Crime & Thrillers Books

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

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Book Synopsis*DON'T MISS RACHELLE ATALLA'S NEW THRILLING BOOK THIRSTY ANIMALS - OUT NOW****SHORTLISTED FOR THE SCOTTISH FICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR***'Rachelle Atalla nails the claustrophobic atmosphere and brings this world to life convincingly in her impressive debut' THE SUNDAY TIMES, PAPERBACK OF THE WEEK'This horrendously claustrophobic, utterly absorbing debut. The fiercely controlled narrative beautifully translates the horrendous grip of dismal routines and tiny, stolen pleasures' DAILY MAIL'There are shades of George Orwell in this stunning writing debut, but Rachelle Atalla's voice is highly original. And wholly her own' THE HERALD'A compulsive, claustrophobic but wonderfully compassionate read, beautifully written and set within a brilliantly realised world. Rachelle Atalla is a major talent and I can't wait to see where her mind goes next' KIRSTIN INNES, AUTHOR OF SCABBY QUEEN'Atalla's speculative literary thriller debut draws you in with its mounting sense of tension, disquiet and desperation' CULTUREFLYTHE BUNKER IS DESIGNED TO KEEP THEM ALL SAFE.In the end, very few people made it to the bunker. Now they wait there for the outside world to heal. Wolfe is one of the lucky ones. She's safe and employed as the bunker's pharmacist, doling out medicine under the watchful eye of their increasingly erratic and paranoid leader.BUT IS IT THE PLACE OF GREATEST DANGER?But when the leader starts to ask things of Wolfe, favours she can hardly say no to, it seems her luck is running out. Forming an unlikely alliance with the young Doctor Stirling, her troubled assistant Levitt, and Canavan - a tattooed giant of a man who's purpose in the bunker is a mystery - Wolfe must navigate the powder keg of life underground where one misstep will light the fuse. The walls that keep her safe also have her trapped.How much more is Wolfe willing to give to stay alive?Beautifully written and utterly gripping, The Pharmacist will be a guaranteed conversation starter when it is published.'An unflinching portrayal of what we might all be capable of, Atalla's stunning debut is essential reading for our times' HELEN SEDGWICK'Though set in a speculative future, The Pharmacist is very much a book for our own broken times. Its story grips and never lets go, unflinching in its portrayal of abused power, moral confusion and betrayal, but also fully alive to the redemptive possibilities of compassion, resistance and love. This is a powerful and memorable debut from an exciting new voice' WAYNE PRICE'A triumph of a book. Character-led but taut and purposeful with action' LIAM MURRAY BELLTrade ReviewA compulsive, claustrophobic but wonderfully compassionate read, beautifully written and set within a brilliantly realised world. Rachelle Atalla is a major talent and I can't wait to see where her mind goes next * Kirstin Innes, author of Scabby Queen *An unflinching portrayal of what we might all be capable of, Atalla's stunning debut is essential reading for our times * Helen Sedgwick, author of Where the Missing Gather *Atalla's speculative literary thriller debut draws you in with its mounting sense of tension, disquiet and desperation * CultureFly *There are shades of George Orwell in this stunning writing debut, but Rachelle Atalla's voice is highly original. And wholly her own * The Herald *This horrendously claustrophobic, utterly absorbing debut. The fiercely controlled narrative beautifully translates the horrendous grip of dismal routines and tiny, stolen pleasures * Daily Mail *Sitting somewhere on the spectrum between Paul Auster's heart-rending In the Country of Last Things and Bong Joon-ho's pulse-thumping film Snowpiercer, The Pharmacist is a slow-burn nightmare about how ordinary human decency gets eroded - and also how it perseveres * The Times *Rachelle Atalla is obviously a talented and gifted writer * On Magazine *Reminiscent of Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four, this unsettling story is a nightmare for our times of end-of-the-world prepping, increased nuclear insecurity and political inequality * Guardian *A breathtaking, tense debut. ***** * The Sun *It's really remarkable how she makes this bland, bleak, limited world so vivid and engrossing * SFX *Rachelle Atalla's debut is a thought-provoking addition to the post-apocalyptic genre * Press Association *The twists and turns in this brilliantly written, post-apocalyptic tale make for compulsive reading * Woman's Weekly *Atalla nails the atmosphere of claustrophobia and brings this world to life convincingly, as well as fostering sympathy for her protagonist, despite her flaws. This debut author is one to watch * The Sunday Times *Dystopian fiction, yes, but so much more. This book forces its readers to consider what it means to be good or evil, what motivates us to act as we do, and what matters to us in the end. A wonderful mix of tense drama and provocative ideas, I loved it * Elissa Soave, author of Ginger and Me *The Pharmacist is the perfect dystopian novel. Post-apocalyptic fiction masterfully handled. Addictive, claustrophobic, tense. I'm obsessed with this novel. Easily in my top reads this year * Chloe Timms, author of The Seawomen *The Pharmacist is a confident debut, in which Rachelle Atalla fully lives up to the promise of her New Writers Award . . . This literary thriller is highly original, asking difficult questions about morality and motherhood. And its claustrophobic atmosphere perfectly reflects the setting. * The List *Rachelle Atalla's elegant debut novel is a compelling account of a society whose rigid inhumanity is pierced with glimmers of hope * Daily Mail *Rachelle Atalla nails the claustrophobic atmosphere and brings this world to life convincingly in her impressive debut * The Sunday Times, PAPERBACK OF THE WEEk *Highly original * The Herald, Best Scottish Books of 2022 *This elegant debut novel is a compelling account of a society whose rigid inhumanity is pierced with glimmers of hope * Sunday Mail *

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Book Synopsis***THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER***Murder is only the beginning for Banks and his team . . .The gruesome double murder at an Eastvale property developer's luxury home should be an open and shut case for Superintendent Banks and his team of detectives. There's a clear link to the notoriously vicious Albanian mafia, men who left the country suspiciously soon after the death. Then they find a cache of spy-cam videos hidden in the house - and Annie and Gerry's investigation pivots to the rape of a young girl that could cast the murders in an entirely different light.Banks's friend Zelda, increasingly uncertain of her future in Britain's hostile environment, thinks she will be safer in Moldova hunting the men who abducted, raped and enslaved her than she is Yorkshire or London. Her search takes her back to the orphanage where it all began - but by stirring up the murky waters of the past, Zelda is putting herself in greater danger than any she's seen before. And as the threat escalates, so does the danger for Banks and those who love Zelda . . .'The master of the police procedural' Mail on Sunday'The Alan Banks mystery-suspense novels are the best series on the market. Try one and tell me I'm wrong' Stephen KingTrade ReviewHaving started my Banks habit up again I won't be leaving it so long before I pick up my next Robinson thriller * Evening Standard Online *As ever, Peter Robinson has constructed a gripping, complex mystery . . . his legion of fans will be delighted * The Sunday Times Crime Club *Not Dark Yet by Peter Robinson sees the author and his creation, Supt Alan Banks on top form in the 27th book in the series * Peterborough Telegraph *Complicated, unexpected and startling, the story is all that, but Robinson brings all the disparate parts together so cleverly that the result on finishing the novel is a satisfaction that all readers want at the end of a good book * On-Magazine *This series continues to be as thoughtful and intelligent as ever, with the usual bonus of the magnificent Dales * Observer *Robinson cleverly incorporates the two plots, showing how police work has had to adapt in a very different climate * The Sunday Times *As gripping as ever * Choice Magazine *Fans will welcome this latest Banks adventure and revel in what Michael Connelly calls Robinson's 'clear eye for the telling detail.' * Booklist *Robinson pulls the reader in with deft characterizations, powerfully understated action scenes, and strong locales . . . A strong addition to the Banks series that suggests tantalizing possibilities for the next installment * Kirkus *Bestseller Robinson ably balances multiple plotlines in his intricate 27th novel * Publishers Weekly *

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Book Synopsis''Compelling'' IAN RANKIN''Stunning'' SUNDAY TIMESThe brilliant new novel from award-winning writer and rising star Claire Askew. A city that''s no longer safe...An anonymous vigilante stalks the streets of Edinburgh. As his behaviour escalates, the police are at a loss - they can find no clues to his identity, and no trace of his whereabouts.A detective in the path of danger...DI Helen Birch has been told to stay away from the case - but she''s never been one to play by the rules. When her colleague Amy comes to her asking for help, DI Birch finds it impossible to resist the challenge - and soon, her life is on the line.Will she crack the case before it breaks her? Or has she finally met her match?A gripping crime thriller for fans of Susie Steiner, Elly Griffiths and Val McDermid - guaranteed to keep you up all night...PRAISE FOR CLAIRE ASKEW:''Thought-provoking'' Mai

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Book Synopsis*The thrilling new novel from the author of the bestselling Killing Eve series*Escaping online is easy. In real life it won't be so simple.Jaleesa, Kai, Ilya and Dani are online best friends, and superfans of the hit TV show City Of Night. Fantasising about the show in their chatroom, they find an escape from their troubled small-town lives. Everything changes when Chloe, make-up artist to the show's star Alice Temple, enters the chat. When Chloe tells them Alice is in danger the four resolve to save her, and make their way to California. But fantasy is quickly overtaken by reality. Alice's troubles, they discover, will shine the spotlight on all of them. And not in a good way. On the run across the American South with one of the most famous actresses in the world, the fans must evade the police, the Russian mafia and the Legion, an absurd but terrifying new far-right movement. Can they keep running for long enough to uncover the truth about Alice, and discover themselves in the process?#PANIC is a thriller, a love letter to fandom, and an empowering tale of young adults embracing their identities and fighting back in a world that has always tried to marginalize them.'A richly imagined, character-driven thriller' Bookseller'Luke Jennings might just have another cult hit on his hands' Shots Mag'All the expected high-octane thrills and spills are there' Big IssueTrade ReviewA story about the allure of A-list TV stars, the pleasure of group fandom, and the perils of catching the eye of the Russian mafia, far-right cults and American cops. All the expected high-octane thrills and spills are there, but with a focus on the kids looking for excitement and escape from their small-town troubles, #PANIC also has a big heart * Big Issue *A cracking ride * Daily Telegraph *The characters are believable and engaging - each bringing different perspectives [. . .] shining a light on online communities and the strong ties you can forge within them. You will definitely want to read another book by this author -- Oyinda Bishi * Independent *The action comes thick and fast . . . What he has delivered is a story about friendship and the importance of being true to yourself that is powerfully topical . . . Luke Jennings might just have another cult hit on his hands * Shots Mag *Be prepared to go on a crazy, wild and unforgettable adventure. Brilliantly exciting * Heat, Book for the Week *The characters are believable and engaging, and the novel's strength lies in the light it shines on the strong ties forged within online communities -- Oyinda Bishi * iNews *Buckle up for a roller-coaster ride in this adventure from the mind that brought us the Villanelle books . . . Exploring fandom, identity and far-right movements, this is a richly imagined, character-driven thriller * Bookseller, Editor's Choice *

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Book Synopsis'Vibrant, warm and often hilarious. An absolute delight' JANE FALLON'Read Nothing Left Unsaid in two greedy stints. It's a novel written with wit, righteous rage and compassion' NIGELLA LAWSON'A warm, touching and humorous hymn of praise to those she describes as "wee warrior women"' SUNDAY TIMES SCOTLANDGLASGOW, 2019. Sharon has rushed home at the news her mother has been admitted to hospital. It's clear Senga's life is coming to an end. As Sharon gathers family and friends together to say goodbye, Senga, as always, does things in her own mysterious way. She instructs Sharon to find the red diary she kept in the 1970s and to read it. There's something Senga needs to talk about while she still has time. The journey into her mother's past is both shocking and surprising, forcing Sharon to re-evaluate her own childhood, her marriage and what she wants her own future to hold.GLASGOW, 1976. Life in the tenements of Shettleston is a daily struggle. You need your wits about you to survive, and your friends. Senga has both in spades: she is part of the Shettleston 'menage' alongside her friends Bunty,Sandra, Philomena and Isa, and whatever life hands to them - cheating husbands, poverty, illness, threats and abuse - they throw something back just as hard. These women are strong because they need to be. And they never, ever walk away in times of crisis - as Sharon is about to find out.Praise for Janey Godley:'Sharpest-elbowed comedy in the world' The New York Times'A great comic' Billy ConnollyTrade ReviewI have belly laughed and felt very emotional. A major achievement * Lorraine Kelly *Vibrant, warm and often hilarious. An absolute delight * Jane Fallon *Read Nothing Left Unsaid in two greedy stints. It's a novel written with wit, righteous rage and compassion * Nigella Lawson *A warm, touching and humorous hymn of praise to those she describes as "wee warrior women" * Sunday Times Scotland *

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Book SynopsisTHE SECOND EXPLOSIVE THRILLER FROM SAS HERO AND TV STAR, MARK 'BILLY' BILLINGHAM'Billy's really been there and done it. There's no substitute for experience' SEAN PENNMatt Mason is attempting to put the army behind him, building a life for himself training anti-poaching forces on a Kenyan game reserve.He's looking forward to meeting up with his eldest child, Jo, who has graduated naval college and taken a summer job working on a billionaire's yacht in the Red Sea. But then he receives a call informing him that Jo's boat is missing, likely abducted by Somali pirates.Mason must call in favours from old contacts as he follows Jo's trail. She isn't the abduction target, she won't be worth the pirates keeping for long. But she is still Matt Mason's daughter, and she knows she needs to survive to fight.IF YOU MISSED THE FIRST IN THE NEW MATT MASON SERIES FROM AN AUTHOR WHO HAS BEEN THERE AND DONE IT ALL, BILLY BILLINGHAM, CHECK OUT CALL TO KILL NOW!About the AuthorBilly Billingham spent 17 years in the SAS. He was responsible for planning and executing strategic operations and training at the highest level in locations including Iraq, Afghanistan, South America and Africa, and has led countless hostage rescues. He later became a bodyguard to A list celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Sir Michael Caine, and Tom Cruise. Since 2015, Billy has been one of the lead presenters on the popular Channel Four series SAS: Who Dares Wins.Trade ReviewBilly's really been there and done it. There's no substitute for experience -- Sean PennThe characters are tough and the writing is tougher. A headsmashing assault of a thriller from a former SAS agent who has seen it all and done it all * Sun *Billingham's service as a former SAS officer brings an extra layer of verisimilitude * Financial Times *Bold, breathless and fiercely exciting. I read it in one sitting and by the end felt as if I'd travelled the globe and got to know a gritty, believable group of characters. A terrific page-turner. -- B.P. Walter, author of The Dinner Guest

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Book SynopsisThe SAS are used to deaths during combat - it goes with the turf. But when one of their own is said to have committed suicide in Thailand, red flags are raised. Pete Green wasn't the sort of soldier who would ever take his own life - and no one is more sure of that than his twin brother, Davie. Davie is determined to fly to the Land Of Smiles to find out what really happened to his twin brother. But if he is going to find out the truth he'll need help - the sort of help only SAS Sergeant Matt Standing can provide. But soon after they arrive they come under attack, leaving Standing to investigate on his own. There are clearly people who want to shut down all enquiries and Standing knows he will have to use all his SAS jungle skills to survive. This will be the toughest of assignments but nothing will come between him and the truth ...Trade ReviewPraise for Stephen Leather -Stephen Leather writes really exciting action thrillers. It's like being there yourself -- Chris Ryan, author of Zero 22The fast-paced action scenes are expertly choreographed; the description of settings - from the luxurious bars where Ankara's gangsters gather, to Dubai's glittering skyscrapers - is brisk and richly detailed. Leather knows the inner workings of the security services. But beyond the enthralling storyline he also asks some tough questions about contemporary Britain - without preaching * Financial Times *

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Book Synopsis***The Sunday Times Crime Club Star Pick***'Lighthearted, witty and effortlessly clever, just like its wonderful heroine, this is a window into ancient Rome, and a tonic and a joy to read' The Observer'It positively crackles with knowledge of the city and its people, mixed with social comment, ingenious and bloody plots and sharp observational skills leavened by more than a smattering of genuine and sometimes earthy humour' Crime ReviewSaturnalia, the Romans' mid-December feast, nominally to celebrate the sun's rebirth but invariably a drunken riot. Flavia Albia needs a case to investigate, but all work is paused. The Aventine is full of fracturing families. Wives plot to leave their husbands, husbands plot to spend more time with their mistresses. Masters must endure slaves taking obscene liberties, while aggressive slaves are learning to ape dangerous masters. But no one wants to hire an investigator during the holiday. Albia is lumped with her own domestic stress: overexcited children and bilious guests, too many practical jokes, and her magistrate husband Tiberius preoccupied with local strife. He fears a Nut War. Nuts are both the snack and missile of choice of tipsy celebrants, so there is a fortune to be made. This year a hustling gang from the past is horning in on the action.As the deadly menace strikes even close to home, and with law and order paused for partying, Albia and Tiberius must go it alone. The Emperor has promised the people a spectacular entertainment - but Domitian himself is a target for the old criminals' new schemes. Can the Undying Sun survive the winter solstice, or will criminal darkness descend upon Rome?Praise for Lindsey Davis and the Flavia Albia series'For a totally exhilarating romp through Ancient Rome, Lindsey Davis' latest Flavia Alba novel won't be beaten and offers an immersive experience of a vibrant world full of real, recognisable characters' Shotsmag'In this witty novel by the mistress of Roman crime, the reader is transported behind the scenes of a Triumph into a fascinating world of actors, costumiers and animal trainers, all united in their hatred of the murdered man' Sunday Express Magazine'Davis does her usual brilliant job of integrating the history of the period, warts and all, with a fast-paced and fair whodunit' Publishers WeeklyTrade Reviewa riotous mystery set in AD89 * The Sunday Times Crime Club *Lighthearted, witty and effortlessly clever, just like its wonderful heroine, this is a window into ancient Rome, and a tonic and a joy to read * The Observer *It positively crackles with knowledge of the city and its people, mixed with social comment, ingenious and bloody plots and sharp observational skills leavened by more than a smattering of genuine and sometimes earthy humour * Crime Review *

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Book Synopsis'The undisputed champion of South African crime' - Wilbur SmithOne last chance. Almost fired for insubordination, detectives Benny Griessel and Vaughn Cupido find themselves demoted, exiled from the elite Hawks unit and dispatched to the leafy streets of Stellenbosch. Working a missing persons report on student Callie de Bruin is not the level of work they are used to, but it's all they get. And soon, it takes a dangerous, deeply disturbing turn.One last chance. Stellenbosch is beautiful, but its economy has been ruined by one man. Jasper Boonstra and his gigantic corporate fraud have crashed the local property market, just when estate agent Sandra Steenberg desperately needs a big sale. Bringing up twins and supporting her academic husband, she is facing disaster. Then she gets a call. From Jasper Boonstra, fraudster, sexual predator and owner of a superb property worth millions, even now.For Sandra, the stakes are high and about to get way higher. For Benny Griessel, clinging to sobriety and the relationship that saved his life, the truth about Callie can only lead to more trouble.Taut with intrigue, murder and suspense, exploding with action and excitement, The Dark Flood is a masterpiece from the author of Trackers and The Last Hunt.'One of the best crime writers on the planet' - Daily MailTrade ReviewMany writers treat character and context as window-dressing for their plots. Meyer roots his novels in them. This makes Griessel's fate important to the reader and gives Meyer's writing the heft of Table Mountain, as well as its ability to take your breath away * The Times, Thriller of the Month *Deon Meyer's Benny Griessel novels, featuring a detective in an elite crime squad in Cape Town, are a joy to read... Meyer has become an outstanding chronicler of South Africa's corruption * The Sunday Times *Is Deon Meyer the most accomplished South African crime novelist in the history of the genre? The Dark Flood is further evidence of that assertion...every word earns its place, and there's no stinting on the usual nuanced critique of South African politics * Financial Times *In a thriller packed with intrigue and biting social commentary, Meyer proves he is South Africa's finest crime writer * Sunday Express *Stellar ... [a] wholly satisfying conclusion. This is the best work yet from this gifted author * Publishers Weekly, Starred Review *Meyer handles the complicated plot with panache * Literary Review *A fast-moving South African police procedural . . . The plotlines are tightly knitted together, and the story ends with a nifty twist. A well-crafted blend of suspense, culture, and humour. Meyer is terrific * Kirkus, Starred Review *A slick thriller full of acid commentary on corruption in modern SA * Sun *Achieves a fine mix of suspense, action, political intrigue and personal revelation * Wall Street Journal *Fans of Jo Nesbø's similarly character-driven Harry Hole mysteries will find lots to like here * BookPage *Meyer brings readers another tense thriller with meticulous plotting, delving into corruption in South Africa's power structures, police abuses, and land schemes . . . Meyer is one of today's most skilled crime craftsmen * Crime Reads *Absorbing procedural details lead to an explosive confrontation with a ruthless street gang and a police-corruption scheme that links SAPS to the country's devastating political scandals. It's a grim period for South Africa, but Griessel and Caputo remain loyal to justice and to each other. A gritty but surprisingly hopeful instalment in Meyer's immensely popular series * Booklist *Tense and compelling, this is classic Meyer -- Sarah Ward, author of the DC Childs seriesPRAISE FOR DEON MEYER:Up there with the best in the world * The Times *The undisputed champion of South African crime * Wilbur Smith *Meyer's humane and engaging characters are indeed among "the best of the best" * Wall Street Journal *A powerful exploration of humanity at its best and worst . . . simply stunning * Daily Express *Great stuff * Stephen King *One of the best crime writers on the planet * Daily Mail *Meyer is the Monarch of South African crime novelists. * Financial Times *

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Book Synopsis An immersive and compelling novel that explores the struggle by two women, divided across centuries, for control over their lives, set against a beautiful historical backdrop.'An echo of Daphne du Maurier' IndependentA grieving woman . . .Yorkshire, 1890. Forced to exchange her childhood home for her uncle's vicarage after a tragic loss, Olwen Malkon finds herself trapped between her aunt's cruelty and the sinister advances of her cousin.A troubled past . . .When Olwen finds herself afflicted by strange dreams of a woman from a distant past, whose fate is overshadowed by menace and betrayal, those around her are determined to dismiss them as hysteria - except the local doctor, John, with whom she develops a connection.A long-buried secret . . .As the visions intensify, they begin to mirror reality, threatening to expose chilling secrets. What dangers lie ahead for Olwen, and does the past hold the key to her own future...?Trade ReviewA captivating tale of a brutal betrayal that eerily harks back to an ancient wrong, and of a love determined to defy the constraints of time. A most enjoyable read! -- Anita FrankIn this absorbing and evocative novel, Maine weaves a compelling tale of love, power and betrayal that echoes through the centuries . . . An engaging and immersive novel, featuring a little-known period of British history, with two vibrant and sympathetic women at its heart. -- Nikki MarmeryThe Awakenings is an epic timeslip story that had me spell-bound from start to finish . . . I simply couldn't put it down - brilliant! -- Christina CourtenayAn intriguing and mesmerising story by the brilliant Sarah Maine -- Sue LawrenceThe reader is plunged in two vividly drawn worlds as the author takes us back in time to Yorkshire in 1890 and 790, skilfully inter-weaving the stories of two women as they struggle against the constraints and very real dangers of society across the centuries. The Awakenings is a haunting and compelling mystery. -- Maggie RitchiePraise for Sarah Maine: An echo of Daphne du Maurier * Independent *Maine writes beautifully about the wilderness * The Times *Maine reworks the conventions of historical romance in a narrative that regularly undercuts expectations of what is to come * Sunday Times *Worth reading for its occasional streaks of brilliance and insight * Telegraph India *

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Book Synopsis The gripping race-against-time debut thriller from the internationally bestselling author of The Silence of the Lambs.Vietnam veteran Michael Lander wants the country that made him suffer to suffer in return.Al-Fatah operative Dahlia Iyad wants to help him turn his bold plan into devastating reality. David Kabakov, Mossad's most dedicated soldier, is determined to uncover the plot before it's too late. All he and the FBI know is that it will be apocalyptic. They don't know about the 1,200 pounds of explosives on their way to the states.The largest, deadliest bomb on American soil. That it will detonate in front of millions at the biggest sporting event of the season. The day of horror is nearly here...Black Sunday.Trade ReviewA racing read * The Times *Inescapably readable thriller * Guardian *Very well written in a terse, hardboiled American style, and it is a riveting read * Daily Mail *

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Book Synopsis''John Connolly is the creator of a unique blend of thriller and horror who receives rave reviews every time'' Sunday Telegraph''A moving entry in a remarkable series'' Irish TimesA Child Missing. A Mother Accused. Charlie Parker Is Their Only Hope.In Maine, Colleen Clark stands accused of the worst crime a mother can commit: the abduction and possible murder of her child. Everyone - ambitious politicians in an election season, hardened police, ordinary folk - has an opinion on the case, and most believe she is guilty.But most is not all. Defending Colleen is the lawyer Moxie Castin, and working alongside him is the private investigator Charlie Parker, who senses the tale has another twist, one involving a husband too eager to accept his wife''s guilt, a disgraced psychic seeking redemption, and an old crooked house deep in the Maine woods, a house that should never have been built.A house, and what dwells be

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Book Synopsis*THE JAPANESE CRIME CLASSIC - ONE MILLION COPIES SOLD*'One of the great masterpieces of Japanese crime fiction and one of the must-read books of this or any year' David PeaceTokyo, 1995. Five men meet at the racetrack every Sunday to bet on horses. They have little in common except a deep disaffection with their lives, but together they represent the social struggles and griefs of post-War Japan: a poorly socialized genius stuck working as a welder; a demoted detective with a chip on his shoulder; a Zainichi Korean banker sick of being ostracized for his ethnicity; a struggling single dad of a teenage girl with Down syndrome. The fifth man bringing them all together is an elderly drugstore owner grieving his grandson, who died in suspicious circumstances.Intent on revenge against a society that values corporate behemoths more than human life, the five conspirators decide to carry out a heist: kidnap the CEO of Japan's largest beer conglomerate and extract blood money from the company's corrupt financiers.Inspired by the unsolved true-crime kidnapping case perpetrated by "the Monster with 21 Faces," Lady Joker has become a cultural touchstone since its 1997 publication, acknowledged as the magnum opus by one of Japan's literary masters.'A novel that portrays with devastating immensity how those on the dark fringes of society can be consumed by the darkness of their own hearts' Yoko Ogawa, author of The Memory Police'Takamura's prismatic heist novel offers a broad indictment of capitalist society' New York Times'Lady Joker is a work you get immersed in, like a sprawling 19th century novel or a TV series like The Wire' NPRTrade ReviewHallelujah! Inspired by the real-life, still unsolved Glico-Morinaga kidnapping and extortion case which led to the nationwide hunt for "The Monster with Twenty-one Faces," Kaoru Takamura's Lady Joker is at last available in translation; epic in its scale and vision, yet gripping from first to last, this is one of the great masterpieces of Japanese crime fiction and one of the must-read books of this or any year -- David Peace, author of TOKYO YEAR ZEROA novel that portrays with devastating immensity how those on the dark fringes of society can be consumed by the darkness of their own hearts -- Yoko Ogawa, author of THE MEMORY POLICETakamura's prismatic heist novel offers a broad indictment of capitalist society * New York Times *Lady Joker is a work you get immersed in, like a sprawling 19th century novel or a TV series like The Wire . . . Lady Joker casts a page-turning spell * NPR *Like Ellroy's American Tabloid and Carr's The Alienist, the book uses crime as a prism to examine dynamic periods of social history . . . Takamura's blistering indictment of capitalism, corporate corruption and the alienation felt by characters on both sides of the law from institutions they once believed would protect them resonates surprisingly with American culture * Los Angeles Times *Excellent . . . Takamura shows why she's one of Japan's most prominent mystery novelists * Publishers Weekly *Takamura's challenging, genre-confounding epic offers a sweeping view of contemporary Japan in all its complexity * Kirkus Reviews *Sprawling, addictive, this X-Ray examination of a society where the have and the have nots (including the police) play a slow, inexorable dance towards catastrophe, turns into a fascinating piece of work and I look forward to its conclusion * Crime Time *A fascinating slow burn of a book, detailed, complex and immersive * Guardian *Meticulously plotted complexity * Times Literary Supplement *Ruminative and idiosyncratic, this slow-burner earns its page-count * Telegraph *Hallelujah! Inspired by the real-life, still unsolved Glico-Morinaga kidnapping and extortion case which led to the nationwide hunt for "The Monster with Twenty-one Faces," Kaoru Takamura's Lady Joker is at last available in translation; epic in its scale and vision, yet gripping from first to last, this is one of the great masterpieces of Japanese crime fiction and one of the must-read books of this or any year. * David Peace, author of Tokyo Year Zero *A novel that portrays with devastating immensity how those on the dark fringes of society can be consumed by the darkness of their own hearts -- Yoko Ogawa * author of The Memory Police *Takamura's prismatic heist novel offers a broad indictment of capitalist society * New York Times *Lady Joker is a work you get immersed in, like a sprawling 19th century novel or a TV series like The Wire. . . Lady Joker casts a page-turning spell * NPR *Like Ellroy's American Tabloid and Carr's The Alienist, the book uses crime as a prism to examine dynamic periods of social history . . . Takamura's blistering indictment of capitalism, corporate corruption and the alienation felt by characters on both sides of the law from institutions they once believed would protect them resonates surprisingly with American culture * Los Angeles Times *Excellent . . . Takamura shows why she's one of Japan's most prominent mystery novelists * Publishers Weekly *Takamura's challenging, genre-confounding epic offers a sweeping view of contemporary Japan in all its complexity * Kirkus Reviews *

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Book SynopsisOne of Grossman's three great war novels - alongside Life and Fate and Stalingrad."A significant, valuable addition to Grossman's small but powerful body of work" WILLIAM BOYD"A remarkable novel that illuminates the terrible realities of Barbarossa and the banal horror of warfare with incomparable understanding and insight" JONATHAN DIMBLEBY"There are always good reasons for reading Grossman, but few times are as resonant as our own" Financial Times"At the heart of his writing lies a tireless humanity and empathy" Telegraph"Grossman combines a journalist's eye with a novelist's empathy" SpectatorSet during the catastrophic defeats of the war's first months, it tracks a Red Army regiment that wins a minor victory in eastern Belorussia but fails to exploit this success. A battalion is then entrusted with the task of slowing the German advance, and eventually encircled, before ultimately breaking out and joining with the rest of the Soviet forces.Grossman's descriptions of the natural world - and his characters' relationship to it - are both vivid and unexpected, as are his memorable character sketches: eleven-year-old Lionya is determined to hang on to his toy revolver as he walks a long distance behind German lines; his defiant grandmother slaps a German officer in the face and is shot; Kotenko, a fiercely anti-Soviet peasant who initially welcomes the Germans, hangs himself in despair when they treat him with contempt; and Semion Ignatiev, a womanizer and gifted story-teller, turns out to be the boldest and most resourceful of the rank-and file soldiers.Grossman spent most of the war years close to the front line. But The People Immortal is far from being mere morale-boosting propaganda. On the contrary, as letters included in this volume make clear, it was read as a textbook, and as a work of military education. This edition includes not only the unredacted novel itself, translated here for the first time since 1946, but also a wealth of background material.A heavily redacted English translation of The People Immortal was published in 1946. This current edition is the first that reflects Grossman's original text.Translated from the Russian by Robert and Elizabeth ChandlerTrade ReviewYou will not only discover that you love his characters and want to stay with them - that you need them in your life as much as you need your own family and loved ones - but that at the end ... you will want to read it again * Daily Telegraph on STALINGRAD *Few works of literature since Homer can match the piercing, unshakably humane gaze that Grossman turns on the haggard face of war * Economist on STALINGRAD *There are always good reasons for reading Grossman, but few times are as resonant as our own. As a proud son of Ukraine, steeped in Russian culture, Grossman was both a chronicler of the Soviet Union's greatest victories and a clear-eyed investigator of some of its darkest crimes. -- John Thornhill * Financial Times *The People Immortal is a remarkable novel that illuminates the terrible realities of Barbarossa and the banal horror of warfare with incomparable understanding and insight. As you would expect from Robert and Elizabeth Chandler, the translation is superb. -- Jonathan DimblebyGrossman's great and enduring asset as a novelist is that - paradoxically - he didn't have to rely on his imagination. He was there . . . It gives his writing unrivalled authority . . . [A] significant, valuable addition to Grossman's small but powerful body of work -- William Boyd * Sunday Times *Grossman's future greatness is written in its pages . . . at the heart of his writing lies a tireless humanity and empathy -- Julian Evans * Telegraph *Its greatest strength lies in its authenticity . . . Grossman combines a journalist's eye with a novelist's empathy -- Michael Arditti * Spectator *Thanks to a superb translation by Robert and Elizabeth Chandler, based on Julia Volohova's meticulous work on Grossman's original text, we now have the most authoritative edition of The People Immortal yet to appear in English or, indeed, Russian. -- Tony Barber * Financial Times *Grossman's expansive humanism . . . challenged standard Soviet assumptions about the duality between humans and their environment. -- Jochen Hellbeck * Times Literary Supplement *Masterful literary fiction . . . Highly recommended, and beyond doubt the best war-related piece of writing this reviewer has read to date -- Emma Muldoon Ryan * Irish Examiner *An absorbing book, without the scope and critiques of Grossman's LIFE AND FATE, but with all of its humanity and discernment -- Declan O'Driscoll * Irish Times *An indispensable companion piece to his other works . . . Grossman was one of the greatest chroniclers of the Second World War in all its inhumanity. -- David Herman * Jewish Chronicle *

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Book SynopsisPrivate investigator Billie Carlson is back in the next gripping instalment of this utterly addictive series. WILL SHE SACRIFICE EVERYTHING TO UNCOVER THE TRUTH?PI Billie Carlson is in Cleveland, Ohio, following a lead on the whereabouts of her son, Lucas. But when the trail goes cold, she is forced to return to Glasgow and a life of waiting and praying that one day she might see him again.Back in the office and ready to throw herself into work, she picks up a call from Lars, an old friend from her teenage years in Sweden. He tells her some devastating news. His younger sister, Astrid, was found dead in the Highlands, frozen to death with traces of drugs and alcohol in her system.The police are convinced that Astrid killed herself, but Lars knows his sister would never do such a thing. He begs Billie to investigate and to accompany Astrid's body back to Sweden. Billie quickly agrees and soon finds herself involved in a web of institutional corruption linked to the dark recesses of the criminal underworld. Can Billie find out what happened to Astrid, or will she be silenced by those desperate to keep her from finding out the truth?******************************************What readers are saying about If I Should Die'Another absolute page-turner' 5* reader review'Stunning writing, gritty plot, this book has it all' 5* reader review'I love the characters!' 5* reader review'Great read. Couldn't put it down' 5* reader review'Full of tension throughout' 5* reader review'Gripping from the start right up to the end' 5* reader review

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Book SynopsisWhat would you do to protect the ones you love?Single-mother Emma is at her limit, with two children to look after, a demanding job and an ex-husband who doesn''t pull his weight.Mostly she manages, but when her teenage son, Jack, calls her in the middle of the night saying that he needs help, her life is thrown into chaos. She finds him in a state of panic. His ex-girlfriend, Zoe, is lying on the floor, dead. They''d been at a party, drinking too much and taking drugs, and Jack has no memory of how they got there.Emma''s instinct is to protect her son at all costs, so she helps him hide Zoe''s body. But can she handle keeping their secret, or will it break her?******************************What readers are saying about Karen Cole''Absolutely amazing!'' 5* Reader Review''Great storyline and suspense'' 5* Reader Review''One of my go to authors'' 5* Reader Review

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Book SynopsisInterstellar Vehicle Archimedes has been hurtling through space for more than five generations, an oasis of heat and light in the middle of absolutely nowhere. But now the ageing starship is preparing to brake, for it is arriving at Destination Star: Tau Ceti, the new home for the space-born descendants of the First Crew.For trainee engineer Ravinder MacLeod, the world he knows is coming to an end. Once Archimedes succumbs to the gravitational pull of the Destination Star and its (hopefully) habitable planet, there will be no going back - or anywhere else. As Braking Day approaches, Ravi finds himself caught between the rigid requirements of the officer class to which he aspires and his blue-collar, ne'er-do-well family. Unfortunately for Ravi, Boz, his brilliant ex-con cousin, seems determined to make his life difficult - not least by her experiments with forbidden technology.Then Ravi is assigned to routine maintenance deep in the massive engines of the Archimedes, where, alone and out of contact, he comes face to face with something impossible - mind-breakingly impossible.Plagued by nightmares and visions and worried that his grip on reality is slipping, Ravi turns to Boz for help. Their search for answers takes them to the jagged place where the ship's future intersects with its long past. For not everyone is excited to be reaching journey's end, and the ghosts of the First Crew may not have been fully laid to rest.Trade ReviewEngaging, fast-moving, and inventive. The characters and the space environment feel totally real, as do the life-and-death challenges that never miss a step * New York Times bestselling author JACK CAMPBELL *Adam Oyebanji's BRAKING DAY blows the airlocks off the science fiction mainstay of generation ships with a vibrant world within bulkheads that's as convincing as it is fresh. The characters are fabulous, the world-building impeccable yet never in-your-face, and the plot is breathtaking. All I can say is this is the best SF novel I've read in decades and it may be the best I've ever read. This author is now a must-read for me, and I'm sure he will be for you. Bravo!! * JULIE E. CZERNEDA, Aurora Award-winning author of IN THE COMPANY OF OTHERS *Oyebanji crafts an amazing lived-in world aboard a sprawling generation ship, and a twisty mystery that'll keep you guessing to the very end * DAN MOREN, author of the Galactic Cold War series *BRAKING DAY is an outstanding debut novel that features exceptional world-building and a really well-realised generation ship society. Filled with twists and turns, it kept me guessing in the best way right up until the end * MICHAEL MAMMAY, author of the PLANETSIDE series *Oyebanji's brilliant debut [is] a vibrant exploration of society aboard a generation starship. Oyebanji builds intrigue upon intrigue through the novel's first half and pays off the suspense with a series of jaw-dropping revelations. Innovative world-building, a plot packed with surprises, and Oyebanji's nuanced exploration of social and cultural shifts make this a must-read for space opera fans * PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, Starred Review *A crystalline, dazzling debut, teeming with life and data and full of breathless, rip-roaring twists and turns. From its first pages, BRAKING DAY grabs you and never lets you go * LENA NGUYEN, author of We Have Always Been Here *At its best, Braking Day captures the awe of deep space travel but it remains a personal story about one engineer trying to better their life * SFBOOK REVIEWS *This richly imagined, intricately plotted adventure is crammed with ideas, and has many surprises in store * THE GUARDIAN *An intelligent, complex work of science fiction . . . combined the qualities of classic Golden Age science fiction with the social issues found in contemporary SF * MUSE'S BOOK JOURNAL *I doubt I'll read a better SF novel this year * PARSEC MAGAZINE *This well-realised debut adopts a refreshingly pragmatic, hopeful stance, showing people overcoming division to secure a common goal * FINANCIAL TIMES *The twisting story keeps you guessing until the end. Generation ships are definitely coming back into fashion and this is a fine addition to the canon * STEPHEN COX, author of Our Child of Two Worlds *If you're after action, mystery and mind-bending mega-structures, look no further. It zips along with some wonderful world-building and a lot of unexpected turns * LAVIE TIDHAR, World Fantasy Award-winning author, in THE WASHINGTON POST *An excellent and tense thriller . . . an impressive start for a debut novelist and a very satisfying read * BIRMINGHAM SCIENCE FICTION GROUP NEWSLETER *Fast-paced, character driven story, full of action and compelling twists. Oyebanji is definitely an author to watch * GRIMDARK MAGAZINE *Richly imagined * NEW SCIENTIST *

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

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Book Synopsis"A very early candidate for the crime novel of the year" IRISH TIMESLive Aid, July 1985. The great and the good of the music scene converge to save the world. But the TV glitz cannot disguise ugly truths about Thatcher''s Britain.Jon Davies and Suzi Scialfa have moved on since the inquest into the death of Colin Roach, but they''re about to be drawn back into the struggle - Jon by his restless curiosity and Suzi by the reappearance of DC Patrick Noble.Noble''s other asset, the salaried spycop Parker, is a pawn in a game he only dimly comprehends. First, he''s ordered to infiltrate the Broadwater Farm Estate in Tottenham; next will come Wapping, ground zero of a plot to smash the print unions. But who is Noble working for, and how far can he be trusted?The Iron Lady is reforging the nation, and London with it. Right to Buy may secure her votes, but who really stands to benefit? Corruption is endemic and the gap between rich and poor grows wider by the day. Insurrection seems imminent - all that''s needed is a spark.REVIEWS FOR WHITE RIOT, A SUNDAY TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR''Rpresents everything that is good and important about the crime fiction genre'' Irish Times''Enthralling'' Sunday Times ''Gripping'' The Times ''Propulsive'' Guardian

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Book SynopsisA captivating spy thriller taking the reader from 60s sex scandals to the Vietnam War, by a former special forces officer who is 'poised to inherit the mantle of John le Carre' 'Edward Wilson seems poised to inherit the mantle of John le Carré' Irish Independent'More George Smiley than James Bond, Catesby will delight those readers looking for less blood and more intelligence in their spy thrillers' Publishers WeeklyLondon, 1957. Lady Somers is beautiful, rich and the first woman to head up the Ministry of Defence. She also has something to hide. Catesby's job is to uncover her story and bury it forever. His quest leads him through the sex scandals of Swinging-Sixties London and then on to Moscow, where a shocking message changes everything. His next mission is a desperate hunt through the war-torn jungles of Southeast Asia, where he finally makes a heart-breaking discovery that is as personal as it is political. It's a secret that Catesby may not live to share. 'Espionage and geopolitical history rewritten by Evelyn Waugh' Sunday Times'We attempt to second-guess both Catesby and his crafty creator, and are soundly outfoxed at every turn' Barry Forshaw, Independent'This cynically complex plot is laid over perfectly described settings, from London to Moscow to Vietnam. Wilson's characters and their consciences come alive to lend the book its power' Kirkus ReviewsPraise for Edward Wilson: 'Stylistically sophisticated . . . Wilson knows how to hold the reader's attention' W.G. Sebald'A reader is really privileged to come across something like this' Alan Sillitoe'All too often, amid the glitzy gadgetry of the spy thriller, all the fast cars and sexual adventures, we lose sight of the essential seriousness of what is at stake. John le Carré reminds us, often, and so does Edward Wilson' Independent

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Book SynopsisA second case for Samson Kolecho in war-torn, revolutionary Kyiv. By the author of the International Booker Prize-longlisted The Silver Bone

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Book Synopsis'I loved it . . . Unputdownable' MICK HERRON'Like Daphne du Maurier he sustains the ambiguity deftly and deliciously' SUNDAY TIMES'Mysterious, suspenseful and suffused with paranoia' ALEX MICHAELIDES'Fast-paced and exhilarating, you'll be hooked' HEATWhen Finn Hensen gets a call from his sister Jess to say their father has died, neither is heartbroken. Their parents divorced many years ago, after which their father, Jimmy, continued to live a bohemian lifestyle in sun-soaked Mallorca. Ownership of his beautiful but dilapidated farmhouse in the mountains now passes to Finn and his sister. The only problem is that Jimmy recently remarried and his new wife, Ruensa, is still living there. The pair agree that Finn should go to Mallorca and tactfully take possession of their inheritance. When he arrives, however, Finn is surprised to find that Finca Siquia has been completely transformed into a chic Mediterranean bolthole by Ruensa and her twenty-seven-year-old daughter, Roze. The Spanish police, meanwhile, are asking awkward questions about Jimmy's death . . . Are Ruensa and Roze the helpless victims of circumstance? Or will they stop at nothing to get Finca Siquia for themselves?READERS LOVE JP DELANEY'Completely original and gripping' 5* reader review'Dark and unputdownable' 5* reader review'Had me on the edge of my seat at all times!' 5* reader review'Kept me guessing right til the end' 5* reader review'Thrilling and absorbing' 5* reader reviewTrade ReviewI loved it. JP Delaney has a gift for the unputdownable story ... One twist in particular left me open-mouthed. Brilliant stuff. This'll be in a lot of holiday luggage come the summer * Mick Herron *A characteristically unsettling thriller with an unreliable narrator who reels you in and a twist that made me pivot. With its sultry Mallorcan setting and du Maurier allusions, this is a summer read which exudes menace and is crying out for a TV adaptation * Sarah Vaughan *Mysterious, suspenseful, and suffused with paranoia; I read The New Wife in one sitting, and I couldn't put this sinister book down * Alex Michaelides *Charming and engrossing from the outset, but with a creeping and deeply unsettling sense of menace. I loved the Du Maurier vibes * Sharon Bolton *The tension ratchets up to boiling point in this sun-soaked sizzler about a man struggling to do what's right when everything around him is very wrong * Victoria Selman *Like Daphne du Maurier he sustains the ambiguity deftly and deliciously - whenever a resolution looks imminent, a new development preserves the enigma * Sunday Times *Such a phenomenal summer holiday read. Think The White Lotus meets The Housewives of Beverly Hills . . . this is a gripping and sophisticated thriller that will have you racing through the pages * Glamour *A sun-soaked, pacy beach read * The i *Fast-paced and exhilarating, you'll be hooked! * Heat *Another terrific book from a first-class writer * Daily Mail *Thrilling * Crime Monthly *Another winner from J P Delaney * Belfast Telegraph *Finn must decide whether the duo are victims of circumstance or utterly ruthless in this tense, twisty thriller * Candis *As accomplished as du Maurier and just as unsettling -- Cara HunterCaptivating, disturbing, and shocking . . . I enjoyed every minute of it * Samantha Downing *The king of psychological thrillers . . . Delaney's labyrinthine plotting again keeps the reader guessing, with twists and turns in plentiful supply. Gripping to the very end, The New Wife is a compelling and brilliant read * Hot Press *Gripping * Closer *Subtle, beguiling, twisted * SAGA Magazine *An addictive read * Woman's Own *

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Book SynopsisA rising star of crime fiction Sunday TimesOutback noir has a new star The TimesLocated off the coast of South Australia, Kangaroo Island lies surrounded by violent seas harbouring deadly great white sharks and forgotten shipwrecks.Over the centuries the Islanders have cultivated a sense of self-sufficiency, independence and resilience. But times are changing: multimillionaires from the mainland are building immense clifftop mansions and filling the skies with private planes and helicopters. A quiet paradise is being transformed into a bolthole for the rich and privileged. And the locals aren''t happy.Richard Marlowe, a wealthy blow-in to the island, goes missing, last seen wading into the ocean for a dawn swim. A shark attack is blamed, but things don''t add up. Reuniting for a new investigation, Detective Sergeant Manolis and Senior Constable Sparrow arrive on the island, but their presence isn''t welcomed, either. Faced with hostility from both Islanders and newcomers, their attempts to locate the missing man are derailed by a civil war over limited resources, a fragile environment, and fractured community dynamics.REVIEWS FOR THE STONINGPolitical crime fiction of a high order Sunday TimesDeliciously dark outback noir Guardian

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Book SynopsisI need to report a crime. My baby has been stolen.'All Lauren wants is a new life in Spain. She's suffered an unimaginable loss, but at last she has found a home in the pretty seaside town of Mantilla de Mar. Everyone deserves a new start, and Lauren needs to put her past firmly behind her. Hope has everything: an interesting career as a therapist, an attractive husband, a dream home in the countryside - and, finally, the baby she always longed for. Sam. Her beautiful boy. But Sam has gone missing. So when the police tell her that a woman has been found in Spain with a child matching Sam's description, Hope thinks that her nightmare might be coming to an end. But Lauren is insisting Sam is her baby. She even has his passport and birth certificate to prove it. So what really happened to Baby Sam? And who still has secrets to hide?One child. Two mothers. And a past that won't let them go.

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Book SynopsisBrooke Robinson grew up in Sydney and as a playwright, has had numerous plays commissioned and produced in her native Australia. In the UK, her work has been shown at the Old Vic theatre and London's Vault Festival. She studied drama at RADA (The Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts) and City, University of London. The Interpreter is her debut novel.

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

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Book SynopsisWriter and artist JONATHAN LUNA (THE SWORD, ALEX + ADA) presents his new, hit FANTASY SERIES with writer CRYSTAL WOOD (The Black Ballad)!In a land inspired by Southeast Asia, Princess Anya’s new husband Prince Devyan is violently abducted by three giant demons at their wedding. Anya sets out on an epic journey with a growing band of loyal warriors, crossing deadly landscapes and battling horrifying demons. What will she sacrifice to save the man she loves? Collects QUEST #1-5

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Book SynopsisThe blockbuster Oblivion Song team of ROBERT KIRKMAN and LORENZO DE FELICI launch an all-new shared universe connected to the Transformers and G.I. Joe!The Energon Universe starts here! War rages around the Sacred Ring, where the last remnants of two worlds have collapsed around a black hole in a never-ending war. However, when pilot Darak and his rival Solila both crash on a desolate planet, these two enemies must find a way to escape together. But are they alone on this strange planet? And what dark forces await that threaten the entire universe? Collects VOID RIVALS #1-6.

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Book SynopsisAn exiled political operative in search of redemption is drawn back into her past in a piercing thriller about secrets, scandals, and capital chaos by a Wall Street Journal bestselling author.In another life, Agatha Cardiff was Congressman Paul Paxton’s chief of staff, a coolheaded fixer who made all his problems disappear. At Paxton’s behest, she covered up a shocking scandal that would have ruined a powerful senator’s career. It was one moral compromise too far and Agatha vowed, Never again.After twenty years in exile, Agatha’s life in the margins of Washington, DC, is about to become much more difficult. The rules have changed in her absence—that senator is now president, and Paxton, number three in the House, expects a nomination to the Supreme Court. After all, he knows where the president’s skeletons are buried.At the same time, Agatha’s quiet life on Capitol Hill shatters when her tenant—

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Book SynopsisAn exiled political operative in search of redemption is drawn back into her past in a piercing thriller about secrets, scandals, and capital chaos by a Wall Street Journal bestselling author.In another life, Agatha Cardiff was Congressman Paul Paxton’s chief of staff, a coolheaded fixer who made all his problems disappear. At Paxton’s behest, she covered up a shocking scandal that would have ruined a powerful senator’s career. It was one moral compromise too far and Agatha vowed, Never again.After twenty years in exile, Agatha’s life in the margins of Washington, DC, is about to become much more difficult. The rules have changed in her absence—that senator is now president, and Paxton, number three in the House, expects a nomination to the Supreme Court. After all, he knows where the president’s skeletons are buried.At the same time, Agatha’s quiet life on Capitol Hill shatters when her tenant—

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Book SynopsisShe thought they wanted her baby. But they won’t stop there. Roz is young, penniless and pregnant. All she wants is to be the perfect mother to her child, but the more she thinks about her own chaotic upbringing, the more certain she is that the best life for her baby is as far away as possible from her hometown in Ireland. Determined to do the right thing, Roz joins an elite adoption service and can’t believe her luck. Within days she is jetting to New York to meet a celebrity power couple desperate for a child of their own. Sheridan and Daniel are wealthy and glamorous—everything Roz isn’t. Her baby will never go hungry, and will have every opportunity for the perfect life. But soon after Roz moves into their plush basement suite, she starts to suspect that something darker lurks beneath the glossy surface of their home. When Roz discovers she isn’t the first person to move in with the couple, and that the previous woman has never been seen since, alarm bells start ringing. As the clock ticks down to her due date, Roz realises her unborn baby may be the only thing keeping her alive, and that despite her best intentions, she has walked them both into the perfect nightmare…

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Book SynopsisAn Amazon Charts, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestseller. Number one New York Times bestselling master of suspense Dean Koontz takes readers on a twisting journey of lost love, impossible second chances, and terrifying promises. A decade ago, Emily Carlino vanished after her car broke down on a California highway. She was presumed to be one of serial killer Ronny Lee Jessup’s victims whose remains were never found. Writer David Thorne still hasn’t recovered from losing the love of his life, or from the guilt of not being there to save her. Since then, he’s sought closure any way he can. He even visits regularly with Jessup in prison, desperate for answers about Emily’s final hours so he may finally lay her body to rest. Then David meets Maddison Sutton, beguiling, playful, and keenly aware of all David has lost. But what really takes his breath away is that everything about Maddison, down to her kisses, is just like Emily. As the fantastic becomes credible, David’s obsession grows, Maddison’s mysterious past deepens—and terror escalates. Is she Emily? Or an irresistible dead ringer? Either way, the ultimate question is the same: What game is she playing? Whatever the risk in finding out, David’s willing to take it for this precious second chance. It’s been ten years since he’s felt this inspired, this hopeful, this much in love…and he’s afraid.Trade ReviewAn Amazon Best Book of the Month: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense “A gripping and downright frightening book…genuinely captivating. Koontz remains a masterful storyteller in multiple genres, and this is one of his best.” —Booklist (starred review) “Koontz proves once again to be a master storyteller, well-versed in his craft, honing his already sharp skills. [The Other Emily] is not only a stunning thriller, but a trip into the dark side of current scientific exploration.” —Authorlink “Tense, scary, and twisty.” —Kirkus Reviews “The Other Emily is both very much identifiably Koontz and yet in many ways unlike anything he’s done before.” —The Big Thrill

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Book SynopsisAn investigative journalist just uncovered an explosive conspiracy. She won’t be silenced. But can her powerful enemies be stopped? As Antonia Conti continues to make waves in London’s criminal underworld with her fearless investigative work, Rick Grainger, a star reporter for a rival newspaper, brings her a lead nobody else will touch—for good reason. The story reveals corruption at the highest level of government, and she quickly discovers that the people involved will do anything to bury it. And just when Antonia thinks she’s won her battle, Grainger disappears. Can she and her old friend DI Russell Chapman uncover the connection with her investigation and bring Grainger’s abductors to justice? When men appear threatening both their lives and those of those closest to them, Antonia and Chapman are in a race against time to fend off not only these adversaries, but enemies on both sides of the law. With everything on the line, can they save Grainger before it’s too late?Trade Review“A rare balance of a taut, fast-moving storyline populated by convincing characters…You always know you're in good hands with a Beckler book and this one is no exception. Loved it.” —Jo Leevers, author of Tell Me How This Ends “This propulsive thriller kept me hooked from beginning to end.” —Nicola Williams, author of Until Proven Innocent “Genuinely relevant and scary.” —Crime Time FM “An intelligent and complex story with brilliantly drawn characters that are the beating heart of this breath-taking thriller.” —Sarah Moorhead

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Book SynopsisA shocking discovery of human bones reopens an almost fifty-year-old cold case—and rips apart the lives of a group of friends—in a riveting novel by Loreth Anne White, the Amazon Charts and Washington Post bestselling author of The Maid’s Diary.When human bones are found beneath an old chapel in the woods, evidence suggests the remains could be linked to the decades-old case of missing teen Annalise Jansen.Homicide detective Jane Munro—pregnant and acutely attuned to the preciousness of life—hopes the grim discovery will finally bring closure to the girl’s family. But for a group of Annalise’s old friends, once dubbed the Shoreview Six by the media, it threatens to expose a terrible pledge made on an autumn night forty-seven years ago.The friends are now highly respected, affluent members of their communities, and none of them ever expected the dark chapter in their past to resurface. But as Jane and

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Book SynopsisA Wall Street Journal and Amazon Charts bestseller. In book two of the multimillion-copy bestselling series, fearless attorney Morgan Dane and her partner take on a disturbing disappearance… Young mother Chelsea Clark leaves the house for a girls’ night out…and vanishes. Her family knows she would never voluntarily leave her two small children. Her desperate husband—also the prime suspect—hires Morgan to find his wife and prove his innocence. As a single mother, Morgan sympathizes with Chelsea’s family and is determined to find her. She teams up with private investigator Lance Kruger. But the deeper they dig, the deadlier their investigation gets. When Morgan is stalked by a violent predator, everything—and everyone—she holds dear is in grave danger. Now, Morgan must track down a deranged criminal to protect her own family…but she won’t need to leave home to find him. She’s his next target.

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Book SynopsisLondon, 1812: Treacherous gangs roam the capital, and not even the Palace of Westminster is safe. When Detective Stephen Lavender is called in to investigate a highway robbery and a cold-blooded murder, both the cases take a dangerous and disturbing personal twist. And when Lavender’s trusted deputy, Constable Ned Woods, finds a mysterious severed foot washed up on Greenwich Beach, they soon realise that these ancient bones are more sinister than they first appeared. With Bow Street Police Office undermanned and in disarray, it will take all of Lavender and Woods’s wit and skill—and some help from Lavender’s spirited wife, Magdalena—to unmask the fiend behind the mayhem, restore peace and justice to the beleaguered city and solve the tragic mystery of the severed foot. But will they do so in time to foil a plot that threatens to plunge the country into chaos?Trade Review“Prepare for rip-roaring adventure…and edge-of-the seat thrills and spills. Charlton brings Regency London vividly to life and puts her reader right in the heart of the action.” —Crime Fiction Lover ”Well written, well researched, informative, and thoroughly enjoyable.” —Helen Boyce, The Book Club “This fourth book in the mystery series combines a well-crafted plot and a set of likable core characters…Gripping.” —Cynthia Slocum, Historical Novel Society

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Book SynopsisBest-selling suspense author Mary Higgins Clark invites you on a tour of Manhattan's most iconic neighborhoods in this anthology of all-new stories from Mystery Writers of America, produced to commemorate its 70th anniversary. In Lee Child's The Picture of the Lonely Diner, legendary drifter Jack Reacher interrupts a curious stand-off in the shadow of the Flatiron Building. In Jeffery Deaver's The Baker of Bleecker Street, an Italian immigrant becomes ensnared in WWII espionage. And in The Five-Dollar Dress, Mary Higgins Clark unearths the contents of a mysterious hope chest found in an apartment on Union Square. With additional stories from T. Jefferson Parker, S. J. Rozan, Nancy Pickard, Ben H. Winters, Brendan DuBois, Persia Walker, Jon L. Breen, N. J. Ayres, Angela Zeman, Thomas H. Cook, Judith Kelman, Margaret Maron, Justin Scott, and Julie Hyzy, Manhattan Mayhem is teeming with red herrings, likely suspects, and thoroughly satisfying mysteries. Illustrated with iconic photography of New York City and packaged in a handsome hardcover, Manhattan Mayhem is a delightful read for armchair detectives and armchair travelers alike!Trade Review“Looking to take a literary vacation? Head to Manhattan with Manhattan Mayhem.” —Creative Loafing“MWA Grand Master Clark has assembled an impressive roster of talent for this strong anthology . . . The MWA has once again produced an anthology that’s a must for every mystery fan.”—Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisRule #1 of being a hired killer: never get to know your target . . . and definitely don’ t fall in love with themTaking lives has taken its toll. Her moral justifications have faltered. Do any of the people she has killed— some of them heinous, but all of them human— deserve to die?Her next target is Cameron Walker, a rancher in Arizona. When she arrives at his remote desert estate to carry out her orders, she discovers that he is a kind and beautiful man. After a lengthy tour of the ranch, not only has she not killed him— she’ s wondering who might want him dead. She procrastinates, instead growing closer to Cameron. She learns that he’ s passionate about wild horses and has been fighting a losing political battle to save mustangs that live on protected land near his ranch— he’ s even received death threats from his opponents.Suddenly, she’ s faced with protecting the man she was sent to kill, encountering kidnappers, murderers, horse thieves, and even human traffickers along the way. Can she figure out who has hired her before they take matters into their own hands?Perfect for fans of Dean Koontz and Tana FrenchWhile the novels in the Endings Series stand on their own and can be read in any order, the publication sequence is as follows:EndingsExit StrategyDead WestInsensible Loss (coming 2024)

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Book SynopsisIt's 2004, the summer of Glacier Park's grizzly bear DNA study. In the Cut Bank Valley, Clancy Dyer dashes through the aspen to roust her coworker Ezra, but instead she finds his shredded tent and a horrible smell. Ezra has disappeared. Meanwhile, District Ranger Mack Savage speeds toward the valley's car campground in response to his rookie ranger's report of unusual bear behavior. Mack has been dating Liz Ralston, the biologist conducting a groundbreaking DNA study. Saboteurs have wrenched her materials and she suspects both park personnel and a local climber. Frustrated with Mack's inability to protect her study, Liz has hired a Blackfeet tribal member and local packer who she knows carries a pistol and a grudge. Meanwhile, she may not be above taking her own revenge. Set amidst Glacier's fierce beauty, Baited grapples with grief, multiple suspicious deaths, differing beliefs surrounding the protection of Glacier's grizzly bears, the park's fraught relationship with the adjacent Blackfeet Reservation, and especially how to reconcile one's love and affection for a person who has committed a reprehensible act. Told primarily from Clancy and Mack's points of view but with some of the other characters taking center stage as needed, in particular the Native American stories that help shape the novel. The writing abounds with beautifully rendered passages and vivid thumbnail descriptions that make Glacier Park's majestic wilderness a character in itself.

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Book SynopsisAmbitious, brilliant, and beautiful, Alex Sondheim is the undisputed star of Wall Street—and she knows it. So it comes as no surprise when Levy Manhattan Investments taps her to take their prestigious firm to the next level. She can name her price, but can she live up to their expectations? Because behind the glittering façade of luxury offices, five-star dinners, and million-dollar investments hides the firm’s true power player: a deadly criminal cartel. Caught up in a steamy relationship with handsome real-estate mogul Sergio Vitali, Alex is blind to the danger—until an assassination attempt against the city’s crusading mayor claims the lives of three innocent people. To protect the city’s people and save herself, she’ll have to put everything on the line: her job, her reputation…and her life. A sleek Wall Street thriller pitting a brilliant young executive against a lethal underground, Swimming with Sharks breathes dangerous life into the cutthroat legacy of corporate banking.

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Book SynopsisWhen a scream shatters the summer night outside their country house, reformed literary forger Will and his wife Meghan find their daughter Maisie shaken and bloodied, holding a parcel her attacker demanded she present to her father. Inside is a literary rarity the likes of which few have ever handled, and a letter laying out impossible demands regarding its future.After twenty years of living life on the straight and narrow, Will finds himself drawn back to forgery, ensnared in a plot to counterfeit the rarest book in American literature: Edgar Allan Poe's first publication, Tamerlane. Facing threats to his life and family, coerced by his former nemesis and fellow forger Henry Slader, Will must rely on the artistic skills of his other daughter Nicole to help create a flawless forgery of this 1827 publication regarded as the Holy Grail of American letters.Part mystery, part case study of the shadowy side of the book trade, and part homage to the writer who invented the detective tale, The Forger's Daughter portrays the world of literary forgery as diabolically clever, genuinely dangerous and inescapable, it would seem, to those who have ever embraced it.Trade ReviewLove is strange. It ennobles some people, makes fools of others, and occasionally leads to murder. In Bradford Morrow's lovely literary mystery...the love of books causes all of the above. -- Marilyn Stasio * New York Times *The novel flits evocatively from upstate New York farmhouses to Manhattan auction houses, and there's an aptly gothic tinge to the tense drama that ensues. -- Hephzibah Anderson * The Observer *Evocatively rendered and emotionally resonant, this literary crime novel is the real deal. Morrow's gothic tale bears comparison with Poe's own work. * Publishers Weekly (starred review) *An excellent suspense novel. . . . Bradford Morrow is, quite skillfully, paying homage to one of Agatha Christie's most famous whodunits. Yet even then, he offers a few twists of his own and will keep all but the most astute mystery aficionado guessing about the truth until the end. * Washington Post on THE FORGERS *From its provocative opening line . . . Bradford Morrow's latest novel takes on a knowing, noirish tone, like a crime movie by the Coen brothers. . . . The pleasure of reading The Forgers comes not only from trying to figure out what happened to Diehl but also in deciding, chapter by chapter, how much trust to grant the narrator, who is our only source. * Miami Herald on THE FORGERS *The Forgers is quintessential Bradford Morrow. Brilliantly written as a suspense novel, lethally enthralling to read, and filled with arcane, fascinating information - in this case, the rarefied world of high-level literary forgery. -- Joyce Carol OatesThe Forgers is remarkable. Bradford Morrow is remarkable. The Real Thing, which is rare on this earthly plane. -- Michael Cunningham

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Book SynopsisThese days, Mark Sava spends more time in tutoring sessions than in cloak-and-dagger rendezvous. The former CIA station chief of Azerbaijan has settled into the modest life of a professor in Baku…until an assassin makes a brazen attempt on his life in the hallowed halls of the national library. The Azeri government deems Sava, with his complex past, a security threat and orders him out of the country immediately. At the same time, the CIA orders Sava back to the US. But when he receives cryptic photos that lead him to believe his friend John Decker has been kidnapped—Sava knows he has no option but to find Decker. He teams up with ex–CIA spy and former girlfriend Daria Buckingham, and the two soon find themselves being chased by Chinese intelligence agents through the underworlds of Turkmenistan and Iran, caught in the middle of a secret conflict over oil that has the US and Iran tumbling headlong into war. Filled with the espionage intrigue and pulse-pounding action that made The Colonel’s Mistake a runaway hit, The Leveling brings to life in electrifying detail one of the most dangerous regions of the globe.Trade ReviewPraise for Dan Mayland: “Mayland beautifully captures the high stakes games played in an increasingly complex world.” —Kyle Mills, New York Times bestselling author of The Immortalists “Dan Mayland has an excellent understanding of modern Iran.” —Gene Garthwaite, author of The Persians “Mayland’s insight into Central Asian espionage and his ability to craft a breathless thriller are exceeded only by his understanding of the human heart. Think you can guess what The Leveling refers to? Think again.” —Orest Stelmach, bestselling author of The Boy from Reactor 4

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