Crime & Thrillers Books

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Book SynopsisFor the right price, these professional troubleshooters can solve any problem, whether they’re taking out the scum of the earth or destroying human-eating monsters!The troubleshooters of Gokurakugai are open for business! In a run-down town without law and order, Alma and Tao accept work from clientele of all creeds and cultures, and they’re always ready to dole out justice against human-devouring monsters that lurk in the shadows. They’ll take on any case—as long as the price is right!While investigating the case of the serial hanging murders around the temple where he and Tao previously fought a horde of maga, Alma runs into a mysterious young man. He’s so timid and quiet that Alma graciously surrenders one of his beloved snacks to the stranger, but there’s a reason Tao says to be careful with the quiet ones…

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Book Synopsis*THE THEAKSTON'S OLD PECULIER CRIME NOVEL OF THE YEAR 2021**WINNER OF THE CWA GOLD DAGGER FOR BEST CRIME NOVEL OF THE YEAR**WINNER OF THE NED KELLY INTERNATIONAL AWARD*A GUARDIAN BEST THRILLER OF THE YEARAn EXPRESS BEST THRILLER OF THE YEARAn i BEST THRILLER OF THE YEARA MIRROR BEST BOOKS OF THE YEARA WATERSTONES THRILLER OF THE MONTHREAD THE BOOK EVERYONE IS CALLING A MASTERPIECE! 'A beautifully written mystery, packed with unforgettable characters' JANE HARPER'Contender for thriller of the year' SUNDAY EXPRESS'An accomplished and moving story of crime, punishment, love and redemption' GUARDIANFor fans of Jane Harper's The Dry comes a powerful novel about the lengths we will go to keep our family safe. This is a story about good and evil and how life is lived somewhere in between.Thirty years ago, Vincent King became a killer. Now, he's been released from prison and is back in his hometown of Cape Haven, California. Not everyone is pleased to see him. Like Star Radley, his ex-girlfriend, and sister of the girl he killed.Duchess Radley, Star's thirteen-year-old daughter, is part-carer, part-protector to her younger brother, Robin - and to her deeply troubled mother. But in trying to protect Star, Duchess inadvertently sets off a chain of events that will have tragic consequences not only for her family, but also the whole town. Murder, revenge, retribution.How far can we run from the past, when the past seems doomed to repeat itself? WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT WE BEGIN AT THE END: 'Magnificent . . . an instant classic, a West Coast Where the Crawdads Sing . . . a special, vital novel. I'm grateful to have read it' A J FINN'Surely destined to conquer the world' RUTH JONES'A magnificent crime novel. It deserves to win a hatful of awards. A BIG hat. Consider me a major fan' MARK BILLINGHAM'So beautifully written' LYNDA LA PLANTE'Incredible writing, characters so brilliantly drawn they jump off the page. Outstanding' BA PARIS'I LOVED this book . . . This is a book to be read and re-read and an author to be celebrated' LOUISE PENNY'A stunning and heartbreaking book - will keep you gripped until the last moving page' CLAIRE MCGOWAN 'An exceptionally beautiful and accomplished crime novel' ALI LAND'One of the best books I've ever read' FIONA CUMMINS'An absolute masterclass in crime writing and story-telling' JO SPAIN'One of the year's best crime reads' VASEEM KHAN'One of my favourite books of all time' M. W. CRAVEN, winner of the CWA's Gold Dagger Award'Breathtakingly beautiful. Another stunning story from the genius of Chris Whitaker' COMPULSIVE READERS 'A spellbinding masterclass in storytelling . . . one of the best books I have ever had the joy to read' ALEX J BOOKS BLOG'A masterpiece . . . a contender for my top book of 2020' FOR WINTER NIGHTS BLOG'I was totally seduced by this absolute masterpiece . . . took my breath away' SUIDI'S BOOK REVIEWS'This book is bound to become a classic . . . Reader, Chris Whitaker's book made me cry . . . such is the power of this writing' LIVE AND DEADLY BLOG'Utterly brilliant . . . This isn't just crime fiction, this is a masterclass' MELANIE READS BLOG'A masterpiece of storytelling with clever twists and an ending to knock you sideways' CANDIS MAGAZINE 'This heart-rending story . . . is among the most powerful and moving I have read in years' DAILY MAIL 'Cements Whitaker's status as one of the most talented authors writing today' HEAT MAGAZINE'Masterly novel' SUNDAY EXPRESS'A dark yet painfully human tale that is impossible to forget' CRIME MONTHLY'Beautifully written and deeply moving' SUNDAY TIMES CRIME CLUB'A gorgeous, crystalline novel' JEANINE CUMMINS, author of AMERICAN DIRT'Heartbreaking and profound, this is my thriller of the year' MIRRORTrade ReviewA beautifully written mystery, packed with unforgettable characters. An intricately woven portrait of small town intrigue where old and new sins collide * Jane Harper *I LOVED it. I mean, jeez, what a story. And so intricately, delicately written, with such care and affection for all the characters. I adored all the relationships and ALL the characters without exception - I mean Duchess!! I could seriously rave about every single character that people the world of this book . . . his descriptions are so vivid, so visual, so beautifully drawn.We Begin at the End is surely destined to conquer the world. This intensely captivating story and its uniquely intriguing characters holds you in its jaws till the very last word. Astonishingly good * Ruth Jones *A magnificent crime novel. It deserves to win a hatful of awards. A BIG hat. Consider me a major fan * Mark Billingham *The character of Duchess Day Radley is so beautifully written, she will remain with you for a long time * Lynda La Plante *I love Duchess Day Radley so much I want to adopt her. She is every thirteen-year-old girl at risk, an outlaw both pure of heart and ill of intent, a fierce and melancholy girl, so memorable she will make camp in your brain and never leave. In We Begin at the End, Chris Whitaker has written a gorgeous, crystalline novel, a cautionary tale about the long shadows cast by our past selves, and one defiant girl with the bravery to hope for something better. I love this beautiful book * Jeanine Cummins, author of American Dirt *An accomplished and moving story of crime, punishment, love and redemption * Guardian, Books of the Month *Chris Whitaker's third novel, We Begin at the End, is the kind of breakout book that publishers dream about. Rich with character and story, conflict and tension, humor, tragedy and raw, unadulterated guts, this one has it all. Throw in the most compelling young protagonist I've read in at least a decade, and you have a deep and meaningful story that is an absolute delight from first page to last. Nicely done, Mr. Whitaker! * John Hart *Let's begin at the end. After you've turned the final page of Chris Whitaker's magnificent new novel, you'll struggle - I struggled, certainly - to describe the experience . . . it's an instant classic, a West Coast Where the Crawdads Sing; its prose shimmers like a mirage; in intensity and lyricism, it recalls the very best of Tana French and Dennis Lehane; for pace and whiplash plot twists, it rivals C. J. Box and Peter May . . . This is a murder mystery, yes, and an extraordinarily gripping one - but like the murder mysteries of Louise Penny, Jane Harper, and Kate Atkinson, it's humanity that most enriches Whitaker's novel (and Whitaker's readers) . . . think of We Begin at the End as a novel at the same time distinctly American and profoundly universal: a book that explores both this particular community, these particular lives, even as it maps emotional territory rarely charted in contemporary fiction. What a special, vital novel. I'm grateful to have read it * A. J. Finn *I LOVED this book. From the riveting plot, to the beautiful writing. But mostly what kept me longing to get back to it each day were the characters, especially young Duchess. Fierce, brave, vulnerable she leaps off the page fully formed. As does Walk. How aptly named. A chief of police on his own inexorable journey. This is a book to be read and re-read and an author to be celebrated * Louise Penny *Beautifully written, We Begin at the End really reminds me of To Kill a Mockingbird. And the spirit of Scout is very much alive in Duchess. A crime novel, or maybe a novel about a crime, and yet so much more * Sarah Pinborough *Stunning, intoxicating, heart-breaking - without a doubt one of my favourite books of the year. A compelling story, beautifully-drawn characters and writing that leaps off the page: We Begin at the Endis in a class of its own * T M Logan *An intense, evocative, and quite brilliant crime novel that stays with you long after you've finished the last page * Simon Kernick *An exceptionally beautiful and accomplished crime novel. I fell head over heels into its big black heart and will carry the characters with me for a long time to come yet. Duchess and Thomas Noble forever * Ali Land *A stunning and heartbreaking book - will keep you gripped until the last moving page * Claire McGowan, #1 bestselling author of What You Did *Chris Whitaker takes crime writing to new levels in this evocative and lyrical novel, which is not only beautifully written but cleverly plotted, with a climax you'll never guess * Mark Edwards *If ever there is a book that deserves all the prizes, this is it. So layered and nuanced, and brimming with characters so full of depth they breathe on the page. So heartbreakingly evocative of small town life and the secrets buried under the weight of old friendships and tangled loyalties. Stunning writing, both poetic and compelling. A damn near perfect crime novel. Do yourself a favour and put this on your most wanted list * Fiona Cummins *Chris Whitaker is leading the pack of hungry young crime writers by a long mile. He writes like a dark angel, conjuring characters and places so memorable you'll ache when it's over. A very real, very rare talent * SARAH HILARY *We Begin at the End is the most beautifully written book I have read this year . . . with characters that will tug at your heartstrings, an incredible sense of place and a cleverly plotted mystery, Chris Whitaker is proving himself to be one of the most talented writers around * Lisa Hall *What a novel! Such a remarkable achievement. So wonderful in so many ways, with writing that is Booker Prize good. I kept having to stop and go back and re-read bits because I wanted to experience them again.I enjoyed it so much and the characters now have a place in my heart, I'm sad not to be able to spend any more time with them (Duchess especially). Wow. There is no f**king justice if this book is not a smash hit * Deborah O'Connor *We Begin At The End is as perfect a novel as you'll read all year. Devastating and hopeful in equal measure, with pitch-perfect characters you'll root for at each jaw-dropping turn - Duchess, in particular, deserves a fast-track pass to the literary hall of fame. A sophisticated, utterly absorbing read * Caz Frear *A triumph. I couldn't read it fast enough, while still appreciating the absolute beauty and depth to it. I don't know where to begin - the total satisfaction of the plot, the absorbing story, the cast of unbelievably incredible characters, the sheer taste of America on the page. So, I'll begin at the end, and the fact I cried straight through those last few chapters. Duchess, Robin, they killed me. It's an absolute masterclass in crime writing and story-telling * Jo Spain *Wow . . . One of the most spellbinding crime novels I've read in a long time - and, best of all, it felt like nothing I'd read before. Masterful * Catherine Ryan Howard *Chris Whitaker excels in muscular small town American Noir. In We Begin at the End, we see that fascination with the gnarly American heartland reach new heights. Whitaker displays his mastery over style; his unique flair and eye for telling detail is comparable to a form of literary method acting. The story unwinds to a peak of tension and ends with a series of revelations that hit like a flurry of punches to the gut. It is a fabulous read. A sparse, muscular novel with a unique sense of style. A cross between crime and literary fiction in the Cormac McCarthy tradition. A sense of tragedy infuses the story and this, more than anything, makes it one of the year's best crime reads * Vaseem Khan *Breathtaking, heart-wrenching, heart-warming and laugh-out-loud funny, We Begin At The End is simply astonishing. Easily the best book I've read this year * M.W. Craven, CWA Gold Dagger winner *A sensational book. Addictive, beautifully-written and immersive. So many layers. So many fascinating characters. Chris Whitaker is an immensely talented writer * Will Dean *An absolute belter of a book. Superb, heart-breaking, astounding and gripping. Chris Whitaker has totally nailed it * Gytha Lodge *Sometimes a book finds its way to you when you need it most, and teaches you a lesson you didn't even know needed teaching. We Begin at the End is one of those books, and it truly is a masterpiece * Isabelle Broom *Astoundingly beautiful. No other writer can pull you in quite so well as Chris Whitaker. The writing is pure and sharp, the characters perfectly drawn, the story unforgettable * Rebecca Tinnelly *We Begin At The End is stunning - thrilling, moving, beautifully written * Paul Burston *Hands down, one of the best books I've ever read. In my life. There's a bit at the end which is so overwhelmingly sad I can barely breathe just thinking about it. An absolutely astonishing novel and the writing is breathtaking * Rebecca Thornton *A heart-rending, gut-punching, nail-biting masterpiece. I'm sure I could hear echoes of Harper Lee coming through in the skilfully crafted prose. It's surely rare that a British author should pen an American classic, but I think Chris has * Marnie Riches *Chris Whitaker has written a rare gem of a novel - by turns thrilling, moving and heartbreaking, it takes the reader on a gut-wrenching journey from hope to despair and back again. Chris's previous novels demonstrated his gift for creating complex, fragile and all-too-believable characters, but somehow he has topped himself here, introducing us to a cast of heroes and villains so intimately-drawn, they could be your family and friends. The kind of book that makes you fall in love with reading again * Rod Reynolds *Crime may feature at the heart of We Begin at the End but it is the heart itself that dominates this stunning crime novel. Beautiful, evocative & heartbreaking from beginning to end * Off-the-Shelf blog *Beautiful writing, characters that live on in your memory long after you've turned the last page. Excellent * Mason Cross *A sublimely beautiful book that lingers long in the memory, from a writer with a rare gift * Kevin Wignall *This is an epic drama and a profound masterpiece. I'll be amazed if I read a better novel this year * Mirror *So beautifully written you'll want to savour every word; a book that stays with you long after the final page * Victoria Selman *Two damaged children - one timid and sweet, the other foul-mouthed and furious - will break readers' hearts in this well-plotted and perfectly-paced novel. If, like me, you love stories that kidnap your intended schedule because you can't not keep turning the pages, then I wholeheartedly recommend Chris Whitaker's We Begin at the End * Wally Lamb, author of I Know This Much is True *I've just finished We Begin at the End and I have all the feelings for this beautiful book . . . A brilliantly plotted crime novel with such tender characterisation * N. J. Mackay *I loved We Begin at the End. Complicated, loveable characters, gripping plot, sparse, beautiful writing, and such great senses of place. I also cried. A lot * Abigail Dean, author of Girl A *

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Book SynopsisMeet James Bond, the world's most famous spy, in these landmark 70th anniversary reissues of Ian Fleming's classic series. Blofeld's trail has gone cold-and so has 007's love for his job. The only thing that can rekindle his passion is Contessa Teresa di Vicenzo, a troubled young woman who shares his taste for fast cars and danger.

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Book SynopsisA twisty and ingenious classic Japanese murder mystery from the author of The Decagon House Murders Every year, a small group of acquaintances pay a visit to the remote, castle-like Mill House, home to the reclusive Fujinuma Kiichi, son of a famous artist, who has lived his life behind a rubber mask ever since a disfiguring car accident. This year, however, the visit is disrupted by gruesome murder, a baffling disappearance and the theft of a priceless painting. The brilliant Kiyoshi Shimada arrives on the scene, but as he investigates the seemingly impossible events of that evening, death strikes again, and again... Can Shimada get to the truth before the killer gets to him? And can you solve the mystery of the Mill House Murders before he does?Trade Review“A psychological-mystical thriller built on tropes from cozier crime fiction. Agatha Christie-type stopwatch sequences and John Dickson Carr-style locked-room conundrums coexist with Poe-like Gothic sequences full of severed limbs and charred flesh… No one can accuse Mr. Ayatsuji of not sustaining the eerie mood of his strange story until its very last sentence.” --The Wall Street Journal“If you enjoyed Yukito Ayatsuji's ingenious The Decagon House Murders – and how could you not? – you will love this quasi-Christie locked-room mystery.” --The Times and Sunday Times Crime Club“Another ingenious puzzle... John Dickson Carr would be proud to come up with as clever a locked room mystery as this... exceptional fun and superbly plotted.” --Paul Burke, Crime Time FM“From the first page you know you're in the hands of a master. The atmosphere, the setting, the characters... it is flawless.” --Ian Moore, author of Death and Croissants                   “The dénouement was fiendishly clever... An engaging, entertaining mystery with a puzzle fit for the most ardent of armchair detectives.” --NB Magazine                 “A great classic, Japanese locked room mystery perfect for fans of Agatha Christie!... I thought I had the mystery solved but lo and behold, the unraveling was completely unexpected and I loved it.” --readamongstthecrime“This chilly, elegant tribute to the locked-room mysteries of the golden age of crime writing offers a challenge in clue spotting to readers who enjoy pitting their wits against an author’s.” --Literary Review "Just as clever and delightful as the locked room mystery that got Ayatsuji on our radar last year... [The characters have] their agendas, complex backstories, and shifting allegiances, and by the end of the novel, I fear many of them shall be dead…"--Crime Reads

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Book SynopsisA stunning novel of death and destiny.Bereft of the three people she has held most dear her mother, her husband and her daughter Celia is on the verge of suicide. Then one night on an exotic island she meets Larraby, a successful portrait painter, and through a long night of talk reveals how she is afraid to commit herself to a second chance of happiness with another person, yet is not brave enough to face life alone. Can Larraby help Celia come to terms with the past or will they part, her outcome still uncertain?Famous for her ingenious crime books and plays, Agatha Christie also wrote about crimes of the heart, six bittersweet and very personal novels, as compelling and memorable as the best of her work.Trade Review‘A study of a shy, emotional nature, verging on the pathological… worth reading.' New York Times 'In Celia we have more nearly than anywhere else a portrait of Agatha.' Max Mallowan

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Book SynopsisWinter, 1947. Britain's secret services have been penetrated. The country is more vulnerable than ever - and Soviet leader Joseph Stalin knows it. He decides it is time to send his master of 'Special Tasks' to create extra chaos.But Stalin has a more important motive than mere disruption. He has a man on the inside who must be protected at all costs - a communist super-spy who has the secrets of the atomic bomb at his fingertips.Freya Bentall, a senior MI5 officer, no longer knows who to trust and is left with one option: to bring in an outsider whose loyalty is beyond question - Cambridge professor Tom Wilde. His task: to find the traitor in MI5.Bentall has three main suspects and Wilde must get close to them all. That means delving deep into the criminal underworld, attaching himself to the cultural elite of the arts and finding a way into the extreme reaches of British politics.As winter bites and violence erupts, Wilde faces an uphill battle to protect those he loves from merciless killers. And he knows that one slip will spell disaster for the country - and his family.

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewThe main plot...is dark and disturbing, but Atkinson brings wry comic touches to the story as she both playfully inhabits and deftly subverts the crime genre. * Observer *Big Sky is laced with Atkinson’s sharp, dry humour, and one of the joys of the Brodie novels has always been that they are so funny. * Observer *Atkinson weaves a magically absorbing world full of crossed paths and coincidences. Her sublime turn of phrase, impeccable gallows humour, beautifully drawn characters and complex plotting make for a fabulously entertaining and moving book. It can be enjoyed as either a standalone mystery or a very welcome reunion with an old friend. * Sunday Mirror *A masterclass in what can be done with crime fiction, brilliantly using the form to expose what Atkinson bleakly describes as 'one more battle in the war against women'. * Sunday Times *Atkinson’s new mystery hits all the right notes * Sunday Times Style *Atkinson brings back her much-loved PI Jackson Brodie for a tightly plotted tale...the real mystery here is the human heart, with Atkinson serving up an acute and believable look at the state of Britain today. * i *I romped through it: as ever, the plotting is clever and complex, it’s full of the dry wit Atkinson is so good at and it’s an absorbing mystery. * Good Housekeeping *There's a lot going on here, all of it rendered with Atkinson's vastly enjoyable nonchalance...Atkinson tells a great story, toys with expectations, deceives by omission, blows smoke and also writes like she's your favourite friend. Thank goodness the long Jackson Brodie hiatus is over. * New York Times *Atkinson throws in many entertaining diversions, and a fair few juicy red herrings… an exuberant, entertaining read…Atkinson’s work is always playful, and there’s a brisk, jaunty tone to Big Sky and much dry observational comedy. * Independent *The brilliance of Big Sky lies in its broad range of memorable characters, each with their own intriguing backstory.....sharp humour,sparkling prose and acute psychological insight. * Daily Express *A stunning comeback... Told in Atkinson’s typically wry prose, it is Dickensian in sweep, utterly riveting and has a wonderful ending, quite magnificent. * Daily Mail *I can't get enough of Jackson Brodie...he may well be the great fictional detective of our age...her bunch of seemingly ordinary but deeply fascinating characters... seem so real that you come to care about them like your oldest friends. * Sunday Express *As usual, it's ingeniously structured and told with humour and compassion. * New Statesman *Her peerless ability to plot with audacity and with a sinuous beauty...it's the most marvellous book, so delightful you'll want to eke it out for as long as possible. * Radio Times *Jackson Brodie gets his fifth outing in the new novel by the reliably brilliant Atkinson. * Woman & Home *You can't go wrong with the majestic new Kate Atkinson book...wise, funny and sad. * Stylist *Jackson Brodie is back and how we’ve missed him….you’re in for a treat. * Red *How can anyone fail to love Kate Atkinson?...A gripping beach read for lovers of detective fiction. * ES magazine *Atkinson’s nimble and endearing skill across all her fiction…is to take the determinedly domestic, find the wry, sometimes waspish humour in it, and yet reveal something profoundly humane....And deft misdirection, cheeky literary references and Brodie's flailing attempts to offer sympathy by quoting country-and-western lyrics are constantly entertaining. You finish Big Sky feeling battered - but thoroughly cheered up. * The Times *With a many-tentacled storyline distilling some of the more disturbing headlines of recent years, this dark material proves supremely compulsive...Brodie brings out the best in Atkinson, partly because he’s a handy peg for what tends to come across as her regretful sense of bemusement about modern Britain. * Metro *

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Book SynopsisTime to bury the hatchetIn a dead man's sisterThere are certain things that are best left unsaid. Though tragedy had touched the life of the wealthy Richard Abernethie, his sudden death seemed pretty unremarkable for a man of his age. So why would his sister wait until his funeral to say he had been murdered?When she is savagely killed with a hatchet the next day, her extraordinary remark suddenly takes on a chilling significance. In desperation, the family solicitor turns to Hercule Poirot to unravel the mystery . . .Trade Review‘Keeps us guessing – and guessing wrongly – to the very last page.’ Liverpool Post ‘Experienced as I am, the solution took me completely by surprise.’ Frances Iles, Sunday Times Needless to say that this past-master of detection handles it in a fresh and original way. The little Belgian’s solution is both surprising and – after his briliiant exposition at the end – satisfying.’ Daily Telegraph ‘A beautiful precision-tooled job. False clues are laid with effortless skill up to the final revelation. Poirot distinguishes the book by his presence.’ Julian Symons, Manchester Evening News ‘Never has Mrs Christie exerted her incomparable power of deception with more subtlety or to better effect. Superb book.’ Ralph Partridge, New Statesman ‘Poirot at his best. Need I say more?’ Nancy Spain, Daily Express

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Book SynopsisNew York Times bestselling author Anne Perry''s twenty-first heart-warming Christmas novella.When Mariah Ellison arrives in the picturesque village of St Helen''s to spend the festive season with her old friend Sadie Alsop, she is shocked to discover that Sadie has vanished. Her husband has no idea where she has gone or when she will return but, thankfully, Mariah has other friends in the village who are willing to offer their hospitality. Once settled, she begins a rigorous search for Sadie that is fuelled by malicious gossip as harsh as the winter snow. Has Sadie run away? Has she been kidnapped? Has someone harmed her? And how long can she survive if she has no shelter from the bitterly cold weather? As Christmas Day approaches, Mariah is increasingly determined to solve the mystery of Sadie''s disappearance and bring her home in time to celebrate Yuletide together . . .

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Book SynopsisCar brakes failA boulder missesAccidents? Or not?On holiday in Cornwall, Poirot meets a pretty young woman with an unusual name, Nick' Buckley.Upon discovering a bullet-hole in Nick's sun hat, the great detective decides the girl needs his protection. He also begins to unravel the mystery of a murder that hasn't been committed. Yet.Trade Review'The actual solution is quite unusually ingenious.' Times Literary Supplement

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Book SynopsisPrison will make or break you... Danger and violence have always been a part of Susan Dalston''s East End upbringing, but being locked up with another murderess will have consequences that no one could have predicted. TWO WOMEN by Sunday Times No. 1 bestseller Martina Cole tells the truth about prison life, and how far one woman will go for justice...Susan Dalston killed her husband in a final act of desperation.Banged up in Holloway, all that keeps her sane is knowing that her children are now safe from the man who terrorised them. What she can''t predict is that the bonds she forms on the inside might just make - or break - her.For more compelling novels about life on the inside, be sure to read Martina Cole''s FACELESS, THE JUMP and THE GOOD LIFETrade Review'Right from the start [Cole] has enjoyed unqualified approval for her distinctive and powerfully written fiction' The Times; The Times 'Intensely readable' Guardian; Guardian 'Martina Cole explores the shady criminal underworld, a setting she is fast making her own' Sunday Express 'Utterly compelling' Mirror 'The story will grip you from the first pages' Best 'Gritty novel from an author who knows intimately the world she writes about' Express

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Book SynopsisThe day Alexis Stone is sworn in as interim sheriff, the Queen's Gambit Killer strikes again, leaving a chilling calling card of a white pawn and a note with a chess move printed on it. Alexis must join forces with Police Chief Nathan Landry to find the killer before their next move.

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Book SynopsisFrom the author of RACING THE LIGHT and HOSTAGEIn a search for a young woman''s past PI Elvis Cole discovers far more than he expected . . .Hired to uncover the past of Jodi Taylor, an actress in a hit TV show, Elvis leaves his native Los Angeles to head for Louisiana in search of Jodi''s biological parents.But before he can tackle the mystery of the actress''s background, he is up against a whole host of eccentrics, including a crazed Raid-spraying housewife, a Cajun thug who looks like he''s been made out of spare parts, and a menacing hundred-year-old river turtle named Luther. As Elvis learns about the enigmatic actress''s origins, he also discovers the real reason he''s been sent to Louisiana . . .Trade ReviewVOODOO RIVER moves Elvis Cole to the place of honor on my bookshelf. Crais is a terrific writer and this is proof -- Sue GraftonElvis Cole is the very best kind of hero * GUARDIAN *VOODOO RIVER is Robert Crais' best Elvis Cole adventure to date. It's Louisiana, Cajun food, non-stop action, crisp dialogue, attitude -- Elizabeth George

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Book SynopsisNow with a stunning new cover look,comes THE DRAWING OF THE THREE, the second captivating volume in King''s epic fantasy series THE DARK TOWER.In the second novel of Stephen King''s bestselling fantasy masterpiece, Roland of Gilead, the Last Gunslinger, encounters three mysterious doors which open - for Roland, and Roland alone - to different times in our world. He must draw the three who should accompany him on the road. The first door opens to 1980s New York, where Roland joins forces with defiant Eddie Dean. The second leads to the 1960s and conflicted civil rights activist Odetta Holmes. The final door reveals Jack Mort, a deadly serial killer, in the 1970s. Mort is stalking Jake, the young boy Roland met in Mid-World. As titanic forces gather, a savage struggle between underworld evil and otherworldly enemies threatens to bring an end to Roland''s journey toward the Dark Tower...JOIN THE QUEST FOR THE DARK TOWER...''King''s imaginaTrade ReviewJoin the quest before it's too late * Independent on Sunday on THE SONG OF SUSANNAH *King's magnificent uberstory is finally complete... King's achievement is startling; his characters fresh... his plot sharply drawn... It is magic. * Daily Express on The Dark Tower *

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Book SynopsisNow a major ITV series, The Long Call, starring Ben Aldridge.The number one Sunday Times bestselling series featuring Detective Matthew Venn, from author and creator of the Vera and Shetland series, Ann Cleeves.‘Matthew Venn is a keeper . . . stunning’ – David BaldacciNorth Devon is enjoying a rare hot summer with tourists flocking to its coast-line. Detective Matthew Venn is called out to a rural crime scene at the home of a group of artists. What he finds is an elaborately staged murder – Dr Nigel Yeo has been fatally stabbed. His daughter, Eve, is a glassblower, and the murder weapon is a shard of one of her broken vases.Dr Yeo seems an unlikely murder victim. He’s a good man, a public servant, beloved by his daughter. Matthew is unnerved though to find that Eve is a close friend of Jonathan, his husband.Then another body is found – killed in a similar way. Matthew finds himself treading carefully through the lies that fester at the heart of his community and a case that is dangerously close to home . . .The Heron’s Cry is the second novel in Ann Cleeves’ Two Rivers series following her Sunday Times bestseller, The Long Call.Praise for The Long Call:‘Had me hooked . . . a promising beginning to another fine chapter in the Ann Cleeves’ story’ – The Times‘A triumph that cements Cleeves’ status as one of Britain’s best crime writers’ – Daily Express‘Clever, compassionate and atmospheric . . . I am already a Matthew Venn fan’ – Elly Griffiths‘Cleeves combines a flair for evoking sense of place with a thoughtful, complex plot’ – Mail on Sunday‘A traditional mystery of the best sort’ – GuardianTrade ReviewAs a huge fan of both the Shetland and Vera series of books, I had high expectations for Cleeves’ latest. Matthew Venn is a keeper. A stunning debut for Cleeves’ latest crimefighter -- David Baldacci on The Long CallHad me hooked — a promising beginning to another fine chapter in the Ann Cleeves story * The Times on THE LONG CALL *Clever, compassionate and atmospheric, with a great cast of new characters to love. I am already a Matthew Venn fan -- Elly Griffiths on THE LONG CALLA triumph that cements Cleeves' status as one of Britain's best crime writers - Daily Express * Daily Express on THE LONG CALL *Brilliant, thoughtful and deeply engaging -- Sara Paretsky, New York Times bestselling author of the V.I. Warshawski series on THE LONG CALLAnn Cleeves’ new series gets off to a terrific start with The Long Call – her native Devon is wonderfully evoked, and Matthew Venn is a very appealing new detective. Another sure-fire hit - -- Martin Edwards, author of Gallows Court, on THE LONG CALLCleeves combines a flair for evoking sense of place with a thoughtful, complex plot - * Mail on Sunday on THE LONG CALL *The troubled Venn is a great protagonist, and Cleeves may well have created her next top TV cop * Heat Magazine on THE LONG CALL *A traditional mystery of the best sort * The Guardian on THE LONG CALL *Evocative and gripping – an absolute triumph * Daily Mirror on THE LONG CALL *

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Book SynopsisAlfred Hitchcock meets Indiana Jones in this acclaimed, globe-trotting historical mystery about a wayward Jewish kid drawn into a sinister plot“Impressive. . . Enthralling. . . Goldin brings a long-lost era to life in vivid, evocative detail”  — Financial Times“A rip-roaring adventure. . . A zip-along plot, packed full of political machinations, strange deaths and ruinous romance”  — Daily MailThis entertaining historical mystery is the exciting debut novel from London-based musician and screenwriter A.E. Goldin. Thrillingly paced and with an enchanting historical setting, it launches a thrilling new series with an unforgettable hero, and provides all the nostalgic reading pleasure of classic Sherlock Holmes.-London, 1854. 21-year-old Ben Canaan attracts trouble wherever he goes. His father wants him to be a good Jewish son, working for the family business on Whitechapel Road, but Ben and his friends, the 'Good-for-Nothings', just want adventure.Then the chance discovery of an enigmatic letter and a photograph of a beautiful woman bring Ben an adventure more dangerous than anything he’d imagined. Suddenly he is thrown into the heart of a mystery that takes him away from everything he has known and all the way to Constantinople, the jewel of an empire and the centre of a world on the brink of war.Ben’s only clue is 3 words: ‘The White Death’. Now he must find what links a string of grisly murders, following a trail through kingmaking and conspiracy, poison and high politics, bloodshed and betrayal. In a city of deadly secrets, no one is safe – and one wrong step could cost Ben his life.

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Book SynopsisThe sensational, edge of your seat psychological thriller from bestselling author Gemma RogersAppearances can be deceiving... After a whirlwind romance and three years of marriage, I'd tried to be a good wife. But Tom, my husband, is always watching, controlling my every move. He chooses my clothes, my hairstyle, even instructing what and how much I'm allowed to eat just ten measly mouthfuls. I've become isolated from those I love, forbidden to work and stuck at home to fulfil his every whim. My identity along with my life is long gone. I am slowly suffocating but I know Tom will never, ever let me leave alive. A chance encounter with Savannah changes everything. Tom couldn't tear his eyes away from her. Could she be my saviour?Could my husband's desire for another woman be the answer to my prayers, to my freedom?Bestseller Gemma Rogers is back with another gripping, page-turning thriller. Perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty, Shari Lapena and Lisa Jewell. Praise for Gemma Rogers'Gemma Rogers has written an unputdownable thriller, and I was glued to the pages needing to know how things would turn out' - Keri Beevis'5.0 out of 5 stars Twisty and edgy' - Reader ReviewCaptivating and enthralling, I give this book five shiny golden stars' - Anita Waller'Compulsive read. Could not put this down, snatching chapters morning noon and night. Brilliantly written can't wait for the next publication from Gemma' - Reader Review'A claustrophobic psychological thriller with an explosive finale. Gripping and absorbing'- David Beckler'Captivated. I started this book and I'm not joking when I say I couldn't put it down! Really good read,lots of twists and turns. Had to read on to find out what would happen. Only bad part,I've finished it!!!' - Reader ReviewIt's a shocking thriller that grabs at your emotions on every page! Loved it' - Lauren North'Brilliant. What a fantastic book I couldn't put it down BUY IT BUY IT !! You won't be disappointed it's a fantastic read' - Reader ReviewA well-written and thoroughly entertaining thriller from a very talented author' - John Nicoll'Loved this read. Great book. Full of suspense and great villains and hero's. Really enjoyed reading this book. Great ending as well. Will look for more from this author.' - Reader ReviewA beautifully written edge-of-your-seat thriller that had me guessing right until the end' - Dreda Say Mitchell'A brilliant thriller from an exciting new voice. Stalker it had me on the edge of my seat' - Kerry Barnes'An atmospheric, taut thriller which keeps you hooked from the first page' - Jacqui Rose

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Book Synopsis From the bestselling author of THE SECRET OF NIGHTINGALE WOOD comes an exciting WW2 mystery entwined with magic and myth, shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize. 'A beautiful story.' KIRAN MILLWOOD HARGRAVE, author of The Girl of Ink & Stars '[A] mesmerising second novel' THE TELEGRAPH 'A poignant and uplifting tale packed with adventure, atmosphere and intriguing characters.' MAIL ON SUNDAY England is at war. Growing up in a lighthouse, Pet's world has been one of storms, secret tunnels and stories about sea monsters. But now the clifftops are a terrifying battleground, and her family is torn apart. This is the story of a girl who is small, afraid and unnoticed. A girl who freezes with fear at the enemy planes ripping through the skies overhead. A girl who is somehow destined to become part of the strange, ancient legend of the Daughters of Stone ... The highly-anticipated second novel by Lucy Strange, author of the bestselling The Secret of Nightingale Wood and The Ghost of Gosswater. A haunting wartime tale about a girl who lives in a lighthouse, woven through with an unforgettable legend. Winner of the Historical Association Young Quills Award 2021 and shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2020.

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Book SynopsisSpaceships aren’t programmed to seek revenge—but for Dracula, Demeter will make an exception.Demeter just wants to do her job: shuttling humans between Earth and Alpha Centauri. Unfortunately, her passengers keep dying—and not from equipment failures, as her AI medical system, Steward, would have her believe. These are paranormal murders, and they began when one nasty, ancient vampire decided to board Demeter and kill all her humans.To keep from getting decommissioned, Demeter must join forces with her own team of monsters: A werewolf. An engineer built from the dead. A pharaoh with otherworldly powers. A vampire with a grudge. A fleet of cheerful spider drones. Together, this motley crew will face down the ultimate evil—Dracula. The queer love child of pulp horror and ​classic ​sci-fi, Of Monsters and ​Mainframes ​is a dazzling, heartfelt odyssey that probes what it means to be one of society’s monsters—and explores the many types of friendship that make us human.

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Book Synopsis The New York Times No.1 bestselling YA crime thriller that everyone is talking about. Soon to be a major BBC series! Trade Review‘A taut, compulsively readable, elegantly plotted thriller', Guardian 'A Twisty, compelling UK YA debut', Fiona Noble, The Bookseller 'Prepare to be murdered by this book. Dark, dangerous and intricately plotted – my heart literally pounded. I haven't been this addicted to anything since Serial. Holly Jackson is the next big thing, I promise.', Laura Steven, author of the critically acclaimed The Exact Opposite of Okay 'Twisty, compulsive and so, so, clever', Savannah Brown, author of The Truth About Keeping Secrets 'This book was a delight from start to finish. I laughed. I cried. And I very much enjoyed attempting to solve the case with Pip (who I now want to be my best friend). I didn't guess the twist, and I don't think many people will. Holly Jackson has absolutely killed it with her debut!', Aisha Bushby, author of A Pocketful of Stars and contributor to the award-winning A Change is Gonna Come 'That ending! Pure genius', Yasmin Rahman, author of All the Things We Never Said 'In a League of its Own', Lucy Powrie, author of The Paper & Hearts Society

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Book SynopsisMeet James Bond, the world's most famous spy, in these landmark 70th anniversary reissues of Ian Fleming's classic series. The mysterious death of the head of security at Hugo Drax's missile base gives Bond the perfect opportunity to go undercover to find out the secret agenda of the supposed British war hero.

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Book SynopsisDexter Morgan: forensic analyst, serial killer and ... family man?As seen on TV - DEXTER: NEW BLOOD - major new dramaTrade ReviewLindsay applies the thumbscrew with witty relish and draws the reader in from the outset ...Dexter is one of a kind and his adventures never fail to entertain * GUARDIAN *A macabre tour-de-force * NEW YORK TIMES *The first serial killer who unabashedly solicits our love * ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY *The freshest, most terrifying creations you are ever likely to meet (and live to tell about) -- Robert CraisMorbidly funny * NEW YORK TIMES *

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Book SynopsisOn her own in this mysterious, deadly place, surrounded by darkness and the unknown, Gyre must overcome more than just the dangerous terrain and the Tunneler which calls underground its home if she wants to make it out alive—she must confront the ghosts in her own head.But how come she can’t shake the feeling she’s being followed?Trade Review“This claustrophobic, horror-leaning tour de force is highly recommended for fans of Jeff VanderMeer’s Annihilation and Andy Weir’s The Martian.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) “The Luminous Dead, the fantastic horror sci-fi debut from Caitlin Starling [...] is a survival story in the vein of The Martian, with a psychological horror twist.” — B&N Sci-Fi & Fantasy Blog “Ghostly, mysterious, and terrifying, The Luminous Dead will have you rooted to the spot until the very last page.” — Peng Shepherd, author of The Book of M “This is a survival story, a psychological thriller, and some of the best SFnal horror I’ve ever read. It’s a hell of a debut, and I can’t wait to see what Starling does next.” — Locus Magazine “A harrowing, merciless descent into the human psyche. Starling’s prose is breathtakingly cinematic and left me without a molecule of spare oxygen. This book will catch you by the ankles and drag you backwards into a terrifying and inescapable reality. Read this one with all the lights on.” — Sarah Gailey, Hugo award-winning author of River of Teeth “A tense psychological thriller and a gripping survival story that kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way through. It’s a dark ride that’s worth every step.” — Martha Wells, author of The Murderbot Diaries “Starling’s debut is tense and well-paced, taut and terrifying. This book never lets you (or Gyre) breathe for more than an instant before pushing you further into the frightening unknown. A book you won’t want to put down until the resolution arrives.” — Elsa Sjunneson-Henry “The Luminous Dead managed to be the best sci-fi book coming in 2019. And the best horror novel. And the best queer story. This book is so many things at once, and I cannot wait for readers to discover the terrifying, complex world that Caitlin Starling has created.” — Mark Oshiro, author of Anger is a Gift “The Luminous Dead dives into the human psyche and our ability for cruelty alongside compassion. Starling crafts a plot tight and gripping, weaves scenes dripping with wonder and terror, and keeps you wondering what’s real and what’s not until the very last page. Both beautiful and brutal, I loved it.” — K.A. Doore, author of The Perfect Assassin “An electric mix of The Descent and Gravity, Starling’s debut gives us an exciting and terrifying sf adventure set in the dangerous bowels of a distant planet. This story has hidden depths, secrets and mysteries to reveal. Highly recommended from start to finish.” — John Hornor Jacobs, award-winning author of The Sea Dreams it is the Sky “Starling’s debut gives us an exciting and terrifying sf adventure set in the dangerous bowels of a distant planet. But like the enormous cavern system below the surface of Cassandra V, this story has hidden depths, secrets and mysteries to reveal. Highly recommended from start to finish.” — John Hornor Jacobs, award-winning author of The Sea Dreams it is the Sky “The Luminous Dead is a gripping scifi thriller with an eerie, claustrophobic setting that held me captive until I finished it. I think part of me was left behind forever in Starling’s cave. This book will drag you into its dark, twisting depths and will not let you go.” — Emily Suvada, author of This Mortal Coil “With The Luminous Dead, Caitlin Starling gives us a confident debut, an imaginative future thriller that barely lets up the tension and claustrophobia. Mistrust and paranoia abound all the way to the end, and Gyre feels every moment of it, widening along with the events, as the poet said.” — Tade Thompson, author of the Wormwood Trilogy and The Murders of Molly Southbourne “A startling debut. I was truly spooked.” — Kelly Robson, Nebula Award-winning author “Starling’s debut is a chilling study in mutual guilt and dependence that will have readers racing toward the conclusion.” — Booklist “With sharp prose and mounting dread, Starling will drag you into a dark descent. Get ready for chills.” — Sean Grigsby, author of Smoke Eaters and Daughters of Forgotten Light “Caitlin Starling’s The Luminous Dead is a gripping, claustrophobic thriller propelled by complex relationships between women. I couldn’t put it down.” — Ada Hoffmann, author of The Outside “A masterful, nail-biting thriller from an extraordinary talent. Meticulously researched, expertly paced, with yearning, self-destructive heroines whose incredible physical and emotional journies will leave you breathless.” — Kameron Hurley, author of The Light Brigade “A torturous book. Horrifying in small, cutting, personal ways, and in the more classic scare-in-a-dark-room way. But there’s an iron rod of panicked strength that runs through the middle of it.” — NPR.org “A genuinely impressive debut, suspenseful and horrific in turns.” — Sci Fi Magazine “I’m still in disbelief that this book is a debut novel.” — The Reading Chemist

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Book SynopsisIn 1940s Japan, the wealthy head of the Inugami Clan dies, and his family eagerly await the reading of the will. But no sooner are its strange details revealed than a series of bizarre, gruesome murders begins. Detective Kindaichi must unravel the clan's terrible secrets of forbidden liaisons, monstrous cruelty, and hidden identities to find the murderer, and lift the curse wreaking its bloody revenge on the Inugamis. The Inugami Curse is a fiendish, intricately plotted classic mystery from a giant of Japanese crime writing, starring the legendary detective Kosuke Kindaichi.Trade Review"The diabolically twisted plotting is top-notch." -- The New York Times Book Review"[A] stellar whodunit. . . Yokomizo creates a palpable sense of menace throughout with grim foreshadowing of the carnage to come. The solution is a perfect match for the baffling puzzle. Fair-play fans will hope for more translations of this master storyteller." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)‘Japan's Agatha Christie . . . It’s an absolute pleasure to see his work translated at last in these beautifully produced English editions.’ — The Sunday Times'This is Golden Age crime at its best, complete with red herrings, blind alleys and twists and turns galore... A testament to the power of the simple murder mystery and its enduring appeal.' — The Spectator 'One of Yokomizo's best-loved detective tales -- Kindaichi must solve a slowly growing string of gruesome murders all connected to the mighty Inugami Clan, and uncover the deeply hidden secrets of the clan along the way.' -- Metropolis Japan‘2020 may be the year of Seishi Yokomizo . . . Both [The Honjin Murders and The Inugami Curse are] set in the late 1930s/early 1940s, they promise to be atmospheric, exciting and knotty whodunits. The covers alone are enough to get any fan of the genre salivating.’ — Japan Times'The master of Japanese crime.' — Tuttolibri

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Book Synopsis**THE NUMBER ONE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER**Forensic archaeologist Dr Ruth Galloway and DCI Harry Nelson are on the hunt for a murderer when Covid rears its ugly head. But can they find the killer despite lockdown?'GALLOWAY NOW SEEMS AS REAL AS MARPLE AND MORSE' The Times'INTENSELY ATMOSPHERIC AND GREAT' India KnightForensic archaeologist Dr Ruth is in London clearing out her mother's belongings when she makes a surprising discovery: a photograph of her Norfolk cottage taken before Ruth lived there. Her mother always hated the cottage, so why does she have a picture of the place? The only clue is written on the back of the photo: Dawn, 1963.Ruth returns to Norfolk determined to solve the mystery, but then Covid rears its ugly head. Ruth and her daughter are locked down in their cottage, attempting to continue with work and home-schooling. Happily, the house next door is rented by a nice woman called Zoe, who they become friendly with while standing on their doorsteps clapping for carers.Nelson, meanwhile, is investigating a series of deaths of women that may or may not be suicide. When he links the deaths to an archaeological discovery, he breaks curfew to visit the cottage where he finds Ruth chatting to her neighbour whom he remembers as a carer who was once tried for murdering her employer.Only then her name wasn't Zoe. It was Dawn.********************************PRAISE FOR THE LOCKED ROOM'Intelligent and gripping' Daily Express'A terrific story' The Times'This is Griffiths on top form' Mail on Sunday'Charming from start to finish' Irish IndependentA Sunday Times bestseller w/c 07/02/2022Trade ReviewLockdown provides a brilliant opportunity for Griffiths, bringing fresh drama into her characters' lives and she makes the most of it * Sunday Times *Where other Covid-themed mysteries have felt uninspired, this entry in Elly Griffiths' brilliant Ruth Galloway series is an intelligent and gripping recreation of those first weeks of lockdown in 2020 * Daily Express *A terrific story that allows Galloway and Nelson to get closer than they have been for years * The Times, Best New Crime Fiction *Griffiths' Ruth Galloway series combines imaginative plotting, cleverly located in deepest Norfolk, with the everyday dramas of her cast of regular characters . . . This is Griffiths on top form * Mail on Sunday *A classic English mystery from one of the leading authors in the field, charming from start to finish * Irish Independent *Fans of gripping, clever thrillers will love this book * Candis *Brilliantly plotted with complex mysteries to keep you turning the pages, there is also an intriguing cliff-hanger * Promoting Crime Fiction *A mystery treat * Peterborough Telegraph *A sheer reading pleasure * Crime Fiction Lover *Brilliant, as ever * Best *

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Book Synopsis**WINNER OF THE CWA ENDEAVOUR HISTORICAL DAGGER **'An exceptional historical crime novel' C.J. Sansom India, 1919. Desperate for a fresh start, Captain Sam Wyndham arrives to take up an important post in Calcutta's police force. He is soon called to the scene of a horrifying murder. The victim was a senior official, and a note left in his mouth warns the British to leave India - or else. With the stability of the Empire under threat, Wyndham and Sergeant 'Surrender-not' Banerjee must solve the case quickly. But there are some who will do anything to stop them...**A THE TIMES/SUNDAY TIMES CRIME CLUB TOP 40 BOOK OF LAST FIVE YEARS**Praise for the Wyndham and Banerjee series : 'A thought-provoking rollercoaster' Ian Rankin 'Does for the Raj what Philip Kerr did for the Reich' The Times/Sunday Times Crime Club 'Highly entertaining' Daily Telegraph If you enjoyed A Rising Man, further books in the Wyndham and Banerjee series are available now: A Necessary Evil Smoke and Ashes Death in the East The Shadows of MenTrade ReviewA joy to read -- Susan HillA journey into the dark underbelly of the British Raj... a cracking debut -- Jon Coates * Daily Express *Splendid...Captain Sam Wyndham is a winning creation * The Times, Crime Book of the Month *[A] terrific first novel...Mukherjee’s descriptions of Calcutta under the Raj are vivid, while Wyndham’s position as a newcomer with fresh eyes works brilliantly * Sunday Times, Crime Book of the Month *Enthralling... The investigation sends Wyndham and his Bengali assistant on a whirlwind circuit of the city -- Marilyn Stasio * New York Times Book Review *

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Book SynopsisAndrea Mara is a No.1 Sunday Times, Irish Times and Kindle bestselling author. Her books have sold more than 500,000 copies worldwide, and four of them have been shortlisted for Irish Crime Novel of the Year. No One Saw a Thing, was a Richard and Judy Bookclub Pick, sold more than 100,000 copies in thirteen weeks, and was No.1 in the UK, Irish and Kindle charts. She lives in Dublin, Ireland, with her husband and three children. You can find Andrea on Instagram @andreamaraauthorTrade Review'Next-level domestic suspense - even the twists have twists. I loved it - Andrea Mara is a star.' * Lee Child *'I loved Hide and Seek by Andrea Mara! Original, clever, and unputdownable, it ticks every crime thriller box for me and then some! I couldn't stop turning the pages to find out what happened next as the gripping, clever plot twists and turns its way to a dramatic denouement. Andrea is an author to watch and I can't wait to read her next.' * Sarah Pearse *'I raced through this at high speed, enjoying the ride through Andrea's twists and turns.' * Observer *'A relentless, twisting page-turner, Hide and Seek delves deeply into every parent's worst nightmare. A first-class thriller.' * Chris Whitaker *'Mara knows how to take every parent's worst nightmares and turn them into top-class page turners. She expertly ratchets up the tension in this single-sitting read, a nerve-shredder that will have you guessing right until the final unexpected twist.' * Ellery Lloyd, New York Times bestselling author of The Club *

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Book SynopsisA spectacularly dark and electrifying novel about addiction, religion, music and what might exist on the other side of life.In a small New England town, in the early 60s, a shadow falls over a small boy playing with his toy soldiers. Jamie Morton looks up to see a striking man, the new minister, Charles Jacobs. Soon they forge a deep bond, based on their fascination with simple experiments in electricity.Decades later, Jamie is living a nomadic lifestyle of bar-band rock and roll. Now an addict, he sees Jacobs again - a showman on stage, creating dazzling ''portraits in lightning'' - and their meeting has profound consequences for both men. Their bond becomes a pact beyond even the Devil''s devising, and Jamie discovers that revival has many meanings.This rich and disturbing novel spans five decades on its way to the most terrifying conclusion Stephen King has ever written. It''s a masterpiece from King, in the great American tradition of NathanieTrade ReviewSimply superb . . . classic King: intimate, readable and convincing . . . tastier than most bestsellers out there * Independent *Classic King territory...satisfyingly disturbing... it's a sharp and detailed character study of two very different men; King's books have always been as much about character as they are about making the hairs stand up on the back of the neck * Express *King at his regal best, fully in command of a terrifying story, a great cast and page after page after page of top-notch writing . . . the darkness of genuine horror. Absolutely superb * Daily Mail *King has done it again: captured the reader with his excellent writing and forced her to read herself into a gibbering wreck. Not for nothing do they call him the master of horror * The Times *There are few writers able so effortlessly, so naturally and so intimately to lay out the details of a life * Guardian *Vintage King * Sunday Mirror *

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Book SynopsisIf you enjoyed The Tattooist of Auschwitz, read The Huntress by Kate Quinn' The Washington PostFascinating, brilliantly written, enthralling just phenomenal' Jill Mansell*From the bestselling author ofThe Alice Network*On the icy edge of Soviet Russia, bold and reckless Nina Markova joins the infamous Night Witches an all-female bomber regiment. But when she is downed behind enemy lines, Nina must use all her wits to survive her encounter with a lethal Nazi murderess known as the Huntress.British war correspondent Ian Graham abandons journalism to become a Nazi hunter, yet one target eludes him: the Huntress. And Nina Markova is the only witness to escape her alive.In post-war Boston, seventeen-year-old Jordan McBride is increasingly disquieted by the soft-spoken German widow who becomes her new stepmother. Delving into her past, Jordan slowly realizes that a Nazi killer may be hiding in plain sight.Shining a light on a shadowy corner of history, The Huntress is an epic, sweeping SecTrade Review ‘If you enjoyed The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris, read The Huntress by Kate Quinn’ Kristin Hannah, Washington Post ‘Richly evocative and totally gripping’ Sunday Times ‘A riveting tale that combines both the gripping saga of war with the suspense of a thrilling chase… An utter triumph!’ Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author of The Orphan’s Tale ‘Immersive and suspenseful…packs a real historical punch . . . Kate Quinn brings a fascinating side of WW2 brilliantly to life.’ Hazel Gaynor, bestselling author of The Lighthouse Keeper’s Daughter ‘Prepare to be spellbound! The Huntress masterfully draws you in and doesn’t let you go.’ Susan Meissner, bestselling author of As Bright as Heaven ‘A gripping and elegant historical mystery not to be missed’ Bookbub ‘A great choice for historical fiction fans, particularly of World War II–set novels, mystery readers, or anyone seeking well-crafted stories in which good triumphs over evil’ Library Journal (starred review) ‘An impressive historical novel sure to harness WWII-fiction fans' attention…portraying three touching, unpredictable love stories; the suspenseful quest for justice; and the courage involved in confronting one's greatest fears.’ Booklist (starred review) ‘Kate Quinn has created nothing less than a masterpiece of historical fiction’ Jennifer Robson, bestselling author of Goodnight from London ‘Well-researched and vivid segments are interspersed detailing Nina's backstory… a fierce yet vulnerable antecedent to Lisbeth Salander.’ Kirkus Reviews ‘Quinn delivers a suspenseful WWII tale of murder and revenge. This exciting thriller vividly reveals how people face adversity and sacrifice while chasing justice and retribution.’ Publishers Weekly

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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 SynopsisShe loves him, but can she trust him?When I meet Henry by chance at a wedding, it is love at first sight. He's charming, handsome and successful - everything I've ever wanted. When he proposes, it seems like all my dreams are coming true. But Ivy, my best friend, isn't happy for me at all.

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Book Synopsis''Butler writes with such a familiarity that the alien is welcome and intriguing. She really artfully exposes our human impulse to self-destruct'' LUPITA NYONG''O''An icon of the Afrofuturism world, envisioning literary realms that placed black characters front and center'' VANITY FAIRFrom literary pioneer Octavia E. Butler, the acclaimed Lilith''s Brood trilogy concludes with the story of Jodah, child of the Earth and stars, who risks the future of humanity just by growing up.Jodahs is a child of the Earth and stars, born from the union between humans and the Oankali, who saved humanity from destruction centuries before.But Jodahs is approaching adulthood, a metamorphosis that will take him beyond gender and family, and into a great but dangerous unknown.Frightened and alone, Jodahs must come to terms with this new identity, learn to master lifechanging powers and bring together what''s left of humankind - or become the bTrade ReviewOne of the most significant literary artists of the twentieth century. One cannot exaggerate the impact she has had -- Junot DiazButler's prose, always pared back to the bone, delineates the painful paradoxes of metamorphosis with compelling precision * Guardian *A dark, compelling and still horribly resonant time travel story * Independent *[Her] evocative, often troubling, novels explore far-reaching issues of race, sex, power and, ultimately, what it means to be human * New York Times *No novel I've read this year has felt as relevant, as gut-wrenching or as essential... If you've ever tweeted "All Lives Matter", someone needs to shove Kindred into your hand, and quickly * The Pool *Kindred is that rare magical artifact . . . the novel one returns to, again and again * Harlan Ellison *One cannot finish Kindred without feeling changed. It is a shattering work of art * Los Angeles Herald-Examiner *[A] must-read novel * BBC *Everyone should read at least one novel by the grand dame of science fiction, and Kindred is a perfect (and harrowing and disturbing and brilliant) place to start * Refinery 29 *The immediate effect of reading Octavia Butler's Kindred is to make every other time travel book in the world look as if it's wimping out... This is a brilliant book, utterly absorbing, very well written, and deeply distressing. It's very hard to read, not because it's not good but because it's so good * Tor *A searing, caustic examination of bizarre and alien practices on the third planet from the sun * Kirkus *One of the most original, thought-provoking works examining race and identity * Los Angeles Times *Impossible to turn away from once you've devoured the first few pages * Starburst *If you haven't read Butler, you don't yet understand how rich the possibilities of science fiction can be * Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction *Butler's books are exceptional * Village Voice *Few writers in our field are so good at blending page-turners with philosophical questions so seamlessly -- Cory Doctorow

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Book SynopsisThe deeper into the past she digs, the higher the price she must pay for the truth. It's been ten years since Alison's perfect world fell apart. Ten years since her son Sam disappeared while on a family holiday. Lost at sea, they said, his body never found. And even though her brother and sister were supposedly looking after the kids, Alison will always blame herself. Caught in a spiralling web of all-consuming grief where the lines between reality and fantasy blur, Alison refuses to let go. So when her ex-husband seeks to have Sam officially pronounced dead, Alison embarks upon a desperate and harrowing quest to discover what really happened that day on the beach. But is the truth worth losing what is left of her sanity?

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Book SynopsisDays after winning OASIS founder James Halliday's contest, Wade Watts makes a discovery that changes everything.Hidden within Halliday's vaults, waiting for his heir to find it, lies a technological advancement that will once again change the world and make the OASIS a thousand times more wondrous - and addictive - than even Wade dreamed possible.With it comes a new riddle, and a new quest: a last Easter egg from Halliday, hinting at a mysterious prize.And an unexpected, impossibly powerful, and dangerous new rival awaits, one who'll kill millions to get what he wants.Wade's life and the future of the OASIS are again at stake, but this time the fate of humanity also hangs in the balance.Lovingly nostalgic and wildly original as only Ernest Cline could conceive it, Ready Player Two takes us on another imaginative, fun, action-packed adventure through his beloved virtual universe, and jolts us thrillingly into the future once again.______________'Delving back into the universe of OASIS is a nostalgic delight... fans will love returning to Cline's virtual world.' Press Association'Living up to the smash hit Ready Player One - turned into a film by Steven Spielberg - was never going to be easy, but Ernest Cline's wry and savage sequel shows how it should be done... A wild ride. Make this into a movie now.' The Times 'Ernest Cline takes Ready Player One, gives it a software update, adds some more nostalgia and delivers sheer joy in Ready Player Two.' Phil Williams, Times Radio 'A stunning, futuristic thrill-ride, full of nostalgia and wonderful set-pieces. Ready Player Two improves on everything from its predecessor.' Daily Express

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