Crime and / or mystery fiction

Book SynopsisWhen the body of a young woman is discovered deep beneath the icy waters of Lake Grant, a note left under a rock by the shore points to suicide. But within minutes, it becomes clear that this is no suicide. It's a brutal, cold-blooded murder.Trade ReviewA gripping investigation into a brutal murder * Woman and Home *A taut, terrifying plot … Guaranteed to keep you up reading all night long * Stylist *Addictive . . . Slaughter is a terrific writer, and she keeps the emotional tension high throughout * The Atlanta Journal-Constitution *This chilling mystery is just begging to be read in one sitting * Cosmopolitan *Move over, Catherine Coulter - Slaughter may be today's top female suspense writer * Library Journal *

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Book SynopsisOn dry land, having been drawn into the half-worlds of London's criminal underground and of government espionage, Jack Aubrey faces perhaps the greatest challenge of his life.With rumours of peace running rampant, Captain Jack Aubrey chances his luck on the stock exchange. However, when his plans go awry, Marshalsea prison awaits. Can Stephen Maturin rescue his friend from a politically motivated trial and the enormity of being stricken from the Navy Lists?When the world has turned its back against you, friendship is all.The most brilliant historical novelist of modern times.'MAX HASTINGS[Patrick O'Brian has] the power of bringing near to the reader . . . savagery and tenderness, beauty and mystery and boldness and dignity.'EUDORA WELTYTrade Review‘If O’Brian’s novels have become a cult, this is because they are truly addictive. . . They are, quite magnificently, adventure yarns whose superb authenticity never distracts from the sheer thrill of the action.’Caroline Moore, Sunday Telegraph ‘The Aubrey–Maturin novels, by Patrick O’Brian, are so addictive that after I finish one I have to hide the next from myself for a little while in order to do anything else but read.’Louise Erdrich ‘In Aubrey and Maturin, Patrick O’Brian has created two of the most enjoyable characters in twentieth-century fiction. Their relationship sustains an absorbing and thrilling sequence of naval stories, unrivalled in their complexity, full of impeccable detail and psychological insight. O’Brian switches from the intimate to the epic with equal assurance. One of the greatest authors to sail with.’Michael Palin ‘My hero is Patrick O’Brian. It’s basically impossible to write that well.’David Mamet ‘One of the most compelling and brilliant novelists of his time . . . Beyond his superbly elegant writing, wit and originality, Patrick O’Brian showed an understanding of the nature of a floating world at the mercy of the wind and the sea which has never been surpassed.’Max Hastings, Evening Standard ‘I devoured Patrick O’Brian’s twenty-volume masterpiece as if it had been so many tots of Jamaica grog.’Christopher Hitchens ‘Written with most engaging enthusiasm that can’t fail to give pleasure to anybody who enjoys historical adventure flavoured with more than a dash of realism.’The Sunday Times ‘One of the most brilliantly sustained pieces of historical fictional writing this century.’James Teacher, Spectator ‘Patrick O’Brian brings depth to his sea-stories with outstanding dialogue, characterisation, humour and a golden thread of romance. You don’t have to love books about naval battles to become entranced.’Katie Fforde

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Book Synopsis'A terrific tale with twist after twist … Lilja Sigurdardottir is fast becoming my favourite Icelandic crime writer' The Times Book of the Month When Áróra receives a call telling her that a child she’s never met is claiming to be her missing sister reincarnated, she is devastated … as ridiculous as the allegations might seem. For three years she has been searching for her sister without finding a single clue, and now this strange child seems to have new information. On the same day, Icelandic detective Daníel returns home to find a note from his tenant, drag queen Lady Gúgúlú, giving notice on her flat and explaining that she has to leave the country. Daníel is immediately suspicious, and when three threatening men appear, looking for Lady, it’s clear to him that something is very wrong… And as Iceland’s long dark nights continue i

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Book SynopsisFROM THE 10 MILLION COPY, NO. 1 BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE DEPARTMENT Q SERIESA GRIPPING TREAT FOR FANS OF SCANDANAVIAN THRILLERSOne boy is on the run from an international conspiracy . . .Over three years ago, a civil servant vanished after returning from a work trip to Africa. Presumed dead, his family still want answers.It''s up to Department Q, Denmark''s cold cases department, to find out the truth. But what Detective Carl Morck doesn''t know, is that the key to the investigation is right here in Copenhagen . . . Fifteen-year-old Marco Jameson is tough, smart and very suspicious of police. Sleeping rough and hiding in the shadows is his way of life. But what does he know worth killing for - and will the police find him before whoever he is running from?Praise for Jussi Adler-Olsen:''The new ''it'' boy of Nordic Noir'' The Times<

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Book SynopsisThe Gingerbreadman - psychopath, sadist, convicted murderer and cake/biscuit - is loose on the streets of Reading. It isn''t Jack Spratt''s case. Despite the success of the Humpty Dumpty investigation, the well publicised failure to prevent Red Riding-Hood and her Gran being eaten once again plunges the Nursery Crime Division into controversy. Enforced non-involvement with the Gingerbreadman hunt looks to be frustrating until a chance encounter at the oddly familiar Deja-Vu Club leads them onto the hunt for missing journalist Henrietta ''Goldy'' Hatchett, star reporter for The Daily Toad. The last witnesses to see her alive were The Three Bears, comfortably living out a life of rural solitude in Andersen''s wood. But all is not what it seems. Are the unexplained explosions around the globe somehow related to missing nuclear scientist Angus McGuffin? Is cucumber-growing really that dangerous? Why are National Security involved? But most important of all: How could theTrade Review'With its witty literary allusions, social satire and blurred boundaries between fiction and reality, it's all completely mad, very funny . . . It also adds to Fforde's growing reputation as one of Britain's most inventive novelists and the thriller element keeps you guessing too.' * Word *'What makes Fforde a star is not his ebullient cleverness, but the elusive sympathy factor. However ridiculous his themes seem, his characters have a compelling immediacy.' * Independent *'What makes Fforde a star is not his ebullient cleverness, but the elusive sympathy factor. However ridiculous his themes seem, his characters have a compelling immediacy.' * Independent *'It would be hard not to be won over by Fforde's undeniable energy and the sheer, unrelenting number of gags' * Daily Mail *'THE FOURTH BEAR sees one of our funniest and most inventive authors at the height of his powers. The jokes come so fast that it is clear the author simply let his imagination off the leash and had a great time while writing it. You will have a great time reading it too.' * Daily Express *'Fforde is inventive and hugely funny.' * The Times *'It would be hard not to be won over by Fforde's undeniable energy and the sheer, unrelenting number of gags' * Daily Mail *'THE FOURTH BEAR is a great choice as it has everything - humour, intrigue and cucumbers as a matter of national security . . . will have you wondering how you haven't discovered Fforde before.' * Anys Scoular, Observer *'THE FOURTH BEAR is a great choice as it has everything - humour, intrigue and cucumbers as a matter of national security . . . will have you wondering how you haven't discovered Fforde before.' * Anys Scoular, Observer *'THE FOURTH BEAR sees one of our funniest and most inventive authors at the height of his powers. The jokes come so fast that it is clear the author simply let his imagination off the leash and had a great time while writing it. You will have a great time reading it too.' * Daily Express *'Fforde is inventive and hugely funny.' * The Times *'With its witty literary allusions, social satire and blurred boundaries between fiction and reality, it's all completely mad, very funny . . . It also adds to Fforde's growing reputation as one of Britain's most inventive novelists and the thriller element keeps you guessing too.' * Word *Praise for Jasper Fforde's new crime series * : *'Fforde's dexterously tailored nonsense has an underlying thread of shrewd satire, and the author's own wry, dry narration helps to compensate for the omission in this abridgement of so many of his gloriously surreal jokes.' * The Times *'Jasper Fforde is flavour of the comedy month, and this genial spoof whodunit if a fine example of his style... Fforde is a relaxed, polished storyteller who never falls in love with his own cleverness' * Sunday Telegraph *I love it. THE BIG OVER EASY is great not just because it's very funny...but also because it works properly as a whodunit...Comic genius. * Observer *A riot of puns, in-jokes and literary allusions that Fforde carries off with aplomb * Daily Mail *'This novel is a wonderful combination of silliness and cleverness, and a delightful holiday from reality. It's got such a good comic premise that it would work even if played straight, but virtually every page is adorned with puns, gags, tongue-twisters or comic setpieces, keeping the reader in a perpetual state of amusement.' * Independent on Sunday *'This is the first of best-selling Fforde's hilarious, absurd and utterly compelling new series of nursery crimes for adults.' * Daily Mirror *'This book, energetic, entertaining and packed with gags, is unlike anything you'll ever read.' * Telegraph *'Fforde's dexterously tailored nonsense has an underlying thread of shrewd satire, and the author's own wry, dry narration helps to compensate for the omission in this abridgement of so many of his gloriously surreal jokes.' * The Times *'This novel is a wonderful combination of silliness and cleverness, and a delightful holiday from reality. It's got such a good comic premise that it would work even if played straight, but virtually every page is adorned with puns, gags, tongue-twisters or comic setpieces, keeping the reader in a perpetual state of amusement.' * Independent on Sunday *

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Book Synopsis'Vivid, amusing and immensely enjoyable . . . A triumph' Alexander McCall SmithMeet Tannie Maria: the loveable writer of recipes in her local paper, the Klein Karoo Gazette.One Sunday morning, as Maria stirs apricot jam, she hears her editor Harriet on the stoep. What Maria doesn't realise is that Harriet is about to deliver a whole basketful of challenges and the first ingredient in two new recipes - recipes for love and murder.A delicious blend of intrigue, milk tart and friendship, join Tannie Maria in her first investigation. Consider your appetite whetted for a whole new series of mysteries . . .Trade ReviewA vivid, amusing and immensely enjoyable read. A triumph -- ALEXANDER MCCALL SMITHDetection, recipes and a cracking mystery set in South Africa make this an irresistable, page-turning debut novel * * Woman and Home * *Thriller of the Month * * Good Housekeeping * *Chock full of good food and interesting characters -- KERRY GREENWOODFunny and sweet . . . The story includes recipes - and has a pleasing bite -- CATHY RENTZENBRINK * * The Bookseller, Fiction Editor's Choice * *Utterly delicious, to the very last morsel -- DEON MEYER

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Book SynopsisFinding her is just the startA dark and gripping debut psychological thriller that won the 2017 Victorian Premier's Literary Award, previously won by THE DRY and THE ROSIE PROJECT.Nervy, soulful, genuinely surprising' A. J. Finn, bestselling author THE WOMAN IN THE WINDOWOne of the best books I have ever read' *****Well wow! I didn't see THAT twist coming!!' *****I lost sleep over this book' *****One photograph is all it takes to turn your world upside down. You stare at the picture. It shows a missing child who was abducted from her Kentucky home twenty years ago.But the kidnapped child doesn't just look like you; she is youYour real name is Sammy Went and the people you thought were family have been lying to you all your life.But what really happened all those years ago? And how far would you go for the truth?Trade Review‘A nervy, soulful, genuinely surprising it-could-happen-to-you thriller — a book to make you peer over your shoulder for days afterwards’ A. J. Finn, bestselling author of THE WOMAN IN THE WINDOW ‘The Nowhere Child is the personification of a high-concept thriller, brilliantly executed. Author White raises the bar on psychological suspense, telling Kim Leamy’s tale in a stylish voice and with a heart-pounding pace. Read page one, and you won’t stop. Guaranteed’ Jeffery Deaver ‘Stunning … tightly woven … comes highly recommended’ Library Journal ‘Great premise, varied characters, dark twists and a smattering of humour. This will be a big hit’ Rachel Sargeant ‘Packed with tension, twists and tremendous pace, it’s hard to believe that this is the work of a debut author. The Nowhere Child is stunning and flawless. I can’t recommend it enough’ Thomas Enger ‘Beautifully written, perfectly suspenseful and wonderfully dark. I could not put this book down’ Susi Holliday ‘Such a clever idea, which grips from the very first chapter’ Ragnar Jonasson ‘The Nowhere Child is pure dynamite. The high concept premise grabbed me from the first page and refused to let me go until I finished. You may try to read it slowly, so you can savor every single word, but the story is so all-encompassing—the need to know what happens next so urgent—you’ll forget all about savoring and find yourself tearing through the pages as fast as your fingers can manage. You do not want to miss this book!’ Linda Castillo, New York Times bestselling author ‘The Nowhere Child is a fabulous read, populated by such well-drawn and identifiable characters that I felt I knew them. I was desperate to know how the story unfolded. Brilliant!’ Louise Voss ‘The Nowhere Child lures you in, its teeth disguised in remarkably compelling prose, and gnaws down to the marrow of your bones’ Matt Wesolowski

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Book SynopsisCAN YOU TRUST A KILLER TO CATCH HIS OWN COPYCAT?The utterly gripping new Murder in Yorkshire crime novel by the brilliant Lesley McEvoy - for fans of Happy Valley.___________________ A serial killer is at large in Yorkshire, cutting off one victim's body part to leave with the next. The police turn to forensic psychologist and profiler Dr Jo McCready, who knows the killer's M.O. all too well. Twenty-five years ago, notorious Yorkshire serial killer Jacob Malecki murdered fifteen people using the same method, and Jo provided the profile that led to his capture.But with Malecki locked up in prison, who is the copycat killer? As the bodies pile up and the police get desperate, Malecki offers to help with the case. After all, who better to find a copycat than the original?Now Jo must play a dangerous game of cat and mouse with both killers. Can she use one to catch the other before more people die?Praise for Lesley McEvoy's Murder in Yorkshire crime series:'McEvoy really knows her stuff.' - IAN RANKIN 'This book really got its hooks into me. Highly original and whipsmart on detail, I devoured it in one sitting' - PETER JAMES'Such a clever, twisty crime thriller' - SAIMA MIR'There are plenty of twists in this gripping read' - YORKSHIRE TIMESTrade ReviewMcEvoy has done it again. A terrifically clever and intricate thriller. The author's background adds a chilling authenticity where you can't be sure on which side of good and evil most characters sit. Brilliant! * GRAHAM BARTLETT *Lesley McEvoy knows her stuff * IAN RANKIN *There are plenty of twists in this gripping read * YORKSHIRE TIMES (on The Murder Mile) *This book really got its hooks into me. Highly original and whipsmart on detail, I devoured it in one sitting * PETER JAMES (on The Killing Song) *Such a clever, twisty crime thriller! * SAIMA MIR (on The Killing Song) *A Deadly Likeness is a thrill-ride of a read. Right from the start you're grabbed into the world that Lesley creates and it's very hard to tear yourself away. Every character is is so well drawn that you become suspicious of everyone - even the dog - and you are desperate to find out what happened with every turn of the page. The ending is brilliantly crafted and satisfying as well as heart-stopping and heartbreaking. I throughly enjoyed this novel from Lesley and I can't wait to read more * DOROTHY KOOMSON *

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Book SynopsisA stunning collector's edition of the acclaimed novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author V.E. Schwab. With an exclusive metallic ink cover, this edition will feature: * End papers of London * Fan art * A glossary of Arnesian and Antari terms * An interview between author and editor * Original (never before seen!) tales from within the Shades of Magic world Kell is one of the last Antari-magicians with a rare, coveted ability to travel between parallel Londons. There is Red London, where life and magic are revered, Grey London, without magic and ruled by mad King George III, and White London, a city slowly being drained through magical war, down to its very bones. And once upon a time, there was Black London... but no one speaks of that now. Officially, Kell acts as an ambassador and messenger between the Londons, in service of the Maresh Empire. Unofficially, he's also a smuggler, a defiant hobby with dangerous consequences-as proved when he stumbles into a setup with a forbidden token from Black London. Fleeing into Grey London, Kell runs afoul of Delilah Bard, a cutpurse with lofty aspirations. She first robs him, then saves him from a deadly enemy, and finally forces Kell to spirit her to another world for a proper adventure. But perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, they'll first need to stay alive... Prepare to be dazzled by a world of parallel Londons-where magic thrives, starves, or lies forgotten, and where power can destroy just as quickly as it can create.

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Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR THE McILVANNEY PRIZESHORTLISTED FOR THE CWA HISTORICAL DAGGER 2022A Raven and Fisher Mystery: Book 3Edinburgh, 1850. This city will bleed you dry.Sarah Fisher is keeping a safe distance from her old flame Dr Will Raven. Having long worked at the side of Dr James Simpson, she has set her sights on learning to practise medicine herself. A notion everyone seems intent on dissuading her from.Across town, Raven finds himself drawn into Edinburgh's mire when a package containing human remains washes up on the shores of Leith, and an old adversary he has long detested contacts him, pleading for Raven's help to escape the hangman.Sarah and Raven's lives seem indelibly woven together as they discover that wealth and status cannot alter a fate written in the blood.Trade ReviewA real slow burner of a novel which is a marvellous tale of murder and deception in Victorian Edinburgh. It handles some difficult subject matter with sensitivity and care and has a real feeling of authenticity * * Bloody Scotland, McIlvanney Prize Shortlist * *The ambience of mid-nineteenth-century Edinburgh is well captured and makes for a gripping read. The authors are astute observers of human behaviour and outlook. The three novels in the trilogy are clearly well researched and shine a light on the cruelties, injustices and inequalities of the period described . . . Based on some actual events it's more than mere entertainment * * Bookmunch * *[A] stellar third whodunit set in nineteenth-century Edinburgh . . . The integration of real history enhances a page-turning plot * * Publishers Weekly (starred review) * *Another brilliant evocation of mid-nineteenth century Scotland, this series just gets better and better. The backstory of the characters, loves, careers and ambitions, is as riveting as the mystery . . . A mix of drama, romance and thriller * * NB Magazine * *Praise for the series: Parry's Victorian Edinburgh comes vividly alive - and it's a world of pain -- VAL McDERMIDBrilliantly conceived, fiendishly plotted and immaculately realised, these thrillers pull off the most difficult double-whammy of all: beneath blood and butchery so real they almost stain the pages lie both heart and soul . . . Wherever Parry takes them, I'll follow -- MICK HERRONA rip-roaring tale of murder amid the medical experiments of 19th-century Edinburgh. The book brings both city and period to colourful life and is a joy to read -- IAN RANKIN * * Guardian * *Menacing, witty and ingeniously plotted, Ambrose Parry's debut draws you into the dark heart of nineteenth-century Edinburgh and won't let you go until the final page -- S.J. PARRISGleeful, romping . . . The fog and stench of Edinburgh's Old Town definitely jump off the page . . . The central relationship between loveable rogue Raven and proto-feminist Fisher is the beating heart of The Art of Dying. Both characters are drawn with real empathy and nuance, and their complicated feelings for each other drive the book as much as the smart storylines. A great piece of storytelling * * Big Issue * *An astonishing debut. The dark and dangerous past is brought thrillingly to life. I can't wait to read more of Raven and Sarah -- MARK BILLINGHAM

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Book Synopsis''A classic example of detective-book murder . . . Leon whips up a brilliant narrative storm'' Sunday TimesWhen Commissario Brunetti receives a visit from one of his wife''s students with a strange and vague interest in investigating the possibility of a pardon for a crime committed by her grandfather many years ago, he thinks little of it, despite being intrigued by the girl''s intelligence and moral conscience. But when the girl is found stabbed to death, Claudia Leonardo is no longer Paola''s student, but instead becomes Brunetti''s case.Claudia seems to have no discernible living family, but lived with an elderly Austrian woman. When she in turn is found dead, the case begins to unlock long buried secrets of collaboration during the war, secrets few in Italy are happy to explore . . .''Wholly engrossing'' Evening StandardTrade ReviewA classic example of detective-book murder, it is satisfyingly difficult to resolve ... Leon whips up a brilliant narrative storm * Sunday Times *Compelling ... absorbingly detailed ... this is a powerful story, brilliantly evoking Venetian atmosphere, and the characters of Brunetti and his family continue to deepen throughout this series * The Times *Donna Leon's novels have become successively more subtle, more complex and perhaps more serious, without ever losing their compelling power as narratives. This is especially true of Wilful Behaviour; the story is wholly engrossing * Evening Standard *

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Book SynopsisGET READY FOR THE SCARIEST READ OF 2024 - a gripping new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Cold CasesFast, chilling, entertaining, unexpectedly touching. Might be St. James's best novel yet' New York Times----Who is behind you on the Murder Road?Honeymooners April and Eddie have taken a wrong turn. They're on a long dark road, late at night. Then they see a woman up ahead, clearly in trouble. They stop and pick her up. But only once she's in the car do they see the blood. Which is when the headlights appear behind. At last, the woman whispers:I'm sorry, he's coming . . .'----PRAISE FOR SIMONE ST. JAMES'Clever and wonderfully chilling. It held me hostage' Fiona Barton'Downright scary' Lisa Gardner'Dark and atmospheric' Harriet Tyce'A brilliant page-turner' Jenny QuintanaInstant Sunday Times bestseller, April 2024

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Book SynopsisThe truth isn''t the only thing that''s dead and buried...Margery and Clementine Butcher-Baker have been warned not to interfere in any more police investigations. When a body is found under Summerview School''s playground during renovations, they have absolutely no intention of getting involved.Instead, the pair agree to help Mrs Redburn, who suspects her husband of having an affair. But when their sleuthing sends them stumbling into the middle of the playground mystery, staying out of the police''s way is impossible.Can the Dinner Lady Detectives uncover the truth about the body, and solve Mrs Redburn''s case, or will they end up digging their own graves?A charming British cosy village mystery. Perfect for fans of J.M. Hall and Fiona Leitch.Praise for Hannah Hendy and The Dinner Lady Detectives Hannah is at the top of the tree of modern whodunnits. The characters, bar none, are real; the setti

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Book Synopsis''A cracking crime thriller'' The SunTHERE''S BLOOD ON THE WATER. NO ONE IS SAFE...1999. A young Detective Constable Louise Mangan crosses the Thames one misty morning in pursuit of a killer. She finds a tranquil community on a leafy island close to Hampton Court Palace, but soon realises that all is not as it seems. There is something evil at play in this quiet suburb, and this junior detective''s questions seem only to scratch the surface.Twenty years later, a horrific fire brings Detective Chief Superintendent Mangan back to that same island. Soon, she discovers that murder was just a drop in these dark waters.The river runs deep, and the tide is rising at last. Will the truth rise with it?Praise for Alan Johnson''s novels:''A punchy thriller'' Irish Independent''A fast-paced who-done-what'' SAGA Magazine''Featuring espionage, the Russian Mafia and a gorgeous female on a train with a deadly secret, the tantalising plot has set Alan up for dominance of the bestseller charts for years to come'' Fiona Phillips''Is there no limit to his talents? . . . I absolutely loved Alan''s new thriller, it''s brilliant'' Hunter Davies''Johnson''s writing style is easy, relaxed, self-deprecating . . . impressive'' Observer''Johnson writes wonderfully'' Telegraph''This boy can write . . .'' The Spectator

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Book SynopsisThe Sanctuary Sparrow: Sudden drama strikes the Benadictine monastery at Shrewsbury when a young man, pursued by a lynching mob, claims sanctuary just in time to save his life. Cadfael senses the young man''s innocence and sets out to solve yet another tangle of human passions where love plays its inevitable part.The Devil''s Novice: The Benedictine monastery at Shrewsbury finds its new novice Meriet Aspley a disturbing presence. Meek and bidable by day, his sleep is rent with nightmares so violent as to earn him the nickname of Devil''s Novice. Can Meriet be involved in the nearby disappearance of a superior prelate? As events take a sinister turn, it falls to Brother Cadfael to detect the truth behind the young man''s predicament.Dead Man''s Ransom: In the battle of Lincoln, the sherrif of Shropshire is captured and the King himself taken prisoner by his enemies. Nothing more natural than that an exchange of prisoners should take place. But before this can be completed, one captive is murdered. And to Brother Cadfael, who notices the evidence of unnatural death, falls the task of gathering enough clues to prove it.

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Book Synopsis''Kanae Minato is a brilliant storyteller'' Emily St John Mandel, author of Station ElevenWhen a group of young girls are approached by a stranger, they cannot know that the encounter will haunt them for the rest of their lives.Hours later, Emily is dead. The surviving girls alone can identify the killer. But not one of them remembers his face...Driven mad by grief, the victim''s mother demands the girls find the murderer or else atone for their crimes. If they do neither, she will have her revenge. She will make them pay...From the critically acclaimed author of Confessions, Penance is a dark and disturbing tale of revenge that will leave you reeling.Trade ReviewPraise for CONFESSIONS * . *A brilliant storyteller -- Emily St John Mandel, author of Station ElevenThink of CONFESSIONS as the Gone Girl of Japan....[A] gut-wrenching thrill ride...its thrust should hit home for any reader with a pulse. * Los Angeles Times *A dark, dystopic portrait of Japanese adolescence gone wrong. If Albert Camus had written Heathers, it would have looked a lot like this. -- Alex Marwood, author of The Darkest SecretExplosive... A dark thriller about love, despair and murder * Irish Tatler *A creepy and mesmerizing psychological thriller that challenges the conventions of right vs. wrong, good vs. evil, and law vs. justice. * Library Journal *A spellbinding read, a fascinating peek into modern Japanese society, and a glimpse into the dark corners of the human psyche * Booklist *Taut, unsettling and relentlessly engaging, CONFESSIONS is a book with claws, in more sense than one. I defy any fan of smart, unconventional crime writing to set this novel aside once they've started it. -- Simon Lelic, author of The Child Who

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Book SynopsisNo. 1 international bestseller and Swedish crime sensation Camilla Lackberg's chilling psychological thriller featuring Detective Patrick Hedstrom and Erica Falck irresistible for fans of Stieg Larsson and Jo Nesbo.Crime writer Erica Falck is shocked to discover an old Nazi medal among her late mother''s belongings. Inspired to dig deep into her past, she visits a retired history teacher for answers. Two days later, he's dead.Detective Patrik Hedström is on paternity leave. But his wife's enquiries appear to have set off a chain of murders and he's finding it hard to keep out of the investigation.A terrible secret from the darkest days of World War II is coming to light and their families' histories are right at the heart of it.Trade ReviewPraise for Camilla Lackberg: ‘A top-class Scandinavian crime writer’ The Times ‘Heart-stopping and heart-warming … a masterclass in Scandinavian crime writing’ Val McDermid ‘A warmth that cuts right through the Nordic chill’ Independent ‘Pacy … with flashing insight into the dark places of the psyche’ Sunday Times ‘Lackberg is an expert at mixing scenes of domestic cosiness with blood-curdling horror’ Guardian ‘Both chilling and thrilling’ Sun

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Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR THE NED KELLY BEST CRIME FICTION AWARD 'B.M. Carroll is a wonderful writer' - LIANE MORIARTY 'A true page-turner, relentlessly fast-paced' - KATIE LOWE 'Well written and very, very clever' - A.J. PARK 'I absolutely loved it. Gripping and twisty' - SOPHIE FLYNN WOULD YOU SAVE THE MAN WHO DESTROYED YOUR LIFE? When paramedic Megan Lowe is called to the scene of an attempted murder, all she can do is try to save the victim. But as the man is lifted onto a stretcher, she realises she knows him. She despises him. Why should she save his life when he destroyed hers? Jess Foster is on her way home when she receives a text from Megan. Once best friends, the two women haven't been close for years, not since the night when they were just the teenage girls whom no-one believed; whose reputations were ruined. All Jess can think is, you had it coming. Now Megan and Jess are at the centre of a murder investigation. But what secrets are they hiding? Can they trust one another? And who really is the victim? Perfect for fans of C.L. Taylor, Lucy Foley and Lisa Hall, You Had It Coming is a thrilling tale of suspense and dark secrets.Trade ReviewB.M. Carroll is a wonderful writer of addictive, authentic Australian stories -- Liane MoriartyA true page-turner, relentlessly fast-paced, with a riveting mystery at its heart -- Katie Lowe, author of The FuriesA seriously intelligent, twisty and frightening thriller that's seriously well written and very, very clever -- A.J. Park, author of The First LieI absolutely loved it! Such a gripping and twisty plot, I had no idea what was going to happen and who the killer was -- Sophie Flynn, author of All My Lies

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Book SynopsisTHE NOVEL THAT STARTED IT ALL - ARKADY RENKO NOVEL #1 'One of those writers that anyone who is serious about their craft views with respect bordering on awe' Val McDermid 'Makes tension rise through the page like a shark's fin’ Independent*** Three bodies found frozen in the snow. And the hunt for the killer begins… It begins with a triple murder in a Moscow amusement center: three corpses found frozen in the snow, faces and fingers missing. Chief homicide investigator Arkady Renko is brilliant, sensitive, honest, and cynical about everything except his profession. To identify the victims and uncover the truth, he must battle the KGB, FBI, and the New York City police as he pursues a rich, ruthless, and well-connected American fur dealer. Meanwhile, Renko is falling in love with a beautiful, headstrong dissident for whom he may risk everything. A wonderTrade Review'Smith can make tension rise through the page like a shark's fin' -- Independent'One of those writers that anyone who is serious about their craft views with respect bordering on awe' -- Val McDermid‘Cleverly and intelligently told, The Girl from Venice is a truly riveting tale of love, mystery and rampant danger. I loved it’ -- Kate Furnivall, author of 'The Liberation'‘Smith not only constructs grittily realistic plots, he also has a gift for characterisation of which most thriller writers can only dream' -- Mail on Sunday'The story drips with atmosphere and authenticity – a literary triumph' -- David Young, bestselling author of 'Stasi Child''Smith was among the first of a new generation of writers who made thrillers literary' -- Guardian'Brilliant…enough enigmas within enigmas within enigmas to reel the mind' -- The New Yorker'Brilliantly worked, marvellously written . . . an imaginative triumph' -- Sunday Times

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Book Synopsis'One of the greatest anti-heroes ever written' LEE CHILDBerlin, March 1943. The mood in Germany is bleak after their stunning defeat at Stalingrad. Private Investigator Bernie Gunther is at work in the German War Crimes Bureau - weary, cynical but well aware of the value of truth in a world where that's now a rarity. When human remains are found deep in the Katyn Forest, Bernie is sent to investigate. Rumour has it that this mass grave is full of Polish officers murdered by the Russians. For Josef Goebbels, proof of Russian involvement is sure to destroy the Western Alliance, giving Germany a chance to reverse its devastating losses. But supposing the truth is far more damaging to the German cause? It's Bernie Gunther's job to give Goebbels what he needs. But when there's nothing left for Gunther to lose, the compulsion to speak the truth becomes ever stronger...Trade ReviewOne of the greatest anti-heroes ever written * Lee Child *Richly layered . . . reliably remarkable on every level * The Sunday Times *A compelling, elegantly constructed thriller * Financial Times *Kerr leads us through the facts of history and the vagaries of human nature * Tom Hanks *Bitterly, darkly funny * Sunday Herald *Humour seems like an affirmation of the human spirit in a world in which inhumanity holds sway, and makes Kerr's brilliant novels all the more affecting * Daily Telegraph *One of the greatest master story-tellers in English * Alan Furst *The real pleasure in these books is in Kerr's total mastery of the world he's created * Sport *[Kerr's] Raymond Chandleresque mysteries about a cynical Berlin cop reluctantly working for the Nazis are his masterpiece * Sun *Kerr's novels are modern classics * Simon Sebag Montefiore *A detailed and nuanced portrait of Nazi Germany * Spectator *Kerr is at the top of his game with his Hitler-era Berlin detective, Bernie Gunther * Tribune *The good detective trying to do his best within a corrupt regime [. . .] but it can safely be said that few writers have tackled the theme with the rigour of Philip Kerr * Independent *One of the most memorable and original characters * The Sunday Times *'Compelling ... Elegantly constructed' Financial Times. * Financial Times *'Richly layered ... Remarkable' Sunday Times. * Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisLisa Gardner started her writing career aged seventeen. Having caught her hair on fire while working in food service, crafting a novel seemed a safer bet. A mere ten years later she became an overnight success with the publication of her first thriller, The Perfect Husband.Now an internationally bestselling author and winner of the International Thriller Writers Award for best suspense novel, Lisa lives in the mountains of New Hampshire with her family.When not glued to her computer, she can be found hiking the mountains with her dogs and/or researching new and interesting ways to get away with murder.

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Book Synopsis''Magnificent.'' Richard OsmanRazor-sharp.' Erin Kelly''Fresh, frightening, bittersweet and brutal.'' Chris Whitaker ''Catnip for fans of Saltburn.'' Guardian''Brilliant.'' Matthew Baynton A BBC BETWEEN THE COVERS BOOK CLUB PICK He''s found a life worth killing forEdward is struggling to hold it together. Just about getting by in a world he cannot afford, scurrying after his friends, doing everything he can to prove his value. But not to worry: the attention of his beloved Stanza and the respite he finds in her ancestral home, Kellerby House, provide all the reward he needs.Until he realises that Stanza is in love with his best friend Robert, forcing Edward to re-evaluate what those closest to him are actually worth. No price is too high to stop the life he has strived for slipping from his grip. Especially when he won't be the one paying.''A genuine late night, one more chapter, but I''ve got work in the morning book.'' Ian Moore Are there limits to what he will do for his friends? Are there limits to what he will do to them?''A dastardly romp.'' Alice SlaterA subtle and gripping thriller for fans of The Secret History and The Talented Mr. Ripley.' Claire McGowanWHAT READERS ARE SAYING . . .I loved The Kellerby Code. The toxic friend group our lower class protagonist bends over backwards to fit into, the growing resentment of the effortless wealth and success and the inevitable tipping point.'This is one of those books that get more absorbing and utterly bizarre as it goes, you absolutely have to read it.'Immensely enjoyable . . . A wild roller coaster ride with plenty of cringeworthy and laugh out loud moments.'

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Book SynopsisHE KNOWS EXACTLY WHERE IT HURTS...'This is crime-writing at its nerve-tingling best'Harlan CobenA killer is targeting lone women, torturing and murdering them. The precision of his methods leads Detective Jane Rizzoli to suspect he is medically trained.Then Jane makes a terrifying discovery. Years ago a young woman was assaulted in a similar way. She escaped by shooting her attacker dead.So why does it feel like he's stalking her again?Don't miss Tess Gerritsen's gripping new thriller, LISTEN TO ME - out now!Trade ReviewGrabbed me by the throat and didn't let go until its hair-raising finish. Deep, dark and very disturbing -- Tami HoagIf you've never read Gerritsen, figure in the price of electricity when you buy your first novel by her, cause baby, you are going to be up all night -- Stephen KingIf you're home alone, do not risk even the first sentence. Once you've started reading this book, putting it down and saving it 'til later is not an option -- Mo Hayder, author of "Birdman"This book is going to make you squirm... a taut, well-placed and throughly realistic thriller * The List *Superior to Patricia Cornwell and as good as James Patterson... Macabre and gruesome but absolutely riveting * Bookseller *

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Book SynopsisWould you run, or stay and call an ambulance, if it was you that pushed him?''A terrific premise, delivered with panache'' CLARE MACKINTOSH''Dark and intense . . . an exhilarating, hold-your-breath read!'' PrimaIt''s the end of the night. You''re walking home on your own.Then you hear the sound every woman dreads. Footsteps. Behind you. Getting faster.You''re sure it''s him - the man from the bar who wouldn''t leave you alone.You make a snap decision. You turn. You push. Your pursuer tumbles down the steps. He lies motionless, face-down on the floor.Now what? Call 999Wait for the police to arrive. For judgement, for justice, whatever that may be. You just hope your husband, family and friends, everyone you love, will stand by you.OR:RunStay silent. You didn''t mean to do it. You were scared, you panicked. And no one saTrade ReviewPraise for Anything You Do Say * - *A terrific premise, delivered with panache -- Clare MackintoshDark and intense . . . An exhilarating hold-your-breath read! * Prima *I loved Gillian's latest book. Another winner. One of the most inventive and original thrillers I've read in recent memory. The Sliding Doors structure kept me turning page after page to discover Joanna's destiny. I devoured this book in one sitting. It's official! Gillian McAllister is fast becoming one of my favourite authors! -- Hollie OvertonAn addictive, exciting and devilishly clever book . . . exceptional -- Holly SeddonA Sliding Doors thriller with a moral dilemma at its heart. Brilliant -- Claire DouglasA smartly conceived psychological thriller * Sunday Times *Almost unbearably tense. A granular exploration of secrecy and guilt * New York Times *This gripping thriller will make you wonder: What would I do? We couldn't put this book down! * Take a Break *This clever novel reminds me of Sliding Doors - it will challenge every belief you have * Sun *Joanna has two choices: does she call 999 or run? Ingeniously, the novel's alternating chapters depict both riveting options * Heat *All the hallmarks of a stunning psychological thriller: Pace, twists and turns and the heart-stopping realisation that it could easily be you -- Adam CroftCompletely original. I was gripped -- Jane FallonHard to put down. The two storylines work so well and the balance is perfect . . . A gripping story with real characters -- Emma CurtisA Sliding Doors-style thriller that will keep you gripped until the final page * Closer *The novel is ingenious . . . a beautiful and original book -- Claire KendalAn expertly crafted novel full of drama and tension . . . An impossible feat accomplished with great skill. Bravo -- Imran MahmoodPraise for Everything but the Truth * - *Perfection. Intriguing and compelling. An exceptional debut -- Clare MackintoshWonderful writing and a brilliant story. An amazing debut -- B A ParisPacked with twists and turns that will make it almost impossible to put down * Hello *A beautifully written domestic noir full of secrets and lies -- Claire DouglasThis contemporary love story wrapped up in a thriller is a brilliant read. Compelling and intense * Sunday Mirror *A gripping, compelling page turner that kept me up half the night -- Liz NugentYou won't be able to put it down! -- Hollie OvertonAn utterly unique story . . . my heart was in my mouth the whole time -- Holly SeddonAn assured and gripping debut -- Alex MarwoodTense and compelling -- Paula DalyI found myself wanting to pick it up at every opportunity. Brilliant -- Jenny BlackhurstTop domestic noir * Sun *Once I'd started I was powerless to stop. Brilliantly executed, clever and utterly realistic -- Jill MansellThis is a book to devour -- Elizabeth HaynesStartlingly good. Gillian McAllister is a new star in psychological thrillers -- Miranda DickinsonIntriguing and atmospheric -- Sheila O'FlanaganBreathlessly brilliant * Heat *A thrilling book club read * Prima *Prepare to be gripped by this tense thriller * Fabulous Magazine *

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Book SynopsisA band of killers. Survivors with a secret. A death-defying murder mystery in space. When young Mel's business partner, Sabalom Glitz embarks on yet another get rich quick scheme, it marks the start of an epic, death-defying murder-mystery in space. After barely escaping the snares of a murderous galactic cult, Mel searches for fellow survivors in a nearby spaceship graveyard while Glitz looks to fill his pockets. But the discovery of a spaceship with its crew in suspended animation and incredible secrets on board leaves the duo stranded with no way off. Mel revives the crew and then the murders start. Murders that cannot possibly have been committed by any of the crewmembers. In fact, there are only two realistic suspects Glitz and Mel themselves

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Book SynopsisWho knew her secret? And what happened that night?A cracking page-turner from Phoebe Morgan' Cara HunterFast-moving. Addictive. And all too possible' Jane CorryI loved it, those twists!' B A ParisOn the hottest day of the year, Caroline Harvey is found dead in Suffolk. Her body is left draped over a cot but the baby she was looking after is missing. Hundreds of miles away, Siobhan Dillon is on a luxurious family holiday in France when her husband, Callum, is arrested by French police on suspicion of murder.As Siobhan's perfect family is torn apart by the media in the nation's frantic search for the missing baby, she desperately tries to piece together how Callum knew Caroline.What happened that night? Was Caroline as innocent as she seemed or was she hiding a secret of her own?The thrilling new book from the number one digital bestselling author of The Doll House and The Girl Next Door.Praise for The Babysitter:I loved it, those twists!' B A ParisA cracking page-turner from Phoebe MoTrade Review Praise for The Babysitter: ‘I loved it, those twists!’ B A Paris, bestselling author of The Dilemma ‘A cracking page-turner from Phoebe Morgan’ Cara Hunter, bestselling author of All the Rage ‘Another brilliant read – possibly my favourite of hers yet. Tense, twisty and gripping. I was NOT expecting that twist!’ Claire Allan, bestselling author of Her Name Was Rose ‘This had me at the title. Fast-moving. Addictive. And all too possible’ Jane Corry, bestselling author of I Looked Away ‘The Babysitter took me from France to Suffolk via dark, twisty plotting, compelling characterisation and an ending I didn’t see coming at all’ Harriet Tyce, bestselling author of Blood Orange ‘A well-paced and rather unusual thriller, not least because Morgan has a particular skill for creating a vivid sense of place’ Daily Mail ‘A mystery packed with twists and turns – Morgan knows how to ramp up the tension!’ Woman ‘This chilling thriller is packed with tension and twists!’ My Weekly ‘Smart, suspenseful and oh so twisty, I loved The Babysitter’ Victoria Selman, bestselling author of Blood for Blood ‘Smart and sophisticated, with a payoff that’s well worth the wait. This is a dark, chilling thriller oozing with secrets, betrayals and twists’ John Marrs, bestselling author of The One 'The Babysitter is everything I love in a crime novel – a race-against-time mystery full of betrayal, divided loyalties, dubious men and relationships strained to breaking point. It is hugely enjoyable and impossible to put down until the thoroughly satisfying ending' Jane Casey, bestselling author of Cruel Acts ‘Betrayal, twists, lies and hope … The Babysitter has them all! Unputdownable’ Isabel Ashdown, bestselling author of Lake Child ‘SO addictive with a clever and twisty storyline… Loved it!’ Claire Douglas, bestselling author of Do Not Disturb

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Book SynopsisAfter Art in the Blood and Unquiet Spirits, Holmes and Watson are back in the third of Bonnie MacBird's critically acclaimed Sherlock Holmes Adventures, written in the tradition of Conan Doyle himself.It's 1890 and the newly famous Sherlock Holmes faces his worst adversary to date a diabolical villain bent on destroying some of London's most admired public figures in particularly gruesome ways. A further puzzle is that suicide closely attends each of the murders. As he tracks the killer through vast and seething London, Holmes finds himself battling both an envious Scotland Yard and a critical press as he follows a complex trail from performers to princes, anarchists to aesthetes. But when his brother Mycroft disappears, apparently the victim of murder, even those loyal to Holmes begin to wonder how close to the flames he has travelled. Has Sherlock Holmes himself made a deal with the devil?Trade Review‘One of the best Sherlock Holmes novels of recent memory, at least as entertaining as Anthony Horowitz’s The House of Silk … MacBird’s artistry will keep readers eagerly turning the pages just to see how she orchestrates the big reveal.’—MICHAEL DIRDA, Washington Post ‘Gets a definite recommendation from me. MacBird is sure-footed with atmosphere and voices, there’s lots of action and a solid mystery, but no shortage of real tenderness between Holmes and Watson, and the conclusion is as satisfying as anything Conan Doyle wrote. If you’re looking for a Sherlockian Christmas present for someone, introduce them to Bonnie MacBird’s series.’—Sherlock Holmes Journal ‘Bonnie MacBird's best Holmes novel so far and cements her as one of the best pastiche authors out there … This did not disappoint. Get it as soon as you can.‘—Doylockian ‘An extraordinary mystery … worthy of Holmes and Watson’s adventures!’—Leslie S. Klinger ‘A rich stew of Holmesian tropes and lore which romps along.’—Shots ‘Loose-limbed, prodigiously inventive, plotted with infernal logic’—Kirkus ‘A Sherlockian thrill-ride … the characters ring steel-true and will deight mystery readers, Holmes devotees and newcomers alike.’—Dana Cameron, author of the Emma Fielding Mysteries ‘Bonnie MacBird at the top of her game!.’—Curtis Armstrong, author of Revenge of the Nerd; A Plum Assignment ‘Gorgeously crafted and marvellously entertaining!’—Hank Phillippi Ryan, author of The Murder List

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Book SynopsisThe classic first novel from Mark Billingham introduces DI Tom Thorne in a unforgettable and terrifying case that changed crime fiction forever.''A terrifically stylish debut novel'' Independent on SundayAlison Willetts has survived a stroke, deliberately induced by a skilful manipulation of pressure points on the head and neck. She can see, hear and feel but she is completely unable to move or communicate. In leaving Alison Willetts alive, the police believe the killer''s made his first mistake.Then DI Tom Thorne discovers the horrifying truth: it isn''t Alison who is the mistake, it''s the three women already dead.Thorne must find a killer whose agenda is disturbingly unique, and Alison, the one person who holds the key to the killer''s identity, is unable to say anything . . .__________Read what everyone''s saying about the heart-racing Tom Thorne series:Trade ReviewA terrifically stylish debut novel Independent on Sunday Extremely capable and unsettling Literary Review A cunning variation on the serial-murder theme Sunday Telegraph Mark Billingham is one of my favourite new authors. Highly recommended -- Harlan Coben

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Book Synopsis''This series is a must-read for anyone who loves the sea, or islands, or joyous, intricate story-telling.'' ANN CLEEVESCrowds are gathered for a concert at Shetland''s renowned folk music festival when there''s a shocking discovery - international folk legend Fintan Foley has been stabbed backstage. Sailing sleuth Cass Lynch and her partner DI Gavin Macrae are in the audience and must untangle a complicated case where nothing is quite what it seems. Cass soon discovers that Foley''s smiling stage persona concealed links with Shetland. He''d worked here in the 80s, the days when oil brought wealth to the islands.Has a long-buried secret risen to the surface - and will it make Cass a target for a cold-blooded killer?Atmospheric and gripping, Death at a Shetland Festival is the latest instalment in the much-loved Shetland Mystery series by Marsali Taylor. Perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves and Elly Griffiths.

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Book SynopsisA riveting Kate Brannigan thriller, from No.1 Sunday Times bestseller Val McDermid.Val McDermid remains unrivalled' ObserverKate Brannigan's having a bad week. Her boyfriend's death notice is in the paper and her plan to catch a team of fraudsters is in disarray.Kate can't even cry on her best friend's shoulder, for Alexis has worries of her own. Her girlfriend's pregnant, and when the doctor responsible for the fertility treatment is murdered, Alexis needs Kate like she's never done before.Delving into the alien world of medical experimentation, Kate confronts betrayal and cold-blooded greed as she fights to save not only her livelihood, but her life as wellTrade Review‘One of my favourite authors’Sara Paretsky ‘Kate Brannigan is truly welcome… she is refreshingly funny’ Daily Mail ‘This is crime writing of the very highest order’ Marcel Berlins, The Times ‘McDermid packs it all into 237 highly readable pages’ Natasha Cooper, TLS ‘A powerful sense of place and the usual flak of misanthropic one-liners’ Literary Review Praise for Val McDermid: 'No one rivals Val McDermid’s skill at writing truly terrifying thrillers’ Good Housekeeping ‘The real mistress of psychological gripping thrillers' Daily Express 'McDermid's capacity to enter the warped mind of a deviant criminal is shiveringly convincing' The Times ‘Val McDermid is undoubtedly the queen of British crime’ Observer 'McDermid’s expertly juggled plotlines and masterful handling of pace and tension tick all the best boxes’ Guardian ‘The queen of crime is still at the top of her game’ Independent ‘One of today’s most accomplished crime writers’ Literary Review ‘Her writing is never less than excellent’ Crime Time

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Book SynopsisA devious collection of short stories from the master of misdirection, featuring appearances from Lincoln Rhyme and Colter Shaw.

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Book SynopsisA brand new detective series with a supernatural twist. The X Files meets Line of Duty in this gripping thriller!Eerie, original and compelling' C.L. TaylorTense and twisted' Susi HollidayA brilliant, clever murder mystery' Jane CaseyEven in your dreams you're not safeThe nightmare is only just beginningWhen DC Rose Gifford is called to investigate the death of a young woman suffocated in her bed, she can't shake the feeling that there's more to the crime than meets the eye.It looks like a straightforward crime scene but the police can't find the killer. Enter DS Moony an eccentric older detective who runs UCIT, a secret department of the Met set up to solve supernatural crimes. Moony wants Rose to help her out but Rose doesn't believe in any of that.Does she?As the killer prepares to strike again, Rose must pick a side before a second woman dies.Twisty, original and compelling, SLEEP TIGHT is perfect for fans of Alex North and Cara Hunter.PRAISE FOR C.S. GREEN:Brilliant' Jenny BlaTrade Review PRAISE FOR SLEEP TIGHT: ‘Eerie, original and compelling’ C.L. Taylor ‘Tightly plotted, perfectly paced, and beautifully written, the story builds to a tense and terrifying conclusion. The introduction of a secret police department set up to solve crimes with a supernatural element is original and exciting’Amanda Jennings ‘Brilliant’ Jenny Blackhurst ‘Pulse-pounding’ Caroline Mitchell ‘This locked door mystery had me hooked from the first page, and the creeping intensity builds to a heart-racing finish’ Rachael Blok ‘Caroline is one talented author’ Chris McDonald ‘Loved this genre-blending, original page turner’ Niki Mackay 'A smart police procedural with an unnerving supernatural spin, Sleep Tight promises great things for CS Green's new series and introduces an intriguing and complex lead' Eva Dolan ‘A refreshingly original thriller. Beautifully written and deliciously creepy, Sleep Tight hooked me from the very first line’ Sarah Stovell ‘Creepy, intriguing and a total page turner’ Michelle Davies ‘Rose Gifford is as brilliant a character as Susie Steiner’s Manon’ Louise Voss 'A classy police procedural with gritty characters and a delicious paranormal edge' Jane Isaac ‘A gripping, fascinating and tense novel’ Neil Lancaster A great premise, complex characters and a supernatural twist. If you’ve ever had trouble sleeping, you’ll be totally gripped’ Paul Burston ‘A pacy police procedural with a sprinkling of the supernatural and a likeable heroine—what’s not to love?’ Lisa Gray ‘It’s rare to find a truly original police procedural, but here it is! Eerie and tense, a locked-room mystery leads us into a world of supernatural crime detection’ Jo Furniss ‘The perfect blend of crime, thriller and supernatural’ Sam Carrington

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Book SynopsisDon’t miss Faith Martin’s fiendishly clever new novel, Murder by Candlelight, set in the 1920s and described as ‘the perfect village mystery’ by J.M. Hall ‘There is so much to love about A Fatal End… Another nail-biting mystery awaits.’ The Lancashire Post Trade Review‘There is so much to love about A Fatal End… Another nail-biting mystery awaits.’ The Lancashire Post Praise for Faith Martin: ‘Absolutely loved it… The characters were some of the best I’ve read in a long time.’ Angela Marsons, no. 1 bestselling author of the Kim Stone series ‘A brilliant book! The pairing of Ryder and Loveday is a stroke of genius.’ Clare Chase, author of the Eve Mallow and Tara Thorpe mysteries ‘A thrilling whodunit, packed with Martin’s trademark labyrinthine plotting, stunning twists and turns.’ The Lancashire Post

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Book SynopsisJohn Grisham is the author of forty works of fiction and one of non-fiction. His works are translated into forty-two languages. He lives in Virginia.Trade Review"The best thriller writer alive" Evening Standard "Grisham is a natural storyteller" Daily Telegraph "A giant of the thriller genre" Time Out "The best thriller writer alive" Evening Standard "Grisham is a natural storyteller" Daily Telegraph

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Book Synopsis**WINNER OF THE INTERNATIONAL DUBLIN LITERARY AWARD**I love Idaho' Paula Hawkins, bestselling author of The Girl on the TrainThis sharp, stunning debut novel and Irish bestseller about grief, loss and redemption is your next literary obsession One hot August day a family drives to a mountain clearing to collect birch wood. Jenny, the mother, is in charge of lopping any small limbs off the logs with a hatchet. Wade, the father, does the stacking. The two daughters, June and May, aged nine and six, drink lemonade, swat away horseflies, bicker, sing snatches of songs as they while away the time. But then Jenny does something unspeakable, an act so extreme it will scatter the family in every different direction, and leave dark unanswered questions for years to come.Unflinchingmulti-layered storytelling that is both beautiful and devastating' Rachel Joyce, author of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Trade ReviewI love Idaho for the sparse beauty of its prose, the unsolvable mystery at its heart, the cleverly constructed non-linear narrative and its preoccupations… which so closely match my own -- Paula Hawkins * Guardian *Writing that has the cool sharpness of lemonade... Unflinching, unfrilly, multi-layered storytelling that is both beautiful and devastating -- Rachel JoyceHauntingly brilliant, this book will stay with you for days after you’ve put it down * Evening Standard, Books of the Year *You're in masterly hands here... will remind many of the great Idaho novel, Marilynne Robinson's Housekeeping... wrenching and beautiful * New York Times Book Review *From the first page it is clear that Ruskovich’s poetic, spare writing would be enough to compel on its own, but this extraordinary story of a violent event that decimates a young family in northern Idaho is the true engine here. It’s a puzzle that enthrals from the outset. -- Lucy Clark * Guardian *

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Book Synopsis''The father of contemporary European detective fiction'' Ann Cleeves ''Let''s be clear that it''s not your professionalism which I question. If you understand nothing, and I mean absolutely nothing, it''s because from the very start you''ve been working with facts which had been falsified.''Maigret sets out to prove the innocence of a man condemned to death for a brutal murder. As his audacious plan to uncover the truth unfolds, he encounters rich American expatriates, some truly dangerous characters and their hidden motives.This novel has been published in previous translations as Maigret''s War of Nerves and A Battle of Nerves.''Maigret emerges as a master of intuition and imagination, who moves in a world rendered intensely real in Simenon''s incomparable prose'' Christopher Hirst, IndependentTrade ReviewPraise for Georges Simenon:“One of the greatest writers of the twentieth century . . . Simenon was unequaled at making us look inside, though the ability was masked by his brilliance at absorbing us obsessively in his stories.” —The Guardian “These Maigret books are as timeless as Paris itself.” —The Washington Post “Maigret ranks with Holmes and Poirot in the pantheon of fictional detective immortals.” —People “I love reading Simenon. He makes me think of Chekhov.” —William Faulkner “The greatest of all, the most genuine novelist we have had in literature.” —André Gide “A supreme writer . . . Unforgettable vividness.” —The Independent (London) “Superb . . . The most addictive of writers . . . A unique teller of tales.” —The Observer (London) “Compelling, remorseless, brilliant.” —John Gray “A truly wonderful writer . . . Marvelously readable—lucid, simple, absolutely in tune with the world he creates.” —Muriel Spark “A novelist who entered his fictional world as if he were a part of it.”lle —Peter Ackroyd “Extraordinary masterpieces of the twentieth century.” —John Banville"Gem-hard soul-probes . . . not just the world's bestselling detective series, but an imperishable literary legend . . . he exposes secrets and crimes not by forensic wizardry, but by the melded powers of therapist, philosopher and confessor" ― Times (London)"Strangely comforting . . . so many lovely bistros from the Paris of mid-20th C. The corpses are incidental, it's the food that counts." ― Margaret Atwood"One of the greatest writers of the 20th century . . . no other writer can set up a scene as sharply and with such economy as Simenon does . . . the conjuring of a world, a place, a time, a set of characters - above all, an atmosphere." ― Financial Times"Gripping . . . richly rewarding . . . You'll quickly find yourself obsessing about his life as you tackle each mystery in turn."-- Stig Abell ― The Sunday Times (London)

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Book Synopsis''For fans of Jo Nesbo and Patricia Highsmith'' A. J. Finn, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Woman in the WindowYOU WAKE UP COVERED IN BLOODTHERE''S A BODY DOWNSTAIRSYOUR MOTHER''S BODYYOU DIDN''T DO IT. DID YOU?HOW COULD YOU, YOU''VE ALWAYS BEEN THE GOOD SONTHE INTERNATIONAL SENSATION FROM KOREA''S MILLION-COPY BESTSELLING AUTHOR YOU-JEONG JEONG.When Yu-jin wakes up covered in blood, and finds the body of his mother downstairs, he decides to hide the evidence and pursue the killer himself. Then young women start disappearing in his South Korean town. Who is he hunting? And why does the answer take him back to his brother and father who lost their lives many years ago.The Good Son is inspired by a true story. Trade ReviewAn intense, creepy, darkly funny read . . . a book focusing on the claustrophobic dynamics of a mother-son relationship that makes Mrs Bates and her son Norman look well-adjusted * Daily Telegraph *A cool, crafty did-he-do-it thriller buoyed by a rising tide of madness. Provocative yet profound, humming with mood and menace, The Good Son will rivet readers of Jo Nesbo and Patricia Highsmith -- A. J. Finn, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Woman in the WindowRightly compared to Stephen King * Die Zeit (Germany) *The queen of crime . . . You-jeong Jeong is shaking up the world of suspense with her particularly well-executed thrillers * Glamour *Readers will be relieved that this is fiction, not real life. This book will pull you in; as you devour it, you might perhaps resent the author's relentless pursuit of the evil coiled within humans. But this, too, is human * Kyoung sook Shin, New York Times bestselling author of PLEASE LOOK AFTER MOTHER *Gripping and often gruesome . . . a disturbing story of the events that unfold after Yu-jin, 26, wakes up to find his mother in a pool of blood (we did warn you) * Cosmopolitan *Jeong expertly inches up the tension in this crafty, creepy story of a psychopath's coming-of-age * Guardian *Ingeniously twisted * Entertainment Weekly, 'Must List' *Want to read an under-the-radar psychological thriller? Feel smug about pocketing The Good Son * Elle.com, '30 Best Books to Read This Summer' *A slow-burn psychological thriller with plenty of twists and things to think about * BookRiot *The gore is intense, but the psychological terror might never wash off * Vulture *Absorbing . . . An unlikely thriller that we continue to read - thanks to Ms. Jeong's controlled prose . . . with a sickened sort of fascination. It's a testament to the author's skill and seriousness of purpose that she maintains suspense about her inhuman-seeming protagonist's fate until the bitter end * Wall Street Journal *[You-jeong Jeong is] South Korea's Patricia Highsmith, able to convey the internal and manipulative logic of even the most disturbed minds, while spritzing her tales with commentary on the isolation that comes with modern prosperity * Literary Hub *Dark, harrowing, horribly claustrophobic but hard to put down . . . You-jeong Jeong's novel speaks for a facet of the human condition that is more prevalent than we like to think -- Financial Times

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Book SynopsisThirteen Torland Place was the scene of five terrible murders in the nineteenth century, and also related to the disappearances of two teenage girls. When a student living in the house is found to be brutally murdered, Detective Inspector Joe Plantagenet is left wondering whether her death has anything to do with the house''s grim history. As other similar deaths come to light, Joe fears a ruthless killer may be on the prowl - a killer who deprives each victim of one of their five senses. Each of the tragic events seem to have a connection to Obediah Shrowton, an executed murderer whose presence still seems to linger in the house. Could he be the source of evil, or is there an even more sinister explanation yet to be unearthed?

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Book SynopsisIn this family, everyone is keeping secrets - even the dead.In the quiet, wealthy enclave of Brecken Hill, an older couple is brutally murdered hours after a tense Easter dinner with their three adult children. After all, if one of the family were capable of something as gruesome as this, you'd know.Wouldn't you?Trade ReviewNobody does a vicious family circle like Shari Lapena. Highly recommended * Cara Hunter *In this fast-paced, twisted family saga, Shari Lapena keeps you guessing until the very last page * Paula Hawkins *Queen of the modern crime novel Shari Lapena is back with another tale of murder...Shari will keep you guessing until the very end * Sunday Express *A cross between Big Little Lies and Miss Marple, we reckon this one could be destined for the screen some time soon * Woman's Weekly *Dramatic, tense and satisfying murder mystery * My Weekly *

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Book SynopsisVampires do not exist. Everyone knows this. So it''s particularly annoying when they start popping up around Manchester . . . Nobody is pleased about it. Not the Founders, the secret organisation for whom vampires were invented as an allegory, nor the Folk, the magical people hidden in plain sight who only want a quiet life. And definitely not the people of Manchester, because there is nothing more irksome than being murdered by an allegory run amok. Somebody needs to sort this out fast before all Hell really breaks loose - step forward the staff of The Stranger Times. It''s not like they don''t have enough to be dealing with. Assistant Editor Hannah has come back from getting messily divorced to discover that someone is trying to kidnap a member of their staff and while editor Vincent Banecroft would be delighted to see the back of any of his team, he doesn''t like people touching his stuff - it''s the principle of the thing. Throw in a precarious plumbing situation, gambling debts, an entirely new way of swearing, and a certain detective inspector with what could be kindly referred to as ''a lot of baggage'' and it all adds up to another hectic week in the life of the newspaper committed to reporting the truth that nobody else will touch. This Charming Man is the second book in the critically acclaimed The Stranger Times series. ''Wonderfully dark, extremely funny, and evocative of Terry Pratchett - which I think is the highest compliment I can give.'' ADAM KAY, about The Stranger Times . . . ''A gag-filled romp . . . in the spirit of Terry Pratchett.'' The Times ''Great characters, a jet-propelled plot, and a winning premise.'' Guardian ''Fresh and genuinely funny.'' SFXTrade ReviewWith crisp plotting, scabrous dialogue and deftly applied splashes of gore, former comedian C.K. McDonnell has served up another winner from his cast of delightful losers. * DAILY MAIL *McDonnell makes Manchester chaotic, hilarious, elegiac and sinister at the same time . . . very, very funny . . . the work has already been compared frequently to Terry Pratchett, and given the whip-crack sharp lines and wryness, it is not inappropriate. But it is not a weak clone of Pratchett's work, and it has its own political edge. * SCOTSMAN *Intriguingly brilliant . . . its greatest strength is in its engaging and enthralling characters, both new and old. The author revels in their personalities, their foibles and flaws as they guide you hilariously through an urban fantasy landscape bursting with myth and magic; all often hiding in plain sight . . . perhaps more Gaiman or Adams than Pratchett, McDonnell has a gift for describing the fantastical as delectably formulaic . . . if you enjoy your fantasy peppered with wit and deft creativity, then McDonnell's books will sit comfortably on your bookshelf next to those revered genre alumni. * STARBURST *Fast-paced, brilliantly written, and with characters to die for, This Charming Man will have you laughing out loud time and again. * THE-BOOK-DRAGON *

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Book SynopsisFans of Steven F. Havill''s Posadas County and Lisa Regan''s Josie Quinn series will enjoy this fascinating and complex story set in small-town Missouri.Balances well-developed characters and dry humor with a solid police procedural- Library Journal Starred ReviewElderly tourists visiting Branson, Missouri for a fun time are instead becoming so sick and disoriented they end up in the ER with Dr Maggie McCleary. She asks the sheriff to investigate and, because he happens to be her husband, Hank Worth readily agrees. When the tour operator denies responsibility, Hank digs deeper leaving Chief Deputy Sheila Turley to handle a simmering revolt within the ranks. Their policy to eliminate overtime pay has infuriated many long-time deputies. Those fired for insubordination have filed a lawsuit, while those still there sabotage Sheila at every turn.With pressure mounting, they''re called to a hit-and-run accident. But the victim''s injuries haven''t been caused by a car . . . she''s been beaten to death and dumped by the side of the road. And she was someone they knew.Will the victim''s aggressive business dealings come to haunt them all? And can Hank and Sheila save their department from destruction?

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Book SynopsisAre the ties that bind them about to be ripped apart?The Tempest family and friends are gathering for Cassie''s eighteenth birthday party. But as they come together, a series of explosive events will threaten everything they hold dear.Cassie''s sister Jess is about to fly to Italy on holiday, but can she forget the horror of what she saw in her flat that afternoon?Family friend Jenny Barlow has been keeping a devastating secret for years. but for how much longer? And does the discovery of a dead body on the beach spell danger for one of the Tempests?Grief, fear, desire and deception all collide as the ties that bind the family are strained like never before. Can they withstand the ultimate stress test?

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Book SynopsisEvery town has its secrets. Some are too deadly to stay hidden.Chouteau County''s super-rich know how to cover up a scandal, but when it comes to murder, they''d better watch their backs . . . Death investigator Angela Richman is determined to see a killer brought to justice in this sharply written and darkly entertaining mystery set in Missouri, perfect for fans of Lisa Gardner and J.A. Jance.Angela Richman, Chouteau County death investigator, finds herself deep in the Missouri woods on a perfect spring day. But there is nothing idyllic about her grim walk - a body has been discovered in a muddy creek, and Detective Jace Budewitz wants Angela on the scene.Terri Gibbons, the popular Forest High track star who went missing eight months ago, has been found strangled. Could a message found in Terri''s shoe hold the key to catching her killer? Chouteau Forest is a town of privilege and secrets, where everyone has something to hide . . . Can Angela overcome the many obstacles in her way to see justice served when the Forest''s wealthy residents will go to any lengths to prevent the truth being revealed?

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Book SynopsisIntroducing former cop turned radio presenter Maggie Wise in the first of a brilliant new mystery series.Dr Oscar LeBlanc is close to a medical breakthrough to cure dementia and other degenerative diseases . . . but in order to succeed he needs to illegally obtain plasma from prepubescent children. He believes the ends justify the means and two young girls are abducted.The disappearance of the girls causes a lockdown of the area and, when one of the girls'' parents proves uncooperative with the police, former homicide cop turned radio presenter Maggie Wise offers to help. Maggie quickly forms a connection with the family just as the girls are recovered.LeBlanc is immediately suspected, but after he is questioned he''s found dead from an apparent suicide. However, the circumstances are suspicious and Maggie finds herself conflicted when the family become the prime suspects.

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