Crime & Thrillers Books

Book SynopsisTHE SECOND TOM REYNOLDS MYSTERY FROM THE INTERNATIONALLY BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE PERFECT LIE'Fiendishly clever' Irish Sunday IndependentDid I know it would come to this? There is no shot at redemption. I am going to die. The gun is in my eye-line as the second bullet is fired. That's the one that kills me.Late at night, two powerful men meet in a secret location to discuss a long nurtured plan about to come to fruition. One is desperate to know there is nothing standing in their way - the other assures him everything is taken care of. Hours later, a high-ranking government official called Ryan Finnegan is brutally slain in the most secure building in Ireland - Leinster House, the seat of parliament. Inspector Tom Reynolds and his team are called in to uncover the truth behind the murder.At first, all the evidence hints at a politically motivated crime, until a surprise discovery takes the investigation in a dramatically different direction. Suddenly the motive for murder has got a lot more personal. . . but who benefits the most from Ryan's death?'Engrossing' Sunday TimesNobody was supposed to get out alive.On a Dublin city street, packed with afternoon shoppers, a young woman appears, naked, traumatised and bearing burn marks.Tom Reynolds, now Chief Superintendent, is no longer head of the murder squad. But when it transpires the woman escaped from a house fire started deliberately and that there are more victims, Tom is sucked in. What begins as a straightforward case of arson, soon becomes something much more sinister.The people in that house never wanted to be there in the first place. Now more of them are missing. Tom is faced with a ticking clock as he tries to locate the others and as he does, a terrifying spider's web of domestic and international crime unfolds.And not everybody will survive the fallout.PRAISE FOR JO SPAIN'S TOM REYNOLDS SERIES'A stunning read' Woman's Way'Refreshing and full of twists' Express'Clever, pacey, compulsive' Sunday Mirror'Expertly crafted, deeply immersive and timely' Irish IndependentTrade ReviewFiendishly clever . . . and a big fat twist is lobbed into the ending like a hand grenade * Irish Sunday Independent *Brilliant! Fast paced, well researched and sensitive. Jo Spain is a sparkling new talent * Irish Examiner *Spain's vivid thriller explores the dark secrets of Ireland's past that are a real-life situation haunting so many people within Irish society today * Irish Country Living *In a very strong year for Irish crime-fiction debuts, Jo Spain's With Our Blessing is among the most assured . . . With Our Blessing picks at the scabs of recent Irish history to reveal raw and gaping wounds * Irish Times *Atmospheric and compelling * Sinead Crowley *Spain handles the inevitable tensions with aplomb * Sunday Times *Packed with fascinating details . . . this is a satisfying mystery * Irish Independent *Absolutely my comfort reading * Ann Cleeves *

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Book SynopsisDS Evert Bäckström is in charge of a rare kind of case. Finding a suspect for the murder of Thomas Eriksson – gangster lawyer and renowned defender of the guilty – isn’t difficult, but narrowing down the long list of people who wanted him dead is almost impossible. Certainly the only thing the detective is mourning is his obligation to process the paperwork. Fortunately, Bäckström has spent his years cultivating a group of questionable acquaintances. His colleagues don’t know that he only closes his cases with the help of these friends. Nor that Bäckström owes them a few favours. But this time they’re all in for a surprise because even the dirtiest cop couldn’t have predicted where this trail would lead or how far from comfortable Bäckström might be at its end.Trade ReviewUnquestionably among the most entertaining you can find in the season's crop of Swedish crime fiction. * Expressen (Sweden) *Leif GW Persson is a highly intelligent entertainer, able to make the reader writhe with laughter on one hand and flinch over the sharp and critical depictions of contemporary society on the other ... To put it simply, I haven't had this much fun reading a crime novel in a long time. * Skanska Dagbladet ( Sweden) *Leif GW Persson undoubtedly writes the most entertaining crime literature in Sweden right now, not least because of the priceless police detective Bäckström - a con man whom we love to hate. * Dala-Demokraten (Sweden) *Despite - or thanks to - Bäckström's asinine character the plot strands are elegantly woven together into a powerful whole that satisfies the readers' desire for a titillating cast of characters, strange coincidences, and a waft of history. * Aftonbladet (Sweden) *

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Book SynopsisJohnny Rossendale has spent the last four years on the seas, away from the titled family he despises. But now he must turn his sailing cutter, the Sunflower, around and sail to Devon, where his mother lies dying.When Johnny makes landfall, though, he finds that his return is eagerly anticipated by some very sinister foes. After an attempt on his life, he realises that someone thinks a missing painting that belongs to the family is in his hands - and, worse, they are prepared to go to any lengths to get hold of it.But as Earl of Stowey, Johnny has eight centuries of robber-baron blood pumping through his veins. He won''t let the family fortune fall into the hands of others without a fight . . .

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Book SynopsisMiss Silver returns in this classic crime mystery.Trade ReviewA particular favourite * Andrew Taylor *Miss Silver is marvellous * Daily Mail *. . . some of the best examples of the British country-house murder mystery * Alfred Hitchcock magazine *Miss Silver has her place in detective fiction as surely as Lord Peter Wimsey or Hercule Poirot * Manchester Evening News *Miss Wentworth is a first rate story-teller * Daily Telegraph *You can't go wrong with Miss Maud Silver * Observer *Miss Wentworth's plot is ingenious, her characterization acute, her solution satisfying * The Scotsman *Patricia Wentworth has created a great detective in Miss Silver, the little old lady who nobody notices, but who in turn notices everything * Paula Gosling *

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Book SynopsisA nine-year-old boy is found murdered at the bottom of a well near a popular beach resort in southern Italy. In what looks like a hopeless case for Guido Guerrieri, counsel for the defence, a Senegalese peddler is accused of the crime. Faced with small-town racism fuelled by the recent immigration from Africa, Guido attempts to exploit the esoteric workings of the Italian courts. More than a perfectly paced legal thriller, this relentless suspense novel transcends the genre. A powerful attack on racism, and a fascinating insight into the Italian judicial process, it is also an affectionate portrait of a deeply humane hero.Trade Review"Raises the standard for crime fiction. Carofiglio's deft touch has given us a story that is both literary and gritty - and one that speeds along like the best legal thrillers. His insights into human nature - good and bad - are breathtaking." Jeffery Deaver A powerful redemptive novel beautifully translated.A" Daily Mail A stunner. Guerrieri is a wonderfully convincing character; morose, but seeing the absurdity of his gloomy life, his vulnerability and cynicism laced with self-deprecating humour. It is the veracity of the setting and the humanity of the lawyer that makes the novel a courtroom drama of such rare quality.A" The Times

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Book SynopsisKATE SHUGAK is a native Aleut working as a private investigator in Alaska. She's 5 foot 1 inch tall, carries a scar that runs from ear to ear across her throat and owns half-wolf, half-husky dog named Mutt. Resourceful, strong-willed, defiant, Kate is tougher than your average heroine – and she needs to be to survive the worst the Alaskan wilds can throw at her. WHISPER TO THE BLOOD: A mining company has discovered a rich mineral deposit in Alaska's enormous Iqaluk Wildlife Refuge. Politicos see dollar signs for the state, but Ninilta residents, who live near the proposed site, are split: Will outsiders take the jobs? Will the environment be harmed by pollution? Will roads disintegrate . . . tourists invade? As the new chairperson of Ninilta's Native Association, a job she never wanted, Kate is embarassingly ill-equipped to handle the questions. Nor is she prepared when two individuals associated with the company turn up dead.Trade ReviewAn outstanding series. * Washington Post *In the crowded field of crime fiction, Kate Shugak is unique. -- Michael ConnellyIf you like mysteries, rich settings and engaging characters let me recommend Dana Stabenow. -- Diana Gabaldon

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Book SynopsisThe police plan to call in sick' until they get a better contract. The labour dispute means Monk is back on the force. The bad news is it means he'll be a 'scab'.'

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Book SynopsisHe's her son, but he's no good. How far will she go for him?Not all sons make their mother proudJune Dawson has come a long way from her rough East End background.She now lives in a nice little cul-de-sac in Rainham with her ultra-respectable husband and a lovely social life. But her world collapses when daughter Debbie announces that she is pregnant by her low-life drug addict boyfriend, Billy McDaid. June feels as though she is being sucked back into the world of villains and thugs she thought she had escaped forever.But worse is yet to come. The baby doted on by his violent and feckless dad grows into the child from hell. He is mean, sadistic and out of control. Suddenly, the family is not just in crisis. It is in meltdown.Trade ReviewPraise for Kimberley Chambers: ‘This beautifully crafted, sharp, well-paced novel will keep you hooked until the very end. An outstanding tale of betrayal, violence and love. Buy it. Read it. You'll love it. I did.’ Amanda Prowse ‘[Kimberley Chambers is] the queen of the gritty, low-life tale . . .a fast-paced, thrill-a-minute ride that takes you on all sorts of twists and turns’ Bella ‘Easily as good as Martina Cole’ News of the World ‘Brilliantly delivers a story of violence, treachery and family ties… Easy to read and hard to put down’ News of the World ‘[a] fast-paced tale with gritty authenticity’ The Guardian

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Book SynopsisA top-notch thriller from bestselling author Stephen Leather. 'Action and scalpel-sharp suspense' Daily TelegraphTrade Review'As high-tech and as world-class as the thriller genre gets' -- Express on Sunday on THE BOMBMAKER 'There's a new breed of British crime writer giving the genre a much-needed shake-up - and Stephen Leather is at the forefront ... the sheer impetus of his storytelling is damned hard to resist.' -- Daily Express on COLD KILL

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Book SynopsisThe second book in the Jack Parlabane series, from author Christopher Brookmyre.The murder of a media moghul in his country mansion appears to be the result of him disturbing a gang of would-be thieves. The robbers are swiftly caught, but when they are unexpectedly moved to a different prison they escape. Back in Edinburgh, a young solicitor reveals to the press that one of the subjects had left a letter with her some time before the break-in which proves his innocence. Jack Parlabane, journo-extraordinaire, is intrigued, but when he approaches the lawyer he discovers someone else is trying to get near her - someone with evil intent, political connections of the highest order and a corrupt agenda. Fast-moving, blackly humorous and intriguingly credible.

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Book SynopsisAn irresistible mystery set in 1890s Edinburgh, Kaite Welsh''s THE WAGES OF SIN features a female medical student-turned-detective, and will thrill fans of Sarah Waters and Antonia Hodgson.''Historical fiction doesn''t get much more delicious or original'' Damian Barr''This powerful novel combines a disturbing look at late Victorian attitudes towards women and morality with a satisfying murder mystery'' Sunday ExpressSarah Gilchrist has fled from London to Edinburgh in disgrace and is determined to become a doctor, despite the misgivings of her family and society. As part of the University of Edinburgh''s first intake of female medical students, Sarah comes up against resistance from lecturers, her male contemporaries, and - perhaps worst of all - her fellow women, who will do anything to avoid being associated with a fallen woman...When one of Sarah''s patients turns up in the university dissecting room as a battered corpsTrade ReviewThis powerful novel combines a disturbing look at late Victorian attitudes towards women and morality with a satisfying murder mystery * Sunday Express *An enthrallingly gothic murder mystery * The Herald *A gripping story, a great central character and full of riotous, beautifully drawn period detail -- Kate HamerEdinburgh is the superb gothic setting for this nail-biting debut * Fabulous Magazine *The first book in what will, one hopes, be a long-running series, featuring a new kind of historical leading lady, Welsh's debut is an inspiring feminist tale perfect for the modern age * Library Journal, Debut of the Month *Welsh makes clever use of the conventions of the genre while throwing in a twist informed by modern sensibilities. Damp, sooty, moralistic, and sinning Edinburgh is convincingly evoked. A gritty detective story as unflinching as its heroine, rich in well-researched period detail * Kirkus Reviews *Atmosphere, murder, a strong heroine, a flawed hero and a stunning twist - The Wages of Sin has it all. I hope we'll be reading more by Kaite Welsh. And I hope it will involve Sarah Gilchrist. * My Weekly Magazine *I absolutely loved The Wages of Sin, and especially the funny, feisty Sarah Gilchrist, a Victorian feminist for modern times. Transported between the horrors of medical dissection rooms, the back streets of Edinburgh, opium dens and brothels, I was captivated, right to the very end -- Catherine Hall, author of THE PROOF OF LOVE and DAYS OF GRACEA tremendous debut * Daily Record *A gripping story of murder, medicine and misogyny in Victorian Britain * Emerald Street *Historical fiction doesn't get much more delicious or original -- Damian Barr

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Book SynopsisWhen Tommy Phan discovers a mysterious rag doll on his doorstep one day, he''s curious but tries to dismiss it. However, the thing seems ominously foreboding - a feeling borne out when he hears a sound from it that evening. When he picks up the doll, its heart actually appears to be beating. Then the threads of its eyes unravel, and a strange green eye appears - and blinks.Before long, Tommy is forced to flee an adversary that becomes larger, ever more formidable and seemingly indestructible. He must use his journalist''s skills to figure out not only exactly what this thing is and where it has come from, but more importantly why it has been sent after him. And he has just nine hours before the arrival of dawn to do so...

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Book SynopsisThe Number One bestseller. Fifteenth in the 'series of superb novels built around the haunted private detective Charlie Parker' (Daily Mail)Trade ReviewBeautifully crafted . . . John Connolly's unique ability to successfully combine crime and horror shows no sign of waning. * Irish Independent *Connolly creates complicated plots that never unravel. He's just that good. * Kirkus *If you like your thrillers with an added undertow of supernatural you can do no better. * The Pool *A Game Of Ghosts is layered with such craft that it is almost a disappointment when things resolve themselves with relative quickness, as if you really don't wish to bid some of these characters behind. Even the most dangerous of them. Of course, in Charlie Parker's world, you never can be sure. * Irresistible Targets *Once you start this book, make sure you've not got anything else important to do for the next few hours . . . The Charlie Parker books have always been a gripping and enthralling read, but this latest one simply won't let you go. * ScifiBulletin *Another chapter in the life of Charlie Parker and another fascinating read from the pen of the great John Connolly. Here is an author that seems to be totally in control of his writing and at the top of his game. * Shots *

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Book SynopsisFrom the world-famous creator of “Perry Mason,” Erle Stanley Gardner – at his death the best-selling American writer of all time – comes another baffling case for the Cool & Lam detective agency: TURN ON THE HEAT. Return to the sizzling 1940s as Bertha Cool and Donald Lam investigate a missing woman, a desperate husband, a politician with a past, and a femme fatale with a future…assuming she doesn’t go to jail for murder! Featuring brand new cover art that is a posthumous collaboration between Laurel Blechman and the legendary Robert Maguire – the first new Maguire cover in decades!Trade ReviewIf you want a glimpse into what fiction used to be, and may be again, look no further than TURN ON THE HEAT. It is a gem.—BookReporterErle Stanley Gardner's Cool and Lam are fun to read about, and Turn on the Heat has them in fine form —Bill CriderThis one is a lot of fun. Recommended. —AtomicJunkShopA must for Gardner fans – if for no other reason than to demonstrate the breadth of Gardner’s inventive skills when he wasn’t busy with his better known lawyer/investigator.For those a little less passionate about Perry Mason, the Cool and Lam mysteries are a wonderful example of the kinds if mysteries that helped define the genre during its formative years. —Bookgasm“Gardner’s writing encapsulates what’s best about the ’40s and puts it to the page” - Criminal Element “It’s exciting stuff to find one of the best reads of the year is a reprint of a book that is 77 years old and hasn’t been in print for 50 years. Run, don’t walk, to your nearest book store for one of the year’s best retro reads.” - Borg.com"The novel’s rapid-fire banter makes what is already a highly entertaining story a real gem." - Seattle Book Review 4-star"a welcome addition to my bookcase." -John Koenig - Stuff I Like

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Book SynopsisThe summer of 1992 had been exceptionally cold in southern Italy. But that’s not the reason why it is still remembered. On May 23, 1992, a roadside explosion killed the Palermo judge Giovanni Falcone, his wife and three police officers. A few weeks later judge Paolo Borsellino and five police officers were killed in the center of Palermo. These anti-mafia judges became heroes but the violence spread to the region of Bari in Puglia, where we meet a new, memorable character, Maresciallo Pietro Fenoglio, an officer of the Italian Carabinieri. Fenoglio, recently abandoned by his wife, must simultaneously deal with his personal crisis and the new gang wars raging around Bari. The police are stymied until a gang member, accused of killing a child, decides to collaborate, revealing the inner workings and the rules governing organised crime in the area. The story is narrated through the actual testimony of the informant, a trope reminiscent of verbatim theatre which Carofiglio, an ex-anti-mafia judge himself, uses to great effect. The gangs are stopped but the mystery of the boy’s murder must still be solved, leading Fenoglio into a world of deep moral ambiguity, where the prosecutors are hard to distinguish from the prosecuted.

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Book SynopsisSpellbinding . . . superb.' WASHINGTON POSTEmotionally gripping and defiantly original.' ITALIAN MYSTERIESAN AURELIO ZEN MYSTERYZen finally receives the order he has been dreading all his professional life: his next posting to Sicily.The gruesome discovery of an unidentified, decomposed corpse sealed in a railway wagon marks the beginning of Zen''s most difficult and dangerous murder case. And he will need all his cunning and skill to survive in a world where unwritten rules are enforced with ruthless violence, where one false step can prove fatal, and where the truth must be paid for in blood.By far the darkest of Dibdin's remarkable mysteries.' 5* reader review The end leaves you gasping.' 5* reader reviewI absolutely loved this book.' 5* reader reviewPRAISE FOR MICHAEL DIBDIN AND THE INSPECTOR ZEN SERIES:He wrote with real fire.' IAN RANKINA maestr

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Book SynopsisA #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller. Every time Gwen closed her eyes, she saw him in her nightmares. Now her eyes are open, and he’s not going away. Gwen Proctor won the battle to save her kids from her ex-husband, serial killer Melvin Royal, and his league of psychotic accomplices. But the war isn’t over. Not since Melvin broke out of prison. Not since she received a chilling text… You’re not safe anywhere now. Her refuge at Stillhouse Lake has become a trap. Gwen leaves her children in the protective custody of a fortified, well-armed neighbor. Now, with the help of Sam Cade, brother of one of Melvin’s victims, Gwen is going hunting. She’s learned how from one of the sickest killers alive. But what she’s up against is beyond anything she feared—a sophisticated and savage mind game calculated to destroy her. As trust beyond her small circle of friends begins to vanish, Gwen has only fury and vengeance to believe in as she closes in on her prey. And sure as the night, one of them will die.

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Book SynopsisTwo thousand people go missing in Alaska every year. They vanish in the middle of mountain footraces, on fishing boats in the Bering Sea, on small planes in the Bush. Now a geologist known for going walkabout with his rock hammer has disappeared from the Suulutaq Mine in the Park. Was it deliberate? An accident? Foul play? Native Aleut Private Investigator Kate Shugak may be the only person who can find out. But for the fact that Kate, too, is now among the missing...Trade ReviewRichly nuanced, highly entertaining... The book is sprinkled with wit, studded with exquisite descriptions of the rugged landscape, and filled with opinionated and endearing characters... The dialogue is smart, authentic, and reminiscent of Elmore Leonard' * Publishers Weekly *Maintains Stabenow's reputation for concise prose, pithy dialogue, full bodied characters, and intriguing plotting. Crime fiction doesn't get much better than this * Booklist *A clever, colourful, credible tale * Literary Review *While Stabenow's plots are always neat and clever, it is the evocation of the northernmost US state and the way in which people adapt to its harsh environment that makes these books memorable * Literary Review *

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Book SynopsisSHE PLANNED HER OWN FUNERAL. BUT DID SHE ARRANGE HER MURDER? Buried secrets, murder and a trail of bloody clues lie at the heart of Anthony Horowitz’s page-turning new detective series. If you enjoyed BBC’s Sherlock, you’ll LOVE The Word is Murder! A wealthy woman strangled six hours after she’s arranged her own funeral.A very private detective uncovering secrets but hiding his own.A reluctant author drawn into a story he can’t control.What do they have in common?'A real page-turner. I loved it!' ALED JONES (ITV, Weekend)'The beguiling whodunit plot is dispatched with characteristic elan as Horowitz blurs the line between fact and fiction' (Financial Times)“A very clever and inventive mystery" (Bookbag)"A perfect detective novel in a unique style complete with an excellent twist!" (Life Has a Funny Way of Sneaking Up On You)‘With its unorthodox protagonist, clever plotting, brilliantly imperfect characters, and escalating sense of urgency and intrigue, THE WORD IS MURDER is an instant crime classic that will keep you reading as fast as you can… one of the best and most compulsively readable mysteries of the year. Hugely satisfying on every level." (Written by Sime)'Will undoubtedly exhilarate not only crime and Horowitz fans but anyone who enjoys the sense of metafiction and fourth wall breaking found in books by authors like Lemony Snicket, Bret Easton Ellis and Martin Amis.' (Fiendfully Reading)'A very addictive read… go get yourself a copy, right now’ (Me and My Books)‘The Word is Murderis an appreciation of the crime fiction genre and all the greatest crime fiction writers. It's a homage to our favourite detectives and our favourite sidekicks. The Word is Murder follows the conventions of the thriller genre but it also feels new and original. I found this book refreshing, incredibly readable and actually, the word I want to use is delightful!’ Bibliomaniac blog‘Clever and engaging’ See Orange blog‘A rather intriguing mix of fact and fiction’ Bailey’s Blog‘This book has one of the most unique concepts of all the books I’ve ever read’ The Stacked Shelf blogTrade ReviewIngenious twist on the classic whodunnit * The Guardian *Splendidly entertaining, absorbing and difficult to put down. Hawthorne is an intriguing character * Daily Express *Horowitz is strong on plot … and infectiously zestful * Daily Telegraph *A real page-turner. I loved it! -- ALED JONES (ITV, Weekend)Raises the game-playing to Olympic level. * Guardian Books of the Year *

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Book SynopsisDeep beneath the English Channel, a small army of vicious terrorists has seized control of the Eurostar to Paris, taken 400 hostages at gunpoint and declared war on a government that has more than its own fair share of secrets to keep. One man stands in their way. An off-duty SAS soldier is hiding somewhere inside the train. Alone and injured, he's the only chance the passengers and crew have of getting out alive. Meet Andy McNab''s explosive new creation, Sergeant Tom Buckingham, as he unleashes a whirlwind of intrigue and retribution in his attempt to stop the terrorists and save everyone on board including Delphine, the beautiful woman he loves. Hurtling us at breakneck speed between the Regiment's crack assault teams, Whitehall's corridors of power and the heart of the Eurotunnel action, RED NOTICE is McNab at his devastatingly authentic, pulse pounding best.RED NOTICE: You have been warned

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Book SynopsisAdam Hamdy''s debut novel, Pendulum, was touted as one of the best thrillers of the year by James Patterson. John Wallace returns in Freefall and must figure out who he can trust in this high-octane sequel.Eight months after confronting the Pendulum killer, John Wallace is losing himself in a dangerous warzone in a misguided attempt at penance for the deaths that he believes he caused. But an assassination attempt leads Wallace to realize that he has once again been targeted for death. This time, Wallace is prepared and, tracking down his would-be assassin, he discovers a link to his nemesis, Pendulum.That link is the missing piece of a puzzle that has tormented FBI agent Christine Ash ever since they confronted Pendulum, but with no Bureau support, she has been unable to pursue her case. Wallace''s proof puts her back on the trail, but it also exposes them both to terrible danger. Confronted by a powerful, hidden enemy, Ash and WallaTrade ReviewI read Pendulum in one gloriously suspenseful weekend. Definitely one of the best thrillers of the year -- James PattersonFreefall is a relentless, adrenaline-charged thriller that grips from the first page * Daily Express *One of the best thriller writers I've read in recent years, Adam's writing is slick and unputdownable, he hooks you in from the first chapter and doesn't let you come up for air. -- Jenny Blackhurst,#1 eBook bestselling authorA fabulous thriller, with a very contemporary spin . . . Excitement guaranteed -- Northern Crime blogHamdy is authentic and well researched. This book hooked me like a fish on a line. -- Bookaholic's Refuge blogAdam Hamdy's writing is so engaging . . . you cannot look away -- Broadbean's Books blog...the best thriller writers seamlessly sew together heart stopping action sequences with deeply intriguing characters and a proper, well rounded plot that doesn't expect insane suspension of disbelief levels - Adam Hamdy walks that line pitch perfectly -- Liz Loves BooksEverything you need in a good thriller is in this book, gripping plot, action, brilliant characters and an underlying menace that keeps you reading long into the night! -- The Quiet KnitterThis is a high-octane, adrenaline fuelled thriller that powers along at unremitting pace yet never runs out of the energy and ingenuity -- Never ImitateFreefall is everything you need in a thriller - action-packed and high octane with an underlying menace. -- Promoting Crime blogA multi-layered storyline, packed with drama, conspiracies and deadly encounters, powered with adventure and action, this is a must for those who enjoy gritty, expertly-crafted thrillers * Choice magazine *So tense, you will be biting your nails long before the final chapter * Sun *A suspense-filled thriller that is relentless in its action -- Kindle Delight blog

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Book Synopsis''Outstandingly brilliant'' Clare MackintoshDid she really see Melody?The stunning new pageturner from the Queen of Psychological Suspense. Pushed to breaking point, Cara Burrows abandons her home and family and escapes to a five-star spa resort she can''t afford. Late at night, exhausted and desperate, she lets herself into her hotel room and is shocked to find it already occupied - by a man and a teenage girl.A simple mistake on the part of the hotel receptionist - but Cara''s fear intensifies when she works out that the girl she saw alive and well in the hotel room is someone she can''t possibly have seen: the most famous murder victim in the country, Melody Chapa, whose parents are serving life sentences for her murder.Cara doesn''t know what to trust: everything she''s read and heard about the case, or the eTrade ReviewOutstandingly brilliant -- Clare MackintoshThis clever, captivating and consistently funny whodunit could well be Hannah's best contemporary novel to date * Sunday Times *A top-notch page-turner full of intrigue and unforgettable characters - Sophie Hannah at her absolute best. -- Liz NugentGripping - and wryly funny - page-turner. * Good Housekeeping *With more twists, twirls and turns than a Quidditch match, DID YOU SEE MELODY? will keep you guessing - and turning pages - right till its explosive end. * Heat *Sophie Hannah adds a wickedly satiric edge to the 'is she/isn't she' scenario, ridiculing the court of American public opinion while providing a tense and twisty mystery. * Evening Standard *Did You See Melody? is Sophie Hannah at her very best. Twisty as a corkscrew and totally entertaining, it is the definition of a page turner - I read it in one day. Put everything on hold and pick up this book now. Brilliant -- Jenny BlackhurstThis chilling offering is yet another page turner from the queen of psychological thrillers. * Closer *A fast paced, exhilarating read with a fantastic central plot that keeps you guessing right till the end. * Kate Hamer *Brilliant writing, great story - what more could you want? -- B.A. ParisIn Hannah's capable hands, the psychological thriller is elevated * Stylist *Beautifully plotted, Did You See Melody? begins with an intriguing premise and pulls you through the story with breath-taking twists from that moment on...I loved everything about this novel, from the setting to the witty and vivid characters to the immensely satisfying ending. I will be recommending this one to everyone - and you will, too * Elizabeth Haynes *Hannah lures in the reader with her usual sneaky prowess . . . you think you know what's going on, but you don't. Imaginative plotting and tricky characters whip you around until you just give up figuring out the end and hang on. If you're looking for a terrific crime thriller for your next relaxing escape, this is it (but you might want to double-check your room number first). * Julia Heaberlin *An intriguing premise, a brilliant setting and a conclusion that will haunt you - Did You See Melody is utterly addictive. * Emma Kavanagh *A zingingly fresh take on the psych thriller * Anya Lipska *Brilliantly plotted with a superb setting and unforgettable characters. Fast-paced, packed full of intrigue and moments of piercing wit. Fabulous. * Amanda Jennings *Sophie Hannah needs no introduction. -- Mike Ripley * Shots Magazine *Intriguing * Woman & Home *Genuine thrills * Telegraph *Superb * Cosmopolitan *

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Book SynopsisIn a top-secret location deep in the Ural Mountains, Russian President Gennadiy Gryzlov has built his nation''s most dangerous weapon since the atomic bomb-a fearsome tool to gain superiority in Russia''s long-running battle with the West. From inside Perun Aerie-an intricate network of underground tunnels and chambers that is the heart of the Russian cyber warfare program-he is launching a carefully plotted series of attacks on an unsuspecting U.S. and its European allies.The first strike targets Warsaw, Poland, where Russian malware wipes out the records of nearly every Polish bank account, imploding the country''s financial system and panicking the rest of Europe. When Stacy Anne Barbeau, the besieged American president, fails to effectively combat the Russian threat, Brad McLanahan, on some well-earned R&R with his new Polish girlfriend, Major Nadia Rozek, is called back to duty.As the Russians'' deadly tactics escalate - including full-scale assaults on Europe''

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Book SynopsisThis unorthodox novel from 1934 is by a gifted crime writer who, wrote Dorothy L. Sayers, 'handles his characters like a "real" novelist and the English language like a "real" writer - merits which are still, unhappily, rarer than they should be in the ranks of the murder specialists.'

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Book SynopsisSuper sleuth Sister Fidelma returns in THE LEPER''S BELL the fourteenth historical mystery by Peter Tremayne, acclaimed author of BADGER''S MOON, THE HAUNTED ABBOT and many more.PRAISE FOR THE SISTER FIDELMA SERIES: ''The background detail is brilliantly defined . . . wonderfully evocative'' The Times, ''A brilliant and beguiling heroine. Immensely appealing'' Publishers Weekly A servant has been murdered and the baby in her charge abducted. Fidelma of Cashel has solved even more horrendous crimes in her career as an advocate of the ancient Brehon Courts of Ireland. But this case is different. For both Sister Fidelma and her companion, Brother Eadulf of Saxmund''s Ham, the case is unique because of the personal emotions involved. The baby who has been abducted is their own son. What is the motive for their crime? Could someone seeking vengeance on Fidelma and Eadulf have done the deed? They have made a lot of enemies in their pursuTrade ReviewPraise for the Sister Fidelma Series: 'Definitely an Ellis Peters competitor * Evening Standard *This is masterly storytelling from an author who breathes fascinating life into the worth he is writing about * Belfast Telegraph *A compulsive readable whodunit fronted by one of the most reliably intriguing characters to grace the pages of the genre * Booklist *Tremayne's super-sleuth is a vibrant creation * Morgan Llywelyn *A brilliant and beguiling heroine. Immensely appealing * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisKnown as the Veiled One, the ugly and deformed Akenhaten is a shadowy figure. As a child he is overlooked and despised by his own father. As an adult he is thrust into the political limelight when his elder brother dies. Mahu, ambitious and ruthless, watches the young prince carve his own path to power. He becomes Akenhaten''s alter ego, his protector and confidant, standing by as Akenhaten proclaims that there is only one God, the Aten, and that he, Akenhaten, is that God''s only son. Revolution and chaos follow in this dramatic reign filled with fraud, abduction, assassination, betrayal and treachery. But when Mahu becomes suspicious of Akenhaten''s majestic and glorious wife Nefertiti, and the political skill of her brother, Ay, it seems that a hidden and malign influence may also be at work. And then Akenhaten disappears...Trade Review'Doherty has typically woven a delightfully dark tale around what must have been the most remarkable period of Egyptian history...So stoke up the fire, draw the curtains and put your feet up in order to enjoy this delightfully spooky and robust tale of demons, death and disease in old Egypt. Great stuff!' Historical Novels Review Nov 2003 * Historical Novels Review *'Doherty has typically woven a delightfully dark tale around what must have been the most remarkable period of Egyptian history...So stoke up the fire, draw the curtains and put your feet up in order to enjoy this delightfully spooky and robust tale of demons, death and disease in old Egypt. Great stuff!' Historical Novels Review Nov 2003 * Historical Novels Review *

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Book SynopsisThe discovery of a dead body shatters the tranquillity of a Cotswold village in Ann Granger''s second Campbell and Carter mystery.When old Monty Bickerstaffe finds a dead body in his drawing room it comes as a nasty surprise - the first of many. Monty lives alone in a crumbling Cotswold manor house and the last thing he wants is the police sniffing around his property. Not that he has anything to hide...The identity of the corpse and how and why it was left in Monty''s home remain a mystery. The locals swear they''ve seen nothing unusual and Monty''s relatives claim they''ve never set eyes on the stiff before. But Inspector Jess Campbell is convinced that someone''s lying and, with the help of Superintendent Ian Carter, she must dig deep into Monty''s family history to reveal the shocking truth...Trade ReviewPraise for Ann Granger's previous crime novels: 'Characterisation, as ever with Granger, is sharp and astringent' * The Times *'The plot is neat and ingenious, the characters rounded and touchingly credible, and the writing of this darkly humorous but humane and generous novel fluent, supple and a pleasure to read' * Ham and High *'The reader can expect a treat. Lively, different and fun' * Yorkshire Post *'Ann Granger's skill with character together with her sprightly writing make the most of the story....she is on to another winner' * Birmingham Post *'One of crime fiction's most engaging heroines' * Yorkshire Post *

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Book SynopsisThe first in THE HUNTERS series from the international bestseller Chris Kuzneski - If you seek, they will find...The Hunters: Financed by a billionaire philanthropist, this elite team - an ex-soldier, an historian, a computer whiz, a weapons expert, and a thief - is tasked with finding the world''s most legendary treasures.The mission: Fearing a German victory in WWI, the Romanian government signed a deal with Russia to guarantee the safety of the country''s treasures. In 1916, two trains full of gold and the most precious possessions of the Romanian state - paintings, jewellery, and ancient artefacts - were sent to the underground vaults of the Kremlin. But in the turmoil of war, the treasure was scattered - and lost. Almost a century later, the haul is valued at over 3.5 billion dollars. Despite hundreds of attempts to find it, its location has remained a mystery... Until now.Can the Hunters find the treasure and succeed where all others have failed?Trade Review'THE HUNTERS kicks off a brilliant new series from Chris Kuzneski. Adventure, history, mystery, and more - everything you'd want in a thriller!' * Scott Mariani *'Kuzneski does it again with another terrific tale, filled with action and deception, bringing the unimaginable to life. Definitely my kind of story!' * Steve Berry *'If Indiana Jones joined the crew of Mission Impossible, you'd get the action, history, and wicked sense of humor in THE HUNTERS. With a thrill ride that pins you to your seat until the very last page, Chris Kuzneski sets a new standard for adventure' * Boyd Morrison *

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Book SynopsisA brilliant serial killer thriller from a hugely talented British author to rival the best from Mark Billingham, Peter James and Peter Robinson. When four Derby College students are reported missing, few in Derby CID, least of all DI Damen Brook, pay much attention. But then a film on the internet is discovered purporting to show the students committing mass suicide. If it''s real, why did they kill themselves when they had such bright futures ahead of them? If the suicides are faked, why the set up and where are the students? And if they''re dead and have been murdered, who on earth could have planned such a bizarre and tragic end to their promising lives? Combining intricate forensics with meticulous detection and the warped psychology of a psychopath, DEITY is a serial killer thriller of the highest order to rival the very best of Mark Billingham, Peter James and Peter Robinson.Trade Review'A gripping serial killer story with an exceptional depth of humanity, Deity delves into the darkest corners of human motivation. DI Damen Brook is one of the most memorable characters in recent British crime fiction. The city of Derby finally has a copper to match anything Edinburgh or Oxford can produce! Dark and twisted, but DI Brook has an intense emotional core' * Stephen Booth *'I've read all of Steven Dunne's Damon Brook novels and have enjoyed all three, but DEITY is the best (so far!) It's very rare that I find a book that I just can't stop reading , but DEITY was devoured in two sessions, with only the need to sleep getting in the way! I'm really coming to care about DI Brook, his dark past and broken present, troubled relationships and a life teetering on the edge of total collapse. I don't know if it's Steven Dunne's eye for local detail, or understanding of young people that really brings DEITY to life, but I can't walk home over the Derwent without checking in the water for bodies, or wondering which of the Drinkers by the Assembly rooms is working undercover! I'm sure, in time Derby will be as linked to DI Brook as Oxford is to Morse, or Edinburgh to Rebus.' * Sean Heavens, Manager Waterstones, Derby *

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Book SynopsisTerrifying, thrilling and addictive - the celebrated tale of chilling murder, played out on the bleak, eerie wilds of a West Country moor

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Book SynopsisTHE PERFECT HUSBAND, the first book in the FBI Profiler series from The Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller Lisa Gardner. What would you do if the man you loved wanted to kill you? If you love Karin Slaughter, you''ll love Lisa Gardner.When Tess Beckett married Jim, a well-respected and decorated cop, she thought all her dreams had come true. But within two years the vows she made were shattered as her husband was charged with murdering ten women. With Jim behind bars, Tess feels certain that she can move on with her life. Until she learns that Jim has escaped from prison. As a frantic and rigorous manhunt gets underway in four states, Tess knows that it''s only a matter of time until her perfect husband tracks her down for the revenge he is sure to demand. And when he finds her, she must be ready. Because this time she''s determined that their separation will be ''till death do us part''.

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Book SynopsisDECEPTION is at the heart of this shockingly intriguing novel, showing that privilege can be a front for evil. New York Times No. 1 bestseller Jonathan Kellerman''s books are a must-read for fans of Harlan Coben and Michael Connelly. DECEPTION is ''all you could ask for in an LA thriller'' (Daily Mail).On a DVD found near her lifeless body, Elise Freeman chronicles a year-and-a-half-long ordeal of monstrous abuse at the hands of three sadistic tormentors. But even more shocking than the lurid details is the revelation that the offenders, like their victim, are teachers at a prestigious LA prep school. If ever homicide detective Milo Sturgis could use Dr Alex Delaware''s psychological prowess, it''s now. From the start, this case promises to be an uphill climb for truth and a down-and-dirty fight for justice. Alex and Milo must penetrate the citadel of wealth and scholarship to expose the dirty secrets and deadly sins festering amongTrade Review'Kellerman doesn't disappoint, and in his battles with the rich and powerful school authorities who are trying to cover up the crime it reminds you of Marlowe and General Sternwood's orchids in The Big Sleep. Tough to put down but with a wry side, it's all you could ask for in an LA thriller' * Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisThe legend of King Arthur lives on in this epic and dramatic new trilogy from the magnificent storyteller M. K. Hume. Sure to appeal to fans of Game of Thrones.Trade ReviewHume brings the bloody, violent, conniving world vividly to life...will appeal to those who thrill to Game of Thrones and other tales of intersecting, ever-warring, noble lineages * Kirkus Review *Hume deftly navigates the Arthurian legends, populating them with likable and despicable characters, and casting them in a fully realized historical setting * Publishers Weekly *Historical fiction of the most bloodthirsty and roistering kind * Australian Bookseller & Publishers Magazine *Exciting, violent and bloody... Up there with Conn Iggulden and Bernard Cornwell * www.lovereading.co.uk *It's a slice of history that's totally, utterly believable. Magnificent * www.booksmonthly.co.uk *

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Book SynopsisWho guards the guardian angel?New Jersey bounty hunter Stephanie Plum is on the trail of a con-man in Notorious Nineteenth, the nineteenth sizzling adventure in the hilarious Stephanie Plum series by bestselling author Janet Evanovich. The perfect series for fans of Sue Grafton and Harlan Coben. Praise for Evanovich: ''Evanovich is a clever writer with a strong streak of laugh out loud sardonic humour'' (Melbourne Weekly); ''Non-stop laughs with plenty of high jinks'' (USA Today); ''As smart and sassy as high gloss wet paint'' (Time Out).Tracking down a multi-million-dollar fraudster who somehow walked out of hospital after major surgery should be easy, right? But Stephanie''s got more pressing work: her unbearably handsome mentor Ranger has been getting death threats from a fellow ex-Special Forces operative. Suddenly, she''s meant to be the one looking out for him.But between her attracTrade Review'A laugh-out-loud page-turner' -- Heat 'Pithy, witty and fast-paced' -- The Sunday Times

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Book SynopsisThe third novel in the fantastic Detective ''Kubu'' Bengu crime series is set in the southern Kalahari area of Botswana - a place full of buried lost cities, incredible hidden wealth, ancient gods and, for thousands of years, home to the nomadic Bushmen.When a fractious ranger named Monzo is found dead, fallen into a donga - a dry ravine - surrounded by three Bushmen, the local police arrest the nomads. Detective ''Kubu'' Bengu is on the case, which reunites him with his old school friend Khumanego, a Bushman and now an advocate for his people. Khumanego believes the arrests are motivated by racist antagonism from the police, as the Bushmen are claiming that they were at the murder scene because they were trying to help. Soon after Monzo''s death, Detective ''Kubu'' learns of another case involving two botany students on their way back from a specimen-collecting trip but who were later found dead, seemingly poisoned, at a campground. Could the deaths be connected?

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Book SynopsisSometimes fame can be fatal...Personal vendettas. Hidden treasure. A monkey named Carl. Stephanie Plum is as fearless as ever in the fourteenth hilarious novel in Janet Evanovich''s bestselling Stephanie Plum series. Fearless Fourteen is not to be missed by fans of Harlan Coben and JD Robb. Raves for Evanovich''s bestselling series: ''A laugh a minute against a background of dastardly crime with a ditzy heroine and two - yes TWO - of the hottest heroes ever created'' (Woman''s Weekly); ''A laugh-out-loud page-turner'' (Heat). Stephanie''s desperate enough for a bit of extra cash that she''s agreed to help run security for Brenda, the most successful - and most unpleasant - country star of her day. But that means working with Ranger, her too-hot mentor, AKA trouble in a Navy Seals cap.She''s also meant to be babysitting a teenage boy, and dealing with the fact that her boyfriend Morelli''s house may or may not Trade ReviewA Jersey girl with Bette Midler's mouth and Cher's fashion sense...with her brazen style and dazzling wardrobe, who could resist this doll? - New York Times Book ReviewEvanovich's series of New Jersey comedy thrillers are among the great joys of contemporary crime fiction... All the easy class and wit that you expect to find in the best American TV comedy, but too rarely find in modern fiction. - GQ

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Book SynopsisIt''s a race against time when a child goes missing...The world of Stephanie Plum has never been wilder than in Hard Eight, the eighth fast-paced mystery in the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich. The perfect read for fans of Lee Child and JD Robb.Raves for the Stephanie Plum series: ''Plum is not just a smart private eye but a heroine with a sense of humour'' (Daily Mail); ''Utterly delightful'' (Cosmopolitan); ''As smart and sassy as high-gloss wet paint'' (Time Out). Stephanie can''t say no when a neighbour begs her to find a missing family member - not even when local mob man Eddie Abruzzi becomes linked to the disappearance, and threatens to end Stephanie''s search by ending her life.Stephanie is going to need help and someone to watch her back. Since she''s on the off with cop Joe Morelli, that leaves her mentor and tormentor, Ranger. And that could be the most dangerous thing of all...<Trade ReviewA Jersey girl with Bette Midler's mouth and Cher's fashion sense...with her brazen style and dazzling wardrobe, who could resist this doll? - New York Times Book ReviewEvanovich's series of New Jersey comedy thrillers are among the great joys of contemporary crime fiction... All the easy class and wit that you expect to find in the best American TV comedy, but too rarely find in modern fiction. - GQ

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Book SynopsisRoman army heroes Macro and Cato have the fate of the Empire in their hands when rebellion breaks out Crete. A riveting and epic adventure in the acclaimed and bestseller Eagles of the Empire series. AD 48. The friendship between Roman Centurions Cato and Macro is rock solid. Returning to Rome from a harrowing campaign, they are shipwrecked when an earthquake strikes the island of Crete. Struggling ashore they discover panic, devastation and a slave revolt. Led by a gladiator called Ajax, the enslaved men are driven by a bloodthirsty desire for revenge that renders them almost invincible.Taking control of the shaken men of the local garrison, Cato and Macro must save the province, before the rebellion can threaten the Empire itself...What readers say about The Gladiator''Superb storylines . . . tremendous enjoyment'' *****''One of the most gripping novels of this series'' *****''A beautifully scripTrade ReviewPraise for Simon Scarrow: 'I really don't need this kind of competition... It's a great read' -- Bernard CornwellA new book in Simon Scarrow's series about the Roman army is always a joy * The Times *Gripping... ferocious and compelling, it is a story of blood, romance and sacrifice * Daily Express *Rollicking good fun * Mail on Sunday *A satisfyingly bloodthirsty, bawdy romp...perfect for Bernard Cornwell addicts who will relish its historical detail and fast-paced action. Storming stuff * Good Book Guide *Gripping * Sunday Times *Scarrow's [novels] rank with the best * Independent *

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Book SynopsisThe year 1934.After the incident at theMist Wall, the Martillo Family''s youngest capo finds himself on his way toprison to protect the one he loves. The rest are there for their ownreasons--the homicidal maniac wants to taste the thrill of killing an immortal,the thief simply got himself caught, the hitman is there on a mission for Nebula,and the alchemist was incarcerated years ago. As the FBI attempts to get to the bottom of Huey''s machinations, another ruckus is about eruptacross the San Francisco Bay--deep in the heart of Alcatraz.

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Book SynopsisAs part of the Louis L’Amour’s Lost Treasures series, this edition contains exclusive bonus materials!   Kilkenny wasn’t looking for trouble when he entered the Clifton House stage station, but trouble found him when a reckless youngster named Tetlow challenged him, drew his gun, and paid for it with his life. Looking to escape a reputation that he never wanted, Kilkenny settles in the lonely mountain country of Utah, planning to ranch a high, lush valley. But the past is on his trail. Jared Tetlow is a powerful rancher determined to run his vast herd on the limited grasslands there—whether he has to buy out the local ranchers, run them out, or kill them. He’ll cut down anyone who stands in his way, especially a man he already despises: the gunman named Kilkenny—the man who killed his son.Louis L’Amour’s Lost Treasures is a project created to release some of the author’s more unconventional man

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Book SynopsisBarbara Nadel's gripping Turkish crime novel tackles the treacherous and seedy underworld of Detroit's gang warfareTrade ReviewPraise for Barbara Nadel: 'I can't think of a better summertime read * Mail on Sunday *Gripping and unusual detective story, vivid and poignant * Literary Review *Impeccable mystery plotting, exotic and atmospheric * Guardian *Intelligent and captivating * The Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisGruesome secrets from the past turn into a dark and complex current case for psychologist Alex Delaware. GUILT is a compelling and high-octane thriller from bestselling author Jonathan Kellerman, author of KILLER and BREAKDOWN, and is recommended for fans of Harlan Coben and Michael Connelly. ''Ingenious and horrifying'' (The Sunday Times). When a young couple takes possession of their dream home, they can''t wait to remodel the neglected mansion. That is until they make a gruesome discovery of a rusted metal strongbox containing two rotting leather doctor''s bags. And inside each bag, swaddled in sheets of sixty-year-old newspaper, lies a tiny human skeleton. The case hits the media, and theories abound. The most likely culprit is a mysterious woman, employed as private nurse to wealthy L.A. families during World War Two. Lieutenant Milo Sturgis consults psychologist Alex Delaware for insight into the perpetrator''s motives but the horror is juTrade Review'Sophisticated, cleverly plotted and satisfying' * Sunday Telegraph *'High-octane entertainment' * The Times *'Exceptionally exciting' * New York Times *'Ingenious and horrifying' * The Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisPassion. Treachery. Murder... A heart-stopping epic about a Jewish slave girl and Rome''s greatest gladiator, who become involved in a plot to assassinate an emperorOrphaned by Rome''s savage legions, Thea, a slave girl from Judaea, has learned what it takes to survive. She knows only violence until a chance meeting with gladiator Arius offers a shred of tenderness. But their bond is severed when Thea is sold again, condemned to rot in squalor. Years later, a singer known as Athena betrays no hint of her troubled past. Catching the eye of the Emperor himself, she is swept into a world of decadence and depravity. But although Domitian fears betrayal from every side, he is unaware that the greatest threat lies next to him - a slave girl who has come to be called the Mistress of Rome...

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Book SynopsisFans of Dan Brown and Clive Cussler will love the thrilling new Jack Howard action adventure from Sunday Times bestseller David Gibbins. 1351 BC: Akhenaten the Sun-Pharaoh rules supreme in Egypt...until the day he casts off his crown and mysteriously disappears into the desert, his legacy seemingly swallowed up by the remote sands beneath the Great Pyramids of Giza. AD 1884: A British soldier serving in the Sudan stumbles upon an incredible discovery - a submerged temple containing evidence of a terrifying religion whose god was fed by human sacrifice. The soldier is on a mission to reach General Gordon before Khartoum falls. But he hides a secret of his own. Present day: Jack Howard and his team are excavating one of the most amazing underwater sites they have ever encountered, but dark forces are watching to see what they will find. Diving into the Nile, they enter a world three thousand years back in history, inhabited by a people who have sworn to Trade ReviewIt's loaded with real facts and highly plausible scenarios...it's a gripping read * Mirror *

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Book Synopsis''If there has been a better mystery suspense story written in this decade, I can''t think of it'' STEPHEN KING________________________Apologies for the general email, but I desperately need your help.My goddaughter, Coco Jackson, disappeared from her family''s holiday home in Bournemouth on the night of Sunday/Monday August 29/30th, the bank holiday weekend just gone. Coco is three years old.When identical twin Coco goes missing during a family celebration, there is a media frenzy. Her parents are rich and influential, as are the friends they were with at their holiday home by the sea.But what really happened to Coco?Over two intense weekends - the first when Coco goes missing and the second twelve years later at the funeral of her father - the darkest of secrets will gradually be revealed...Taut, emotive and utterly compelling, THE DARKEST SECRET is an unputdownable ''rippedTrade ReviewIf there has been a better mystery suspense story written in this decade, I can't think of it * Stephen King *A genuinely shocking thriller where nothing is what it seems. So good I wish I'd written it myself. * Val McDermid, Sunday Times Number 1 Bestseller *A taut, white-knuckle, one-sitting kind of read that will have you guessing and gasping out loud, right to the very last page. * Sarra Manning, Red *A chilling thriller with a deftly woven plot: this is Marwood's best yet. * Clare Mackintosh, Number 1 Kindle Bestseller *Oh my god, it is SO good. A work of genius. I'm in awe * Mark Edwards, Number 1 Kindle Bestseller *Alex Marwood's The Darkest Secret is a feast of a novel, a modern Greek tragedy with believable characters, a heart stopping plot and a brilliant triple jump of an ending that left me clutching the book. I haven't read anything so satisfying in a long time. I loved The Wicked Girls, but this is even better. * Jenny Eclair *With the psychological acuity of Kate Atkinson and a dark wit all her own, Alex Marwood draws us into The Darkest Secret with utter narrative cunning, then surprises with its emotional wallop, its deeper resonances. In so doing, she demonstrates, without a doubt, that she is one of crime fiction's brightest stars. Not to be missed. * Megan Abbott *Simply tremendous, so tense and packed with pathos. I loved every page of it. * Sarah Hilary *I made the mistake of thinking I could read a couple of pages and then spend the weekend writing. Well, that was not the case. A few pages was not enough, in fact, nothing was enough until I had finished it. I think it is taut storytelling at its best and by the end I was breathless. I actually didn't realise I was holding my breath until I turned that very last page. * Angela Marsons, Number 1 Kindle Bestseller *A taut, claustrophobic look into toxic relationships and family secrets. I couldn't put it down as more and more layers were revealed, with suspense and intrigue creating a tense and satisfying read. * Mel Sherratt *Those of us who admire Alex Marwood's writing know her for devious plotting, skillful manipulation of suspense, and an ability to add the bleakly comic to what others would leave merely bleak. In The Darkest Secret she gives us even more, with some genuinely beautiful writing about grief and loss, adding a real poignancy to the twists of the story, creatinga crime novel that is also heartbreakingly human. * Stella Duffy *I cancel all engagements and turn off my phone for a new Alex Marwood book. The Darkest Secret is her best yet. * Erin Kelly *In The Darkest Secret Alex Marwood has created a masterful thriller and a cast of the most deliciously vile and compelling characters I have encountered. It's a novel that stands out from the crowd. * Colette McBeth *The Darkest Secret is spine tingling and terrifying, a beautifully written tale of obsessive love. * Lisa Jewell *The Darkest Secret by Alex Marwood is such a good book! It's involving and intelligent; a mystery revealed from multiple viewpoints. I'm sure it will be a huge hit. * Helen Smith *I read the book in one weekend and thoroughly enjoyed it. It's ghoulishly page-turning and I loved Alex's ability to create characters that are addictively vile. As a reader you feel afterwards like washing your hands as though they're blood-stained! * Cath Weeks *The Darkest Secret left me reeling. This book is an absolute TRIUMPH! * Rebecca Griffiths *Alex Marwood goes from strength to strength. The Darkest Secret is domestic noir at its finest. Even more twisty than Gone Girl, this novel is dynamite, exploding the heart of family secrets with shocking results. * Ruth Dugdall *At turns suspenseful, chilling and deeply, unexpectedly moving, The Darkest Secret is a true tour de force. Alex Marwood's richly detailed, heartbreakingly human characters will stay with you long after the book's shocking conclusion. I loved it. * Alison Gaylin *Beautifully written, masterfully structured, The Darkest Secret gently takes hold of you from the very first page then steadily squeezes until you finally close the book and realise that you haven't been breathing for the last hundred pages or so. I doubt you'll read a better book all year, it's that good. * Simon Toyne *You know when you read a really good book and you can't wait to tell everyone about it? That's how we feel about Alex Marwood's The Darkest Secret. (A) gripping thriller * Reveal *With The Darkest Secret, Alex Marwood has become one of my must-read crime writers. It's an amazingly gripping book, and the structure is a thing of beauty * Sophie Hannah *Alex's greatest strength is her characters. They're people we know; people we love, people we hate. It's all there, life on a page * Kerry Wilkinson *Dark, twisted and compelling, Marwood has impressed again * The Sun *The Darkest Secret is Alex Marwood's best book yet - no small thing when one considers that her first two crime novels were both award winners. Her plots are always top-notch - deft, twisty - but it's the humanity she grants all her characters that makes her one of our best. This story will grip you to the final page, but Milly and her troubled family may never leave you * Laura Lippman *Read The Darkest Secret, by Alex Marwood - unputdownable grip-lit * India Knight *Wow. It's a long time since a book flattened me as emotionally as that. Just stunning * Martyn Waites *Unputdownable * Best *A tense, poignant and ingeniously crafted mystery * Guardian *Cutting expertly from past to present among a cast of deliriously unpleasant characters, Marwood's devilishly plotted tale arrives at an unexpectedly moving, human climax before its utterly devastating epilogue...The Darkest Secret is a triump and a treat * Irish Times *

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