Crime & Thrillers Books

Book SynopsisEveryone is always out there searching for someone and something, usually for a lover, usually for love. And this is a love story. But the murderee - Nicola Six - is searching for something and someone else: her murderer. She knows the time, she knows the place, she knows the motive, she knows the means. She just doesn't know the man. London Fields is a brilliant, funny and multi-layered novel. It is a book in which the narrator, Samson Young, enters the Black Cross, a thoroughly undesirable public house, and finds the main players of his drama assembled, just waiting to begin. It's a gift of a story from real life...all Samson has to do is write it as it happens.Trade ReviewLondon Fields, its pastoral title savagely inappropriate to its inner-city setting, vibrates, like all Amis's work, with the force fields of sinister, destructive energies. At the core of its surreal fable are four figures locked in lethal alignment -- Peter Kemp * Sunday Times *I love reading novels about the city but this is my favourite. It manages to incorporate the seedy and the middle class Notting Hill side of the capital, all in one glorious unputdownable novel -- Phil Daniels * Daily Express *An electrifying writer who likes to shock his fans and share his sharply contemporary concerns... Amis is a maddening master you need to read - the best of his generation * Mail on Sunday *

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Book SynopsisLONGLISTED FOR THE MCILVANNEY PRIZE 2019 From the pen of the biggest selling crime writer published in Scotland... When the luxury cruiser, hastily renamed Great Britain, berths in Kinloch harbour, the pressure is on DCI Jim Daley. The UK Government are taking a high-powered group of businessmen and women on a tour of the British isles, golfing and seeing the sights, as part of a push for global trade. But when one of the crew goes missing , and an elderly local ornithologist disappears, will the pressure become too great? The arrival of a face from the past, sends Daley’s world into a tailspin. And the lives of the passengers and crew of SS Great Britain, as well as the country’s economic future are in jeopardy. DS Brian Scott comes to the fore, and replete with a temporary promotion, is once more - most reluctantly, in his case - back at sea. Daley faces a life and death struggle, but is this his last throw of the dice?Trade Review'A great read…characterisation is extremely well delivered, the loud-mouthed, somewhat comedic Scott, and the likeable, dependable Daley, local colour is added by a cast of interesting residents, whose far from simple lives seem at odd with the picture postcard place they inhabit' * Undiscovered Scotland *'Meyrick has a light touch other crime writers don't have. Highly readable and enjoyable' -- Chris MacCall * Scotland on Sunday *'Exemplary – humour and a high stakes threat' * Herald *'There’s darkness, and there’s an awful lot of gut-roaring laughter and light too, making for an exceptional read. There are themes that will strike a chord with everyone who reads it. Meyrick’s gift is to write visceral prose in a way that hits home and feels all too real and to combine it with superb, layered plotting' * LiveandDeadly.net *'This is visceral reading – you feel it before you think it' * Sunday Post *'Plotting that mystifies, captivating characters and spectacular locations: the essentials, and A Breath on Dying Embers overflows with all three. The Gold Dagger awaits' * Quentin Jardine *'Jim Daley and Brian Scott are like a fine cask whisky. They improve each and every year. What a fabulous read, compelling to the very end. For me the best in the series so far. I found some laugh out loud moments and others reaching for the tissues. The ending was unexpected and I did not see it coming. Time to pre-order now' -- David Gilchrist, Founder of UK Crime Book Club‘An enthralling read from the provocative prologue through to the whammy of a final chapter… a rewarding, satisfying read and fabulous addition to the series’ * LoveReading *

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Book SynopsisThe shop owner Adolf Verloc, member of an anarchist group and secret agent for a foreign government, is summoned to meet Mr Vladimir, the country’s ambassador, who asks him to carry out a terrorist attack at a famous London landmark. Verloc has misgivings, but Mr Vladimir knows how to make people do what he wants, and when the plan goes wrong, it is Verloc – as well as his young wife, Winnie – who must deal with the consequences. A story of espionage, intrigue and corruption based on a real-life attempted terrorist attack in Victorian London, The Secret Agent was one of literature’s first political thrillers, and is widely considered to be among Conrad’s most compelling works.Trade ReviewIt is one of the best – and certainly the most significant – detective stories ever written. -- Ford Madox Ford

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Book SynopsisWhen Richard Cooper is found shot to death in his luxury apartment in North Sheen, London, Detective Chief Inspector Harry Brock and Detective Sergeant Dave Poole are assigned the case. They immediately question Dennis Jones, who found Cooper''s lifeless body, and Lydia Maxwell, who lived in the apartment opposite - but is either of them telling the truth? Richard Cooper appears to have been a very private man who left few clues behind. As the investigation gathers pace, however, a trip to Belgium could signal the possible unravelling of the mystery. But it soon becomes clear that the hunt for a determined killer could lead to tragedy for Harry and his team.

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Book SynopsisAn ancient and mysterious book leads Crispin Guest into a deadly maze in this latest medieval noir mystery.1394, London. Crispin Guest, Tracker of London, is enjoying his ale in the Boar''s Tusk tavern - until a stranger leaves a mysterious wrapped bundle on his table, telling him, "You''ll know what to do." Inside is an ancient leather-bound book written in an unrecognizable language. Accompanied by his apprentice, Jack Tucker, Crispin takes the unknown codex to a hidden rabbi, where they make a shocking discovery: it is the Gospel of Judas from the Holy Land, and its contents challenge the very doctrine of Christianity itself.Crispin is soon drawn into a deadly maze involving murder, living saints, and lethal henchmen. Why was he given the blasphemous book, and what should he do with it? A series of horrific events confirm his fears that there are powerful men who want it - and who will stop at nothing to see it destroyed.

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Book SynopsisNew York, 1956. A couple walking through Central Park on a fall evening are confronted by a hansom cab driver, only to kill him and casually walk away. Who are the couple and did they know the man?A man commits suicide by throwing himself through a hotel window. His colleagues claim he was depressed - but is there more to it than that?Before Detective Michael Cassidy even begins investigating these cases, he is threatened by an unknown man - the reasons for which are unclear.Are all three incidents connected? If so, how, and will Cassidy live long enough to find out before his would-be assassin claims his life?

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Book SynopsisAmateur sleuths Hilary Masters and Veronica Taylor face a real-life murder mystery at a crime writing weekend. Is a dark conspiracy unfolding on a West Country estate?Friends Hilary Masters and Veronica Taylor are eager to embark upon their weekend-long masterclass in crime writing at the evocative, fourteenth-century Morland Abbey, hoping to gain inspiration for their own novels. The queen of crime fiction herself, Dinah Halsgrove, is the guest of honour, giving the opening talk. But when Dinah suddenly falls ill later that evening, the pair can''t help being suspicious. Has her mysterious illness been staged by the organisers, or does someone in their writing group have murderous intent?A series of sinister incidents draw Hilary and Veronica into a real-life murder mystery as gripping as any bestselling crime novel, but the biggest twist is yet to come . . . Can they separate fact from fiction to solve a deadly puzzle?

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Book SynopsisTwo guards; one nun; one judge.When a letter containing a list of victims arrives in the post, PI Jack Taylor is sickened, but tells himself the list has nothing to do with him. He has enough to do just staying sane. His close friend Ridge is recovering from surgery, and alcohol's siren song is calling to him ever more insistently.A guard and then a judge die in mysterious circumstances. But it is not until a child is added to the list that Taylor determines to find the identity of the killer, and stop them at any cost. What he doesn't know is that his relationship with the killer is far closer than he thinks. And that it's about to become deeply personal.Spiked with dark humour, seasoned with acute insights about the perils of urbanisation, and fuelled by rage at man's inhumanity to man, this is crime-writing at its darkest and most original.Trade ReviewTightly structured and compelling ... You don't want to meet Jack Taylor in person, but if you're a crime fan, you do want to read every book he features in. * Irish Times for PRIEST *Ken Bruen is finally getting his due. Priest is grimy, brooding, pawkily funny and wholly original. Great. * Observer for PRIEST *A gripping story of guilt and redemption. * Independent on Sunday for CROSS *A compelling portrait of a haunted man. * Guardian for CROSS *Sanctuary...packs a powerful punch. Taylor's alcoholic self-disgust is utterly convincing, and the supporting low life characters in the story are deftly and vibrantly drawn through pared-to-the-bone prose. Unforgettable. * Irish Independent *

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Book SynopsisIncludes BONUS short story*****Part of the bestselling John Shakespeare series of Tudor spy thrillers from Rory Clements, winner of the Ellis Peters Historical Fiction Award*****'[Clements] does for Elizabeth's reign what CJ Sansom does for Henry VIII's' Sunday Times**********England is a Judas nest of conspiracyIt is 1582, and the conflict between Protestant and Catholic threatens to tear the country in two. While Queen Elizabeth I holds the reins of power, there are those whose loyalty lies with her imprisoned cousin, Mary Queen of Scots.On his first major mission for Sir Francis Walsingham, the young John Shakespeare is ordered to discover a conspiracy to free the Stuart queen from Sheffield Castle. All too soon, he realises that the tentacles of the plot reach deep into his native Warwickshire and threaten his own friends and family. His duty lies with Elizabeth - but how far will he go to protect those he loves?Trade Review*GOOD HOUSEKEEPING Reader Recommends*: I could not put down THE QUEEN'S MAN by Rory Clements * Good Housekeeping READER RECOMMENDS **GOOD HOUSEKEEPING Reader Recommends*: I could not put down THE QUEEN'S MAN by Rory Clements * Good Housekeeping READER RECOMMENDS *The sixth in Rory Clements' enjoyable series of Elizabethan thrillers featuring John Shakespeare ... Clements has the edge when it comes to creating a lively, fast-moving plot. * The Sunday Times *The sixth in Rory Clements' enjoyable series of Elizabethan thrillers featuring John Shakespeare ... Clements has the edge when it comes to creating a lively, fast-moving plot. * The Sunday Times *Sixteenth-century London comes alive in all its tawdriness. * Daily Mail *Sixteenth-century London comes alive in all its tawdriness. * Daily Mail *Enjoyable, bloody and brutish. * Guardian *Enjoyable, bloody and brutish. * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisDaisy's in danger of heading off the rails!Daisy's embarking on a journey to Edinburgh and her biggest worry is that she has forgotten her book, so how will she pass the time? Her concern proves to be pointless, however, as once the journey begins Daisy finds a pint-sized stowaway on board - Belinda, the daughter of dreamy Detective Chief Inspector Alec Fletcher, Daisy's beau.No sooner has this problem revealed itself than Daisy and Belinda run into a bickering Scottish clan en route to the deathbed of the head of the family. But before the express reaches its first stop, one of the greedy McGowans has turned up dead. Is it murder? Daisy's willing to bet her first-class ticket it is - after all, the victim was the heir-in-waiting and she's sharing the carriage with an entire family of suspects who have everything to gain by his death...Praise for the Daisy Dalrymple series:'Cunning... appropriate historical detail and witty dialogue are the finishing touches on this engaging 1920s period piece.' Publishers Weekly'As always, Dunn evokes the life and times of 1920s England while providing a plot that is a cut above the average British cosy. This will delight readers who love country-house mysteries.' Booklist'For fans of Dorothy L. Sayers' novels' Library Journal

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Book SynopsisA body has been found in the trunk of a Cadillac. Jesse's investigation takes him to the neighboring homes of two 'retired' gangsters. But it isn't the mobsters who fascinate Jesse - it's their wives: two completely identical twin sisters, who not even their husbands can tell apart. And when one of the mobsters is found with a bullet in his skull, Jesse is forced to start digging into the twins' past...Trade Review'If Spenser is the invincible knight, the timeless hero of American detective fiction, then Jesse Stone is the flawed hero of the moment, a man whose deficiencies define his humanity' New York Times Book Review. * New York Times *

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Book Synopsis"Larsson is one of the best current practitioners of Scandinavian crime fiction" Financial Times"A masterful storyteller . . . An astute social commentator" Sunday ExpressWinner of the Best Swedish Crime Novel of the Year 2021 (Swedish Crime Writers' Academy)Winner of the Storytel Award for Best Suspense Novel 2021Winner of the Adlibris Award for Best Suspense Novel 2021 Forensic pathologist Lars Pohjanen has only a few weeks to live when he asks Rebecka Martinsson to investigate a murder that has long since passed the statute of limitations. A body found in a freezer at the home of the deceased alcoholic, Henry Pekkari, has been identified as a man who disappeared without a trace in 1962: the father of Swedish Olympic boxing champion Börje Ström. Rebecka wants nothing to do with a fifty-year-old case - she has enough to worry about. But how can she ignore a dying man's wish?When the post-mortem confirms that Pekkari, too, was murdered, Rebecka has a red-hot investigation on her hands. But what does it have to do with the body kept in his freezer for decades? Meanwhile, the city of Kiruna is being torn down and moved a few kilometres east, to make way for the mine that has been devouring the city from below. With the city in flux, the tentacles of organized crime are slowly taking over . . .Fragile yet fierce Rebecka Martinsson returns in a spellbinding addition to the Arctic Murders series, now a Walter Presents drama for television.Translated from the Swedish by Frank PerryTrade ReviewAs well as being a masterful storyteller, Åsa Larsson is an astute social commentator -- Charlotte Heathcote * Sunday Express *The fragile Rebecka Martinsson is an indelible figure, and Larsson is one of the best current practitioners of Scandinavian crime fiction. -- Barry Forshaw * Financial Times *No other Swedish crime writer has been lauded to the extent Åsa has; her stories are something out of the ordinary. [...] [The] language roars like a river, it is as if the language itself shows how everything has changed and is coming together: then and now, old battles and new crimes, family ties, and people's dependency upon one another * Dagens Nyheter *[Åsa Larsson's] suspense novels are in a league of their own. In part due to the language, but also because they include several warm portrayals of people; people shaped by harsh social climates as well as severe weather. [...] The Sins of Our Fathers holds multitudes, high pace, and human tragedy galore, extreme Laestadians as well as bloody knock-out fights. But also, dizzying ski trips, frolicking dogs, and touching elderly romance. [...] A grandiose finale. * Arbeterbladet *[This] is a multifaceted, utterly brilliant crime novel. It is also a read that creates an insatiable urge to move north; Åsa writes about a landscape that she loves, a Norrbotten with mountains so beautiful they seem to be out of this world, and sparkling rivers that rush and roar as they have done since ancient times. * Femina *Rebecka Martinsson is back. Magnificent nature, brilliant character portrayals, murder, love, and dogs. It doesn't get any better than this * Aftonbladet *

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Book SynopsisOne of Hemingway's finest novels, A FAREWELL TO ARMS was published in 1929 when the author was at the height of his power, It draws on his own experiences serving with the Italins in World War One when he was severely wounded in action and awarded the Croce de Guerra. This is a vivid portrait of men at war which also explores their deeper responses to the cruetly and heroism of Battle

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Book SynopsisSupernatural hounds, a family curse, a mysterious cipher and the return of a deadly enemy . . . Sherlock Holmes will have to utilize every skill he has to solve the two classic mysteries collected here. The Hound of the Baskervilles sees Holmes and Dr Watson travel to the misty wilds of Dartmoor to confront a devilish apparition, while in The Valley of Fear the pair investigate a gruesome murder that may be the work of the dastardly Professor Moriarty himself.Part of the Macmillan Collector’s Library; a series of stunning, clothbound, pocket-sized classics with gold foiled edges and ribbon markers. These beautiful books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book lover. In this edition, Sherlock scholar David Stuart Davies provides both an illuminating afterword and a fascinating chronology of the Sherlock Holmes stories.

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Book SynopsisIn Sherlock Holmes: The Dark Mysteries, Sherlock Holmes expert David Stuart Davies has selected the cases of the great detective that best reflect Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's deep interest in the supernatural. The first is the terrifying novel The Hound of the Baskervilles, followed by nine Gothic adventures: 'The Sussex Vampire', 'The Creeping Man', 'Shoscombe Old Place', 'The Disappearance of Lady Frances Carfax', 'The Veiled Lodger', 'The Devil's Foot', 'The Blanched Soldier' and 'The Cardboard Box'. All of the stories are accompanied by their original illustrations.Part of the Macmillan Collector’s Library; a series of stunning, clothbound, pocket-sized classics with gold foiled edges and ribbon markers. These beautiful books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book lover. With an introduction by the collection's editor, David Stuart Davies.

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Book SynopsisA startling debut noir. A Trail of Blood on the Snow is a chilling exploration of masculinity, madness, and the harrowing legacy of abuse. He remembers me. He remembers the screaming and the blood on the snow. He remembers everything, I can tell.Rex is 41. Halfway to death and no happier for it. Any promise of a better life got stifled decades ago, when Rex was a limping school kid and Max was the school bully. Then, a chance encounter. Max standing smug and handsome at a gas station with his oh-so-perfect family. Rex secretly follows them home. Watches them. Thinks about his own miserable life. What Max did to him, and how a real man would claim revenge. Rex acts. Is this the making of a monster, or the breaking of a man?

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Book SynopsisA mother battles to save her child’s life by recounting an extraordinary true story of a sailor’s fight for survival at sea during the Second World War … a beautiful, poignant debut celebrating the power of words, and what it really means to be brave. ***Longlisted for the Not the Booker Prize*** 'It’s a gentle book, full of emotion and it’s similar in tone to The Book Thief, a book that Rose reads with a torch under the bedclothes’ Irish Times ‘Louise Beech masterfully envelops us in two worlds separated by time yet linked by fierce family devotion, bravery and the triumph of human spirit. Wonderful’ Amanda Jennings ______________ All the stories died that morning … until we found the one we’d always known. When nine-year-old Rose is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, Natalie must use her imagination to keep her daughter alive. They begin dreaming about and seeing a man in a brown suit who feels hauntingly familiar, a man who has something for them. Through the magic of storytelling, Natalie and Rose are transported to the Atlantic Ocean in 1943, to a lifeboat, where an ancestor survived for fifty days before being rescued. Poignant, beautifully written and tenderly told, How To Be Brave weaves together the contemporary story of a mother battling to save her child’s life with an extraordinary true account of bravery and a fight for survival in the Second World War. A simply unforgettable debut that celebrates the power of words, the redemptive energy of a mother’s love … and what it really means to be brave. ______________ ‘An amazing story of hope and survival … a love letter to the power of books and stories’ Nick Quantrill ‘Two family stories of loss and redemption intertwine in a painfully beautiful narrative. This book grabbed me right around my heart and didn’t let go’ Cassandra Parkin ‘Louise Beech is a natural born storyteller and this is a wonderful story’ Russ Litten ‘Beautifully written, intelligent and moving, this book will stay with you long after you reach the end’ Ruth Dugdall

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Book SynopsisDavie McCall is tired. Tired of violence, tired of the Life. He's always managed to stay detached from the brutal nature of his line of work, but recently he has caught himself enjoying it. In the final instalment in the Davie McCall series old friends clash and long buried secrets are unearthed as McCall investigates a brutal five-year-old crime. Davie wants out, but the underbelly of Glasgow is all he has ever known. Will what he learns about his old ally Big Rab McClymont be enough to get him out of the Life? And could the mysterious woman who just moved in upstairs be just what he needs?Trade ReviewA massive five stars for Open Wounds – Douglas Skelton has a canny knack of taking the reader on a journey that embroiled them into the “Life” but also transports them right onto the streets of Glasgow – through the tenement buildings, up the dark closes and places you’d never want to go – reading his books makes me live, breathe and experience the world of Davie McCall. – CHAPTERINMYLIFE Dark and satisfying, plenty of great dialogue and humour, that old cliché – a page-turner – well it is. What’s even better is the economy of style in which Skelton wraps this all up – a shade under 250 pages. BIFF, BANG, BOSH! Job done – highly recommended! – COL'S CRIMINAL LIBRARY This is genuine Tartan Noir, grounded in the real recognisable Glasgow of today – a rare treasure amidst some of the overblown melodramatic dross which is so often wrongly acclaimed as giving an authentic picture of life here. I’m delighted to have stumbled across Douglas Skelton and he is now part of that select band of Scottish crime writers to whose future books I will look forward with keen anticipation. – FICTION FAN BLOG Reading Open Wounds was a joy on so many levels and the moments of levity gave a nice balance against some of the more gritty scenes. – GRAB THIS BOOK

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Book SynopsisBook of the Year in The Times An Amazon.com Best Book of 2018 'A gripping and vivid novel . . . remarkable' John Boyne A story of two brothers on a trail of revenge Queensland, 1885. It is a scorching day in Australia's deserted outback when Tommy McBride and his brother, Billy, return home to discover a devastating tragedy. Distraught and eager for revenge, the young men set out in search of the perpetrators. They are soon forced to seek help from their ruthless neighbour John Sullivan, and the Queensland Native Police - an armed militia infamous for hunting down Indigenous Australians. The retribution that follows will embroil the brothers in a heartbreaking injustice, uniting them in a battle for survival, and forever tearing them apart.

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Book SynopsisEnter Anonymous, a middle-ranking artist rolling between minor shows in New York, London and Istanbul. With his career sliding into obscurity, shamefully forced to consider advertising work to make ends meet, he knows he must break new ground if he is to survive. With his mother's encouragement, he decides upon his next work of art: an act of self-violation so outrageous, so horrific, the art world will be forced to take notice. But will it be enough to raise him to the ranks of the elite? Conception is the journey of a sociopath who will do whatever it takes to get ahead; a dark comedy exploring who and what determines the value of art.Trade Review'Uyanik will have you grinding your teeth, reaching for your dictionary, wincing and laughing' —Dr Dan Anthony; 'OEzgur Uyanik's debut novel sizzles with subversive humour and macabre energy' —Richard Gwyn, poet and novelist, professor of Creative and Critical Writing at Cardiff University; ''Conception' is a searingly witty and perceptive novel, offering a cutting vision of the contemporary art world. Uyanik's writing is playful and original, his characters are dark and compelling' —Dr Kate North, Author and Reader in Creative Writing at Cardiff Metropolitan University

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Book SynopsisA little man with big ideas attempts to find TV fame with an unruly group of young singers, in a gritty, dark, hilarious and all-too-believable drama about the elusivity of stardom, in an age when ‘making it’ was ‘having it all’… ‘A real new talent on the Scottish literary scene' Press & Journal ‘Ross brings his ever-so-dark humour and caustic eye to 1970s Glasgow, and it proves to be the perfect pairing’ Alistair Braidwood ‘David Ross carved out an enduring place for himself among contemporary Scottish novelists’ Alastair Mabb, Herald Scotland ‘This is hardboiled tartan noir with a musical edge, streetwise intelligence and exactly the sense of humour you’d hope to find as showbiz meets Duke Street and high society enforcers battle gentlemen of the Sarry Heid and graduates of the Bar L’ A L Kennedy –––––––––––––––––––––––– Welcome to the Heady Heights … It’s the year punk rock was born, Concorde entered commercial service and a tiny Romanian gymnast changed the sport forever. Archie Blunt is a man with big ideas. He just needs a break for them to be realised. In a bizarre brush with the light-entertainment business, Archie unwittingly saves the life of the UK’s top showbiz star, Hank ‘Heady’ Hendricks’, and now dreams of hitting the big-time as a Popular Music Impresario. Seizing the initiative, he creates a new singing group with five unruly working-class kids from Glasgow’s East End. Together, they make the finals of a televised Saturday-night talent show, and before they know it, fame and fortune beckon for Archie and The High Five. But there’s a complication; a trail of irate Glaswegian bookies, corrupt politicians and a determined Scottish WPC known as The Tank are all on his tail… A hilarious and poignant nod to the elusivity of stardom, in an age when ‘making it’ was ‘having it all’, Welcome to the Heady Heights is also a dark, laugh-out-loud comedy, a heart-warming tribute to a bygone age and a delicious drama about desperate men, connected by secrets and lies, by accidents of time and, most of all, the city they live in. –––––––––––––––––––––––– Praise for David F. Ross ‘Capturing the horror and futility of life on the fringes of its criminal underworld, it is a gloriously dark read’ Liam Rudden, Scotsman ‘More than just a nostalgic recreation of the author’s youth, it’s a compassionate, affecting story of a family in crisis at a time of upheaval and transformation, when disco wasn’t the only thing whose days were numbered’ Herald Scotland ‘One of the most thoroughly and unapologetically enjoyable novels you’ll read this year – riotous, courageous, and laugh-out-loud funny. It’s also gritty, gallus and Glaswegian to its core – with Welcome To The Heady Heights David F. Ross has given us a novel to revel in’ Scots Whay Hae ‘Welcome to the Heady Heights’ is powerful and punchy, with well placed, darker than dark humour highlighting a visual feast of a read’ LoveReading ‘Full of comedy, pathos and great tunes’ Hardeep Singh Kohli ‘Warm, funny and evocative’ Chris Brookmyre ‘Dark, hilarious, funny and heart-breaking’ Muriel Gray ‘Just brilliant’ Bobby Bluebell ‘This is a book that might just make you cry like nobody’s watching’ Iain MacLeod, Sunday MailTrade Review"A twisted love letter to Glasgow at her finest and worst, shot through with an eye for 70's detail and an awareness of our current, complex ills. This is hardboiled tartan noir with a musical edge, streetwise intelligence and exactly the sense of humour you'd hope to find as showbiz meets Duke Street and high society enforcers battle gentlemen of the Sarry Hied and graduates of the Bar L' A L Kennedy "Full of comedy, pathos and great tunes." --Hardeep Singh Kohli, author, Indian Takeaway "This is a book that might just make you cry like nobody's watching." --Sunday Mail "Dark, hilarious, funny and heart-breaking." --Muriel Gray, author, The Trickster "Warm, funny and evocative." --Chris Brookmyre, author, Places in the Darkness "A real new talent on the Scottish literary scene." --Press and Journal

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Book SynopsisFrom the author of the prize-winning As the Women Lay Dreaming comes a remarkable ‘unreliable biography’ of Karl Kjerúlf Einarsson: an artist and an adventurer, a charlatan and a swindler, forever in search of Atlantis. As a child in the windswept, fog-bound Faroe Islands in the late nineteenth century, Karl Einarsson believes he is special, destined for a life of art and adventure. As soon as he can, he sets out for Copenhagen and beyond, styling himself as the Count of St. Kilda. He’s an observer and citizen of nowhere, a serial swindler of aristocrats and Nazis, fishermen and fops. But when his adventures find him in 1930s Berlin, he is forced for the first time to reckon with something much bigger than himself. As the Nazis rise to power around him, his wilful ignorance becomes unwitting complicity, even betrayal. Based on a true story, this is a fantastical tale of island life, of those who leave and those who stay behind, and the many dangers of delusions and false identities.Trade Review'From the first line I know I’m in the hands of a bard and consummate storyteller. The writing is lyrical and hugely descriptive … The history is rich and fascinating.' * Historical Novels Review *

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Book Synopsis'A portrayal of a young person following their dream in the game, a cracking read' – Alun Wyn Jones, Wales and the British & Irish Lions Jimmy Joseph is enjoying a long, hot summer with his friends, counting down the days until he attends his first ever training camp at the Eagles Academy, the youth section of his local pro club. He hopes this is going to be the first major step on his journey to being a professional rugby player ... but a heavy tackle in training and cruel behaviour from his nemesis, Mr Kane, leads to Jimmy suffering a complete loss of confidence. How can he ever regain his love of the game – and fulfil his rugby dreams – if he is too afraid to tackle? In this new rugby adventure for Jimmy and his friends, James Hook and David Brayley examine concussion, tackling, friendship, loyalty and the true bravery that’s needed to overcome your fears.Trade Review'A portrayal of a young person following their dream in the game, a cracking read' -- Alun Wyn Jones, Wales and the British & Irish Lions'This is such a great story, I loved it. It’s so authentic about how young people chase their rugby dreams . . . just like I‘ve done. A must have book for all aspiring young rugby players' -- Louis Rees-Zammit, Wales and the British & Irish Lions'I loved this fantastic book! A thrilling rugby story and great to see such a strong female character as Kitty at the heart of the action! A must for any rugby fan – boy or girl' -- Jasmine Joyce, Wales and Team GB 7s'Another fantastic rugby adventure from James Hook. Packed with positivity, it's a story about the importance of never giving in, fighting to overcome life's problems and remaining loyal. An inspirational read' -- Paul Williams * Rugby World *'A tale of heart, friendship and never giving up…the perfect rugby book. Beautifully written and essential reading for rugby fans young and old' -- Bryan Habana, South Africa'Loyalty, excitement, humour, plenty of rugby action and a masterclass of rugby tips makes this the perfect book for any rugby fan. Every chapter is a cliffhanger which makes you want to read on and on. I can't recommend this inspirational book highly enough' -- Justin Tipuric, Wales and the British & Irish Lions'Everything that’s good about rugby is in this book! The joy of playing for the love of the game but also with a view to making it as a pro. A must read' -- Rhys Webb, Wales and the British & Irish Lions'Superb! A great story that will inspire every child who reads it. Full of positive messages and tips to improve your game, this book ticks every box if you’re looking for an entertaining story about trying to succeed in sport' -- Jonathan Davies, Wales and Great Britain'Such a great and inspirational read. James captures the joys and challenges of schools rugby perfectly, with a story that is packed full of positive messages for young readers. A must read for anyone interested in rugby' -- George North, Wales and the British & Irish Lions'A great book that upholds all the important life messages that make rugby the great game that it is. A fantastic story that emphasises the respect that is key to the game of rugby. Inspirational' -- Nigel Owens, international referee'Another instant rugby classic! Impact is the perfect follow up to Kick-Off – great, realistic rugby storylines which promote great resilience, loyalty and the deep joy of playing rugby' -- Lee Byrne, Wales and the British & Irish Lions

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Book SynopsisÁróra becomes involved in the search for an Icelandic woman who disappeared from her home while making dinner, as she continues to hunt for her missing sister. The second breathtaking instalment in the chilling, addictive An Áróra Investigation series… ‘Icelandic crime-writing at its finest … immersive and unnerving’ Shari Lapena ‘Chilly and chilling … Lilja Sigurðardóttir's terrific investigator Áróra is back for another tense and thrilling read. Highly recommended!' Tariq Ashkanani ‘Lilja Sigurdardottir is rapidly becoming my favourite Icelandic writer. She doesn’t waste a word as she creates her twisty mysteries and her sly sense of humour highlights her clear-eyed view of human nature’ The Times ‘The Icelandic scenery and weather are beautifully evoked – you can almost feel the autumn fog seeping up from the pages – but it is the corkscrew twists that make it both chilling and mesmerising’ Daily Mail _____________________________ When entrepreneur Flosi arrives home for dinner one night, he discovers that his house has been ransacked, and his wife Gudrun missing. A letter on the kitchen table confirms that she has been kidnapped. If Flosi doesn’t agree to pay an enormous ransom, Gudrun will be killed. Forbidden from contacting the police, he gets in touch with Áróra, who specialises in finding hidden assets, and she, alongside her detective friend Daniel, try to get to the bottom of the case without anyone catching on. Meanwhile, Áróra and Daniel continue the puzzling, devastating search for Áróra’s sister Ísafold, who disappeared without trace. As fog descends, in a cold and rainy Icelandic autumn, the investigation becomes increasingly dangerous, and confusing. Chilling, twisty and unbearably tense, Red as Blood is the second instalment in the riveting, addictive An Áróra Investigation series, and everything is at stake… _________________________________ ‘Lilja is a stand-out voice in Iceland Noir’ James Oswald ‘Sure to please Scandi noir fans’ Publishers Weekly ‘One of my new favourite series … Áróra’s brains and brawn, combined with the super-cool Icelandic setting, is a winning combination’ Michael J. Malone ‘So atmospheric’ Crime Monthly ‘Áróra is a wonderful character: unique, passionate, unpredictable and very real’ Michael RidpathPraise for Lilja Sigurðardóttir ‘Another bleak, unpredictable classic’ Metro ‘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 'Smart writing with a strongly beating heart' Big Issue 'Tough, uncompromising and unsettling' Val McDermid 'Tense and pacey' Guardian 'Deftly plotted' Financial Times '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

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Book SynopsisInsurance mathematician Henri has his life under control, when a man from the past appears and a shady trio take over the adventure park’s equipment supply company … Things are messier than ever in the absurdly funny, heart-stoppingly tense second instalment in Antti Tuomainen’s bestselling series… ‘In these uncertain times, what better hero than an actuary?' Chris Brookmyre ‘One of those rare writers who manages to deftly balance intrigue, noir and a deliciously ironic sense of humour … a delight’ Vaseem Khan ‘What a book! Antti has managed to put the fun into funerals and take it out of fun fairs in a gripping nail-biter … a thrilling and hilarious read’ Liz Nugent**Soon to be a major motion picture starring Steve Carell** _______________________________ Insurance mathematician Henri Koskinen has finally restored order both to his life and to YouMeFun, the adventure park he now owns, when a man from the past appears – and turns everything upside down again. More problems arise when the park’s equipment supplier is taken over by a shady trio, with confusing demands. Why won’t Toy of Finland Ltd sell the new Moose Chute to Henri when he needs it as the park’s main attraction? Meanwhile, Henri’s relationship with artist Laura has reached breaking point, and, in order to survive this new chaotic world, he must push every calculation to its limits, before it’s too late… Absurdly funny, heart-stoppingly poignant and full of nail-biting suspense, The Moose Paradox is the second instalment in the critically acclaimed, pitch-perfect Rabbit Factor Trilogy and things are messier than ever… ________________________________ ‘Finnish crime maestro Antti Tuomainen is unique in the Scandi-crime genre, infusing his crime narratives with the darkest humour … [his] often hilarious, chaotic narrative never vitiates the novel’s nicely tuned tension’ Financial Times ‘Enter hitmen, serendipity, offbeat comedy and the reappearance of literally the last person Henri expects to see … unlike anything else out there’ The Times ‘A thriller with black comedy worthy of Nabokov’ Telegraph Book of the YearPraise for The Rabbit Factor Trilogy**Shortlisted for the CWA Crime in Translation Dagger** **Shortlisted for the Last Laugh Award** ‘The antic novels of Antti Tuomainen prove that comedy is not lost in translation … Tuomainen, like Carl Hiaasen before him, has the knack of combining slapstick with genuine emotion’ The Times 'The funniest writer in Europe, and one of the very finest … original and brilliant story-telling' Helen FitzGerald ‘British readers might think they know what to expect from Nordic noir: a tortured detective, a bleak setting, a brutal crime that shakes a small community. Finnish crime novelist Tuomainen turns all of this on its head … The ear of a giant plastic rabbit becomes a key weapon. It only gets darker and funnier’ Guardian ‘Dark, gripping and hilarious … Tuomainen is the Carl Hiaasen of the fjords' Martyn Waites ‘A triumph, a joyous, feel-good antidote to troubled times' Kevin Wignall ‘Finland's greatest export’ M.J. Arlidge 'You don’t expect to laugh when you’re reading about terrible crimes, but that’s what you’ll do when you pick up one of Tuomainen’s decidedly quirky thrillers' New York Times ‘Tuomainen is the funniest writer in Europe’ The Times ‘Right up there with the best’ Times Literary Supplement ‘Tuomainen continues to carve out his own niche in the chilly tundras of northern’ Daily Expres

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Book SynopsisAs China flexes its political and economic might, one man at the highest levels in the Chinese government turns Mao’s dictum – Power comes from the barrel of a gun – on its head. After centuries of China’s humiliation, he plots world domination without firing a shot. Putting China on top of the world’s power structure by damaging her competitors, his Triad-linked plan brings a new level of secrecy and ruthless operation to its way of doing business. Communicated to the members of its network though an ancient Chinese dialect, the rogue elements within the Government implementing the plan, face opposition. Despite suffering and death, only a courageous few stand in the way. A Democracy Movement within China along with the security services of the international community outside of the Middle Kingdom become aware of the Golden Horde plot and are committed to its failure. Who will prevail? Can the hordes of the new Khan be stopped before it’s too late?

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Book SynopsisJohnny Recruit. He's only 14, but when Big Johnny learns his uncle's been captured by Nazis during a WW2 air battle, he's sure only one person who can rescue his mentor - himself. Stellar bush pilot and expert Canadian game hunter, Johnny lies about his age and joins the fight in Europe to find his best friend. But when a rival British pilot threatens to expose his secret, Johnny faces tough decisions no young kid should have to face...

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Book SynopsisA Crime In the Land of 7,000 Islands is a powerhouse crime thriller fused with folk tales and the influence of anime. This psychological literary fiction tells the tale of Ikigai Johnson, a Special Agent working out of the FBI''s Portland, Oregon field office, who pledges to bring justice to children abused by a monstrous American in the Philippines. Amidst an expertly accurate police procedural, Ikigai recounts her tale to her eleven-year-old daughter through fantastical allegory. Her story exposes the damage that arises from exploitation, inequality, and generational trauma. Exploring the nuances of criminal justice, it enacts the battle between our courage and our submission to fear. It is an important call to act against evil.

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Book SynopsisA year from now, and unrest is spreading across Europe and America as faith in the system crumbles. The financial markets are buzzing with the deal of the year: DAWN CRYO, the world’s first cryogenics company to be floated on the Exchanges. Now those who thought they were facing certain death can be frozen until a cure is found – for a price. In a London park, Daniel Wood, the lead analyst on the Dawn Cryo deal, is approached by a stranger who threatens kill him unless he sabotages the deal. Apparently unconnected, MI6 Agent Emma Wilson is dispatched to Argentina to infiltrate a crack mercenary team which MI6 fear could be a major terrorist attack. At the Headquarters of the London Bank behind Dawn Cryo, Beverly Kane is running the deal. She is sent to Boston to persuade the huge East Coast hedge funds to back the deal. If she succeeds, the deal will be worth hundreds of millions for the bank. If she fails, she knows she will be thrown to the wolves. London Detective Anne Perry, trying to make sense of the anger and despair blighting the streets of her town, is called to investigate a series of apparent suicides in The City. She quickly suspects that these are not what they seem. As Emma Wilson finds herself fighting for her life in the deserts of Argentina, Anne Perry is drawn deeper into the dark heart of the markets. A world of limitless greed, where there are no rules and where death is just another trade. As the anger of the people begins to boil over, they must all face the shocking truth. What really lies behind the Dawn Cryo deal?Trade ReviewLike his first novel, this one spans a number of countries with different characters and seeming unconnected plots, but beautifully drawn together in the end. What this novel does is also to pose the question of how far should a government go to protect us? ; Fast paced and violent at times, but totally in keeping with the characters portrayed. A gripping read.: I do a lot of driving and am always looking out for something to keep me going. The Lazarus Trade was just that book. A thriller set across the globe, full of intrigue and twists and turns. No spoilers, but I was not expecting that ending! Not only did I love the book I also thought the choice of narrator was spot on.

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Book Synopsis‘The Society of Intelligent Murderers’ is set in 1970s England and France. Detective Chief Inspector Harry Rainham is tasked with reviews of a number of suspicious deaths where relatives had appeared dissatisfied with the initial police investigation. Close to retirement and with an unwell wife at home, he forms a team with two young women detectives. They quickly unearth three bizarre apparently unrelated cases, and as each investigation progresses, it becomes apparent that the murderers are linked by seemingly mysterious blackmail attempts. There also appears to be a link to the poem ‘The Waste Land’, and possibly to the story of ‘Rebecca’. The novel progresses through moments of danger for all involved until it climaxes with a series of alarming events.

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Book SynopsisLondon, 1891. Deliveries. Opium. Regret. The only three things twenty-one-year-old Gabriel Ashmore’s life consists of until four murder victims are found in the increasingly criminal city, all marked with the same black veins. Gabriel is connected to all four. He delivered Erebus to them, a new opium variant on the market, after being forced to provide for his family following the brutal death of his mother four years ago. Fearing his involuntary part in the murders, he becomes embroiled in an amateur investigation led by the wealthy aspiring detective Alexander Wakefield, supported by the Leader of the Opposition, Lord Benedict Granville. However, when they witness the fifth death, they realise nothing is as it seems in the city of veils and shadows. Truths become twisted, secrets are revealed and it soon becomes clear they are not dealing with a single killer, but the greatest criminal plot London has ever seen. 'A darkly enchanting and engrossing read – kept me hooked from start to finish.' James Brogden, critically acclaimed author of Bone Harvest

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Book SynopsisNeverunderestimate a librarian. Fifty-something librarian Shona McMonagle is a proud former pupil of the Marcia Blaine School for Girls with a deep loathing forThe Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, which she thinks gives her alma mater a bad name. After a visit from Miss Blaine herself, involving a bad-tempered exchange about Robinson Crusoe and improper book shelving, Shona is sent spinning through time and space for another mission. She finds herself on an island, with little in the way of clues to help her decipher the purpose of her trip. Despite initially wondering if this might be a rare treat from Miss Blaine, she soon realises this is no holiday. Her island is not tropical; it's in the Baltic Sea and it's the fifteenth century. Luckily she's kitted out for all eventualities and finds her local languages are not too rusty, which is useful when she encounters pirates, Krakens and other monsters. As always, she's nothing if not resourceful after all, she is a librarian.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisAn astonishing sequel to the first two installments of The Unknown Stigma 1 (The Mystery) and 2 (The Resurrection) by Ryuho Okawa, the internationally renowned prolific author of over 3,000 titles on religious truth, personal growth, political philosophy, and economic prosperity. The protagonist, Agnes, journeys through the universe and encounters a mystical world unknown to humankind by accompanying a figure identified as her "Father". Discover what awaits Agnes beyond this mysterious world... The story develops into a revelation of the secrets of the cosmos, including the criteria for universal justice. Also revealed is the hidden cause behind the chaos that struck Earth's Seventh Civilization, which has infiltrated many spheres of society, including some world religions. The Laws of the Universe are about to begin. By reading this novel, you will journey to the unknown world, navigating beyond the mystical veil through the eyes of Agnes.

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