Crime and / or mystery fiction

Book SynopsisFrom the No. 1 bestselling author of THE MISSING AND THE DEAD comes the short novel: 22 DEAD LITTLE BODIES, plus two short stories: STRAMASH and DI STEEL''S BAD HEIR DAY, and a novella: THE 45% HANGOVER, all featuring his most popular characters DS Logan McRae and DCI Roberta Steel.They say small is beautiful', but as Stuart MacBride demonstrates in these four tales, it can also be dark, violent, disturbing, and sometimes really quite rude.So pour yourself a wee dram, curl up on the sofa and enjoy DS Logan McRae and his sometime boss, friend, mother substitute, and nemesis, DCI Steel at their best.Here you'll find Logan's week from hell; Steel's own personal nightmare before Christmas; an explosive shootout on a remote Scottish island; and the ultimate test of their relationshipTrade ReviewPraise for Stuart MacBride: ‘New Logan McRae novels are close to the top of my unmissable list, and yet again MacBride delivers. His chaotic cop hero is at his best. Superb storytelling’ Sun ‘Another from MacBride’s fantastic series of Logan McRae novels. A real page-turner’ Sunday Mirror ‘Stuart’s meticulous research shows. At times it feels like you are sitting in the back of a police car overhearing conversations between real policemen’ Sunday Sport ‘Another riveting page-turner … emotional and affecting.’ Independent on Sunday ‘Skilful storytelling … strong characterisation … both intriguing and engrossing’ Laura Wilson, Guardian ‘The multiple plots move fast’ Independent ‘MacBride is the natural heir to the late and much lamented Reginald Hill’ Andrew Taylor, Spectator ‘MacBride is a damned fine writer – no one does dark and gritty like him’ Peter James ‘Fierce, unflinching and shot through with the blackest of humour; this is crime fiction of the highest order’ Mark Billingham ‘Some of the grittiest crime-writing in the field’ Independent ‘Admirers of tough, modern crime novels will be in seventh heaven – or should that be hell?’ Express ‘Ferocious and funny’ Val McDermid ‘Hard-hitting prose with a bone-dry humour and characters you can genuinely believe in, Stuart MacBride’s novels are a real treat’ Simon Kernick

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Book SynopsisTHE NAIL-BITING PAGE-TURNER FROM THE AUTHOR OF THE COUPLE AT NO 9 ''A chilling reminder that sometimes home is where the hurt is'' CARA HUNTER ''This kept me up last night. Scary. Twisty. All too believable'' JANE CORRY________ Could your dream home be your worst nightmare? After what happened in London, Kirsty needs a fresh start with her family. And running a guesthouse in the Welsh mountains sounds idyllic. But then their first guest arrives.Selena is the last person Kirsty wants to see. It''s 17 years since she tore everything apart. Why has she chosen now to walk back into Kirsty''s life? Is Selena running from something too? Or is there an even darker reason for her visit? Because Kirsty knows that once you invite trouble into your home, getting rid of it can be murder . . . ________ ''Absorbing and chilling'' Karen Perry, author of Your Closest Friend ''I raced through it'' Gillian McAllister, author of No Further Questions ''Kept me guessing up to the thrilling finale'' Emma Curtis, author of One Little MistakeTrade ReviewThis kept me up last night. Scary. Twisty. All too believable. Exactly what you need for a bestselling chiller-thriller -- Jane Corry * bestselling author of My Husband's Wife *Tense, claustrophobic and gripping . . . This tale of 'living the dream' gone wrong will have you tearing through the pages -- Paula Daly * bestselling author of The Mistake I Made *A page-turning slow burn that builds into a chilling reminder that sometimes home is where the hurt is -- Cara Hunter * bestselling author of Close to Home *Truly touching . . . and well-observed * Daily Mail *Secrets lurk behind every corner in this dark, gothic thriller. Absorbing and chilling -- Karen Perry * bestselling author of Girl Unknown *I raced through Do Not Disturb. Douglas is one of few thriller writers who combines shocking twists effortlessly, and beautifully, with sensitive explorations of family dynamics. I loved it and can't wait to see what she does next -- Gillian McAllister * bestselling author of Anything You Do Say *A tense and intriguing domestic noir where no one in the family is beyond suspicion. Kept me guessing right up to the thrilling finale -- Emma Curtis * bestselling author of One Little Mistake *This enjoyable tale is very contemporary * Literary Review *Kirsty is all set to open a guesthouse in the Brecon Beacons - then her first guest turns up. She hasn't seen Selena for 17 years . . . what does her cousin want? * My Weekly *Kirsty is looking for a fresh start with her family and running a guesthouse in the Welsh mountains sounds ideal. Until their first guest arrives. It's been 17 years since Selena tore everything apart and she is the last person Kirsty wants to see. But why has she walked back into Kirsty's life? * i *Praise for Claire Douglas * - *Thrillingly tense and twisty -- B. A. Paris * bestselling author of Behind Closed Doors *Stunning . . . with a killer twist * Closer *Perfect for fans of The Girl on the Train * Marie Claire *Twisty, exciting yet so very real -- Gillian McAllister * bestselling author of Anything You Do Say *An addictive read that will leave you on the edge of your seat * Sun *Superb plotting. I could hardly catch my breath between twists -- Jenny Blackhurst * bestselling author of Before I Let You In *Will give you chills * Sunday Mirror *As soon as I finished the first page, I knew I wouldn't be able to put this down * Good Housekeeping *It's impossible to guess the shocking ending * Saga *Fast-paced and chock-full of twists -- Paula Daly * bestselling author of The Mistake I Made *Unforgettably dark and complex * Woman & Home *I was absolutely gripped -- Emma Curtis * bestselling author of One Little Mistake *Compelling and page-turning, with a brilliant twist -- Debbie Howells * bestselling author of The Bones of You *So twisty, turning and grippy -- Gilly Macmillan * bestselling author of What She Knew *A fab and twisty page-turner -- Lucy Clarke * bestselling author of Last Seen *

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Book SynopsisLin Anderson is a Scottish author and screenwriter known for her bestselling crime series featuring forensic scientist Dr Rhona MacLeod. Four of her novels have been longlisted for the Scottish Crime Book of the Year, and in 2022 she was shortlisted for the Crime Writers Association Dagger in the Library Award. Lin is the co-founder of the international crime-writing festival Bloody Scotland, which takes place annually in Stirling.

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Book SynopsisTracy Whitwell was born, brought up and educated in Gateshead in the north-east of England. She wrote plays and short stories from an early age, then had her head turned, and like the ungrateful wretch she's always been, she ran off to London to be an actress. By 1993 she was wearing a wig and an old-fashioned dress and pretending to be impoverished on telly in a Catherine Cookson mini-series, whilst going to see every indie/rock band she could afford.After an interesting twelve years messing about in front of the camera and traveling the world, Tracy discovered she still loved writing and completed her first full length play KABOOM! A son, many stage plays, screenplays and a music video followed, until 2012 when she realized she was finally ready to do the one thing she'd longed to do since she was six. She wrote her first novel, The Accidental Medium a crime/horror/comedy tale about an alcohol-soaked, gobby, thrill-seeking actress who talks to ghosts. (Who k

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Book SynopsisJeffrey Archer, whose novels and short stories include the Clifton Chronicles, Kane and Abel and Cat O' Nine Tales, is one of the world's favourite storytellers and has topped the bestseller lists around the world in a career spanning four decades. His work has been sold in more than 100 countries and in fifty-one languages. He is the only author ever to have been a number one bestseller in fiction, short stories and non-fiction (The Prison Diaries).Jeffrey is also an art collector and amateur auctioneer, and has raised more than 50m for different charities over the years. A member of the House of Lords for over a quarter of a century, the author is married to Dame Mary Archer, and they have two sons, two granddaughters and three grandsons.

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Book SynopsisÁróra returns to Iceland when her estranged sister goes missing, and her search leads to places she could never have imagined. A chilling, tense thriller – FIRST in an addictive, nerve-shattering new series – from one of Iceland’s bestselling authors…‘Icelandic crime writing at its finest … immersive and unnerving’ Shari Lapena‘Best-selling Icelandic crime-writer Sigurðardóttir has built a formidable reputation with just four novels, but here she introduces a new protagonist who is set to cement her legacy’ Daily Mail‘Another bleak, unpredictable classic’ Metro**Winner: Best Icelandic Crime Novel of the Year**––––––––––––––Icelandic sisters Áróra and Ísafold live in different countries and aren‘t on speaking terms, but when their mother loses contact with Ísafold, Áróra reluctantly returns to Iceland to find her sister. But she soon realises that her sister isn’t avoiding her … she has disappeared, without trace. As she confronts Ísafold’s abusive, drug-dealing boyfriend Björn, and begins to probe her sister’s reclusive neighbours – who have their own reasons for staying out of sight – Áróra is led into an ever-darker web of intrigue and manipulation. Baffled by the conflicting details of her sister’s life, and blinded by the shiveringly bright midnight sun of the Icelandic summer, Áróra enlists the help of police officer Daníel, as she tries to track her sister’s movements, and begins to tail Björn – but she isn’t the only one watching…Slick, tense, atmospheric and superbly plotted, Cold as Hell marks the start of a riveting, addictive new series from one of Iceland’s bestselling crime writers.–––––––––––––––––‘Lilja Sigurðardóttir doesn’t write cookie-cutter crime novels. She is aware that “the fundamentals of existence are totally incomprehensible and chaotic”: anything can and does happen … Isn’t that what all crime writers should aim for?’ The Times‘The blinding midnight sun in Iceland’s summer is beautifully evoked as Áróra establishes herself as a heroine to move the heart’ Daily Mail‘Lilja is a standout voice in Icelandic Noir, and this book does not disappoint … Cold as Hell is her best yet’ James Oswald ‘Domestic abuse, high-finance hanky-panky, and illegal immigration all figure in this arresting series launch … sure to please Scandi noir fans’ Publishers Weekly ‘What sets Lilja’s work apart is her ability to thread dark atmospheric tension throughout her writing and to keep the tale so taut … a slick, refreshing, glacial blast of a thriller’ LoveReading‘So atmospheric’ Crime Monthly‘Intricate, enthralling and very moving – a wonderful crime novel’ William Ryan‘Three things we love about Cold as Hell: Iceland’s unrelenting midnight sun; the gritty Nordic murder mystery; the peculiar and bewitching characters’ Apple Books‘Lilja Sigurðardóttir just gets better and better … Áróra is a wonderful character: unique, passionate, unpredictable and very real’ Michael RidpathPraise for Lilja Sigurðardóttir'Smart writing with a strongly beating heart' Big Issue'Tough, uncompromising and unsettling' Val McDermid'Tense and pacey' Guardian'Deftly plotted' Financial Times‘An emotional suspense rollercoaster on a par with The Firm, as desperate, resourceful, profoundly lovable characters scheme against impossible odds’ Alexandra Sokoloff'Tense, edgy and delivering more than a few unexpected twists and turns' Sunday Times‘The intricate plot is breathtakingly original, with many twists and turns you never see coming. Thriller of the year’ New York Journal of Books'Taut, gritty and thoroughly absorbing' Booklist'A stunning addition to the icy-cold crime genre' Foreword Reviews For fans of Katrine Engberg, Eva Bjorg Aegisdottir, Arne Dahl and Sarah Vaughan

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Book SynopsisThe brand new Agatha Raisin mystery from multimillion-selling author M. C. Beaton, the Queen of Cosy Crime, about an eccentric Cotswolds-based detective with an erratic love life and a penchant for G and Ts

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Book SynopsisThe #1 New York Times bestselling authors return with a scintillating supernatural-themed thriller. Nora Kelly and Corrie Swanson investigate bizarre deaths in the New Mexico desert, but awaken an ancient evil.In the New Mexico desert badlands, a woman''s skeleton is found with two rare artefacts clutched in her hands: lightning stones used by the ancient Chaco people to summon the gods.Was it suicide... or sacrifice?FBI Special Agent Corrie Swanson brings in archaeologist Nora Kelly to investigate. When a second body is found in identical circumstances, they realise the case runs deeper than they imagined.As Corrie and Nora pursue their investigation into remote canyons, haunted ruins, and long-lost rituals, they find themselves confronting a dark power that, disturbed from its long slumber, threatens to exact an unspeakable price.Reviews for Preston and Child''Get ready for the ride of your life'' David Baldacci''Preston and Child know how to craft compelling stories that are both baffling and surprising.'' Associated Press

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Book SynopsisThe ninth Benny Griessel novel from 'one of the best crime writers on the planet' Daily Mail

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Book Synopsis***THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING SERIES*** ***Don''t miss the latest from Alex Gray. Book 20 in the Lorimer series, QUESTIONS FOR A DEAD MAN, is out now and Book 21, OUT OF DARKNESS, is available to pre-order.***Whether you''ve read them all or whether you''re discovering Alex Gray''s bestselling series for the first time, ECHO OF THE DEAD will have you gripped until the final page.''Echo of the Dead will keep you guessing LIN ANDERSON''Echo of the Dead is Alex Gray at her finest DOULGAS SKELTON''An exciting procedural''SUNDAY TIMES''Effortlessly charming, wholly engaging and cleverly plotted''IRISH INDEPENDENT''A consistent delight, wonderful'' ALEXANDER McCALL SMITHAfter a stressful winter, DSI William Lorimer is enjoying some time away from Glasgow. He and his Trade ReviewEcho of the Dead is Alex Gray at her finest. Beloved characters tackle a murky tale against the stark beauty of Glencoe, where murderous passions seem to form part of the very earth. Alex shows no sign of slowing down after 20 years of Lorimer! * The Herald *An intricately woven plot, rich in depth and detail, from a master of the genre. Alex Gray is at the top of her game and Echo of the Dead will keep you guessing to its exciting conclusion. -- LIN ANDERSONOnce again Alex Gray provides a satisfying mystery with quirky characters and plenty of surprises * SUNDAY TIMES *Gray's Lorimer sequence has thrived through 20 years and 19 books because it unfailingly delivers what its readers both want and expect; well-made mysteries in alluring settings that are populated with credible characters * MORNING STAR *This, the 19th William Lorimer novel, is as effortlessly charming, wholly engaging and cleverly plotted as its predecessors. * IRISH INDEPENDENT *

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewJonasson is a connoisseur of 'unrelenting darkness'; the atmosphere of paranoid claustrophobia [Jonasson] creates is so intense you can't help gripping the book as tightly as possible * The Times *Entertaining, suspenseful and twisty. Highly recommended for fans of Ragnar Jonasson and suspense thrillers in general * Mystery Tribune *Lord of the Flies for grown-ups * Times Radio *Chillingly terrifying, brilliantly entertaining, captivating the reader from page one. Impossible to put down * Frettabladid *The author describes the difficult conditions of the four main characters in such a brilliant way that in an instant the reader finds himself in unfamiliar surroundings which neither the reader nor the characters can control * Morgunbladid *A superb page-turner, Outside breathes fresh and unsettling life into the classic locked room mystery -- Kevin WignallRaw with cold and rich in atmosphere, Outside is an Arctic Inspector Calls for a new generation -- Matt WesolowskiHis best yet . . . Having read all of Jonasson's previous offerings. Outside confirms that here is an author at the top of his game, with complete command of his audience * On Magazine *A stunningly original take on the looked-room mystery, where fear of a treacherous snowstorm outside an isolated hut is matched by mistrust among the terrified occupants. Tense. Very tense -- Michael RidpathFour friends find safety from a snowstorm in a remote Icelandic hut - or so they think. Jónasson's twisting, elegantly crafted story will keep you hooked till the very last page -- William RyanRagnar Jónasson is so skilled in depicting the environment where the story takes place, it becomes one of the characters. It is so atmospheric, I am immediately transported to the Icelandic moors, feeling the cold all the way to the bones. I read with bated breath, my heart pounding with the looming knowledge that soon something bad is about to happen -- Sara BlædelYet another humdinger from Iceland's finest crime writer -- Ryan TubridyJonasson offers an intense standalone, taking to new heights his unrivalled skill for using winter as an unpredictable plot-twister . . . There is so much to like here: the complexity of the quartet's relationships, Jonasson's powerful, streamlined writing, and the parallels between an unforgiving setting and the characters' seething grudges. Readers will be drawn into Jonasson's forbidding Iceland landscape, where it's anyone's guess who will make it out alive * Booklist *Entertaining, suspenseful and twisty. Overall, highly recommended for fans of Ragnar Jonasson and suspense thrillers in general * Mystery Tribune *Chilling thriller by the king of Icelandic noir . . . so gripping I can't put it down -- Fiona CummingsJonasson and translator Victoria Cribb do a fine job of setting the scene, developing the characters, and keeping readers in suspense with a tight, clean, noir prose style * Associated Press *A shivery delight * Kirkus Reviews *Jónasson's spare prose and brisk pacing make for an immersive read . . . Outside is an intriguing study of isolation, claustrophobia and the particular menace to be found in beautiful yet unforgiving terrain * Private Eye *Jonasson is a master at two aspects of Icelandic noir: one is the description of his country's withering weather; the other is the handling of murderous plots that are tangled beyond all expectations. He's in top form in both specialties this time out * Toronto Star *Jonasson is a master at exploring the impact of claustrophobia brought on by darkness and enclosed spaces. He an avid fan of Agatha Christie, and Outside is an adaptation, with an Icelandic twist, of the classic locked-door mystery * Canberra Times *It takes a truly talented writer to work with a thin outline like that and turn it into a classic, and that is exactly what Jónasson has done here. I believe he has penned the Icelandic version of Quentin Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs * Book Reporter *From the winner of THE BEST CRIME NOVEL IN THE LAST 50 YEARS * Le Point *Praise for Ragnar Jónasson * - *Jónasson is an automatic must-read for me . . . possibly the best Scandi writer working todayTriumphant . . . Chilling, creepy, perceptive, almost unbearably tense -- Ian Rankin * - *Dark, chilling and utterly gripping -- Shari Lapena * - *Such a tense, gripping read -- Anthony Horowitz * - *A world-class crime writer. One of the most astonishing plots of modern crime fiction. * The Sunday Times *A master of the Icelandic thriller. * New York Post *Is this the best crime writer in the world today? . . . He's truly a master of his genre * The Times Online *Invigorating Iceland-set slice of Nordic Noir * Daily Mail *Fiendishy clever * Financial Times *Triumphant conclusion to the trilogy. Only Ragnar Jónasson has rendered hindsight so heartbreaking * Sunday Times (on the Hidden Iceland trilogy) *It is nothing less than a landmark in modern crime fiction * The Times *The red hot crime writer from the frozen north . . . One of the most important voices on the international crime scene * The Times *Ragnar Jonasson has a gift for crafting clever whodunnits while conveying the intimidating beauty of his native Iceland * Vogue Scandinavia *Jónasson has the full measure of the Nordic noir genre, and pushes all the buttons * Financial Times *Expertly Plotted * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisKnown for his fast-paced and gripping stories that thrust regular people into extraordinary situations, Peter James has proven himself to be one of the world's most successful writers, delivering number one bestsellers time and time again. His Roy Grace books have been translated into thirty-eight languages, with worldwide sales of over 21 million copies.

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Book SynopsisA devious collection of short stories from the master of misdirection, featuring appearances from Lincoln Rhyme and Colter Shaw.Amongst the dead ends A murder at a crime writers'' conference. The method is entirely literary, the motive seems obvious but can the detective who was first on scene puzzle out what''s between the lines?Amongst the misdirections An intelligence analyst has the chance to get out from behind the desk and do some real spy work. But as he enters the field, he begins to realise just how out of his depth he is Somewhere lies the truth.A brilliant sleuth, obsessed with Sherlock Holmes's mysteries, turns his attention to a serial killer targeting women in New York''s Central Park. But as his deductions bring him closer to his prey he starts to wonder who is doing the hunting

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Book SynopsisA brand new edition of the classic crime novel that inspired Alfred Hitchcock.Glamorous socialite Iris Carr is on her way back to England from a European summer holiday and looking forward to the comforts of home. On the train to Trieste, she strikes up a conversation with the kindly Miss Froy. At ease with her new companion, Irene dozes off, but wakes to find that Miss Froy has disappeared from the train. Worse still, all of her fellow passengers deny ever having seen such a woman. Doubting her sanity and fearing for her safety, Iris is determined to find the vanished lady, but it seems almost everyone else aboard is conspiring against her, and soon she realizes Miss Froy's life is at stake...

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Book Synopsis“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 GuardianMaigret’s past comes to life in this evocative novel, set in the Inspector’s hometown“Maigret savoured the sensations of his youth again: the cold, stinging eyes, frozen fingertips, an aftertaste of coffee. Then, stepping inside the church, a blast of heat, soft light; the smell of candles and incense.”The last time Maigret went home to the village of his birth was for his father’s funeral. Now, an anonymous note predicting a crime during All Souls’ Day mass draws him back there, where troubling memories resurface and hidden vices are revealed.Trade 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 SynopsisHere are some of Sciascia's greatest stories - brief and haunting, the realist tradition at its best. In one tale a couple of men talk, cynically yet earnestly, about the etymology of the word 'mafia' - who they are, and why their interest is so piqued by the word, becomes apparent with frightening clarity. In another story a group of peasants are taken on board ship and promised that they will be put ashore illegally at Trenton, New Jersey; after a long time at sea, their landfall is far from what they expected. And Mussolini himself takes an interest in the case of Aleister Crowley, whose presence in Sicily has become an embarrassment.Trade ReviewFew writers managed to capture the taciturn Sicilian character better than Sciascia, who always understood the power of implication in his work. [A] superb collection * The Times *Brief, haunting and unforgettable * Sunday Tribune *A well-written and instructive collection * Time Out *There are 13 stories in The Wine-Dark Sea... I guarantee you will wish there were more * Big Issue in the North *

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Book SynopsisDI Shona Oliver watches in horror as her fellow officer is pronounced dead.PC Hayley Campbell drowns during a triathlon race in the Solway Firth. The postmortem reveals drugs in Hayley''s system, perhaps self-administered performance enhancers. But a puncture wound in the back of her wetsuit suggests something darker.Shona makes slow progress on the case. There are other demands on her attention. The death of her old boss brings Shona under scrutiny. And the drug-related death of a teen at a festival one which Becca is attending has Shona on-edge.Multiple people had a reason to want Hayley dead. Can Shona keep her head above water long enough to work out which one?The latest thrilling installment in the unputdownable police procedural series by Lynne McEwan. Perfect for fans of Val McDermid, Ann Cleeves and Neil Lancaster.

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Book SynopsisI never told anyone about the letters. It was another of my secrets, one that would . . . lead to places I don't want to go again.' When Emily and her husband move to Clairmont, Texas, they believe that it's the perfect place to build a new life. At a prestigious party, she meets a group of rich and influential housewives, but soon she begins to suspect that there is more to them than meets the eye. Then local doyenne Caroline disappears and Emily receives a host of threatening letters. Is Emily's troubled past coming back to haunt her, or is something sinister happening in this peaceful town?

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Book SynopsisThe year is 1143, and once again Brother Cadfael is forced to abandon the tranquility of his herb garden and use his knowledge of human nature to solve a murder- this time frighteningly close to home. When a newly ploughed field, recently given to the Abbey yields that body of a young woman, Cadfael is quickly thrown into a delicate situation. The field was once ownded by a local potter named Ruald, who deserted his beautiful wife to take monastic vows among the Benedictines. The woman was said to have gone away with a lover, but now it would appear otherwise. With the arrival of young Sulien Blount, a novice fleeing homeward from the civil war raging in East Anglia, the mysteries surrounding the corpse start to multiply.

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Book SynopsisThe #1 bestseller A terrific story, originally told. All hail the new Queen of Crime!' HEATA web of a plot that twists and turns and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. A page-turner, but don't read it before bed if you're easily spooked!' SUNYou think you know who to trust? You think you know the difference between good and evil? You're wrong The body of the head teacher of an exclusive Devon school is found hanging from the rafters in the assembly hall.Hours earlier he'd received a package, and only he could understand the silent message it conveyed. It meant the end.As Exeter suffers a rising count of gruesome deaths, troubled DS Imogen Grey and DS Adrian Miles must solve the case and make their city safe again.But as they're drawn into a network of corruption, lies and exploitation, every step brings them closer to grim secrets hidden at the heart of their community.And once they learn what's motivating this killer, will they truly want to stop him?If you love The Teacher, Trade ReviewThis is what readers are saying about THE TEACHER: ‘The story flowed so brilliantly and made me keep turning the pages; a thriller from beginning to end. Each scene was rich and vivid; highly recommended’ ‘This is a story that immediately pulls you in and doesn’t let go until the last page … The story flowed so brilliantly and made me keep turning the pages; a thriller from beginning to end. Each scene was rich and vivid; highly recommended’ ‘It stands out a mile with its poisonous cover and the story within refused to let go of me’ ‘A truly page-turning, somewhat gruesome read. Well written, pacy and with great characters’ “The Teacher is a fast-paced grisly page-turner and an extraordinary debut from Katerina Diamond’ ‘It had me gripped throughout and certainly had my heart racing’ “A deliciously dark novel … The characters are a wonderful mix of nasty and nice, each with their own quirks and agendas.” ‘A serial killer is nothing new within fiction, but this story, along with its great police-duo, is up with the best of them’ ‘Katerina Diamond has created a pacy, powerful debut which will have her readers begging for more’

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Book SynopsisThis year Valentine's Day isn't for romance. It's for murder.Mega rich restaurant owner Jack Barnes and his second wife Zee are very much in love. However, their plans for Valentine's Day are about to be torn apart by the most violent murder.Who is the strange figure plotting this sick crime?Trade ReviewA thriller that will have you whipping through those 130 pages. Marriage and murder make the perfect combo and this short story is bloody brilliant * Company *A satisfying read for sad singletons slumped on the sofa of despair: Valentine's Day going horribly wrong for the rich * Mail on Sunday *

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Book SynopsisIncomer Gloria French is at first welcomed in the Cotswold village of Piddlebury. She seems like a do-gooder par excellence, raising funds for the church and caring for the elderly. But she has a bad habit of borrowing things and not giving them back, so when she is discovered dead, poisoned by a bottle of elderberry wine, folk in the village don''t mourn her passing too intently.Parish councillor Jerry Tarrant hires Agatha Raisin to track down the murderer. But the village is creepy and secretive and the residents don''t seem to want Agatha to find who the murderer is, and Agatha''s investigations are hampered by the emotional upset of finding her ex, James Lacey, has fallen in love with young detective Toni Gilmour.And now the murderer is targeting Agatha!Praise for the Agatha Raisin series:''M.C. Beaton''s imperfect heroine is an absolute gem'' Publishers Weekly''Clever red herrings and some wicked unfinished buTrade 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 SynopsisSuper sleuth Brunetti again patrols Venice''s dark canal ways in this Italian crimefest. Once again, Brunetti proves he''s more than a match for the local mob' MirrorElegant, effortless . . . another great Brunetti outing'' The IndependentWhen Commissario Brunetti is visited by an investigator from the Carabinieri looking into the murder of a truck company owner, he is intrigued. Not long before his death, Stefano Ranzato had been caught hauling goods illegally for the Mafia, and was pressured into becoming an informant. The Carabinieri suspect that the Mafia killed Stefano to ensure his silence, but what did the man discover that cost him his life?The stakes are high and the investigation complex as Brunetti is drawn into working with a rival Italian police department and when another person connected to the case is murdered, Brunetti must race against time to uncover the truth before it happens again.[A] brilliant seriesTrade Review[A] brilliant series * Seven, Sunday Telegraph *Super sleuth Brunetti again patrols Venice's dark canal ways in this Italian crimefest. Once again, Brunetti proves he's more than a match for the local mob * Mirror *The very first sentences of About Face showcase Donna Leon's elegant, effortless style ... another great Brunetti outing ... The details of home-cooked meals and family arguments, alongside a never-ending flow of crime, add depth to Leon's stories and are what makes her characters so believable and, in turn, her books so readable * The Independent *A thoroughly enjoyable and atmospheric read * Waterstones Books Quarterly *The Brunetti series is dependably enjoyable ... There are fine scenes of sustained dialogue, notably an exchange between Brunetti and the Count, his father-in-law, over a pair of portraits, that deserves to be called Jamesian * TLS *

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Book Synopsis“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 GuardianA gripping domestic tragedy starring Inspector Maigret and set in Simenon’s very own neighborhood“One by one the lighted windows went dark. The silhouette of the dead man could still be seen through the frosted glass like a Chinese shadow puppet. A taxi pulled up. It wasn't the public prosecutor yet. A young woman crossed the courtyard with hurried steps, leaving a whiff of perfume in her wake.”Summoned to the dimly-lit Place des Vosges one night, where he sees shadowy figures at apartment windows, Maigret uncovers a tragic story of desperate lives, unhappy families, addiction and a terrible, fatal greed.Trade 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 SynopsisIn the aftermath of a preschooler''s baffling abduction, the child''s abrupt return one week later with no memory of what happened triggers a nightmarish reality for her mother. Original. (First edition in print). 50,000 first printing.Trade Review‘A nail-biting psychological thriller … maintains high suspense to the very end’ Publishers Weekly ‘Superbly crafted … will keep you up all night’ LizLovesBooks.com ‘A novel that had me gripped from its opening paragraph … It certainly had me wanting more … An excellent novel’ TheWelshLibrarian.blogspot.com ‘A story that will grab your attention from the start … It will certainly appeal to any fans of psychological thrillers’ ByTheLetterBookReviews.co.uk

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Book SynopsisSecret deals, powerful men and murder - One Way or Another is a chillingly prophetic work. The Knight and Death features a nameless (and apparently terminally ill) detective investigating the murder of a lawyer believed to have been killed by a mysterious revolutionary group. The detective thinks otherwise and sets out to prove that powerful business interests were involved, with the revolutionary group invented to cover up the real reasons behind the murder.

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Book SynopsisThe Sunday Times bestselling debut novel from the master of the modern espionage thriller, James Swallow.____________________Marc Dane was always the MI6 field agent stuck at home behind a computer screen, one step away from the action. But when a brutal attack on his team leaves Marc as the only survivor - and with the shocking knowledge that there are traitors inside MI6 - he's forced into the front line.Worse still, every shred of evidence seems to point towards Marc as the perpetrator of the attack. Accused of betraying his country, and with no one left to trust, he is forced to rely on the elusive Rubicon group and their operative Lucy Keyes. Ex US Army, Lucy also knows what it's like to be an outsider, and she's got the field skills that Marc is sorely lacking.But Marc will soon realise he is just a pawn in a monstrous conspiracy. A terrorist attack is coming, one bigger and more deadly than has ever been seen before. And with the eyes of the security establishment elsewhere, only Marc and Lucy can stop the attack before it's too late.A brilliant, white-knuckle thrill ride, NOMAD is the book that launched the global bestselling Marc Dane series - perfect for fans of I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes, Orphan X by Gregg Hurwitz, Mark Dawson's John Milton, and Vince Flynn's Mitch Rapp.____________________10 REASONS TO READ JAMES SWALLOW:'Frighteningly credible' - BEN AARONOVITCH'Unputdownable' - WILBUR SMITH'Fast-moving' - DAILY MAIL'Enjoyable' - DAILY EXPRESS'Exciting' - THE SUN'Ultra fast-paced' - CHOICE 'Globe-trotting' - GUARDIAN 'Explosive' - IRISH EXAMINER'Distinctly Bondian' - MORNING STAR'Read it now' - SYDNEY MORNING HERALDTrade ReviewRight on the money, bang up to date, Nomad is a scorching romp for grown up boys. A killer of a thriller -- Jon Wise * Weekend Sport *Nomad is a debut spy thriller from a veteran science-fiction author who delivers his (...) enjoyable narrative at a frenzied pace, with plenty of narrow escapes for reluctant hero Dane -- Jon Coates * Daily Express *Ferociously paced thriller, a high-concept tale of the solitary hero on the run, bristling with technology and frequently erupting into lethal violence...the author's background in scriptwriting and videogames means that the tale is slick and sharply focused... -- Declan Burke * The Irish Times *Followers of Jason Bourne or those who are familiar with I Am Pilgrim and / or homeland will agree that this book is a rattling good yarn. Well written with plenty of cliffhangers and thoroughly enjoyable * Woman's Way *Exciting Thriller * The Sun *Nomad is a globe-trotting espionage thriller (...) and very enjoyable * The Guardian (Review) *Dane stands out as an unusual action hero... Breathless and thrilling, sharply plotted and almost painfully topical, it's a gripping story that does everything a spy thriller should. * Track of Words Blog *There's only one word to sum up Nomad and that word is Wow! Wow! and Wow! again. Swallow hits the page running and you never stop, from the panoramic opening scenes in Barcelona through to the military operation in Dunkirk and on through the rest of the novel * The Crime Warp Book Blog *This is edge of the seat stuff that is terrifyingly real in places and pushes the boundaries of reality in others, not unlike most high-action thrillers. If you're a fan of the novels of Lee Child, Frederik Forsyth and Chris Ryan or you can't wait for the new Bond film and love the TV series 24, then this is for you * Closer magazine (Fred Olson Cruises magazine) *Highly sophisticated and presented with incredible detail that it is highly credible...The narrative is very fluent and moves at speed, the reader immediately dragged into the action and despite the number of scenarios, locations, characters and events introduced rapidly in the opening chapters, Swallow's confident and clear style ensures it's accessible and easy to follow rather than overwhelming * Bibliomaniac UK Book Blog *Nomad is utterly gripping, cleverly plotted and one hell of a thriller. Highly Recommended * Liz Loves Books Blog *James Swallow describes a character who is likeable and who is just like Bond (...) It is a good story and the author gets you to keep turning the pages in order to know what happens next -- David Prever at Drivetime * BBC Radio Oxford *I think I've found my new favourite action adventure author and main character! (...)The writing and action is fast paced keeping you on the edge of your seat and barely letting you catch your breath before the next bit of excitement is upon you (...) An excellent book and a really enjoyable read, I'm already looking forward to the next book which will be out some time next year * Nerdish Mum Book Blog *A gripping finale. Highly recommended * Breakaway Reviewers *Swallow keeps the tension taut and the reader guessing until the end, all the while delivering a topical story. In Dane he has an appealing protagonist in what is sure to be a successful series -- Christopher Herde * Courier Mail (Brisbane) *A rattling good plot * Herald Sun (Melbourne) *A ripper of a thriller! * 7AD New Zealand Radio *Swallow is an experienced scriptwriter who has a fine eye for action scenes and knows how to keep his story moving quickly throughout its almost 500 pages... With its brisk plot, frequent cinematic action and constantly shifting viewpoint Nomad is sure to appeal to fans of Jason Bourne. Read it now before the inevitable movie arrives * Sydney Morning Herald *The climax, as Dane and Keyes fight to prevent an ingenious and deeply unpleasant attack from taking place right in the heart of New York, was one that became genuinely impossible to put down. Nomad is a fast-paced, tautly written thriller with an extremely engaging main character who can both think and shoot his way out of trouble * Crime Review *When I saw this was being compared to I Am Pilgrim I was a little bit dubious, but it actually is a really great book with a gripping plot and great characters. I can see this novel being a huge hit because it has everything a great crime thriller should. It does live up to the comparison with other great novels of its type and it will have readers gripped from page 1 * Nudge Books - Second Opinion *' A BAFTA nominated video game writer, Swallow is well versed in crafting exciting, pacey and high-concept stories. Marc Dane is a clever and likeable hero and, like Jason Bourne before him, readers will be rooting for him all the way.' * Culture Fly *

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Book SynopsisA 50th anniversary edition of the classic crime novel that inspired the Oscar-winning film starring Sidney Poitier.''They call me Mr Tibbs!''A small southern town in the 1960s. A musician found dead on the highway. It''s no surprise when white detectives arrest a black man for the murder. What is a surprise is that the black man - Virgil Tibbs - is himself a skilled homicide detective from California, whom inexperienced Chief Gillespie reluctantly recruits to help with the case. Faced with mounting local hostility and a police force that seems determined to see him fail, it isn''t long before Tibbs - trained in karate and aikido - will have to fight not just for justice, but also for his own safety.The inspiration for the Academy Award-winning film starring Sidney Poitier, this iconic crime novel is a psychologically astute examination of racial prejudice, an atmospheric depiction of the American South in the sixties, and a brilliant, suspense-fTrade ReviewPenguin has picked the perfect time to re-issue John Ball's brilliant debut story ... This is a psychologically astute examination of racial prejudice, an atmospheric depiction of the times and a brilliant, suspense-filled read ... If you haven't read it, do so * Crime Review *Compelling * The Times Literary Supplement *

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Book SynopsisAfter a successful career writing for radio, R.D. Wingfield turned his attention to fiction and created the character of D.I. Jack Frost, who has featured in the titles A Touch of Frost, Frost at Christmas, Night Frost, Hard Frost, Winter Frost and A Killing Frost. The series has been adapted for television as the perennially popular A Touch of Frost starring David Jason. R.D. Wingfield died in 2007.Trade ReviewAffecting, frightening and, especially in Frost's dialogue, extremely amusing * Listener *A crisp, confident, ripely-characterized novel; exciting, ingenious, roundly satisfying * Literary Review *

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Book SynopsisTHE CHILLING SEVENTH NOVEL IN THE BESTSELLING FRIEDA KLEIN SERIES ''Menacing'' GuardianSomeone is coming for Frieda, someone deadly . . .Psychotherapist Frieda Klein has believed serial killer Dean Reeve escaped justice for years. Despite what the police say, she is convinced he''s still alive. And finally she has the evidence. Because under her floor is the rotting corpse of an ex-policeman who she''d hired to hunt for Reeve.Now the police have to take her seriously.It''s clear that whoever did this is very dangerous and must be found, but it''s also clear that they''re not finished with Frieda - or those she loves most.As Frieda is about to learn - it''s always darkest just before the dawn . . .''Addictive'' Daily Express''Nail-biting'' Marie Claire''Ingenious'' Daily TelegraphTrade ReviewStop what you are doing and start [reading] right now . . . Dean is back. (Or is he?) -- SAM BAKER IS READING * The Pool *Clear your diaries, crime fans, the latest Nicci French is out . . . the seventh in the series, husband-and-wife writing team throw in surprises right up to the last page * Good Housekeeping *

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Book SynopsisHe''s the real deal...'' JOE HILLAnother read in one sitting from the best-selling Swanson.' METROA brilliantly original premise, delivered with panache.' CLARE MACKINTOSHOn the eve of his college graduation, Harry is called home by his step-mother Alice, to their house on the Maine coast, following the unexpected death of his father.But who really is Alice, his father''s much younger second wife? In a brilliant split narrative, Peter Swanson teases out the stories and damage that lie in her past. And as her story entwines with Harry's in the present, things grow increasingly dark and threatening - will Harry be able to see any of it clearly through his own confused feelings?

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Book SynopsisKATE SHUGAK is a native Aleut working as a private investigator in Alaska. She's 5 foot 1 inch tall, carries a scar that runs from ear to ear across her throat and owns half-wolf, half-husky dog named Mutt. Resourceful, strong-willed, defiant, Kate is tougher than your average heroine – and she needs to be to survive the worst the Alaskan wilds can throw at her. THE SINGING OF THE DEAD: Kate Shugak joins the staff of a political campaign to work security for a Native woman running for state senator. The candidate has been receiving anonymous threats, and Kate is to become her shadow, watching the crowds at rallies and fund-raisers. But just as she's getting started, the campaign is rocked by the murder of their staff researcher. To track the killer, Kate will have to delve into the past, in particular the grisly murder of a 'good-time girl' during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1915. Little can she guess the impact a ninety-year-old unsolved case might have on a modern-day psychotic killer...Trade ReviewStabenow is blessed with a rich prose style and a fine eye for detail. An outstanding series * Washington Post *One of the strongest voices in crime fiction * Seattle Times *An antidote to sugary female sleuths: Kate Shugak, the Aleut private investigator * New York Times *

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Book Synopsis'A smart, dark, breakneck-speed, just-one-more-chapter serial-killer thriller.' Will Carver FOR THIS KILLER, IT'S A GAME OF A B C When the body of a man is found brutally murdered in a wildlife park and tattooed with a letter A, criminal profilers Jan Grall and Rabea Wyler are thrown into a deadly game of cat and mouse. Later, two more mutilated bodies are found, again with tattoos on their skin - B and C - and it becomes clear that Grall and Wyler are dealing with a brutal serial killer. One who won't stop until his set is complete. When Grall's hotel room is marked with a Z and his girlfriend kidnapped, the race is on to find out who the killer is. Before it's too late . . . A tense and chilling serial killer thriller for readers of Helen H Durrant and Angela Marsons.Trade ReviewA proper whodunit ... kept me guessing right until the end * CrimeReview.co.uk *

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Book SynopsisElvis Cole is caught up in a high-profile murder case - and between the cops and the lawyers, it''s going to be a rough ride...On his own turf in L.A., PI Elvis Cole is embroiled in a controversial, high-profile murder case.A wealthy restaurateur is accused of murdering his wife, and his hot-shot defence lawyer hires Cole to find proof that the detective on the case, Angela Rossi, fooled around with the evidence. Yet as Elvis investigates Rossi for the defence team, he begins to be more suspicious of the media-loving lawyers than the cops. And as the investigation continues, Cole is drawn deeper and deeper into the intrigue and dangers surrounding the case of the missing woman.Trade ReviewThe trouble with starting a Robert Crais book is that you just can't put it down until you finish it. Crais is one of the greats -- Tony HillermanThe king of LA crime... long may he reign * INDEPENDENT *I've been a Robert Crais fan since I first read THE MONKEY'S RAINCOAT ... Crais is a terrific writer -- Sue Grafton

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Book SynopsisA RICHARD & JUDY PICKSUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLERNEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERA GUARDIAN BOOK OF THE YEAR''The best crime novel of the decade'' Steve Cavanagh''Both terrifying and utterly heartbreaking'' Mark Billingham''Superbly creepy . . . it might just break your heart a little, too'' Heat''A dark, creepy, thriller with a huge amount of heart'' Stuart MacBride''Beautifully crafted, heart-rending and spine-tinglingly chilling'' Sarah Pinborough''Shades of Thomas Harris and Stephen King but brilliant in its own right'' C. J. Tudor______________If you leave a door half-open, soon you''ll hear the whispers spoken...Fifteen years ago, a serial killer known only as ''The Whisper Man'' wreaked havoc on the sleepy village of Featherbank.But with the killer behind bars, the village is now a sTrade ReviewA gripping exploration of father-son relationships with a propulsive plot, The Whisper Man is a true skin-crawler * Guardian *A police procedural with supernatural overtones * Guardian, Best Crime & Thrillers of the Year *Creepy. With the movie rights sold to Hollywood, Alfred Hitchcock would have loved every spine-tingling moment * Daily Mail *The best crime novel of the decadeAlex North has achieved the seemingly impossible. The Whisper Man is a thriller that is both terrifying and utterly heartbreaking. Mesmerising and masterful.First it's spooky. Then it's scary. Then it's terrifying. And then... well, dear reader, proceed at your own risk. An ambitious, deeply satisfying thriller - a seamless blend of Harlan Coben, Stephen King, and Thomas Harris. My flesh is still crawlingA police procedural with supernatural overtones, this is a true skin-crawler * Guardian, Best Summer Reads *The Whisper Man is going to be huge. Dark enough to chill your blood but so beautifully written you will not be able to put it down. Utterly brilliant.Beautifully written. Beautifully plotted. Shades of Thomas Harris and Stephen King but brilliant in its own rightAn ultra-creepy tinge of the supernatural, blended with a petrifying threat from all-too-human monsters, conjures truly blood-chilling menace. Built on a tender theme, this flawlessly plotted thriller absolutely deserves to be shouted about * Sunday Mirror *You might think you've read too many of these "next generation serial killer" novels but this is a very good example with strong characters and a palpable sense of sadness behind the scariness * Sunday Express *A dark, creepy, thriller with a huge amount of heart. Damn, but Alex North can write!Compelling, creepy and beautifully written, The Whisper Man will stay with you long after the last page is turned - and make you double-check all your doors and windows are locked at nightThe Whisper Man is the most stunning thriller you will read this year, examining the relationships between fathers and sons, loss, betrayal, abduction and murder. It is a story that will unravel the reader as the plot itself unravels, leaving us winded, choking, gasping for air and wrung out, while disturbing, entertaining and enthralling us at the same time.A painful and moving novel. Ostensibly about the abduction and murder of children, it is also an exploration of fatherhood and its challenges and rewards * Literary Review Crime Novels of the Year *Beautifully crafted, heart-rending and spine-tinglingly chilling, the Whisper Man is a thrilling tour de force. Assured and compelling, I can't wait to see what Alex North does nextOstensibly a suspense novel involving the abduction and murder of children, The Whisper Man is also a study of fatherhood. Alex North's writing is impeccable as he spins out his plot . . . At once painful and moving, this story feels both real and important * Literary Review *Alex North weaves a stunningly captivating narrative that's a nuanced and grounded exploration of father-son relationships. He strikes such a delicate balance that consistently elevates itself, he ultimately provides a master class in genre exploration. An incredible readThe Whisper Man is the most unsettling thriller I have read since Jo Nesbo's The Snowman. Much more than the sum of its parts, it is nightmarish and disturbing and, at the same time, a moving and life-affirming novel about fathers and sons, and grief, loss, and recoveryA novel about the dark places that are recognisably our own, The Whisper Man plays on our emotions as much as on our fears. A tremendous calling card for the brilliant Alex North.Fantastic. He writes beautifully, with a powerful understanding of the effects of loss and damage on the human psyche and a style that sweeps you into its grip and never lets go. I'm totally sold on Alex NorthA fine, chilling tale. Alex North paints a world that is so believable and at the same time utterly terrifying. The characters are beautifully rendered, and the tenderness of the central relationship between father and son deepened the sense of terrorDeliciously creepy and kept me up long after I'd turned the last pageUtterly absorbing and intense, so deliciously creepy I think I held my breath for half the book. I couldn't walk away from this affecting story until it was done with me. Loved it!Gripping, disturbing, and creepy as hell - The Whisper Man deserves to be a huge hit. Absorbing writing, characters that will live with you long after finishing, and guaranteed to show up in a nightmare or three. Heartbreaking and unsettling in equal measure, it's destined to be the book that will readers won't be able to forgetWonderfully dark, gently creepy and completely bloody heartbreaking. Alex North is a fantastic writer. The Whisper Man left me in piecesA nerve-shredding emotional rollercoaster that'll keep you up late at night, whether you're still reading it or not. A compulsive read that's sure to give you nightmaresA phenomenal read. Terrifying and heartbreaking in equal measure and if it wasn't so hot I'd definitely be sleeping with the windows shut tonight! The Whisper Man will be the book everyone's talking about next summer, mark my wordsA riveting page turner! Dark and unsettling, this one creeps under your skinOne of the best crime novels I've read in ages. Alex North has crafted a book that manages to be thrilling, terrifying and genuinely moving.There's a soft voice outside your window and it demands your attention. The Whisper Man is coming. In fact, he's already here. Get ready to be unnerved. This novel is thrillingThe Whisper Man is a tour de force, utterly absorbing and brilliantly realisedThe Whisper Man is a chilling, gripping read but also deeply moving. It's a novel that succeeds on all kinds of levels and deserves all the success that is no doubt coming it's wayNo one does Dark with a Heart like Alex North and The Whisper Man delivers a sucker punch that stays with you. Beautifully crafted, chilling & emotional, this's going to be topping Books of the Year lists as soon as it's outI read The Whisper Man in one go, barely remembering to breathe. North writes brilliantly about the cruelties of life, great and small, and the terrors that afflict young children (not to mention their parents). Tender, terrifying and utterly compelling, The Whisper Man will haunt you to the final page and beyond.A creepy, serial killer-inflected thriller * i *More than just superbly creepy, this beautifully written thriller might just break your heart a little, too * Heat *With a tender theme about the complexity of father son relationships at its heart, this thriller is immaculately plotted, superbly written, and so good it deserves to be shouted about * The People *A psychological thriller that's both terrifying and heartbreaking - you won't want to miss this one * Woman's Weekly *[A] superb thriller... Readers will have a tough time putting down this truly unnerving tale, with its seemingly unexplainable elements and glimpses of broken and dangerous minds * Publishers Weekly *Extraordinarily well-written, deeply moving . . . The stories are deftly marshalled and interwoven by North with a mastery that would be astonishing were he a debut novelist * Irish Times *ALEX NORTH'S tightly plotted crime thriller presses all the right buttons for the genre * Press Association *Summer Books of 2019 * Barry Forshaw, Financial Times *This exceptionally creepy thriller is also a touching portrait of a bereaved father and son learning to depend on each other * Morning Star *A debut that will disturb and intrigue in equal measure * Woman *A debut novel set to disturb and intrigue. Truly chilling * Woman's Own *As much an exploration of grief and of the father-son bond as it is a nerve-shredder, this is a good choice for Stephen King fans * Meath Chronicle *Hollywood has snapped up this psychological thriller - and no wonder * Sun *Standout thriller * Daily Express *Deliciously dark and twisty, this is a page-turner from start to finish * Connaught Telegraph *If you like a touch of Stephen King mixed with British crime, then this is for you . . . this is a spooky read, but also holds its own as a police procedural novel * People's Friend *This flawless thriller will touch your heart and live long in your memory * Daily Express *This flawless thriller lives long in the memory * Daily Mirror *

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Book SynopsisA gripping British cosy crime mystery with a mysterious death and a village full of secrets...MAISIE COOPER IS NO DETECTIVE, THANK YOU VERY MUCH.BUT SHE MIGHT JUST SOLVE A MURDER... Maisie left the picture-perfect village of Framlington years ago. But when her brother asks for her help out of the blue she soon finds herself back among the windy lanes and open green fields. But it''s not the family reunion she hoped for - upon arrival she learns that she''s too late. Stephen is dead. And not just dead - murdered.Frustrated by the slow police investigation headed up by handsome Sergeant Wingard, Maisie determines to start asking questions herself. In a village where everyone knows everyone, surely someone has some information about Stephen. But the longer Maisie stays, and the deeper she digs, the more she begins to sense something sinister at the heart of the village. What secrets are the residents so desperate to kee

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Book SynopsisA dark Christmas thriller from New York Times bestselling author Lisa Unger.Instead of presents this Christmas, one true crime podcaster is opening up a cold caseWhen true crime podcaster Harley Granger drifts into Madeline Martin''s bookshop days before Christmas, he seems intent on digging up a past that Madeline would much rather forget.Granger''s work has earned him fame and wealth and some serious criticism for his various unethical practices. Granger also has a lot of questions about the night Madeline was left for dead, the only surviving victim of killer Evan Handy.Handy, who also murdered Madeline''s best friend and is suspected in the disappearance of two local sisters, has been in jail for a decade. Since then, though, three other young women have gone missing in similar circumstances. Is the true predator still out there somewhere?As Christmas approaches and a blizzard bears down, Madeline must confront

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Book SynopsisARE YOU READY TO ENTER THE HALF BURNT HOUSE?The spine-tingling new thriller from the internationally bestselling author of Richard & Judy pick THE WHISPER MAN____________It begins with the house and a body:Alan Hobbes stabbed to death in his own bed.For years, he's lived as a recluse in the remains of aderelict mansion that once belonged to a serial killer.The police have a suspect: Christopher Shaw,observed on the premises on the night of the murder.Katie Shaw hasn't seen her brother Chris in two years.All her life, she's tried to look out for him.Even when he made it so hard.But now he's bound up in the secrets of this dark house.To save Chris, dare she follow him inside . . .____________North handles the complicated plot with skill while bringing his troubled characters to life amid the horror' Observer''Alex North at Trade ReviewThe Half Burnt House is Alex North at his best - a writer who can terrify you on one page and break your heart on the next -- Steve Cavanagh, bestselling author of ThirteenEndlessly intriguing * New York Times *So dark and so twisty * Sun *One of those books that made me wish I'd written it. North wields suspense like a blade. Breath-taking and terrifying -- Helen FieldsNorth handles the complicated plot with skill while bringing his troubled characters to life amid the horror. * Observer *North's poetic way with even the most grotesque of situations is always a joy. The Half Burnt House is his best yet. I love it. -- Alex MarwoodDark, gripping, and twisty -- Claire McGowanThrilling, moving and utterly gripping; The Half Burnt House is a triumph -- William RyanA masterfully creepy, atmospheric rush of a read that will linger with you long after you've finished the last page -- Neil BroadfootComplex, tense and atmospheric * Woman's Weekly *Deeply complex and carefully crafted, this novel is a thrilling question mark all the way to the end, and it puts North's storytelling skills on full display . . . the tension mounts with almost every single chapter... his best so far, a superb addition to his already impressive oeuvre -- Gabino Iglesias * NPR *A cut-throat thriller * Woman's Own *Alex North's best book yet. It's as darkly disturbing as The Whisper Man, and as viciously twisty as The Shadow Friend. But this time there's a premise that will break your heart even as it chills you to the very marrow. Nobody in dark fiction writes family relationships - guilt, fear, loss, and ultimately love - like North, and this is an unputdownable thriller -- Derek FarrellEverything in this story is connected in ways the reader can't begin to imagine until a series of stunning parallels and revelations are disclosed. Wait for it! * Booklist, STARRED *North's latest thriller does not disappoint, weaving an intriguing cast of characters across multiple time periods into a story rich with layers and plot twists and perfectly suspenseful pacing ... A delightfully bone-chilling tale * Kirkus Reviews *Praise for Alex North -- :As terrifying as a great horror novel, as unpredictable as the best type of crime novel and above all beautifully written...a writer who is an absolute master of his craft -- Jane CaseyThis is absorbing, headlong reading, a play on classic horror with an inventiveness of its own * New York Times *Hugely atmospheric and deliciously creepy -- Alex Michaelides

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Book SynopsisThe chilling, stay-up-all-night suspense thriller for fans of C.J. Tudor, Riley Sager and Stephen King.Secrets won''t stay in the dark foreverThis chilling, haunting and twisty thriller about how far we go to protect our darkest secrets is perfect for fans of Ruth Ware, Cass Green and C. J. Tudor.When young Kimberley Painter vanishes without a trace, her disappearance shakes the local community to the core.Almost two decades later, when Kimberley's body is found in woodlands next to a manor house, police officer Alessandra Cano must investigate what happened to the little girl all those years ago.However, as Alessa immerses herself in the historic case, she''s besieged by eerie signs and messages, becoming convinced that Kimberley''s restless spirit is reaching out from beyond the grave.As Alessa races against time, each revelation brings her closer to a truth darker than she ever imagined, as the shadows of the past loom larger than ever.Because secrets, however long buried, will alwa

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Book SynopsisIt''s all aboard for a Campbell Clan Christmas! Lexy swaps cinnamon lattes for boiled sprouts when the Last Ditch crew travel from California to an idyllic Scottish village for the holidays, but something very unmerry is lurking below the surface . . .Lexy Campbell is long overdue a trip to Scotland to see her parents, and an unexpected death in the extended Last Ditch Motel family makes Christmas in a bungalow in Dundee with nine others seem almost irresistible.But when Lexy and the Last Ditch crew hop across the Atlantic, there''s been a change of plan and they''re whisked off to Mistletoe Hall in the pretty village of Yule, where the surprises continue. The news that a man disappeared from the crumbling pile sixty years ago, along with an unsettling discovery in the bricked-up basement, means that Todd, Kathi and Lexy - Trinity for Trouble - must solve another murder.Deadly secrets, berry rustlers, skeletons and a snowy Christmas Eve in the b

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Book SynopsisPRE-ORDER THE NEXT INSTALMENT IN DONNA LEON'S COMMISSARIO BRUNETTI SERIES, A REFINER'S FIRE, NOW. AVAILABLE JULY 2024.'A splendid series . . . with a backdrop of the city so vivid you can almost smell it.' The Sunday TelegraphWinner of the Suntory Mystery Fiction Grand Prize The twisted maze of Venice's canals has always been shrouded in mystery. Even the celebrated opera house, La Fenice, has seen its share of death ... but none so horrific and violent as that of world-famous conductor, Maestro Helmut Wellauer, who was poisoned during a performance of La Traviata. Even Commissario of Police, Guido Brunetti, used to the labyrinthine corruptions of the city, is shocked at the number of enemies Wellauer has made on his way to the top - but just how many have motive enough for murder? The beauty of Venice is crumbling. But evil is one thing that will never erode with age.'What a ripping first mystery, as beguiling and secretly sinister as Venice herself. Sparkling and irresistible.' Rita Mae Brown'Donna Leon has given fans of subtle, clever and literate mysteries something to cheer about. . . . A wonderful read.' Tony Hillerman

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Book SynopsisThe fifth book in the Devon Mysteries series, perfect for fans of SJ Bennett.

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Book SynopsisThe Whole Truth by David Baldacci is a terrifying global thriller that delivers all the twists and turns, emotional drama, unforgettable characters and can't-put-it-down pacing that Baldacci fans expect – and still goes beyond anything he’s written before.I NEED A WAR . . .A powerful arms dealerNicolas Creel is a man on a mission. As the head of a major arms vendor, he is plotting a ruthless plan to supercharge his company’s profits by triggering a new cold war – and he won’t let anyone stand in his way.An intelligence agentMeet Shaw, a man with no first name: a shadow operative working for a multinational organization that seeks to keep the world safe from men like Creel.An ambitious journalistDesperate to rebuild her disgraced reputation and rise to the top of her profession, Katie James gets the break of a lifetime when she finds herself on the same path as the mysterious Shaw.Drawn into stopping Creel’s terrifying plans, Shaw and James face a catastrophic threat that could change the world as we know it . . .Trade ReviewWhen Baldacci is on fire, nobody can touch him * Booklist *High-stakes action, shadowy government agencies and [a] neo-Cold War backdrop . . . Baldacci pushes his plot ahead at such a blistering pace * Washington Post *Delicious . . . [a] roller-coaster adventure . . . an utterly enjoyable escapist page-turner * Tampa Tribune *

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