discoveries. Could the palace fools be the key to unlocking the mystery?

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Book SynopsisRestaurateur Sally Solari has a nose for trouble, but when her sense of smell goes missing, it''s not just her career on the line . . . it''s her life.Restaurateur Sally Solari is a champion, both in the kitchen and on the case, but after getting mixed up in one too many murders, she''s noticed her nonna''s friends have now taken to crossing themselves when they see her in the street. Adding to her woes, a sinus infection has knocked out her sense of smell, making cooking on the hot line difficult, indeed. Nevertheless, Sally is determined to stay out of trouble and focus on her work. But then her old acquaintance Neil Lerici is murdered at the annual Santa Cruz Artichoke Cook-Off, and her powers of investigation are called into action once more. Could Neil have been killed by the local restaurant owner who took his winning spot at the competition? Or maybe by one of his siblings, who were desperate to sell the family farm to a real

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Book SynopsisAn elderly mother with dementia - and dark secrets.A daughter who''s desperate to know the truth - no matter what.Get hooked by this thrilling, slow-burn novel of domestic suspense from critically acclaimed mystery author C Michele Dorsey.Engrossing . . . This solid psychological suspense novel should appeal to Lisa Unger fans - Publishers WeeklyDorsey escalates the tension masterfully - Kirkus Reviews Ever since Olivia and her mother fled their home, back when she was just a child, Olivia''s lived with her mother''s secrets and mantras. Don''t stand out. Don''t make friends. And most important of all: Don''t ask questions.Olivia is now a twenty-nine-year-old law student. She lives in Boston in a beautiful home with the perfect husband. It''s a good life. But she''s always longed to know more about her family history, and now her beloved mother has dementia, she knows

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Book SynopsisAllotment wars! Lord Bellington, Carsely''s biggest landholder, has enraged locals by saying he is going to sell off their allotments to make way for a new housing development. So when he turns up dead, poisoned by antifreeze, nobody mourns his passing.On another fine summer''s day Agatha visits Carsley''s allotments where everything looks peaceful and perfect: people of all ages digging in the soil and working hard to grow their own fruit and veg. Agatha feels almost tempted to take on a strip herself . . . but common sense soon prevails. She doesn''t really like getting her hands dirty.She is introduced to three oldtimers who have just taken over a new strip; Harry Perry, Bunty Daventry and Josephine Merriweather are lamenting the neglected condition of the patch. But as Harry starts to shovel through the weeds and grass his spade comes across something hard so he bends down and tries to move the object. And then he starts to yell Trade ReviewThe detective novels of M C Beaton, a master of outrageous black comedy, have reached cult status * The Times *Agatha is like Miss Marple with a drinking problem, a pack-a-day habit and major man lust. In fact, I think she could be living my dream life. * Entertainment Weekly *Another winner for M.C. Beaton fans. * My Weekly *Sharp, witty, hugely intelligent, unfailingly entertaining, delightfully intolerant and oh so magnificently non-PC, M.C. Beaton has created a national treasure -- Anne RobinsonM.C. Beaton's imperfect heroine is an absolute gem * Publishers Weekly *The Miss Marple-like Raisin is a refreshing, sensible, wonderfully eccentric, thoroughly likeable heroine * Booklist *

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Book SynopsisLove, like hell, is a four-letter word for Agatha . . . No happily ever after for her! Recently married to neighbour James Lacey, Agatha quickly finds that love is not all it''s cracked up to be - soon the newly-weds are living in separate cottages and accusing each other of infidelity. Then, after a fight down the local pub, James vanishes - a bloodstain the only clue to his fate. Naturally, Agatha is Suspect Number One. Determined to clear her name - and find her husband - Agatha begins her investigation and promptly discovers a murdered mistress . . .Praise for the Agatha Raisin series:''Sharp, witty, hugely intelligent, unfailingly entertaining, delightfully intolerant and oh so magnificently non-PC, M.C. Beaton has created a national treasure'' Anne Robinson''M.C. Beaton''s imperfect heroine is an absolute gem'' Publishers Weekly''The Miss Marple-like Raisin is a refreshing, sensible, wonderfully eccentric, thorouTrade Review‘The detective novels of M C Beaton, a master of outrageous black comedy, have reached cult status.’ -- Anne Robinson * The Times *Agatha is like Miss Marple with a drinking problem, a pack-a-day habit and major man lust. In fact, I think she could be living my dream life. * Entertainment Weekly *

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Book Synopsisfont size=+1>''Animal lovers will delight'' Ann Granger''A real treat . . . I loved it. Cats, dogs, murder and a credible and relatable heroine'' Barbara NadelSummer in the Lincolnshire Wolds and Clarice is rung by her friend Louise, asking whether she can look after Susie, her son''s lively Boxer, as 41-year-old Guy has gone missing from the family home. His mother thinks he has been suffering from depression but more worryingly, in his professional life, he had been working on a high-profile case, defending a known criminal. His home life was beset with problems too, which is why his mother has asked Clarice to look after the dog; Charlotte, Guy''s wife, just can''t cope with her as well as their three daughters.Getting drawn into the puzzle of Guy''s disappearance, Clarice wonders how Susie received a nasty cut to her back leg, and who is the mysterious Charles? Guy apparently did not trust him enough to

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Book Synopsis ''Quirky and colourful'' Times Crime Club''An absolute delight'' L C Tyler''This intriguing but charming murder mystery is packed with psychological depth and wonderfully-drawn characters'' Eleanor Ray''A cast of colourful characters decorate this cosy Siberian crime'' The Sun Winter has come early to the tiny Siberian village of Roslazny, but for Olga Pushkin, aspiring writer and Railway Engineer (Second Class), it only makes leaving the harder. Olga is being forced overseas by her jealous superior, and now faces two years in exile from her beloved rail-side hut, her white-breasted hedgehog Dmitri, and Vassily Marushkin, sergeant-in-charge at the tiny Roslazny police station.Fate seems to intervene when Olga''s train crashes outside Roslazny, shutting the line and killing two on board - local celebrity Danyl Petrovich and his wife, Anoushka. But Vassily Marushkin soon discovers that the Trans-Siberi

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Book Synopsis''A great yarn - Shrager knows her food and she''s cooked up a storm. . . Rosie can write and Prudence Bulstrode is here to stay.'' Miriam Margolyes''Think bolshy Mrs Beeton meets Miss Marple, our rambunctious heroine, Prudence, hilariously stomps her way through a riotous and unpredictable plot. Witty, warm and so enjoyable'' Jo Brand ''A Golden Age classic for the modern era - Rosemary Shrager has come up with a recipe to die for'' Anton Du Beke ''True to form, this recipe is a real killer!'' Alan TitchmarshThe irresistible debut novel from celebrity TV chef Rosemary Shrager where cosy crime and cookery collide!When an old television rival, Deirdre Shaw, is found dead at the Cotswolds manor house where she was catering for a prestigious shooting weekend, Prudence is asked to step into the breach. Prudence is only too happy to take up the position and soon she is working in the kitchens of Farleigh Manor.<

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Book Synopsis''A perfect example of what cosy crime should be like - drama, mystery and intrigue'' Ginger Book GeekThe second in the page-turning cosy crime series from Glenda Young, this unputdownable whodunnit is perfect for fans of Julia Chapman''s Dales Detective Agency, Richard Osman''s The Thursday Murder Club, Betty Rowlands and Helen Cox.Readers say FIVE STARS!''I really do love this series. It is light, easy to read and a perfect cosy crime series. I highly recommend''''Wow I love this author. This book did not disappoint loved all the characters and how the author brought them to life. I enjoyed it so much I finished it within 24hrs''''A wholly entertaining mystery set . . . A fun plot and plenty of wry humour completes the package''''I really can''t wait for more seaside adventures!''................................................In the charming Yorkshire seaside town of Scarborough, the stage is set for murTrade ReviewIn the world of historical saga writers, there's a brand new voice * My Weekly *I really enjoyed Glenda's novel. It's well researched and well written and I found myself caring about her characters -- Rosie GoodwinWill resonate with saga readers everywhere...a wonderful, uplifting story -- Nancy RevellAll the ingredients for a perfect saga and I loved Meg; she's such a strong and believable character. A fantastic debut -- Emma HornbyGlenda has an exceptionally keen eye for domestic detail which brings this local community to vivid, colourful life and Meg is a likeable, loving heroine for whom the reader roots from start to finish -- Jenny HolmesI found it difficult to believe that this was a debut novel, as "brilliant" was the word in my mind when I reached the end. I enjoyed it enormously, being totally absorbed from the first page. I found it extremely well written, and having always loved sagas, one of the best I've read -- Margaret Kaine

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Book Synopsis''A rising star of Australian crime fiction '' SUNDAY TIMES''Gripping'' GUARDIANS. R. White is the real deal.'' CHRIS HAMMER, author of SCRUBLANDSOne outback town. Two puzzling murders. Fifty suspects.In Unamurra, a drought-scarred, one-pub town deep in the outback, two men are savagely murdered a month apart - their bodies elaborately arranged like angels.With no witnesses, no obvious motives and no apparent connections between the killings, how can lone police officer Detective Dana Russo - flown in from hundreds of kilometres away - possibly solve such a baffling, brutal case?Met with silence and suspicion from locals who live by their own set of rules, Dana must take over a stalled investigation with only a week to make progress.But with a murderer hiding in plain sight, and the parched days rapidly passing, Dana is determined to uncover the shocking secrets of this forgotten town - a place wheTrade ReviewPRAISE FOR S. R. WHITE:A rising star of Australian crime fiction * SUNDAY TIMES *S. R. White is the real deal -- CHRIS HAMMER, author of SCRUBLANDSA taut, beautifully observed slow-burner with an explosive finish -- PETER MAYIt draws you in - and rewards with a truly powerful ending * HEAT *The denouement hits like a knockout punch * WEEKEND AUSTRALIAN *This slow-burn novel catches light * THE SUN *

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Book SynopsisA priceless manuscript. A missing scholar. A trail of riddles.Bombay, 1950For over a century, one of the world's great treasures, a six-hundred-year-old copy of Dante's The Divine Comedy, has been safely housed at Bombay's Asiatic Society. But when it vanishes, together with the man charged with its care, British scholar and war hero, John Healy, the case lands on Inspector Persis Wadia's desk.Uncovering a series of complex riddles written in verse, Persis - together with English forensic scientist Archie Blackfinch - is soon on the trail. But then they discover the first body.As the death toll mounts it becomes evident that someone else is also pursuing this priceless artefact and will stop at nothing to possess it . . .Harking back to an era of darkness, this second thriller in the Malabar House series pits Persis, once again, against her peers, a changing India, and an evil of limitless intent.Gripping, immersive, and full of Vaseem Khan's trademark wit, this is historical fiction at its finest.Trade ReviewThis is a crime novel for everyone; for those who love traditional mysteries there are clues, codes and ciphers, but it also had a harder edge and a post-war darkness. A brilliant second outing for Persis Wadia * Ann Cleeves *The Da Vinci Code meets post-Independence India. I'd be surprised if I read a better book this year * M.W. Craven *Persis is brave, admirable, complicated and maddening, and is one of the few superlative and original characters emerging from modern literature * On-Magazine *As this charming series continues, readers will be cheering [Persis's] successes * SHOTS *A thoroughly enjoyable yarn, complete with atmospheric setting, intricate puzzle-solving and much derring-do * Mail on Sunday *The second in this excellent series . . . a delicious treat of a historical crime novel * The Observer *Early indications are that Vaseem Khan has struck gold by setting detective novels in 1950s Bombay. And that is why this is a gem of a novel * The Eastern Eye *A wonderful, pacy, literary mystery * Steve Cavanagh *A hugely entertaining, devilishly clever and immersive murder mystery * Antonia Hodgson *Vaseem Khan is at the height of his powers in The Dying Day . . . First-rate story telling from a first-rate writer * Daily Express Books of the Year, chosen by Imran Mahmood *Reminiscent of some of the classics of crime fiction * Crime Review *

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Book Synopsis***The Sunday Times Crime Club Star Pick***'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'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 ReviewSaturnalia, the Romans' mid-December feast, nominally to celebrate the sun's rebirth but invariably a drunken riot. Flavia Albia needs a case to investigate, but all work is paused. The Aventine is full of fracturing families. Wives plot to leave their husbands, husbands plot to spend more time with their mistresses. Masters must endure slaves taking obscene liberties, while aggressive slaves are learning to ape dangerous masters. But no one wants to hire an investigator during the holiday. Albia is lumped with her own domestic stress: overexcited children and bilious guests, too many practical jokes, and her magistrate husband Tiberius preoccupied with local strife. He fears a Nut War. Nuts are both the snack and missile of choice of tipsy celebrants, so there is a fortune to be made. This year a hustling gang from the past is horning in on the action.As the deadly menace strikes even close to home, and with law and order paused for partying, Albia and Tiberius must go it alone. The Emperor has promised the people a spectacular entertainment - but Domitian himself is a target for the old criminals' new schemes. Can the Undying Sun survive the winter solstice, or will criminal darkness descend upon Rome?Praise for Lindsey Davis and the Flavia Albia series'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 Magazine'Davis does her usual brilliant job of integrating the history of the period, warts and all, with a fast-paced and fair whodunit' Publishers WeeklyTrade Reviewa riotous mystery set in AD89 * The Sunday Times Crime Club *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 *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 *

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Book Synopsis'Cosy, unique, atmospheric' Woman'Brilliantly funny and charming' Northern LifeWhen a violent murder shatters the otherwise peaceful idyll of Andaby near Hebden Bridge, DS Charlotte Banks can't help but suspect that her brother Ewan - recently released from prison and now living in Calderdale - is behind it. Ewan claims he's innocent, and even has an alibi to prove it, but DS Banks isn't convinced. So much so that she turns to the only people who can help her in an investigation this personal: Kitt Hartley and Grace Edwards, of Hartley and Edwards Investigations.On the hunt for the killer, Kitt and Grace discover the victim was choked to death on her old school sash. From this lead, Kitt, Grace and DS Banks are drawn down a dark trail littered with decade-old grudges, schoolyard secrets, broken hearts and bullies, and struggle to get closer to the truth. When a second victim goes missing however, the clock starts ticking.Can Kitt recover the missing woman before it's too late? And how do you catch a killer hiding in plain sight?'Another well written page-turner' 5* reader review'One of my favourite series' 5* reader review'I couldn't put this book down' 5* reader reviewTrade ReviewThe writing, plot and characterisation will warm your heart * Belfast Telegraph *Cosy and amusing * Irish Independent *Brilliantly funny and charming * Northern Life *A great read with smart characters and a clever plot * Candis *This cosy thriller . . . has a unique atmospheric charm * Woman Magazine *A good, well-written holiday read * York Times *A 2020 Miss Marple * Woman's Way *

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Book SynopsisIn the first of a new mystery series, we meet Nora Best as she flees her old life - cheating husband and all - and takes to the road with an Airstream trailer. Nora Best is the envy of her friends. She''s just turned fifty and has traded in her home with The Perfect-Ass Husband for an Airstream trailer and an adventure of a lifetime across the US. But during their leaving party, Nora finds her husband in a compromising position with a friend. Storming out of the party she jumps into her truck with no idea how to tow the Airstream or where she''s going. Nora ends up in a campground in the mountains of Wyoming, drowning her sorrows with its managers, Brad and Miranda. When she is woken by a frantic Miranda after Brad has disappeared and bloodstains have been found around the campsite, Nora finds herself caught up in an adventure she could never have expected . . . facing a charge of murder.

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Book SynopsisAn uninvited house guest throws Bea Abbot''s summer plans into chaos, bringing danger and peril to Bea''s door.Bea Abbot is looking forward to spending the summer with her fourteen-year-old ward, Bernice, but her plans go awry when one of Bernice''s schoolfriends finds herself in trouble. Evelina Trescott''s uncle has died in a mysterious accident at their country house, and her aunt, Mrs Trescott, is keen to hide Evelina away from the police.Evelina arrives on Bea''s doorstep catatonic, heavily drugged up on epilepsy medication and unable to remember finding her uncle''s body. Is she really a hapless victim, or is Bea harbouring a wily criminal?The more Bea learns about the troublesome Trescotts, the more she realizes something is horribly wrong, and soon finds herself drawn into a dark web of greed, abuse, and murder.

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Book SynopsisWhere there’s a body in Malvern End, there are secrets to be uncovered…Jude Gray has worked hard to bring a steady equilibrium to life on Malvern Farm and things are going well.The only fly in the ointment is the foul addition of a new face in the village: staunch townie and chauvinistic sleaze, Des Smith. Jude has nothing but sympathy for his caring, patient wife, Loretta, who has become a regular visitor to the farm for a cup of tea and a chat.But things take a turn for the worse when a hit and run outside The Lamb brings death once again to the village. Is it an accident or is something more sinister afoot?Perhaps the answer lies in the stranger with red trainers who’s been seen wandering through the village and through Jude’s fields at night. Following the clues, Jude desperately hopes she will find the right answers, because the murderer being someone she knows is unfathomable…-'A hugely enjoyable and clever murder mystery.' C L Miller, author of The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder'...like a lovely visit to the countryside, a tense murder mystery, and a visit with people I’d want to be friends with all rolled into one.’ Kristen Perrin, author of How to Solve Your Own Murder'This book had a bit of everything! ... Action packed, intrigue, mystery, murder, revenge, a fantastic who done it, great plot twist, and some crazy twists and turns!' netgalley reviewer

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Book SynopsisBEFORE PRIME SUSPECT THERE WAS TENNISON.Every legend has a beginning . . . During 1974 and 1975 the IRA subjected London to a terrifying bombing campaign. In one day alone, they planted seven bombs at locations across central London. Some were defused - some were not. Jane Tennison is now a fully-fledged detective. On the way to court one morning, Jane passes through Covent Garden Underground station and is caught up in a bomb blast that leaves several people dead, and many horribly injured. Jane is a key witness, but is adamant that she can't identify the bomber. When a photograph appears in the newspapers, showing Jane assisting the injured at the scene, it puts her and her family at risk from IRA retaliation. 'Good Friday' is the eagerly awaited date of the annual formal CID dinner, due to take place at St Ermin's Hotel. Hundreds of detectives and their wives will be there. It's the perfect target. As Jane arrives for the evening, she realises that she recognises the parking attendant as the bomber from Covent Garden. Can she convince her senior officers in time, or will another bomb destroy London's entire detective force? 'La Plante excels in her ability to pick out the surprising but plausible details that give her portrayal of everyday life in a police station a rare ring of authenticity' Sunday TelegraphTrade ReviewLynda la Plante's every word is soaked in suspense. Fast-paced and thrilling, this is a book you'll enjoy whether you're new to Lynda la Plante's books or you're a long-time fan! It's wonderful! * Ronnie Turner Ad Astra *La Plante is in her element in this suspense-packed crime thriller... As always, the period detail and police procedural are immaculately portrayed, and with a finale guaranteed to leave readers on the edge of their seats, Tennison's early days in the force are proving just as riveting as the experienced slick performer we all still cherish * Lancaster Guardian *Gritty, realistic, and a real page turner * People's Friend *

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Book SynopsisIT'S NOT JUST MURDER THAT IS IN THE SPOTLIGHT . . .The blinding new Detective Jane Tennison thriller from the Queen of Crime Drama, Lynda La Plante.__________________Things can't get much worse for detective Jane Tennison. Unceremoniously kicked off the adrenaline-fuelled Flying Squad, she's been relegated to Gerald Road, a small and sleepy police station in the heart of London's affluent Knightsbridge. With only petty crime to sink her teeth into, Tennison can feel her career slowly flatlining. That is until the discovery of the most brutal murder Jane has ever seen: Charlie Foxley has been found viciously beaten to death, his body dismembered and disembowelled. As a big-time showbiz agent, Foxley had a lot of powerful friends - but even more enemies. And alongside her old friend DS Spencer Gibbs, Tennison must journey into the salacious world of show business to find the killer, before they strike again . . .In Lynda La Plante's most gripping thriller yet, Tennison discovers that the brightest lights hide the darkest secrets - and the killer doesn't always hide in the shadows . . .__________________PRAISE FOR LYNDA LA PLANTE:'A compelling, clever plot with a brilliant cast of diverse characters. Utterly riveting' - RACHEL ABBOTT, million-selling author of ONLY THE INNOCENT'Lynda La Plante practically invented the thriller' KARIN SLAUGHTER'Nail-biting' DAILY MAIL

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Book Synopsis'Gripping' IAN RANKIN ***AN IRISH TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR *** A dead police officer. A murder that no-one wants to solve... Dublin, 1986. The murder of an off-duty officer in Phoenix Park should have brought down the full power of the Dublin police force. But Kieran Lynch was found in a notorious gay cruising ground, so even as the press revels in the scandal, some of the Murder Squad are reluctant to investigate. Only Detectives Vincent Swan and Gina Considine are determined to search out the difficult truth, walking the streets of nighttime Dublin to find Kieran's lovers and friends. But Gina has her own secret that means she must withhold vital evidence. When a fire rips through Temple Bar and another man is killed, she must decide what price she is willing to pay to find a murderer. A gripping mystery that will keep you hooked until the final page, perfect for readers of Val McDermid, Denise Mina, Tana French and Adrian McKinty. *** THE NEW NOVEL FROM THE AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR OF THE ROSARY GARDEN *** ________________________________________ PRAISE FOR THE SERIES 'A mesmerising tale of secrets and lies' - VAL MCDERMID 'As good as it gets' - DENISE MINA 'A terrific new gem of Irish noir' - SUNDAY TIMESTrade ReviewPeriod, pace, plot and pathos: once again Nicola White provides the lot * Sunday Times Crime Club Pick *A delicately constructed web in which the detectives' personal and professional lives intersect with their investigation to devastating effect... Where White goes from here is a matter of the keenest anticipation * Irish Times *Nicola White's 1986 Dublin and its more exotic characters are instantly recognisable to anyone around at that time, which adds spice to a well-told mystery * Irish Independent *Rich in atmosphere... refreshingly different... her best yet * Bookmunch *A gay cop murdered. Two mismatched and awkward detectives on the case. Gripping -- Ian RankinPRAISE FOR THE SERIES A mesmerising tale of secrets and lies rising from the past to strangle the present -- Val McDermidAs good as it gets: a debut shot through with the real, horrifying cruelty of true crime and a heart-race ending -- Denise MinaA terrific new gem of Irish noir * Sunday Times *Psychological nuanced and compassionate... gripping * Irish Times *A vivid thriller. Engrossing right up to its sombre resolution * Irish Independent *

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Book Synopsis* THE TIMES BOOK CLUB STAR PICK * * A SUNDAY TIMES BOOK OF THE MONTH * * A RICHARD AND JUDY BOOK CLUB PICK * 'Chilling and compelling' - THE SUN 'Turns a traditional crime plot to very modern effect' - SUNDAY TIMES 'Brilliant - creepily atmospheric and incredibly tense' - HARRIET TYCE THE WORLD'S TOUGHEST REALITY SHOW. A PRIZE WORTH KILLING FOR... Frozen Out is set to be a TV sensation. On a small ship off the coast of Greenland, six contestants will push themselves to breaking point for a £100,000 prize. The show is Tori Matsuka's baby. After years working her way up the ladder, she's finally launching her own production company and everything is riding on the show. For camerawoman Dee, it's a chance to start again after the tragedy that tanked her undercover journalism career. But as errors and mishaps mount on set, tempers among the cast and crew start to fray. And when one of the contestants is found dead, only Dee realises that the death wasn't natural - and from what she's seen from behind the camera, it won't be the last. As the Arctic ice closes in and all chance of escape is cut off, one thing becomes clear: although the world outside wants them dead, it's the secrets inside the ship that might cost them their lives... Packed with suspense from the first page to the last, Freeze is a must-read for fans of Shiver, The Sanatorium and One By One. This thriller isn't just chilling: it's sub-zero.Trade ReviewDon't be fooled by the title - this murder mystery is sizzling hot. Brimming with stone cold secrets, shocking lies and twists that hit like an arctic winter. Simants has sculpted a breathtaking thriller out of pure ice -- Janice Hallett, author of THE APPEALSuperb. Utterly claustrophobic and chilling, the perfect icy read -- Jo Spain, author of DIRTY LITTLE SECRETSSimants uses her knowledge of the industry to spill the secrets of a reality TV show set in the Arctic. The characters are deliciously over-the-top and bicker constantly. When it turns out there's a killer on board, Simants turns a traditional crime plot to very modern effect * Sunday Times *This chilling read is both compelling and claustrophobic * Sun *This novel has a lot to offer. It moves fast, the tension is high and the two main characters are likeable in their different ways * Literary Review *Brilliant - creepily atmospheric and incredibly tense. The characterisation is fantastic and it cuts as cold as the Arctic in which it's set. Highly recommended -- Harriet Tyce, author of BLOOD ORANGEPacked with chills and spills, Freeze is a terrifically entertaining thriller with a unique and fascinating setting -- Allie Reynolds, author of SHIVERThis book has everything - weather that can kill you, an under-equipped ship stuck in a storm, a cast of people who all have secrets and element of their past they don't want revealed. I loved it -- Catherine Cooper, author of THE CHATEAUPlenty of drama, plenty of tension, plenty of twists... The realism and authenticity of someone who knows TV production inside out shone through to make this thrilling novel unique. Will definitely give you chills -- P.L. Kane, author of HER HUSBAND'S GRAVEThe ice at the top of the world is the perfect setting - a locked room mystery where the room itself is lethal. A twisting character-driven thriller where hidden pasts are exposed in the present, provoking deadly intentions and deadlier misunderstandings -- Dominic Nolan, author of VINE STREETHeart-pumping and super-engaging, with a brilliant setting and cast of characters. The twists and turns kept me guessing throughout and I raced through the pages to the clever and satisfying climax -- Philippa East, author of LITTLE WHITE LIESA fab twist on the locked room thriller! -- Tina Baker, author of CALL ME MUMMYRaced through this transporting thriller, with atmosphere, landscape and cast all compelling and vicious. I was utterly gripped - absolutely loved it -- Rachael Blok, author of THE FALLSimants has given the locked room mystery a reality-show makeover in this cracking thriller. Superbly plotted with an ice-cold killer stalking the ship-bound contestants, Freeze will chill you to your bones -- Trevor Wood, author of THE MAN ON THE STREETAs a former Big Brother constant this book really hit home. Reality TV meets a gripping locked room murder. As addictive as any reality TV show and utterly chilling -- A.J. West, author of THE SPIRIT ENGINEER

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Book Synopsis‘A true master of British crime writing’ RICHARD OSMAN 'The brilliant Savernake is a fascinatingly enigmatic character.' WASHINGTON POST A superb Golden Age mystery packed with twists, from the winner of the Diamond Dagger 2020 ENGLAND, 1930. Grieving widows are a familiar sight on London's Necropolis Railway. So when an elegant young woman in a black veil boards the funeral train, nobody guesses her true purpose. But Rachel Savernake is not one of the mourners. She hopes to save a life – the life of a man who is supposed to be cold in the grave. But then a suspicious death on the railway track spurs her on to investigate a sequence of baffling mysteries: a death in a blazing car; a killing in a seaside bungalow; a tragic drowning in a frozen lake. Rachel believes that the cases are connected – but what possible link can there be? Rich, ruthless and obsessed with her own dark notions of justice, she will not rest until she has discovered the truth. To find the answers to her questions she joins a house party on the eerie and remote North Yorkshire coast at Mortmain Hall, an estate. Her inquiries are helped – and sometimes hindered – by the impetuous young journalist Jacob Flint and an eccentric female criminologist with a dangerous fascination with perfect crimes... Mortmain Hall is at once a gripping thriller and a classic whodunit puzzle: a Golden Age Gothic mystery, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers. Reviews for Mortmain Hall: 'Maintains a cracking pace... Elegant period escapism' Mail on Sunday 'A classic whodunit' Daily Express 'Rachel Savernake is on spectacular form... A Miss Marple for the 21st century' Daily Mail 'Martin Edwards is a guru of the Golden Age... His work pays homage to the intricate puppetry and byzantine plotting popular in the period' The Times Reviews for Martin Edwards: 'Superb – a pitch-perfect blend of Golden Age charm and sinister modern suspense, with a main character to die for. This is the book Edwards was born to write' Lee Child 'Edwards has managed, brilliantly, to combined a Golden Age setting with a pace that is bang up-to-date. A great sense of the era observed through a cut-throat-sharp eye, every page dripping with brilliant period authenticity' Peter James 'A ripping tale of retribution and rough justice, set against a finely realised 1930s London. It reads as if Ruth Rendell were channelling Edgar Wallace' Mick Herron 'Gripping' Peter RobinsonTrade ReviewA classic whodunnit * Daily Express *A classic whodunnit with a dark gothic twist... An absorbing and intricately plotted golden age murder mystery' * CultureFly *Any novel opening in 1930's England on the London Necropolis Company's private station has got to be a winner, especially in the hands of Martin Edwards, connoisseur extraordinaire of the Golden Age of crime fiction * ShotsMag *Martin Edwards is a guru of the interwar Golden Age of crime novels, and his work pays homage to the intricate puppetry and byzantine plotting popular in the period * The Times *The multi-award-winning Edwards launched a distinctly sparky female detective, Rachel Savernake, daughter of an Old Bailey judge, in his last book and here she reappears in even more spectacular form... This is an old-fashioned mystery with a string of very modern twists, making Ms Savernake a Miss Marple for the 21st century' * Daily Mail *Edwards maintains a cracking pace and only the smartest readers will anticipate the denouement. As elegant period escapism, it ticks all the boxes * Mail on Sunday *Edwards has created some marvellous characters in these books which carry a real flavour of the Golden Age of crime fiction. There's even the traditional list of clues at the end so puzzled readers can see how many they missed * Morning Star *What Martin Edwards doesn't know about Golden Age crime fiction would probably fit on the back of a first-class stamp... With meticulous and detailed research, scratch-them-and-they-bleed characterisation and locations you can smell and touch, Edwards has added his own unique style to a format beloved of Golden Age fans. The result quite different from the contemporary Lake District series his readers may find more familiar, but nevertheless a masterclass' * Mystery People *From the winner of this year's Diamond Dagger award, Mortmain Hall is a gripping whodunnit set in the '30s * My Weekly *Winner of this year's Crime Writers' Association Diamond Dagger, Martin Edwards is the author of many crime novels, an expert in the genre. His latest series, set in the Golden Age, is an ingenious modern 'take' on the classic whodunnit... A whole page would not give me space to explain the intricacy of this story. A tangle of satisfying clues, and a pleasing denouement in the classic Christie manner' * The Tablet *This wonderful evocation of a bygone age would make Mortmain Hall worth reading on its own but when you combine it with a cracking story and original and engaging characters, you've got a real winner * TripFiction *Lots here that is impressive, not least the deft writing...Definitely one to read * The Critic *

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Book SynopsisStalking. Arson. Murder.Butler and West are back together… and the stakes have never been higher.When an old friend tells DS Freya West that she’s being stalked by someone she met online, Freya promises to help. But there are no leads, and the dating site refuses to give up their data.To make matters more complicated, DI Robin Butler is back in town. He’s investigating a string of arson attacks that have escalated to murder, and the cases seem to be connected somehow. They’re going to need their wits about them…Because this is a killer more devious than any they’ve hunted before, and he wants to obliterate everything they hold dear.The climatic finale of the gripping Butler & West series, perfect for fans of Cara Hunter, Jane Casey and Susie Steiner.Praise for Louisa Scarr‘From the first flicker of fire to the final explosive climax, Out Of The Ashes is a scorching finale to a riveting crime series. The narrative crackles with menace and suspense, and I enjoyed every moment!’ Cameron Ward, author of A Stranger On Board‘What an ending to the series! Louisa masterfully weaves together the strands of the investigation and the characters’ personal lives. Full of intrigue and threat and superbly paced.’ James Delargy, author of Vanished‘Scorchingly brilliant. A heart in the mouth thriller with the ultimate chemistry between its leads, this is a breathtaking end to the series.’ Heather Critchlow, author of Unsolved‘Scarr has finished her series with a heart-pounding flourish. It may be the last we see of Butler and West, but rest assured I’ll keep reading her, whatever she comes up with next.’ Alison Belsham, author of The Girls on Chalk Hill‘I love this series... the last one was perfect. A finish so tight I couldn’t breathe.’ Rachael Blok, author of The Fall‘I loved every instalment of this brilliant series, but Scarr has saved the best ’til last. Masterful.’ Jo Furniss, author of All the Little ChildrenWhat readers are saying about Out of the Ashes ‘One of my favourite series. I love the characters and the team dynamics are excellent. There is plenty of suspense, red herrings and the ending all wrapped up neatly. A brilliant ending to an excellent series which I highly recommend.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘Keeps you guessing until the explosive ending. And what an ending! I feel sad when I come to the end of a Butler and West book; it’s like having to say goodbye to dear friends. An exciting read with believable characters, a solid plot, and page-turning action.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘Oh my Louisa Scarr you have saved the best for last. An absolute cracker of a book and I got the ending I hoped for! A hell of a book to end a hell of a series.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘I thoroughly enjoyed reading this! This book had a bit of everything – suspense, intrigue, action, murder, mystery, arson, a great whodunnit and great police work! The storyline had me glued to my Kindle!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘This cannot be the last in the Butler & West series! These police procedurals quickly became one of my favourites. There are so many strong, well described characters.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

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Book Synopsis''Gripping, endearing, dark, and funny ... Highly recommended'' Harlan CobenDanish journalist Heloise Kaldan is in the middle of a nightmare. One of her sources has been caught lying, and she could lose her job over it. And then she receives the first in a series of cryptic letters from an alleged killer.Anna Kiel is wanted for murder but hasn't been seen by anyone in three years. When the reporter who first wrote about the case is found murdered in his apartment, detective Erik Schafer comes up with the first lead. Has Anna Kiel struck again? If so, why does every clue point directly to Heloise Kaldan?As Heloise starts digging deeper she realises that to tell Anna's story she will have to revisit her darkest past, and confront the one person she swore she'd never see again

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

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Book SynopsisA SUNDAY TIMES BEST CRIME BOOK OF 2022 In a grand old mansion in the middle of the Sussex countryside, seven people have seen more than they should... The new chilling thriller from Lesley Thomson. In a small community James Ritchie was looking forward to spending the day with his son, though he was a little late picking him up from his ex-wife, Anna. In the middle of nowhere Later that afternoon, they are found dead, the victims of a double stabbing. Anna will never see her family again. You need to keep your secrets close... As DI Toni Kemp unravels the case, she is brought to a grand country mansion, long ago converted into flats. In this quiet, peaceful place, seven long-term residents have seen more than they should. But this is a tight-knit group – and they are good at keeping secrets... PRAISE FOR THE COMPANION: 'Like the best of Barbara Vine and Agatha Christie crossed with the unique Lesley Thomson brilliance.' Elly Griffiths 'This modern take on the country-house mystery shocks from the off.' The Times 'Colourful characters and devious plotting.' Ian Rankin 'Electrifying, gritty.' Woman's OwnTrade ReviewThis modern take on the country-house mystery shocks from the off * The Times *An eerie thriller * Choice Magazine *This is a thoroughly entertaining and very contemporary take on the traditional country-house mystery, switching from sinister to comic with practised ease * Daily Mail *An electrifying, gritty read * Woman's Own *What more could any crime fiction fan want? Provocative characters, most of whom have excellent motives for committing the murders and all of whom make you smile or wince; a location straight out of Agatha Christie; a mystery that will keep you guessing right to the end as the clues point in one direction then another, then another; and even a hint of romance before the end. It all adds up to the best kind of crime novel * Promoting Crime Fiction *

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Book SynopsisAmateur sleuth Astrid Swift investigates a maritime mystery in this cosy crime adventure set on the Isle of Wight. The sailors are ashore, and murder is afoot. It's summer in the Isle of Wight, and the islanders have little more to do than munch crab sandwiches, sip pints of Wight Squirrel, and complain about the hordes of tourists arriving for the world-famous Cowes Week regatta. But when the local busybody drowns in the harbour, what was set to be a relaxing sailing festival starts to turn deadly. This is a case that only art restorer Astrid Swift and her new art-club friends can solve. Soon she is embroiled in an investigation involving a grand seafront mansion, a dead billionaire's nautical paintings, and a sailing prodigy who mysteriously went missing at sea three years ago. The Isle of Wight has a reputation for being England's most welcoming island, but even a friendly community can hide a killer... Praise for the Astrid Swift mysteries: 'Feelgood fun.' The Times 'I romped through The Trust... A cosy debut set in a house brimming with secrets... An enchanting murder mystery.' Janice Hallett, author of The Appeal 'Macabre murders, quirky characters and delightful settings combine in a way that would make Midsomer proud.' Crime Fiction Lover 'A feisty heroine, an ingenious plot and a cast of quirky characters that soon feel like your best friends, make The Trust a cozy crime to savour.' Merryn Allingham, author of The Bookshop Murder 'Intelligent and gently humorous, with a suitably eccentric cast of characters.' M S Morris, author of the Bridget Hart booksTrade ReviewPRAISE FOR M.H. ECCLESTON: 'I romped through The Trust... A cosy debut set in a house brimming with secrets... An enchanting murder mystery' Janice Hallett, author of The Appeal. 'Intelligent and gently humorous, with a suitably eccentric cast of characters' M S Morris on The Trust. 'Macabre murders, quirky characters and delightful settings combine in a way that would make Midsomer proud' * Crime Fiction Lover *

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Book SynopsisIn Victorian London, Sherlock Holmes is not alone in solving mysteries that baffle the official police. Housekeeper, schoolmistress, detective: Mrs Meinir Davies tracks down missing mothers, stolen treasures, and secrets and scandals touching some of England''s most venerable institutions, from the Church to the Houses of Parliament.In this collection of 12 stories, Meinir joins forces with Sherlock, Dorcas Dene, and the official police on the streets of London, from East to West, to help public servants, abandoned children, and one mysterious Mrs J. Holmes. What is the true story behind one of Holmes'' bloodiest adventures, The Red Circle? Why has the man in the white hat followed Mrs Holmes across the Atlantic? And how many marriages will be threatened by a single diamond lizard?

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Book SynopsisFrom the CWA John Creasey New Blood Dagger shortlisted author‘A dark, haunting tale with an emotional gut punch that stays with you long after the final page. Amanda Cassidy is an unflinching storyteller.’ Lisa Jewell, author of The Family UpstairsWhen she re-lives this night, over and over, Nancy will wonder if she’d just gone upstairs a few minutes earlier, what might have been…A devastating fire.A grieving mother.A picture-perfect village full of dark secrets.And now, a son who has seemingly come back from the dead.A detective called back to her hometown, back to the memories she thought she’d left behind…An electrifying novel from a compelling new voice in Irish crime fiction, perfect for fans of Liz Nugent and Claire Mackintosh.Praise for The Returned ‘A richly layered, intricate plot, wonderfully nuanced characters, and absolutely stunning writing, The Returned packs an incredible emotional punch. One of the best books I’ve read this year.’ Andrea Mara, author of All Her Fault‘A powerfully emotive and carefully layered story about old secrets, motherhood and demons from the past. Amanda’s lyrical and evocative writing underpins a whip cracking plot that simply swept me away!’ Lizzy Barber, author of Out of Her Depth‘Vivid, pacy and gripping, with characters who have real heart, Amanda Cassidy is a brilliant new voice in crime fiction.’ Sam Blake, author of The Mystery of Four‘An emotionally-charged page-turner that won't let you go. I'm still reeling from that stunning ending. I loved it.’ Glenn Meade, author of The Devil's Disciple‘A tightly-woven, well-balanced mystery. Dark, emotive and intricate, The Returned marks an exciting step forward for Cassidy in the Irish crime fiction genre’ Business PostWhat reader's are saying about The Returned ‘When I say my heart was pounding reading this book, I mean it was POUNDING! The Returned is unputdownable and took me on an emotional rollercoaster! Superb, a must read.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘This book packs a powerful, emotional punch. The writing is excellent with realistic characterisation and full of tension.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘I did not want this book to end. The storyline, characters and emotion of this novel are seriously unmatched. I recommend this book and this author… You will not be disappointed. Bravo!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

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Book SynopsisA crime so brutal, it doesn’t end at death…When a walk home in Surrey leads to a schoolboy stumbling upon a horrific crime scene of 96 containers, each filled with perfectly preserved bodily remains, it’s down to D.I. Eva Harris to take on the unfathomable case.Already haunted by her brush with the criminal underworld, Harris still has fears for her life – and the truth of what really happened being uncovered.But now facing a new crime scene, she is forced to look at her options: either she is hunting a lone psychopath, or this is the labour of a network larger than she could have imagined.As the case takes her across borders – from the upper class of society’s highest elite, to the bottom of a tense law-breaking chain – Harris must judge whether she can stomach the very limits of humanity, before her blood too runs cold…A dark, gripping detective novel that fans of Stuart MacBride and M.W. Craven will love. Praise for the D.I. Harris series:‘Puts the thrill in thriller…Definitely one of the best reads of the year.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘Wow!...Strap yourself in, take a deep breath, as you’ll be going at warp speed…Intelligently plotted with well-crafted characters. An excellent read.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘Suspenseful and gripping and a terrific page-turner!...I fully recommend it if you enjoy a fast-paced thriller with twists and turns galore!’ Reader Review‘A fast paced, exhilarating and really exciting read…will capture the interest of readers right from the first page.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘I absolutely loved it!... gripped me from the start and the pace never let up...I would happily recommend this to crime thriller readers!’ Reader Review‘If you want thrills and chills by the bucket load then you seriously can’t go wrong with this book…A thrilling read that doesn’t let go until the very last page!’ Reader Review‘This is a mindbending thriller…I enjoyed it immensely and highly recommend it.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘Unputdownable…I ended up finishing the book in a few hours…Eva is such a great character and very easy to root for.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

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Book SynopsisFrom the CWA John Creasey New Blood Dagger shortlisted author‘A dark, haunting tale with an emotional gut punch that stays with you long after the final page. Amanda Cassidy is an unflinching storyteller.’ Lisa Jewell, author of The Family UpstairsWhen she re-lives this night, over and over, Nancy will wonder if she’d just gone upstairs a few minutes earlier, what might have been…A devastating fire.A grieving mother.A picture-perfect village full of dark secrets.And now, a son who has seemingly come back from the dead.A detective called back to her hometown, back to the memories she thought she’d left behind…An electrifying novel from a compelling new voice in Irish crime fiction, perfect for fans of Liz Nugent and Claire Mackintosh.Praise for The Returned ‘A richly layered, intricate plot, wonderfully nuanced characters, and absolutely stunning writing, The Returned packs an incredible emotional punch. One of the best books I’ve read this year.’ Andrea Mara, author of All Her Fault‘A powerfully emotive and carefully layered story about old secrets, motherhood and demons from the past. Amanda’s lyrical and evocative writing underpins a whip cracking plot that simply swept me away!’ Lizzy Barber, author of Out of Her Depth‘Vivid, pacy and gripping, with characters who have real heart, Amanda Cassidy is a brilliant new voice in crime fiction.’ Sam Blake, author of The Mystery of Four‘An emotionally-charged page-turner that won't let you go. I'm still reeling from that stunning ending. I loved it.’ Glenn Meade, author of The Devil's Disciple‘A tightly-woven, well-balanced mystery. Dark, emotive and intricate, The Returned marks an exciting step forward for Cassidy in the Irish crime fiction genre’ Business PostWhat reader's are saying about The Returned ‘When I say my heart was pounding reading this book, I mean it was POUNDING! The Returned is unputdownable and took me on an emotional rollercoaster! Superb, a must read.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘This book packs a powerful, emotional punch. The writing is excellent with realistic characterisation and full of tension.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘I did not want this book to end. The storyline, characters and emotion of this novel are seriously unmatched. I recommend this book and this author… You will not be disappointed. Bravo!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

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Book SynopsisRun.Moonlight slants through the trees on the ancestral Dunlow estate, where a young woman runs for her life. Gunshots break the silence.The next morning, the body of seventeen-year-old student Melanie Pirt is found.DS Gabe Martin is more than ready to take the lead on her first murder case. Determined to prove herself to the cold and mysterious DI Juliet Stern, Gabe can’t afford any distractions – especially not ones that wake her in the night, reminding her of a past she’d rather forget.Because while Gabe and Juliet have few leads, there are plenty of suspects. And every one of them is lying…The first in a new detective series featuring an unforgettable female detective partnership, Shot in the Dark is perfect for fans of Cara Hunter and Gytha Lodge.Praise for Shot in the Dark:‘I absolutely loved this banger of a police procedural - clever, fresh, with great characters and a killer ending. Perfect for fans of Cara Hunter and I can't wait for book 2’ Jo Callaghan‘The characters were standout (especially Gabe)... I devoured it in one sitting’ Angela Marsons‘A cracking new police procedural dripping with authenticity and fascinating investigative detail. A superb addition to the crime fiction scene’ Marion Todd‘This is a cracking debut. Gabe and Juliet are a sharp investigative duo. A compulsive read with such an unexpected ending’ Casey King‘Twisted, compulsive - a powerful and fresh new voice for the crime thriller bookshelf!’ D. E. White‘Great start to a brand new crime series. Blew away the cobwebs of my reading slump that's for sure! Five stars from me!’ Kerry Watts‘A twisty corkscrew of a story... My new favourite gritty detective series’ A.M. Castle‘This is the best police procedural I have read in years. It’s complex, gripping, believable and intensely chilling. The characterisation is razor-sharp. I could hardly turn the pages fast enough to discover what happened next.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘A cracking read. Had everything you could ever want with a police procedural. A completely gripping storyline with fantastic twists. Excellent.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘Full of twists and turns. The team dynamic between Gabe and Juliet was well thought out. I will be recommending this to other readers.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘Wow and wow again. An excellent police procedural… wonderfully well written. I didn’t guess the perpetrator and for me, a person who reads a lot of crime novels, that is the mark of a 5 star read.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

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

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

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

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Book SynopsisNever underestimate a librarian. Intelligent cosy crime with razor-sharp wit and an unlikely hero, for fans of P.G. Wodehouse and Muriel Spark "So funny." Lynne Truss Shona McMonagle is back, once again personally selected by Marcia Blaine, founder of her alma mater, the Marcia Blaine School for Girls – this time for a crucial mission involving time travel, Macbeth, the Weird Sisters and a black cat. Unsure which version of history she’s in – and fully aware of Shakespeare’s egregious inaccuracies - Shona tries to figure out who she’s here to save. But between playing the Fool and being turned into a mouse, things don’t always go her way. Shona’s expertise in martial arts is put to the test as family tensions rise and fingers are pointed for murder. Can Shona unravel the mystery in time to complete her mission? Never underestimate a librarian!Trade Review'Witty and surrealistically humorous … Extremely light-hearted, funny and easy to read.' -- Dundee Courier, Book of the Week

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Book SynopsisNever underestimate a librarian. Fifty-something Edinburgh librarian Shona is a proud former pupil of the Marcia Blaine School for Girls, but has a deep loathing for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, which she thinks gives her alma mater a bad name. Impeccably educated and an accomplished linguist, mathematician, martial artist, and musician, Shona is selected by Marcia Blaine herself to travel back in time for a crucial mission in Venice. Finding the city afflicted by what appears to be a new outbreak of the plague, Shona soon encounters the Cornetto family of gondoliers. Lately, a number of their passengers have met a watery fate. Coincidence? Unlikely. She dons a mask, goes undercover and seeks inspiration in the library. But the mystery only deepens. Why do the Cornettos seem so flaky and their explanations wafer-thin, even as they proclaim their innocence? What is going on at the printworks? Shona’s powers of deduction, dissection and prowess as a swimmer are put to the test as she realises that a bitter feud is at play. Can Shona unravel the tapestry of lies and get to the truth? It’s a race against time, but it would be a mistake to underestimate a librarian.

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Book SynopsisIn an alternate St. Petersburg, librarian-spy Irene faces unimaginable dangers – as her arch-nemesis returns. The Burning Page is the third instalment in the Invisible Library series from bestselling author Genevieve Cogman.Librarian-spy Irene is on probation – and absconding from a mission doesn't look good. But when her escape route home goes up in flames, what's a spy to do?It turns out, Irene's home, the trans-dimensional library, is under siege. Across dozens of worlds, its once-reliable Gates back to the library are malfunctioning. Irene's nemesis, Alberich, is responsible – with plans to annihilate the library itself.To face the threat, Irene and assistant Kai are posted to St Petersburg. Here, Irene stumbles upon an incredibly dangerous – yet alluring – opportunity. It's a chance to save the library. Saving herself would be a bonus . . .Brace yourself for an action-filled ride witTrade ReviewBrilliant and so much fun. Skulduggery, Librarians, and Dragons – Cogman keeps upping the ante on this delightful series! -- Charles Stross, author of the Laundry Files, including The Atrocity ArchivesThe Burning Page does not disappoint. It’s a fun, adventure-filled romp . . .If you haven’t picked up this series and you like magic, adventure, Sherlock Holmes, a dash of steampunk, lots of mystery, and books, then definitely pick up The Invisible Library! If you’ve read the first two and liked them, you’ll certainly enjoy The Burning Page * SFF World *It’s fun. It’s packed with chaotic and dramatic adventures and is witty to boot * Speculative Herald *The author writes with a speed and verve that keeps you on the edge of your seat through a rollicking good adventure . . . The Burning Page is not only hard to put down, it’s hard to walk away from * Fantasy Book Review *The Burning Page is action packed from start to finish, so that even Irene and you the reader hardly get the chance to catch your breath * The Book Plank *This excellent series has traces of the satire of Terry Pratchett, the breadth of imagination of Jasper Fforde, and the wonderful ability of Neil Gaiman to mix reality and fantasy in one satisfying whole, but make no mistake: it feels in all senses original and engrossing * The Book Bag *A gripping addition to the mythos Cogman has already built * RT Book Reviews *The Invisible Library series is tailor-made for bibliophiles . . . It’s immensely entertaining, and I continue to love Irene and her third person narrative voice: she’s practical, analytical, and competent, and she handles the absurd situations in which she constantly finds herself with aplomb * Fantasy Book Cafe *Cogman’s writing is fresh, with a rich tonality ranging from the whimsical and witty to the suspenseful . . . the story is buoyed by the fast action scenes, and readers will be fascinated by the ever-growing complexities of Cogman’s world * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisThe sequel to the viral TikTok sensation Stone Maidens From Lloyd Devereux Richards comes the next pulse-pounding thriller in which FBI agent Christine Prusik races to track down a serial killer who leaves a peculiar mark on his victims.Forensic anthropologist Christine Prusik has a knack for solving the most unusual cases and for bending the rules in the process.When the bodies of young women start appearing in the caves of Indiana and Illinois, Christine immediately jumps into action. But her Chicago field office is undergoing a reorganization, and the boys' club at the top seem more interested in getting all the paperwork in order than solving the murders.Christine isn't going to let a little red tape stop her, and when she discovers that all the bodies contain the same mysterious pin-sized bruise on the back of their necks, she realizes she'll have to confront her own inner demons to find the killer.Readers love Maidens of the CaveWell plotted, tense, fast paced.' NetGalley review

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Book SynopsisTo commit the perfect murder, you need the perfect cover.On an icy morning, a mother wakes to find her daughter''s blood-soaked body frozen to the road. Who would carry out such a killing on the victim''s doorstep?Straight off her last harrowing case, Detective Erika Foster is feeling fragile but determined to lead the investigation. As she sets to work, she finds reports of assaults in the same quiet South London suburb where the woman was killed. One chilling detail links them to the murder victim - they were all attacked by a figure in black wearing a gas mask.Erika is on the hunt for a killer with a terrifying calling card. The case gets more complicated when she uncovers a tangled web of secrets surrounding the death of the beautiful young woman.Yet just as Erika begins to piece the clues together, she is forced to confront painful memories of her past. Erika must dig deep, stay focused and find the killer. Only this time, one of heTrade ReviewIt was absolutely brilliant! . . . The story keeps you in suspense right to the end with more red herrings than you can shake a stick at. I honestly didn't guess who it was until the reveal actually happened, and loved the twist - very cleverly done! - Stardust Book ReviewsI love how the author doesn't give anything away and kept me guessing throughout. I truly had no idea who could be behind the killings and when all is revealed, with some shocking twists, it won't be what you are expecting! . . . A thrilling and addictive read that chilled me to the bone - By the Letter Book ReviewsThis newest installment has exactly the same high quality of writing, plot development, twists and the healthy dose of suspense and action I have become used to with this series. I found myself hooked right from the very first page as there is just something about the writing that draws you right in - It's All About Books

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Book SynopsisInvestigator Cassie Dewell is on the trail of a serial killer in the book that inspired the series Big Sky. There's a killer on the road... It was Danielle and Gracie's secret. A teenage adventure. A 1,000-mile drive along the spine of the Rocky Mountains to visit Danielle's boyfriend in Montana. When rookie cop Cassie Dewell catches her mentor and friend, Investigator Cody Hoyt, planting evidence, he is suspended from the force, his reputation in tatters. He's already drowning his sorrows when his son calls. His girlfriend and her sister have disappeared. Unable to investigate himself, Cody turns to his protégée for her help finding the girls. Soon they discover that Danielle and Gracie aren't the first to disappear in the area. When Cody, goes missing too, it's up to Cassie to find them. Before it's too late.Trade ReviewA suspenseful story laced with more than a few shockingly unexpected plot twists * Publishers Weekly *Those who have read Box's other books know that he is incapable of writing badly. However, he takes his game to an entirely new level with The Highway * Book Reporter *Loaded with exciting cop action, savvy investigation, and chilling suspense * New Maine Times *A non-stop, action-filled race against time. Rolling down the superhighway of suspense, this thriller will leave readers breathless * Library Journal (starred review) *

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The Scots Magazine Book of the Month May 2023‘Tartan Noir at its nail-biting, brutal, bloody best’ Helen Fields, author of The InstitutionCan DI Clare Mackay unravel a dead man’s secrets?Harry Richards, a local solicitor, is found in his car, throat slit.DI Clare Mackay is on the case. She soon learns that Harry was not the upstanding man he seemed to be. Finding the killer should be easy.Then the wife of one of Harry’s colleagues is discovered dead in her car, and Clare realises there is something more sinister at play…Can she find out who’s behind the murders before they turn their attention to her?An utterly gripping addition to the bestselling crime series by much-loved Scottish author, Marion Todd. Perfect for fans of Alex Gray, Caro Ramsay and the Karen Pirie series.Praise for A Blind Eye ‘Grips you from the start and never lets you go. Todd sparkles in what could be her best tartan noir yet.’ The Sun‘Marion Todd masterfully weaves mystery and intrigue through every page. Top tier Scottish crime fiction.’ JD Kirk, author of the DCI Logan Crime Thrillers‘The central characters feel like being in the company of old friends while the brisk plot and the immediacy of the writing really draw the reader along. An enthralling and engaging read.’ Caro Ramsay, author of the Detectives Anderson and Costello Mystery series‘Clever and intriguing, with a cast of characters to root for – a brilliant St Andrews set mystery!’ Susi Holliday, author of The Hike‘A smart plot, wonderful St Andrews setting, and a main character who feels real and engaging all make for a hugely enjoyable read.’ Lisa Gray, author of Lonely Hearts‘A deeply absorbing mystery, brimming with complex characters, sinister secrets and ingenious reveals. One of the best crime novels I’ve read this year.’ B.P. Walter, author of The Dinner Guest‘If you’re looking for a fabulous, fast-paced murder mystery, don’t miss this absolute gem!’ Carla Kovach, author of Her Deadly Promise‘Like a literary Michelin star chef, Marion serves up a tale full of surprise and delight: a recipe of murder and deception that gets more delicious with each page.’ Morgan Cry, author of Six Wounds‘Marion Todd goes from strength to strength... Every bit as cunning, twisty and satisfying as I would expect from such a talented writer.’ Alison Belsham, author of Her Last Breath‘Pacy and enthralling, keeps you turning the pages at great speed... reminds me of the brilliant crime drama Unforgotten.’ The Scots Magazine‘I love this series so much! Marion’s writing is brilliant and I look forward to each instalment with anticipation. The story was gripping and I couldn’t stop reading!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘Once again, Marion has written a gripping story full of plot twists and turns. The threads of the plot are woven skillfully and the story is fast paced.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘An engaging, fluid and well thought out pacy police procedural with a solid mystery at heart, a deftly crafted cast of wholly credible characters, a firm sense of place and a compelling plot. The series shows no signs of flagging whatsoever.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

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Book Synopsis***THE SUNDAY TIMES NUMBER ONE BESTSELLER******THE TIMES CRIME NOVEL OF THE YEAR***My name is Alice. I''m a police officer.I''m trying to solve a murder on a psychiatric ward.But I''m also a patient...They were meant to be safe on Fleet Ward: psychiatric patients monitored, treated, cared for. But now one of their number is found murdered, and the accusations begin to fly.Was it one of his fellow patients? A member of staff? Or did someone come in from the outside?DC Alice Armitage is methodical, tireless, and she''s quickly on the trail of the killer.The only problem is, Alice is a patient too.________________________''Fast-paced and twisting''Paula Hawkins''At the very least it should reach the shortlist of this year''s Booker prize''The Times''A deeply compelling read''Harriet Tyce''The most cunning, complex, claustrTrade ReviewA gripping, twisting murder mystery and a blackly comic indictment of the way we treat psychological illness today. At the very least it should reach the shortlist of this year's Booker prize. * The Times *Follow Alice - plucky, resourceful, lovable and infuriating - down the Rabbit Hole in Billingham's fast-paced and twisting thriller * Paula Hawkins, author of The Girl on the Train *Rabbit Hole is the most cunning, complex, claustrophobic mystery with delicious echoes of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. I tore through it, terrified I'd never get out * Louise Candlish, author of Our House *Rabbit Hole is authentic, raucous and deeply compassionate. Expertly balancing humour, tension and pathos, it'll do for the psychiatric ward what The Thursday Murder Club has done for retirement villages. A deeply compelling read * Harriet Tyce, author of Blood Orange *A gripping murder mystery with a streak of black humour * Sunday Times (Books of the Year 2021) *Mark Billingham's tough, funny novel combines a shockingly twisty plot with a scathing critique of our mental health services * Daily Mail *I was totally drawn into Rabbit Hole by Alice, the novel's wildly unreliable narrator. Hilarious, menacing yet vulnerable, she's a brilliant creation, alive on the page. Billingham creates the dark, claustrophobic world of the psychiatric ward with both immense skill and heart * Eve Chase, author of The Glass House *Brilliant, suspenseful, poignant, heartbreaking, surprisingly funny, and Mark Billingham, magician that he is, pulls that proverbial rabbit out of the hat at the end. More than just about any other book I've read, I HAD to know how it would all come together * Linwood Barclay *Unusual and ambitious - written with immense sympathy, but also glorious jet-black humour * Daily Express *A one-of-a-kind narrative and a finale that resolves most matters but preserves a measure of tantalizing ambiguity * Wall Street Journal *Billingham's picture of the ward and its staff is full of humanity, leaving us with a clear sense that this kind of illness could affect any of us, and the story offers an excellent twist. He gets better and better. * Literary Review *An absolute monster of a read, it pulls you in close for a hug as it slaps your awareness. A LoveReading Star Book and Book of the Month, Rabbit Hole is quite simply an outstanding and wondrous ride. * LoveReading (book of the month) *When the solution comes it's perfectly satisfying. My guess, though, is that what most readers will remember more intensely is . . . Alice's voice: by turns funny, broken, chatty, defiant, bewildered-but always utterly convincing and compelling. * Readers Digest *It's all gripping stuff * Toronto Star *With a powerful shocker that you never see coming, it is thought-provoking to discover what truly lies beneath * The Mystery Site *Mark Billingham's Rabbit Hole is a terrific mystery and a gripping whodunit and whydunit - and especially howdunit * Winnipeg Free Press *

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Book Synopsis He had three perfect wivesUntil one of them killed him. ''Oh, my, can this author write women!'' NEW YORK TIMES''Atmospheric and addictive'' THE SUN''I could not put it down... I loved it!'' MARIAN KEYES*****Blake''s dead. His wife killed him.The question is... which one? Blake Nelson moved onto a hidden stretch of land - a raw paradise in the wilds of Utah - where he lived with his three wives:Rachel, the chief wife, obedient and doting to a fault.Tina, the other wife, who is everything Rachel isn''t.And Emily, the youngest wife, who knows little else.Rachel, Tina and Emily have nothing in common - except that they share a husband and a homestead.When their beloved Blake is found dead under the desert sun, the questions pile up. But none of the widows know who would want to kill a good man like theiTrade ReviewBlack Widows is a brilliant joyride in the company of three unforgettable women, sister-wives with nothing in common except their dead husband. Completely compelling and vividly told, the story plays with your loyalties and makes you question what counts as moral behaviour. This is a hugely enjoyable and original mystery with real heart, and I loved it * Jane Casey *It's unusual to read a story that reveals a completely different life, but that's exactly what Black Widows does. A thrilling tale which twists and turns along an immersive desert landscape, with a surprising Thelma & Louise style ending that makes you feel proud of the sisterhood * Araminta Hall *Oh my God, THIS BOOK! Mormon man - three wives, living survivalist lives - is murdered. Each wife is a suspect. I could NOT put it down!!! Utterly compelling, nuanced characterisation, such atmosphere. I LOVED it! * Marian Keyes *Quinn gives her readers an exquisite murder mystery, taking us through uncharted territory of off-the-grid, modern-day intentional communities. Black Widows is a steady, slow boil you'll be happy to immerse yourself in * Christina Dalcher *I loved this book. It's both a fascinating glimpse into a hidden world and brilliantly twisty crime novel. Three wives, three motives, three utterly compelling stories * Elly Griffiths *The marriage thriller given a wicked new twist. Claustrophobic, intense and absolutely gripping Black Widows announces the arrival of a major new talent into the halls of domestic noir * Eva Dolan *Everything about this book - the plot, the characters, the telling - is strikingly original. And highly recommended. Brilliantly imagined, compellingly told, a tale of survival against the odds, told with insight and compassion. The voices of the three wives will stay with the reader long after the book is finished * Chris Hammer *It's a great hook and a tremendous read - I thoroughly enjoyed this. The tension ramps up all the way to the end and I loved the relationship between the wives * Harriet Tyce *Intense, gripping, superb * Will Dean *Black Widows is an absolutely thrilling novel. I devoured it over a weekend, unable to put it down. It's a clever and completely original take on a domestic thriller ... Manages to be more than the sum of its parts: at once a fast-paced thriller and also a fascinating examination of Mormon culture and an extremely complicated and deadly marriage. Highly recommended * Alex Michaelides *Part page-turning whodunit, part desert domestic noir, Black Widows is a sly, contemporary crime masterpiece. I loved it * Adrian McKinty *Black Widows is also a riveting murder plot, and a delicate analysis of the relationship between 'sister' wives who have to live together, despite all attendant jealousies and privations. An amazing achievement. * woman&home *An atmospheric and addictive thriller. * The Sun *A gripping read * Bella *Written with great panache, it superbly evokes the lives of all three women and the secrets they hide. This story lingers in the memory. * Daily Mail *This is a compelling read with a very dark heart -- Alison Flood * Observer *What's fascinating about this well-researched mystery is the window it offers on the extraordinary and disturbing world of people who believe they have found the true faith -- Laura Wilson * Guardian *Hugely entertaining * The i *

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'One of the most vivid, memorable and menacing characters I've ever read' C.L. Taylor, author of The Fear As high-flying TV presenter and historian Olivia Sweetman stands before an adoring crowd at the launch of her new bestseller she can barely pretend to smile. Her life has spiralled into lies and if the truth comes out she'll lose everything.Only one person knows what Olivia has done. Vivian Tester is the socially awkward housekeeper of a Sussex manor who has become Olivia's unofficial research assistant. But Vivian has secrets too, and as the relationship between the women grows more and more tangled, a bizarre act of violence changes everything . . .Perfect for fans of Little Fires Everywhere and He Said She Said.PRAISE FOR THE NIGHT VISITOR:'WONDERFUL' - Clare Mackintosh, author of Let Me Lie'INSIDIOUS' - Guardian 'BRILLIANT' - Fiona Barton, author of The Child'PROPULSIVE' - Metro'INGENIOUS' - Sabine Durrant, author of Lie With Me'SINISTER' - Red'MENACING' - C.L. Taylor, author of The Fear 'FANTASTIC' - Sunday Mirror'ELEGANT' - Joanna Cannon, author of Three Things about Elsie'GRIPPING' - The Literary Review'UNRELENTING' - Mick Herron, author of Spook Street 'ENTHRALLING' - Heat'FASCINATING' - Linda Green, author of When My Eyes Were Closed'INTELLIGENT' - Good Housekeeping

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Book SynopsisThe discovery of centuries old human bones; a haunted 12th century house; a medieval legend spawning a modern cult... Merrily must piece together a most insidious mystery.'No-one in the business deals with the spooky stuff better.' - Crime Review UK'She dragged herself back up, holding her scraped hands inside the sleeves of her parka like paws. As she came to her knees, a sound like laughter was chopped up by the wind, and the woman was back . . .'A legend of the undead, still seductive, still deadly. A storm unearths a medieval corpse in the old city of Hereford, and the past returns to menace diocesan exorcist Merrily Watkins.Trade ReviewBedtime reading is sorted - Merrily is back. * Andrew Taylor *Intelligent rationalists will enjoy the way Rickman engages with the supernatural. * The Times *No-one in the business deals with the spooky stuff better. * Crime Review UK *Rickman's series is gaining a mass of fans with each book. This one will keep you entranced until the final page. * Crimesquad *

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Book SynopsisThe sixth book in the multi-million copy bestselling No. 1 Ladies'' Detective Agency seriesThe one where Mma Makutsi finds a dancing partner . . . Although Mma Ramotswe and Mr J. L. B. Matekoni have finally settled down, at the shared premises of the No. 1 Ladies'' Detective Agency and Speedy Motors, the staff - especially Mma Makutsi and Charlie the garage apprentice - are not mixing in a perfectly peaceful manner. But in the course of investigating her latest case, of a very unhappy young lady, Mma Ramotswe''s tiny white van comes into contact with a man on a bicycle who might be able to restore harmony. And Mma Makutsi does at last seem to have found someone special... ''A rare pleasure'' Daily Telegraph''Gentle, rich'' Sunday Times''A strong, independent and endearing model for contemporary women'' Boston Globe''A literary confection... there is no end to the pleasTrade ReviewA rare pleasure * Daily Telegraph *Forget the library - the body is in the mud hut. An African Miss Marple created by a Scottish lawyer . . . superb * Sunday Times *One of the most entrancing literary treats of many a year * Wall Street Journal *A strong, independent, and endearing model for contemporary women anywhere . . . A crowded fictional genre will have to make room for Precious Ramotswe. In the best sense possible, she's a heavyweight * Boston Globe *McCall Smith's style melts words into instant meaning and the music of all the novel's principal voices is a chorus you cannot resist * Scotsman *A literary confection... Fortunately, since texts aren't cakes, there is no end to the pleasure * New York Times Book Review *Enchanting... In the Company of Cheerful Ladies may be the most compelling of the lot * Daily News *Beguiling, lyrical... blessed with McCall Smith's richly detailed portraits of life in Africa and his flair for storytelling with an engaging cast of fully realized characters * Los Angeles Times *A rare pleasure * Daily Telegraph *Forget the library - the body is in the mud hut. An African Miss Marple created by a Scottish lawyer . . . superb * Sunday Times *One of the most entrancing literary treats of many a year * Wall Street Journal *A strong, independent, and endearing model for contemporary women anywhere . . . A crowded fictional genre will have to make room for Precious Ramotswe. In the best sense possible, she's a heavyweight * Boston Globe *

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