Crime & Thrillers Books

Book Synopsis''Griffin''s characters leap off the page, and she throws myriad twists, turns, and red herrings into her taut plot as it rockets to a heart-pounding finale. The result is a high-stakes romantic thriller that''s sure to please'' Publishers WeeklyWith her signature breathless pacing and suspenseful twists and turns, ''Laura Griffin never fails to put me on the edge of my seat'' USA TODAYIf you love Karen Rose, Melinda Leigh and Lisa Gardner, you''ll be gripped by Laura Griffin!.......................Can she find the truth in a growing web of lies?Detective Nicole Lawson is fed up with her job and non-existent love life, especially when her first date in months gets cut short by an urgent call from the chief of police. A body has been discovered at Lighthouse Point, and news of the homicide quickly reverberates through Nicole''s hometown.Leading the investigation is Emmet Davis, a veteran detective and Nicole''s f

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Book SynopsisRogue Stars is a character-based, science fiction skirmish wargame, where players command crews of bounty hunters, space pirates, merchants, prospectors, smugglers, mercenary outfits, planetary police, and other such shady factions from the fringes of galactic civilization. Crews can vary in size, typically from four to six, and the character and crew creation systems allow for practically any concept to be built. Detailed environmental rules that include options for flora, fauna, gravity, dangerous terrain and atmosphere, and scenario design rules that ensure that missions are varied and demand adaptation and cunning on the parts of the combatants, make practically any encounter possible. Run contraband tech to rebel fighters on an ocean world while being hunted by an alien kill-team or hunt down a research vessel and fight zero-gravity boarding actions in the cold depths of space--whatever you can imagine, you can do.Table of ContentsForeword / Introduction / The Rules / Characters / Crews / Scenarios / Campaigns

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Book SynopsisThe islands of the Ghost Archipelago are covered in the ruins of ancient civilizations, but there is one group whose culture still thrives and whose power still grows the Dricheans. Divided into many small kingdoms and city-states that wage near-constant war with snake-men, native tribes, and with each other, the Dricheans are renowned for the gleaming bronze of their weapons and armour, and their martial prowess. Organized and militaristic, these formidable warriors pose a new threat to adventurers exploring the Lost Isles.This supplement for Frostgrave: Ghost Archipelago examines the scattered realms of the Dricheans, presenting players with three new mini-campaigns featuring these bronze-armed warriors. Also included are additional rules for using Drichean Crew and Soldiers as well as guidelines for creating your own Drichean kingdoms.

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Book SynopsisA fast-playing game of mecha skirmish combat in the post-apocalyptic ruins of Earth. In the blasted, radiation-scorched, wastelands of the Earth''s surface, towering mecha do battle, defending the interests of one of the few remaining arcology governments, providing security for wilderness outposts, or seeking out loot and supplies as a mercenary company. With detailed rules for designing and customizing your mecha, from size and propulsion type to payload and pilot skills, and a campaign system that allows pilots to gain experience and skills as they patrol the shattered Earth, Gamma Wolves is a fast-playing game of post-apocalyptic mecha warfare.

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Book SynopsisA set of wargames rules covering heroic adventure and dastardly villains during the early 20th Century.Enter a world of perilous adventure and explore steaming jungles, desert canyons, and arctic wastes! Brave the perils of nature and discover lost ruins, ancient treasures, and the secrets of forgotten civilizations! Race against rival adventurers and face off against diabolical villains! Take to the city streets and fight back against gangsters, spies, and sinister cults!Pulp! is a scenario-driven skirmish wargame set during the interwar years of the early 20th Century. Players build teams of bold explorers, daring archaeologists, hardboiled detectives, and costumed avengers or criminal masterminds and evil geniuses and dive into a world of fortune, glory and menace. Suitable for both solo and cooperative play as well as the classic head-to-head mode, Pulp! contains all the rules needed to game globetrotting escapades in this rip-roaring era.

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Book SynopsisAn investigative roleplaying game of horrors both ancient and modern, inspired by the works of Arthur Machen and powered by the GUMSHOE system.Britain at the dawn of the 20th century. In the depths of the countryside, cults celebrate ancient rites in hidden clearings and caverns, beasts of legend emerge from their lairs to prey upon the unwary, and powerful beings of folklore and myth stir once more. In the urban sprawl of London and other cities, secret societies struggle for power and dominance, rogue alchemists pursue occult ambitions, and scientists fuse modern technology with ancient mysticism to create new horrors.This is the world of The Terror Beneath, an investigative roleplaying game inspired by the works of the master of horror, Arthur Machen. It is into this world that players will step as unwitting investigators, plucked from amongst an oblivious populace by fate, malice, or blind fortune and set against the machinations of hidden cults, th

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Book SynopsisAn epic fantasy series where prophecy and mystery combine, with bloody results in the ancient walled city of the Twelve Kings . . .In the cramped west end of Sharakhai, the Amber Jewel of the Desert, Çeda fights in the pits to scrape a living. She, like so many in the city, pray for the downfall of the cruel, immortal Kings of Sharakhai, but she''s never been able to do anything about it. This all changes when she goes out on the night of Beht Zha''ir, the holy night when all are forbidden from walking the streets. It''s the night that the asirim, the powerful yet wretched creatures that protect the Kings from all who would stand against them, wander the city and take tribute. It is then that one of the asirim, a pitiful creature who wears a golden crown, stops Çeda and whispers long forgotten words into her ear. Çeda has heard those words before, in a book left to her by her mother, and it is through that one peculiar link that she begins to find hidden riddTrade ReviewTwelve Kings in Sharakhai is the gateway to what promises to be an intricate and exotic tale. The characters are well defined and have lives and histories that extend past the boundaries of the plot. The culture is well fleshed out and traditional gender roles are exploded. Çeda and Emre share a relationship seldom explored in fantasy, one that will be tried to the utmost as similar ideals provoke them to explore different paths. I expect that this universe will continue to expand in Beaulieu's skillful prose. Wise readers will hop on this train now, as the journey promises to be breathtaking -- Robin Hobb * author of Assassin's Apprentice *The protagonist, pit-fighter Çeda, is driven but not cold, and strong but not shallow. And the initial few scenes of violence and sex, while very engaging, soon give way to a much richer plot. Beaulieu is excellent at keeping a tight rein on the moment-to-moment action and building up the tension and layers of mysteries - (9/10 Rating) * SciFiNow *I am impressed... An exceedingly inventive story in a lushly realized dark setting that is not your uncle's Medieval Europe. I'll be looking forward to the next installment -- Glen Cook * author of The Black Company *Bradley P. Beaulieu's new fantasy epic is filled with memorable characters, enticing mysteries, and a world so rich in sensory detail that you can feel the desert breeze in your hair as you read. Çeda is hands-down one of the best heroines in the genre-strong, resourceful, and fiercely loyal to friends and family. Fantasy doesn't get better than this! -- C. S. Friedman * author of The Coldfire Trilogy *Exotic, sumptuous and incredibly entertaining, Beaulieu has created memorable characters in a richly imagined world -- Michael J. Sullivan, * author of The Riyria Chronicles *Beaulieu's fantasy worlds are well-imagined and richly drawn...the kind you want to keep visiting * Kirkus Speculative Reading List for September 2015 *Twelve Kings is the best new Epic Fantasy I've read in years -- Mark Yon * SFFWorld *A memorable heroine, a poetically told tale of revenge, and superb world-building make Twelve Kings in Sharakhai a splendid read -- John Marco * author of The Jackal of Nar and The Eyes of God *Bradley Beaulieu has crafted a rich, fascinating world, filled it with compelling characters, and blended them into an epic tale that grabbed my attention on the first page and refused to let go. I look forward to more stories of Sharakhai -- David B. Coe/D.B. Jackson * author of Rules of Ascension and Thieftaker *It's hard to take a desert novel and not draw comparisons to Dune, but Beaulieu manages to create a rich, totally individual world, teeming with wonders and wondrous characters. Çeda and Emre and their relationship rings true and draws the reader on through magic, vengeance, and above all, excitement. A hellacious start to what looks like the next towering epic fantasy -- John Hornor Jacobs * author of The Incorruptibles *Crammed with intrigue, suspense, and stunning action sequences. Engaging characters and masterful world-building -- Howard Andrew Jones * author of The Desert of Souls *Pit fighting smugglers high on steroid-like flower petals alongside immortal plutocrats, who will do anything to keep on living, make this blood and sand fueled epic fantasy something to behold. Trust me. It'll bowl-yer ass off -- Justin Landon * Staffer’s Book Review and Tor.com *Brad Beaulieu's Twelve Kings in Sharakai isn't the same as the last epic fantasy you read. Like the desert sands of Sharakhai, this first volume of Beaulieu's new series is a constantly shifting narrative of betrayal and friendship, loyalty and vengeance. Leave the farm boys to their chickens and the scullions to their pots, because Çeda's bringing a knife to this fight. It's vivid and diverse, full of complex relationships, eye-opening magic, and world building for this new age of fantasy that's broken out of its medieval shackles -- Aidan Moher * A Dribble of Ink *A lavish epic featuring gods, gangs, gladiators and everything in-between. With its deliciously original magic system, vast new world, reckless heroine and sinister array of ageless villains, this is a must for fans of Brandon Sanderson -- Jared Shurin * Pornokitsch *it all makes for what is probably going to be one of THE fantasy books of the year and a series that will surely be up there with the Big Boys * Terror Tree *Twelve Kings is a beautifully rich, absorbing novel, the beginning of a promising epic fantasy series. * SF Book *A beautiful richly imagined story that will end high in my top 2015 list for sure. * The Book Plank *A positively gripping opening, a wonderful story, vivid setting and an equally gripping finale. Bring on No.2 please....I have no hesitation in recommending this book to readers of epic fantasy - it's simply wonderful and compelling to read. * Lynns Books *Bradley Beaulieu builds a complex world around the city state - it's just as alive and characters, a fascinating fantasy realm that you'll wish you could visit. Ceda herself is much like the city: fiery and complicated * SFX *an incredibly well crafted traditional fantasy...Beauliey is excellent at keeping a tight rein on the moment-to-moment action and building up the tension and layers of mysteries. * Sci-Fi Now *I loved this book, want more of Çeda and I am fascinated by this world and its mythology (hint: I want to learn more about the Twelve Kings themselves). * SFF World *Beaulieu has created something altogether vivid and perfectly natural...Though Twelve Kings ends its narrative at a suitable point to stop and draw breath, I'm eager to read the next installment and disappointed that I will have to wait another year to do so. * Forbidden Planet International *Fantasy and horror, catacombs and sarcophagi, resurrections and revelations: The book has them all, and Beaulieu wraps it up in a package that's as graceful and contemplative as it is action-packed and pulse-pounding. * NPR.org *This is a series that will enthral me and many others for some time to come im sure.... another clear winner for Gollancz and a bright start for Beaulieu...bring on book 2 * Parmenion Books *Twelve Kings blends together action and adventure with political intrigue to create a wonderfully engrossing hybrid. Well rounded characterisation and an enthralling plot are elevated further by some truly effective world-building. Fans of epic fantasy are going to get a real kick out of this. * The Eloquent Page *This looks like the beginnings of a terrific new fantasy series, one that works largely within the accepted conventions, but finds a wealth of imaginative ways to build something new within it. * The Digital Fix *a breathtaking setting, a marvellously twisty plot, more intrigue than you can shake a stick at, and a cleverly drawn, strong protagonist to follow through it all. * Overtheeffingrainbow.co.uk *Overall this is a incredulously well thought out Fantasy Adventure that keeps you on the edge of your seat, turning pages and keeping you up late into the night. It flows enticingly, with ease, for a story with so much detail and depth. Not at one point was I bored but allured as these pages are full of twists and unexpected turns, mini cliff hangers that keep you on the edge of your seat, mystery that keeps you intrigued and your mind ticking and failing that a good old scrap in the pits. * The Fantasy Book Collector *A grand tapestry of a fantasy * BRITISH FANTASY SOCIETY *

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Book SynopsisThe first female president of the United States is summoned to an emergency briefing.Deep in the jungle of Peru, a black, skittering mass devours an American tourist party whole. FBI agent Mike Rich investigates a fatal plane crash in Minneapolis and makes a gruesome discovery. Unusual seismic patterns register in a Indian earthquake lab, confounding the scientists there. The Chinese government accidentally drops a nuclear bomb in an isolated region of its own country. And all of these events are connected. As panic begins to sweep the globe, a mysterious package from South America arrives at Melanie Guyer''s Washington laboratory. The unusual egg inside begins to crack. Something is spreading...The world is on the brink of an apocalyptic disaster. An virulent ancient species of spiders, long dormant, is now very much awake. But this is only the beginning of our end...Trade ReviewA high-octane thriller it is great fun and a real page-turner. * DAILY EXPRESS *Arachnophobes, move on. This is not for the likes of you. * THE FINANCIAL TIMES *Brace yourself for sleepless nights * SFX *Reads like a blockbuster movie * SciFiNow *It is skilfully written and entirely gripping - I think it is likely to be a best seller, and I would recommend you give it a go... * Nudge Books *a thoroughly entertaining, deliciously skin-crawling horror thriller that you'll like it with or without the spiders falling on your lap as you read it * For Winter's Nights *The inclusion of events and voices from around the world add to the growing suspense and excitement and, if you aren't scared of spiders, the idea of a carnivorous swarm of eight-legged homicidal maniacs, is enough to keep you turning the pages. * The Book Beard Blog *The Hatching marks the debut of an exciting new talent in horror. * GINGER NUTS OF HORROR *A sprawling and shamelessly compulsive adventure, this is a pleasingly fast-paced read that manages to combine smoothly crafted prose and sharp details with a selection of entertainingly gruesome shocks. * SFX *A rattlingly entertaining read * STARBURST *This is destined for the bestseller lists * LOVE READING *

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Book SynopsisEvery war come down to the flash of bright steel.Even when the air is full of magic . . .Aranthur and his friends have come together across different continents and realms with one purpose: to strike back against the forces which have torn a hole in the heavens and threaten to tear the world beneath them apart as well.With time running short, and treason at home, there are battles to be fought on the field, in the magical arena, and in the ever-deadly realm of politics, and they cannot fail anywhere or everything will fall. Victory will require enemies to trust one another, old foes to fight together, spies to reveal the truth and steadfast allies to betray long-corrupt rulers.Is Aranthur, a twenty-year-old student, really the master strategist to bring it all together?And can he and his friends build enough trust to overcome aeons of lies when their plans inevitably fall to pieces? Do they even know, for sure, who the enemy is . . . ?Praise for Miles Cameron''A masterclass in how to write modern fantasy . . . Miles Cameron is at the top of his game'' John Gwynne''A fresh take on the typical farm boy turned hero fantasy, this is everything you could possibly want in a fantasy series'' The Bibliophile Chronicles''A stirring, gritty and at times quite brutal epic fantasy'' Tor.com''This series promises to be the standout epic fantasy for the ages'' Fantasy Book CriticTrade ReviewTo conclude, as a pit stop on the way to the end "The Dread Wyrm" serves marvelously well. If anything, it is way too short. It does all that it's supposed to do: it enriches the world, expands upon the overall story and its main characters but more importantly, it entertains. * Upcoming4Me *

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Book SynopsisFor fans of Stranger Things and Ready Player One, The God Game is a brilliantly plotted science-fiction thriller about a VR game in which the stakes are impossibly high: if you die in the game, you die in real lifeTrade ReviewA dark, edgy thriller * Tom Perrotta, New York Times bestselling author of The Leftovers *A gripping page-turner * Elif Batuman, author of Pulitzer Prize finalist The Idiot *Smart, propulsive and gripping, The God Game is an ambitious thriller and a terrifying examination of what could - and probably already is - happening in the world of artificial intelligence * Harlan Coben, #1 Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author *Like an episode of Black Mirror written by Stephen King. It reminded me in parts of Stand By Me meets Ready Player One - a wildly original thriller with heart * John Marrs *Tension and turmoil add up to high stakes suspense and a plot that will make you wonder if all this stuff is real. Danny Tobey absolutely kicks butt and takes names in this gem of a thriller * Steve Berry, New York Times bestselling author *With a pace that is fast but not too fast . . . and a story that keeps the reader in a constant state of suspense, the book is sure to appeal to SF readers, gamers, and anyone who enjoys a well-plotted, well-told thriller * Booklist *Great characters, a novel concept, and scary set pieces. * KIRKUS *Fans of AI run amok should relish this one. * PUBLISHERS WEEKLY *Apt and modern * SciFiNow *Tobey brilliantly captures the immersive, claustrophobic atmosphere of the malign game and its addictive allure for a collection of flawed and needy characters * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisMore than a century has passed since Liliath crept into the empty sarcophagus of Saint Marguerite, fleeing the Fall of Ystara. But she emerges from her magical sleep still beautiful, looking no more than nineteen, and once again renews her single-minded quest to be united with her lover, Palleniel, the archangel of Ystara. A seemingly impossible quest, but Liliath is one of the greatest practitioners of angelic magic to have ever lived, a genius at making icons to summon angels, and supremely adept in forcing them to do her bidding.Liliath already knew that most of the inhabitants of Ystara died from the Ash Blood plague or were transformed into beastlings, and she herself led the survivors who fled into neighbouring Sarance. Now she learns that angels shun the Ystaran''s descendents. If they are touched by angelic magic, their blood will become ashes, or they will turn into beastlings. They are known as Refusers, and can only live the most lowly lives.But LiliatTrade ReviewGarth Nix sets the standard for Fantasy * Leigh Bardugo *A swashbuckling adventure . . . and the most original magic I've seen in years * Joe Abercrombie *Garth Nix is one of the best world-builders in fantasy. * BRANDON SANDERSON *Angels are called, and swords are swished and there are jealousies and romances galore in this riotous romp. * DAILY MAIL *An exciting adventure full of intrigue and action while portraying women in power in a refreshingly casual way. * KIRKUS REVIEW *Vivid characters, who jump off the pages. Each of the young people has his or her own interesting back stories, and their growing relationships, as they try to figure out just how they are connected, steals the show. But there are plenty of embellishments that enhance the more personal aspects of the story: scary beastlings, brutal battles, and the harnessed power of angelic magic . . . and kudos to fantasy stalwart Nix for a story with gender and racial equality, a fact that is shown but not discussed, because it shouldn't have to be. * Booklist *A unique magical system based on angel summoning and icons, deft characterization and an affectionate rendering of Dumas's style will delight fans of swashbuckling romance * Publishers Weekly *Angel Mage is wholly entertaining and likely to stay with readers for quite a while after they've finished. And it is simply wonderful to see so many bad-ass intelligent, talented, magical women prop up the world and threaten to take it down. * SHELF AWARENESS *

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Book Synopsis''Louise Carey''s dystopian future is chillingly plausible'' Claire North''Deftly written, mastefully paced, vividly imagined and absolutely gripping from the first page to last'' Joe HillWarning: use of this gate will take you outside of the InTech corporate zone. Different community guidelines may apply, and you may be asked to sign a separate end-user license agreement. Do you wish to continue?Tanta has trained all her young life for this. Her very first mission is a code red: to take her team into the unaffiliated zone just outside InTech''s borders and retrieve a stolen hard drive. It should have been quick and simple, but a surprise attack kills two of her colleagues and Tanta barely makes it home alive. Determined to prove herself and partnered with a colleague whose past is a mystery even to himself, Tanta''s investigation uncovers a sinister conspiracy that makes her question her own loyalties and the motives of evTrade ReviewIn Tanta's world, warring corporations battle over the ruins of our civilisation. This is cyberpunk rebooted. Upload this now * Stephen Baxter *Louise Carey's dystopian future is chillingly plausible . . . It is a rare gift for a book to be a warning, an adventure, a stark reminder of the fragility of the world we hold dear, and a thrilling ride that catches you by the heart and keeps you enthralled and guessing to the end * Claire North *Deftly written, masterfully paced, vividly imagined, and absolutely gripping from the first page to last . . . Inscape is a total blast. Calling Hollywood: here's your next big streaming hit * Joe Hill *A propulsive thriller plot filled with great twists and reversals. * SFX Magazine *A page-turning thriller. * The Guardian *SF that rockets along * Live Otherwise blog *The pace is cracking, the writing immersive, the action sequences excellently visual, and the characters are solid and relatable. * Fantasy Book Nerd *Manages to grip and entertain from the beginning and carves its own identity...INSCAPE is satisfying and page turning. * Fright Fest *A cool, classy, cyberpunk riff on the old cold war spy thriller * Financial Times *This is dystopian espionage cyberpunk, and it's very compelling * Concatenation *A high octane, cyberpunk-flavoured adventure * Washington Post *

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Book SynopsisTRUTH.LIES.IT CAN BE HARD TO TELL THEM APART.When a bomb goes off at InTech HQ, everything changes for Tanta''s corporation. Order becomes disorder. Safety becomes danger. Calm becomes chaos.Tanta is tasked with getting to the bottom of the attack before violence and unrest overtake the city. But even though the evidence points towards rival corporation Thoughtfront, Tanta can''t shake the feeling that she''s missing something.There''s a dark secret at the heart of the case, one that will reveal more about her own corporation than Tanta would like. And the closer Tanta gets to the mystery, the more she comes to realise something terrible: Sometimes facing the truth can be the hardest thing of all.* * * * * * * * * * *''Deft satire'' New Scientist''A page-turning thriller'' Guardian on Inscape''A high-octaine, cyberpunk-flavoured adventure'' Washington Post on ITrade ReviewDeft satire * New Scientist *Immersive and intense . . . Thoroughly enjoyable in all its thrills, spills, twists and turns: I personally cannot wait for the next Inscape instalment from Carey * Buzz Mag *Like its predecessor, Outcast is a whip-smart science fiction thriller with real depth. Conspiracies, revelations and more tension than you could wave a big stick at ensure this series continues to deliver on every level. * The Eloquent Page *Outcast is a sleek, smart, fast paced and hugely enjoyable SF thriller with two really stand-out lead characters. We have a fascinating story exploring corporation's greed and ruthlessness, the power of mind control and the morality of doing the right thing. I raced through this and had a great time apart from knowing I've a while to wait for the next book. Firmly cementing Carey as a writer to watch in the genre. Strongly recommended! * Runalong The Shelves *Inscape came along at the beginning of 2021 and blew my socks right off! And now at the beginning of 2022 we have Outcast, the second one in the series. And guess what, that blew my socks off too * Fantasy Book Nerd *There's fine world-building here, and the plot moves at pace, with a few twists and turns to keep readers wrong-footed . . . I thoroughly enjoyed this novel so this is a strong recommendation from me * Concatenation *A brilliant and powerful cyberpunk thriller read that is incredibly fun and very clever. * Unseen Library *

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Book SynopsisA breathtaking Silk Road-inspired epic fantasy, an ode to the power of storytelling and an adventure story filled with magic - this is the captivating sequel to The First Binding.Some stories are hidden for a reason. All tales have a price. And every debt must be paid.I killed three men as a child and earned myself the name Bloodletter. Then I set fire to the fabled Ashram. I''ve been a bird and robbed a merchant king of a ransom of gold. And I have crossed desert sands and cutthroat alleys to repay my debt.I''ve stood before the eyes of god, faced his judgement, and cast aside the thousand arrows that came with it. And I have passed through the Doors of Midnight and lived to tell the tale.I have traded one hundred and one stories with a creature as old as time, and survived with only my cleverness, a candle, and a broken promise.And most recently of all, I have killed a prince, though the stories say I have kille

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Book Synopsis LEARN HOW TO WRITE GRIPPING CRIME FICTION.Do you have an idea for a gripping crime novel?Would you like to know how to plot your book flawlessly?Do you want to create beautifully crafted characters and nail biting twists?This book is designed for anyone who wants to write an unputdownable crime novel. Whatever your subgenre, whether Scandi-crime or detective ''cosies'', this book is full of inspirational advice, acute insights and practical exercises. The first part of the book establishes the rules of writing crime fiction - from convincing characters to the role of research. The book then covers the practical craft of writing and editing, before explaining in detail how to secure a contract and/or self-publish your work. A comprehensive guide for anyone who wants to be the next Val McDermid or Ian Rankin.ABOUT THE SERIESThe Teach Yourself Creative Writing series helps aspiring authors tell their story. Covering a range of

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Book SynopsisBefore you discovered DCI Banks, Dectective Arvo Hughes was on the case in this vintage standalone crime thriller from Peter Robinson.As a detective in the LAPD Threat Management Unit, Arvo Hughes has dealt with every kind of stalker there is - and in 1990s Hollywood, he''s not short of work.Tasked with finding out who has been sending unsettling anonymous letters to beautiful TV star Sarah Broughton, Arvo expects this case to be nothing out of the ordinary - until the actress discovers a strangely mutilated body left in the sand outside her beach house.Certain that Sarah''s stalker must have met her before, Arvo realises his only chance to catch the killer before he gets closer to Sarah is to delve into her past. But nothing is straightforward in this case, and the squeaky-clean star seems to be keeping all memories of a shady history locked away . . .Trade ReviewClassic Robinson: labyrinthine plot merged with deft characterisation * Observer *[Peter Robinson deserves a place] near, perhaps even at the top of, the British crime writers' league * The Times *Gut-wrenching plotting, alongside heart-wenching portraits of the characters who populate his world . . . top-notch police procedure * Jeffery Deaver *If Robinson is to turn out one-off novels as assured as this perhaps we wouldn't mind too much if Alan Banks was to retire and take up beekeeping in Sussex * Daily Express *

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Book SynopsisThe sixth book in the award-winning crime series by Marco Vichi, following Inspector Bordelli.Trade ReviewVichi is a splendid, thoughtful novelist who wanders and wonders, and who pulls the crime novel to the limits of its potential. * TLS *'A real find for anyone who likes their crime novels atmospheric, discursive, humorous and thought-provoking.' * Guardian *'[Italian] writers are justifiably growing in popularity here: Marco Vichi deserves to be among them . . . [Bordelli] is stubborn, womanless, cynical and impatient, but strangely appealing.' * Marcel Berlins, The Times *'Over the course of his police procedurals, Vichi shows us ever more secret and dark sides to an otherwise sunny and open city. But his happiest creation, in my opinion, remains the character of Inspector Bordelli, a disillusioned anti-hero who is difficult to forget.' * Andrea Camilleri *'Vichi's stellar first in a new mystery series introduces endearingly melancholic Inspector Bordelli . . . [and] delivers a plausible solution worthy of a golden age crime novel. Readers will look forward to seeing more of this flawed hero.' * Publishers Weekly, starred review for DEATH IN AUGUST *

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Book SynopsisNew York Times-bestselling author Michael Koryta returns with a thrilling new standalone crime novel and a rugged new investigator, an FBI interrogation specialist.Trade ReviewMichael Koryta is one hell of a writer, and HOW IT HAPPENED is one hell of a murder mystery. It's a tribute to Koryta's craftsmanship and skill that the reader knows who done it in the first chapter, but can't put the book down until the last layer of the onion is peeled away to reveal the truth at the core of this gripping tale.... A remarkable achievement that rises high above the genre. -- Nelson DeMille, #1 New York Times bestselling author of THE CUBAN AFFAIRThis gripping and absorbing story about a protagonist coming to terms with his conflicted past, a lost love, and a crime determined not to be solved, could only be penned by Michael Koryta, whose sense of place, and insight into the human spirit, are unsurpassed. -- Sandra Brown, #1 New York Times bestselling author of SEEING REDPRAISE FOR RISE THE DARK * - *A superb thriller literally humming and buzzing with power and tension, given depth and resonance by Koryta's fascination with pitting lone human emotion against a vast and forbidding landscape -- Lee ChildRise the Dark is -- excuse the pun -- electrifying. Koryta delivers nonstop action in an all-too-plausible scenario, with that hint of the uncanny that's become his trademark. The ending will have readers pounding his door for more -- Joseph Finder, New York Times bestselling author of Guilty Minds and SuspicionWho needs jihadis when we've got our own homegrown terrorists? With a wild premise and fascinating background, Rise the Dark is a fast, gripping, satisfying thriller. For those who don't know yet, Michael Koryta is building a hell of a shelf * New York Times *How it Happened is precise and thrilling with an offbeat charm. Koryta in his finest moments is reminiscent of Stephen King . . . Terrific * Metro *

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Book SynopsisThe fourth novel in Antonia Hodgson's award-winning series featuring Thomas Hawkins and Kitty Sparks is at once her most thrilling and the most darkly disturbing story yet.Trade ReviewPraise for The Silver Collar:The Silver Collar is a triumph, a fine addition to a historical crime series that gets better with every book. Antonia Hodgson gives us dark melodrama with wit, and a driving narrative with impeccable research. It's a rare combination, and it leaves the reader hungry for more * Andrew Taylor *Set at a blistering pace, The Silver Collar is a wholly entertaining thriller. Brimming with equal parts wit and evil, Antonia Hodgson's unforgettable characters leap into a dangerous adventure. I loved every tension-filled page * Kate Mayfield *Written with flair, sly wit, and a meticulous eye for detail . . . The Silver Collar takes us into the dark heart of colonial slavery, making this one of the most topical books of the year . . . Thrilling * Vaseem Khan *The inimitable Thomas Hawkins is back, and I am so glad he is. In Antonia Hodgson's tale of revenge, love, and the nature of evil, the reader is taken on a breath-taking journey into the darkest corners of Hogarthian London. At turns witty, savage, and deeply moving, this is a glorious book - I couldn't put it down * Sophia Tobin *A brilliant, moving novel that takes us to some very dark places in our history - but which also succeeds in being very witty and entertaining * SD Sykes *Not just a superb thriller but very topical too. Antonia's novels have cheered and entertained me like nothing else during lockdown, and the return to a plot about somebody in captivity felt appropriate as well. Her characters are so strongly drawn, and her feel for the period, sense of humour, compassion and ability to create heart-stopping suspense put her right up in the first division of historical crime * Amanda Craig *Beautifully written and packed with atmosphere, wit and historical details, I didn't want it to end. And in shining an uncomfortable light on colonial slavery, it's also timely and relevant * The Daily Mirror *This clever novel gives a brilliant picture of both London and Antigua in the early 18th century, when slavery provided huge profits for many Englishmen. . . There is humour as well as impressive research and convincing horror here * Literary Review *Hodgson once again shows what a skilful writer of historical thrillers she is * The Sunday Times *It has been a long wait, but fans of Thomas Hawkins and Kitty Sparks should rejoice as Hodgson makes a wonderful return with a dark tale of kidnap, slavery and seduction * The i *Fourth instalment of the wonderful Thomas Hawkins crime novels . . . [Fans] are in for a treat - this instalment is gripping * The Times *With bawdy humour and a breakneck pace set against a brilliantly evoked 18th-century backdrop, who needs a Tardis? Read this to feel like you're truly travelling back in time * The Sunday Times S Magazine *Throws readers right back into the grimy, stinking streets of 18th Century London * BBC History Magazine *Hodgson's rollicking Tom Hawkins novels are among the best crime series out there thanks to her irrepressible hero and his equally likeable partner, Kitty. This fourth book is a dark and addictive story of slavery and long-hidden secrets in which the often-harrowing central story is lightened by some great set pieces and acerbic one-liners. * iNews *This is a book to savour. A thrilling journey through the squalor & splendour of Georgian London, bristling with threat & memorable characters * Erin Young *Praise for Death at Fountains Abbey:A tale that more than matches its predecessors for pace and atmosphere. * The Sunday Times *Through an admirable amount of research the award-winning author has used real people, events and settings to create a delightfully enjoyable standalone thriller. It crackles with wit and charm and cements Hawkins' place as the most lovable rogue in historical fiction. * Express Online *I love Antonia Hodgson's slightly wicked sense of humour and it's put to good use here and her clear affection for Tom and Kitty and Sam, as well as her enthusiasm for the period, is infectious. This is such a strong series and I hope it goes on and on. * For Winter Nights *Antonia Hodgson weaves a fantastic tale of both fact and fiction and emerges with a thoroughly enjoyable romp of a story. * Nudge *A cracking murder mystery . . . The writing is clever, witty, eloquent and gripping, a real pleasure to read . . . you can almost feel that you are living in 18th century London. Historical fiction fans will lap this up, as did I. * Breakaway Reviewers *

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Book SynopsisIn the seventh novel in this acclaimed Chinese crime series, Inspector Chen's holiday is interrupted by murder and a case that shows the true cost of his country's drive towards prosperity.Trade ReviewXiaolong's astute rendering of the many contradictions of contemporary Chinese life centres on the brilliant Inspector Chen . . . A series that might well get you hooked. * Sunday Telegraph *Atmospheric and rich in behind the scenes detail . . . Morse of the Far East. * Independent *Chen is a great creation, an honourable man in a world full of deception and treachery. * Guardian *With strong and subtle characterisation, Qiu Xiaolong draws us into a fascinating world where the greatest mystery revealed is the mystery of present-day China itself. -- John HarveyThe first police whodunnit written by a Chinese author in English and set in contemporary China . . . its quality matches its novelty. * The Times *The usual enjoyable mix of murder, poetry and contradictions of contemporary Chinese culture. Chen is a splendid creation. * Independent on Sunday *A vivid portrait of modern Chinese society . . . full of the sights, sounds and smells of Shanghai . . . A work of real distinction. * Wall Street Journal *Qiu Xiaolong is one of the brightest stars in the firmament of modern literary crime fiction. His Inspector Chen mysteries dazzle as they entertain, combining crime with Chinese philosophy, poetry and food, Triad gangsters and corrupt officials. * Canberra Times, Australia *Gripping . . . Chen stands in a class with Martin Cruz Smith's Russian investigator, Arkady Renko, and P.D. James's Scotland Yard inspector, Adam Dalgliesh. * Publishers Weekly *Wonderful. * Washington Post *

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Book SynopsisThe eighth novel in Qiu Xiaolong's acclaimed Chinese crime series sees Inspector Chen confronted by a terrible choice between Party politics or his principles - with his career at stake.Trade ReviewXiaolong's astute rendering of the many contradictions of contemporary Chinese life centres on the brilliant Inspector Chen . . . A series that might well get you hooked. * Sunday Telegraph *Atmospheric and rich in behind the scenes detail . . . Morse of the Far East. * Independent *Chen is a great creation, an honourable man in a world full of deception and treachery. * Guardian *With strong and subtle characterisation, Qiu Xiaolong draws us into a fascinating world where the greatest mystery revealed is the mystery of present-day China itself. -- John HarveyThe first police whodunnit written by a Chinese author in English and set in contemporary China . . . its quality matches its novelty. * The Times *The usual enjoyable mix of murder, poetry and contradictions of contemporary Chinese culture. Chen is a splendid creation. * Independent on Sunday *A vivid portrait of modern Chinese society . . . full of the sights, sounds and smells of Shanghai . . . A work of real distinction. * Wall Street Journal *Qiu Xiaolong is one of the brightest stars in the firmament of modern literary crime fiction. His Inspector Chen mysteries dazzle as they entertain, combining crime with Chinese philosophy, poetry and food, Triad gangsters and corrupt officials. * Canberra Times, Australia *Gripping . . . Chen stands in a class with Martin Cruz Smith's Russian investigator, Arkady Renko, and P.D. James's Scotland Yard inspector, Adam Dalgliesh. * Publishers Weekly *Wonderful. * Washington Post *

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Book SynopsisIn the second in the highly praised Dr Harry Kent series, a whistleblowing doctor kills herself. Or so it seems - when it turns out to be murder, Harry must dig deeper to uncover the truth.Trade ReviewPraise for THE HOLLOW MEN -- :McCarthy is an original new voice who uses his inside knowledge to great effect in this memorable novel. * Sunday Times, crime book of the month *A brilliant hero...every page is full of tension * Sunday Mirror *This ferocious debut from a young medical student is one of the finest first crime novels I have encountered this year...Written with admirable verve and lacerating detail, it announces the arrival of a shiny new talent in British crime writing and grips from the start * Daily Mail *A good story, well told, and very much enriched by an insider's knowledge * Literary Review *Gripping * Independent *Gritty, authentic and has enough twists to keep readers guessing until a shocking conclusion. McCarthy is a bright talent * Daily Express *A fast-moving, wholly contemporary tale...The vibrant mix of medical thriller and police procedural is enhanced by the realistic backdrop of inner-city social problems. * The Times *A stunning debut...gripping and original * Mail on Sunday *

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Book SynopsisDeath waits at the top of the world in this adrenaline-laced thriller from Sarah Lotz, perfect for anyone who loves the film The Descent or John Krakauer's book Into Thin Air.Trade ReviewAn incredibly creepy and effective standalone novel that I read through in one sitting . . . A chillingly effective and haunting tale * Sci-Fi Bulletin *The White Road is a roller-coaster ride with intriguing psychological depth * Crime Fiction Lover *Lotz knows how to develop suspense and horror . . . Dark and unsettling, Lotz's latest taps into, and exploits, our deepest fears * Kirkus Reviews *The White Road will creep under your skin . . . Lotz has cemented herself as one of my favourite horror authors with this book. The characters are real and fascinating. The book is just downright creepy! I love it! The dark sense of humour that is layered throughout is one of the things that makes her work so memorable and enjoyable for me . . . I really can't recommend this book enough. ***** * The Speculative Herald *Lotz excels at making you feel like you're there and her flawed lead sympathetic. Fans of Dan Simmons's The Terror will be pleased * Publishers Weekly *Sarah Lotz's descriptions of the oppressive darkness and unbearably cramped spaces stirred up some of my deepest fears . . . A master of the horror genre, Sarah Lotz's talents were especially in clear evidence in this novel with its atmosphere of tangible suspense and pure, icy terror. Thoroughly entertaining and astonishingly realistic, The White Road is a gripping, high-climbing thriller that will creep its way under your skin and stay with you for a very long time (. . . like fingers in your heart) * The Biblio Sanctum *

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Book SynopsisThe debut novel by actress and presenter Janet Ellis, The Butcher's Hook is the dark and twisted tale of a young girl in 18th-century London determined to take her life in her own hands. No matter the cost.Trade ReviewJanet Ellis's appealing debut novel is like a cross between Fanny Burney's Evelina and US crime drama Dexter... Ellis excels at the poetics of flesh. She writes with a keen eye for the texture of skin and the meat beneath. She vividly describes the slaughter of a calf, the wet thwack of the knife, the cleaving of muscle from bone, the hot rush of blood. Anne, we come to realise, is something of a sociopath. This is where The Butcher's Hook gets really interesting ... There's a wit and a richness to the writing, a nice way with pastiche, and a real feel for the macabre. And, in Anne, she has created an engaging and at times daringly amoral heroine. * Observer (Paperback of the Week) *Ellis has a public personality of great charm, and a good deal of this gets into her writing... she revels in the historical details, has a grasp of pace and knows how to keep her audience hooked * The Times *The Butcher's Hook doesn't read like a first novel - it is a high-finish performance. Its heroine is an 18th-century teenage girl, who starts demurely although her sex drive turns out to be anything but demure. You need to be braced for violence to rival any Jacobean tragedy: The Butcher's Hook will hook you. * Observer (New Faces of Fiction) *This author remains one to watch. She has a sharp eye and a sharper wit. More importantly still, she possesses a subtle and compassionate understanding of the human heart * Guardian *A strange, unsettling story * The Sunday Times *This is a dark, weird, gloriously feminist story of a girl in 1763 pushing against the limits of her role and a dark love story. * Elle UK (Best New Books for 2016) *A story of dispassionate, bloody brilliance rich in believable period detail * Metro *Actress and former Blue Peter presenter Janet Ellis has created a surprising blend of psychological thriller and revenge tragedy in her debut novel... In Vanity Fair, Thackeray demonstrated how society determines character, and this suggestion underlies Ellis's robust and textured vision of the Georgian mindset. But from it emerges an unsettling portrait of a deeply damaged individual whose capacity for creating mayhem is timeless * Daily Mail *A gripping girl-power story * Sun *Ellis weaves her tale with deft skill, striking imagery and a boldness rare in a first novel * Mail on Sunday *The debut novel from the ex-Blue Peter presenter is a doozy * Glamour *Janet Ellis has written one of the most hotly-tipped debuts of 2016 * Daily Express (Books To Look Out For In 2016) *Former Blue Peter presenter Janet Ellis has burst on to the literary scene with a bodice-ripping thriller... Ellis evokes the sights, sounds and smells of Georgian London and turns a telling phrase that captures on 18th-century cadence * Daily Express *Anne Jaccob is the audacious heroine of this dark, historical debut from former Blue Peter presenter Janet Ellis * Sunday Express *Dark, packed with surprises and with a feisty unforgettable heroine, this is a top-class debut -- Fanny Blake * Woman & Home (Best Books To Read in February) *a spirited, dark debut set in Georgian London with a heroine who will stop at nothing to get what she wants * Woman and Home *A cracking read... An atmospheric walk through the streets of 1763 London as Anne seeks to be in charge of her own destiny. She finds herself falling for the butcher's apprentice, but her father has already chosen a husband for her..." -- Cathy Rentzenbrink * Prima magazine *The sonnets of John Donne provide a brooding counterpoint to the gruesome turns of this nervy historical novel. Ellis's calculating 19-year-old narrator, Anne Jaccob, dwells in what may be the bleakest house in 18th-century London... Trained as an actor, Ellis reveals that pedigree in wry winks to Shakespeare (the butcher's name is Titus) and dramatis personae evocative of commedia dell'arte (a foppish suitor, a predatory doctor, a dashing lover). More unsettling than its Grand Guignol shocks, the novel's third act gives us the acrid and increasingly disconnected voice of its protagonist, a sociopath-in-training who projects onto her environment the pain and distortions wrought by her own sense of victimhood: a sky "the color of an old man's snot" and a home so forlorn that "the mice here probably throw themselves on the traps for a quicker end." * New York Times *An absolute page turner * Nadia Sawalha, Sunday Express *This bawdy debut novel bodes well for a successful new career * Choice Magazine *fun, grimy and romantic, as well as being a properly rollicking adventure * The Debrief *A highly accomplished piece of work...there's no doubt that Janet Ellis is an author of genuine talent * Reader's Digest *Within one chapter I was hooked. * Woman's Weekly *Dark and sometimes bloody, it can be an unsettling read. Yet it's also a gripping work of fiction, full of twists and surprises, and Anne, who tells her own story in her own idiosyncratic voice, is a distinctively disturbing character * BBC History Magazine *Coursing with sexual awakening, this is a compelling story of a young woman... Janet Ellis has a magnetic style that draws you into surprising realms of what can be achieved if the will is strong enough * Sainsbury's Magazine *A dark debut * Pyschologies Mag *The Butcher's Hook is bewitching: Anne Jaccob is a dark and dangerous heroine and her story is gripping and full of surprises. This is an exciting and hugely impressive debut from Janet Ellis. * Antonia Hodgson, bestselling author of THE DEVIL IN THE MARSHALSEA *Punchy and fast-moving. Janet Ellis' period piece brilliantly captures the visceral sights and smells of the time and regardless of (or because of) her twisted morals, Anne's strong voice reels you right in. * Sydney Morning Herald *The rush of this novel is its macabre sense of justice... A sexually heightened gothic of the type de Sade would approve... The events in The Butcher's Hook predate the French Revolution by 26 years, but there's a similar sense here of ambition unfairly tamped by an unjust social order. That's the thrill of the bloodbath when Anne takes the law into her own hands. * The Globe and Mail *Ellis has created something marvellous in the character of Anne Jaccob - her voice is strange, dark and utterly mesmeric. This is historical fiction as I've never encountered it before: full of viscera, snarling humour and obsessive desire. I loved it. * Hannah Kent, bestselling author of BURIAL RITES *Beautifully crafted. Janet Ellis is a masterful storyteller * Clare Mackintosh, bestselling author of I LET YOU GO *Anne is a heroine unlike any we've met before in historical fiction - prickly, amoral, opportunistic, determined to eke what happiness she can from life, even if it means spilling a bit of blood. * Toronto Star *Janet Ellis has given us a tale set in Georgian London which possesses all the well-plotted intrigue and gritty reality of these great predecessors (Dickens' Bleak House and Brontë's Jane Eyre) - yet Ellis' heroine has a steely determination to break out of the constraints of her circumstances and get the man she wants at any cost.This is a distinctly original novel of a young woman's sexual awakening... She is savvy enough to see the shortcomings of those around her and play them to her own advantage. Anne's narrative is so vivid it invokes the sensory experience of the time period and the unsavoury habits of those around her... Ellis writes so well about that all-consuming infatuation we've all felt in first love. It's not romanticized, but deeply physical and tied to a strident rejection of Anne's circumstances... It's refreshing to read about a character set in this time period that is in many ways sympathetic, yet is also capable of horrifyingly monstrous acts. The drama escalates throughout the novel making it an increasingly gripping read as the story progresses... Janet Ellis has created a fierce, memorable heroine and an inventive atmospheric story. It has all the richness of Dickensian detail and the modern flair of Sarah Waters. I also have to mention that the cover design and colour of this book is exceptionally beautiful. * Lonesome Reader *A triumph; dark, shocking and funny. The voice is perfect and the words glitter like little black jewels. * Erin Kelly, bestselling author of THE POISON TREE *Terrific... Anne is no 18th-century milquetoast heroine in love. Her savagely witty observations of those around her reveal a sharp and cunning mind... Every word of it is really very good * Bookseller *Yes, it's that Janet Ellis, and this debut is attracting a lot of attention, particularly as it sounds darker than many people would have imagined a former Blue Peter presenter would have written... A coming-of-age novel with a strong female lead... both violent and bawdy. * Novel Heights *In Anne Jaccob, Ellis has created a fascinating, feisty character whose voice is certainly different from many heroines I have encountered in the past... it is a dark, compelling tale of one unforgettable woman and her quest for love and happiness. It is a story filled with surprises, one that stayed with me long after the final page. It is an impressive debut from Janet Ellis, and I hope to read more of her writing in the future! * The Owl on the Bookshelf *In her first novel, Ellis weaves a darkly psychological tale set in the rough-and-tumble, vulgar, colorful London of Moll Flanders and Tom Jones. Evoking pity, abhorrence, admiration, and disgust, this title is strongly recommended for readers with a love of Georgian literature and Georgian London and those intrigued by the complexity of the human psyche * Library Journal *Janet Ellis's compelling plot rests on Anne's formative sexuality and constantly returns to differing conceptions of love and the lenghts people go to in order to protect their status and reputation. The unwillingness of anyone in the story to view Anne as more emotionally complicated than a child leads her self-discovery to run amok, and Ellis to explore the stifling effects of such repressive views of sexuality. Ellis's use of vivid imagery and focus on grisly detail add a macabre beauty to a stirring story. * Publishers Weekly *I really enjoyed this debut offering from Janet Ellis... The story is dark and quite surprising, beginning like a Regency Romance, building into a bit of a bodice ripper becoming quirky and twisted then ending with a rather shocking climax! The book completely sucked me in and I was enthralled by the story and kept riffling through the pages at a fair old pace. It's a hectic and hair-raising tale, a coming of age story for adults. Read it, love it, but don't be taken in by dear Anne who is like an aniseed ball, hard and deceptive with any sweetness well tempered by the curious bitterness of flavour and the darkness of licorice. * BeadyJans Books *a tale of wildness and desire * Sydney Morning Herald *This first novel captures the dark era and holds the reader in suspense until the end * Belfast Telegraph *There is no doubt that in the hands of this talented author, Georgian London comes gloriously alive; the fractured underbelly of the lower classes teem with darkness and as this sinister edge starts to infiltrate, before you know it, you are completely under its spell. * Jaffareadstoo *The characters are excellently rendered, recognisable to the extent that you might start casting actors for the TV adaptation... There's a real feel for setting, too, not in the layering of detail but in the impression of surroundings, in the atmosphere invoked and most notably in the people that inhabit the pages, the every-day hustle and bustle of grubby London life. Where this book really shows strength is in when Janet Ellis chooses to reveal what she does. The pace and the timing are perfect and I'll wager there's more than one moment that'll cause your hand to rise to cover the 'o' of your open mouth... Janet Ellis's The Butcher's Hook is a complete package. The settings, characters, the pace and the action are tightly controlled. There's some really nice dry humour in there too, some genuinely funny moments. And the story is likely to have you, well, hooked. It's amazing to think that this is her debut. I loved it. I can't wait to see what comes next. * Van is Reading *Janet Ellis writes with a precision that is rare to find in a debut author. She slices through the sixteenth century's idiosyncrasies amid a turbulent period in British history, whilst soaking up the richness of the era into a three hundred plus page novel. As a reader, you dive into the past, willingly, without hesitation. Just as in life, her characters are memorable, admirable and flawed. And, just like in life, you never know exactly where the journey may take you. * Sukasa Reads *This is a dark, twisted tale that is bleakly humorous. Well written, it is an accomplished debut, and I look forward to seeing what Ellis does next. * Jo's Book Blog *From the get-go Anne is smart, sarcastic, and an unforgettable character. Her interactions with the world around her intrigue and disgust in equal levels. * Cantionis *A thrilling and ambitious debut novel, The Butcher's Hook is a spellbinding read... A stunning addition to the string of female-led historical fiction that's prevailed in the last couple of years, I can only only sit back and wait on tenterhooks to find out what Janet Ellis will give us next. * Food for Bookworms *An accomplished debut novel with a mighty main character in Anna Jaccob * Reflections of a Reader *The book completely sucked me in and I was enthralled by the story and kept riffling through the pages at a fair old pace. It's a hectic and hair raising tale, a coming of age story for adults. Read it, love it * BeadyJans Books *I was incredibly impressed with Ellis' prose- beautiful in places and shocking in others, she displays a real grasp of language and knows the shocking power of a well-placed, incongruous smile or a wicked thought * Thoughts About Books *Original and striking. This is a beautiful read full of sensuous detail and wayward heroes. I loved it. * Kate Hammer *The Butcher's Hook is an accomplished, polished, excellent read. The novel feels fresh, it is a terrific read and it will shock you. Banish any preconceived ideas about historical novels; get reading the story of Anne, her desires and passion in Georgian London. * soreilly.com *I was incredibly impressed with Ellis' prose- beautiful in places and shocking in others, she displays a real grasp of language and knows the shocking power of a well-placed, incongruous simile or a wicked thought. A couple of times I had to re-read a line just to check I'd seen the right thing...her intricate and complicated characters are spellbinding and she has the readers eating out of her hand-the way that the our opinions and perceptions are played with and bent into and out of shape is brilliant. I loved how the novel was able to surprise me and kept me guessing not only about the plot but about the characters. Though I'd describe the novel as sensational and slightly unlikely, it was an enjoyable, twisted journey nonetheless, a gripping whirlwind of passion, debauchery and moral vacancy which I'd thoroughly recommend. * Mythoughtsaboutbooks *This is a book of two halves. The first is a gritty portrayal of the powerlessness of a young urban British adolescent in an age without antibiotics, contraception, or healthcare. The narrative seems to build an intriguing love story between two characters of disparate social backgrounds. However, in the second part, Ellis takes The Butcher's Hook into different territory. Anne's pressured life breeds startling reactions. One overly-lurid murder follows another. Anger and arson rage out of control. The body count unrealistically soars. Anne is not who we think she is. * stuff.co.nz *

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Book SynopsisOn the island of St Helena in the south Atlantic ocean, Napoleon spends his last years in exile. It is a hotbed of gossip and secret liaisons, where a blind eye is turned to relations between colonials and slaves.The disgraced emperor is subjected to vicious and petty treatment by his captors, but he forges an unexpected ally: a rebellious British girl, Betsy, who lives on the island with her family and becomes his unlikely friend.Based on fact, Napoleon''s Last Island is the surprising story of one of history''s most enigmatic figures and a British family who dared to associate with him. It is a tale of vengeance, duplicity and loyalty, and of a man whose charisma made him dangerous to the end.Trade ReviewThe outspoken Betsy is a terrific character . . . [There are] some glorious moments . . . lit with Keneally's trademark impish humour. He is a magpie, as preternaturally inquisitive as Napoleon himself, and the book has a cast of characters to rival Dickens. -- Clare Clark * Guardian *Immersive and charming . . . Keneally's Betsy is a vivid, attractive portrait of a young girl brinking on young womanhood and a thoroughly useful device. Through her he can view the emperor clearly - as an absurd figure, a joker, a voracious devourer of food, women, information. But there is so much more here, too. The flora and geography of the island are beautifully evoked, the inhabitants drawn in sharp, succinct strokes . . . a pure pleasure to read. -- Nick Curtis * Evening Standard *Through Betsy, Keneally beautifully resurrects a voice of the sort lost in official versions of history -- Claire Allfree * Daily Mail *A typically polished yarn by a grand master of historical fiction. -- Max Davidson * Mail on Sunday *One of the most enjoyable, high spirited and technically accomplished works of a long career. * The Australian *He succeeds, with touches of brilliance, in bringing to life characters in more detail than history ever possibly could * Philip Dwyer, Sydney Morning Herald *Writing Napoleon's Last Island from Betsy's perspective allows Keneally to entertain readers with his trademark verve and impishness. Few can match him as a storyteller * Meredith Jaffe, Guardian (Australia) *

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Book SynopsisIF THE GOVERNMENT IS AGAINST YOU, WHO CAN YOU TRUST?'Gripping' CHARLES CUMMING 'Tight, pacy and strong on atmosphere' MICHAEL PALIN 'Completely unputdownable' SEB EMINA'Hugely accomplished' IRISH INDEPENDENTVeteran BBC reporter William Carver is in Cairo, bang in the middle of the Arab Spring. 'The only story in the world' according to his editor. But it isn't. There's another story, more significant and potentially more dangerous, and if no one else is willing to tell it, then Carver will - whatever the consequences. A Single Source tells two stories, which over a few tumultuous months come together to prove inextricably linked. There are the dramatic, world-changing events as protests spread across North Africa and the Middle East, led by a new generation of tech-savvy youngsters challenging the corrupt old order. And then there are two Eritrean brothers, desperate enough to risk everything to make their way across the continent to a better life in Europe. The world is watching, buTrade ReviewThis hugely accomplished political thriller, brilliantly plotted . . . is written with all the dash and verve shown in Hanington's stunning debut * Irish Independent *Topical, authoritative and gripping * Charles Cumming *Tight, pacy and strong on atmosphereCompletely unputdownable - grippingA compelling story set against some of the global forces shaping our timesPeter Hanington has a gift for fast-paced narrative, atmospheric location and authentic, often hilarious dialogue . . . people trafficking, gun smuggling, murder and betrayal are all conjured in a shifting interplay that draws you in from the first line and keeps you guessing until, literally, the very last.If you love le Carré, were gripped by Homeland and couldn't get your nose out of A Dying Breed, Hanington's first novel about war reporters, here's another thrilling read for you . . .The anti-hero in both novels is hard-bitten hack William Carver - a classic Lunchtime O'Booze figure - who is, miraculously, still alive. Carver fans will look forward to meeting the old curmudgeon again in Hanington's next cracking tale.A fascinating, atmospheric read. Peter Hanington weaves a page-turning tale that is both compulsive and terrifying in equal measure. Will keep you up till the early hours. * Kate Hamer, author of THE GIRL IN THE RED COAT *It's such a pleasure to read a novel by a writer who is the real deal. Peter Hanington is entirely in command of this thrilling story and tells it with great verve. * Kirsty Wark, author of THE LEGACY OF ELIZABETH PRINGLE *One of the most assured pieces of writing I have read for a very long time. Peter Hanington's characters come completely alive, and you feel he knows them intimately. The sense of setting out on a journey in safe hands makes it all the more shocking when the plot takes its gut-wrenching twists. A foreign correspondent's life is, like a soldier's, made up of long periods of boredom punctuated by moments of sheer terror; my advice to Peter's BBC colleagues is 'pack this in your grab bag, and the dull hours will fly by'. It's very good indeed. * Edward Stourton *Hanington has a knack for telling the stories of the lives behind the news headlines in a way that invites you, the reader, to care about his characters. It is an invitation I am happy to accept. It is one of his many talents as a writer. * Fi Glover, the Fortunately podcast *A Single Source is a considered, almost deceptively suspenseful thriller with a host of well-drawn characters, including hard-bitten foreign correspondents, young idealistic Egyptian girls, creepy public relations men, a grotesque (and totally credible) arms-dealer and a wonderfully slimy Cairo hotelier. It is written by a journalist whom you feel has been there and done that - or at least some of it - with skill and humanity, and no unnecessary pyrotechnics. * Shots Mag *A Single Source is a considered, almost deceptively suspenseful thriller with a host of well-drawn characters . . . written by a journalist whom you feel has been there and done that - or at least some of it - with skill and humanity. Ingenious and, dare I say it, rather Ambler-esque. * Mike Ripley, author of the Angel series *An enthralling read that answers the question everyone asks of journalists: how do you get your stories? * Roy Greenslade *Passion and politics . . . extremely well-written and an excellent read * Crime Pieces *A highly readable conspiracy theory * Morning Star *An intelligent spellbinding thriller * NB Books *Convincingly told * Choice *It's topical, authoritative and gripping, tight-paced and strong on atmosphere, full of vivid characters and so clearly mined from Hanington's own experiences as to make it feel totally authentic. The initiated may pose nods to le Carré, Greene and Ambler, but this impressive and atmospheric story, punctuated with interludes of hilarious dialogue, does entirely its own thing - and is far the stronger for it . . . There have been many books about journalism in war or near war zones. But this tale of investigative reporting, shady deals, intelligence men and conflicted diplomats is another absolutely outstanding addition from an author who spins an almost Kipling-esque story with insight, humanity, humour and, at times, near fury. * Crime Review *A fine read * Women's Weekly (Australia) *Convincingly atmospheric * Country and Town House *This hugely accomplished political thriller, brilliantly plotted . . . is written with all the dash and verve shown in Hanington's stunning debut * Irish Independent *Topical, authoritative and grippingTight, pacy and strong on atmosphereCompletely unputdownable - grippingA compelling story set against some of the global forces shaping our timesPeter Hanington has a gift for fast-paced narrative, atmospheric location and authentic, often hilarious dialogue . . . people trafficking, gun smuggling, murder and betrayal are all conjured in a shifting interplay that draws you in from the first line and keeps you guessing until, literally, the very last.If you love le Carré, were gripped by Homeland and couldn't get your nose out of A Dying Breed, Hanington's first novel about war reporters, here's another thrilling read for you . . .The anti-hero in both novels is hard-bitten hack William Carver - a classic Lunchtime O'Booze figure - who is, miraculously, still alive. Carver fans will look forward to meeting the old curmudgeon again in Hanington's next cracking tale.A fascinating, atmospheric read. Peter Hanington weaves a page-turning tale that is both compulsive and terrifying in equal measure. Will keep you up till the early hours. * Kate Hamer, author of THE GIRL IN THE RED COAT *It's such a pleasure to read a novel by a writer who is the real deal. Peter Hanington is entirely in command of this thrilling story and tells it with great verve. * Kirsty Wark, author of THE LEGACY OF ELIZABETH PRINGLE *One of the most assured pieces of writing I have read for a very long time. Peter Hanington's characters come completely alive, and you feel he knows them intimately. The sense of setting out on a journey in safe hands makes it all the more shocking when the plot takes its gut-wrenching twists. A foreign correspondent's life is, like a soldier's, made up of long periods of boredom punctuated by moments of sheer terror; my advice to Peter's BBC colleagues is 'pack this in your grab bag, and the dull hours will fly by'. It's very good indeed. * Edward Stourton *Hanington has a knack for telling the stories of the lives behind the news headlines in a way that invites you, the reader, to care about his characters. It is an invitation I am happy to accept. It is one of his many talents as a writer. * Fi Glover, the Fortunately podcast *A Single Source is a considered, almost deceptively suspenseful thriller with a host of well-drawn characters, including hard-bitten foreign correspondents, young idealistic Egyptian girls, creepy public relations men, a grotesque (and totally credible) arms-dealer and a wonderfully slimy Cairo hotelier. It is written by a journalist whom you feel has been there and done that - or at least some of it - with skill and humanity, and no unnecessary pyrotechnics. * Shots Mag *A Single Source is a considered, almost deceptively suspenseful thriller with a host of well-drawn characters . . . written by a journalist whom you feel has been there and done that - or at least some of it - with skill and humanity. Ingenious and, dare I say it, rather Ambler-esque. * Mike Ripley, author of the Angel series *An enthralling read that answers the question everyone asks of journalists: how do you get your stories? * Roy Greenslade *Passion and politics . . . extremely well-written and an excellent read * Crime Pieces *A highly readable conspiracy theory * Morning Star *An intelligent spellbinding thriller * NB Books *Convincingly told * Choice *It's topical, authoritative and gripping, tight-paced and strong on atmosphere, full of vivid characters and so clearly mined from Hanington's own experiences as to make it feel totally authentic. The initiated may pose nods to le Carré, Greene and Ambler, but this impressive and atmospheric story, punctuated with interludes of hilarious dialogue, does entirely its own thing - and is far the stronger for it . . . There have been many books about journalism in war or near war zones. But this tale of investigative reporting, shady deals, intelligence men and conflicted diplomats is another absolutely outstanding addition from an author who spins an almost Kipling-esque story with insight, humanity, humour and, at times, near fury. * Crime Review *A fine read * Women's Weekly (Australia) *Convincingly atmospheric * Country and Town House *

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Book Synopsis''A gripping and thrilling read by a wonderful lady and fab author'' Kimberley ChambersDreda Say Mitchell was awarded an MBE in Her Majesty The Queen''s 2020 New Year''s Honours ListBook 1 in the FLESH AND BLOOD series, BLOOD SISTER is a gripping drama following one East London family over forty years. Perfect for fans of Kerry Barnes, Kimberley Chambers and Martina Cole.Welcome to Essex Lane Estate - or, as it''s better known by its residents, The Devil. There are two ways out: you either make good, or you turn bad.Jen Miller is determined not to repeat the same mistakes her mother did. She''s waiting to find herself a good job and a decent man. In contrast, her younger sister Tiff is running errands for a gangster and looking for any opportunity for fun and profit. But she might just be in over her head . . .As the sisters cross paths with the unstoppable DeeTrade ReviewA gripping and thrilling read by a wonderful lady and fab authorA gripping and thrilling read by a wonderful lady and fab authorDialogue is Mitchell's forte, and here it fizzes and crackles as the trio's fortunes rise and fall * The Sunday Times *Dialogue is Mitchell's forte, and here it fizzes and crackles as the trio's fortunes rise and fall * The Sunday Times *This is strong and provocative writing...nails the psychology of her characters freighting in layers that propel the book out of its crowded genre into the realms of something more thought-provoking and complex. Roll on book two * I Paper *This is strong and provocative writing...nails the psychology of her characters freighting in layers that propel the book out of its crowded genre into the realms of something more thought-provoking and complex. Roll on book two * I Paper *A terrific tale, well told and totally grippingA terrific tale, well told and totally grippingFast, riveting and moving. Will be great to see what skullduggery some of these characters get up to next time roundFast, riveting and moving. Will be great to see what skullduggery some of these characters get up to next time roundFast paced and full of twists and turns * Crime Scene Magazine *Fast paced and full of twists and turns * Crime Scene Magazine *

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Book SynopsisThe worst mistake you'll ever make is trusting the wrong man. The second thrilling Flesh and Blood novel, perfect for fans of Kimberley Chambers and Mandasue Heller.Trade ReviewPraise for BLOOD SISTER * : *A gripping and thrilling read by a wonderful lady and fab authorDialogue is Mitchell's forte, and here it fizzes and crackles as the trio's fortunes rise and fall * The Sunday Times *This is strong and provocative writing...nails the psychology of her characters freighting in layers that propel the book out of its crowded genre into the realms of something more thought-provoking and complex. * Barry Forshaw, I Paper *A terrific tale, well told and totally grippingFast, riveting and moving. Will be great to see what skullduggery some of these characters get up to next time roundFast paced and full of twists and turns * Crime Scene Magazine *

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Book SynopsisFamily should come first - but when there's money involved, the rules go out the window. The third thrilling Flesh and Blood novel, perfect for fans of Kimberley Chambers and Mandasue Heller.Trade ReviewPraise for Dreda Say Mitchell * : *A gripping and thrilling read by a wonderful lady and fab authorWonderful vivid writing and a truly original voice.Dreda Say Mitchell is right up there at the forefront of British crime fiction

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Book Synopsis''Shiveringly good suspense!'' Lisa GardnerTHE FIRST BOOK IN A GRIPPING CRIME SERIES FROM 30 MILLION COPY SELLING AUTHOR.Jenna Hughes left Hollywood for a farm in Oregon to get away from fame. But someone has followed the former movie star - an obsessed fan whose letters are personal and deeply disturbing. And while Jenna''s already shaken up by what she''s seen on paper, she''d be terrified if she knew what Sheriff Shane Carter is investigating. It''s a shocking case that started with the discovery of a dead woman in the woods. Now two more women are missing, and one of them looks just like Jenna. As a blizzard bears down on their small town, the merciless killer''s grisly work has only just begun. Jenna is getting close to meeting her biggest fan - the one who wants to own her forever.''She is one of the best'' Harlan Coben THE NEXT BOOK IN THE SERIES, Trade ReviewLisa Jackson shows yet again why she is one of the best at romantic suspense. A pure nail biter. * Harlan Coben on YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW *Shiveringly good suspense! Lisa Jackson ratchets up the tension as one woman's desperate search for her missing son takes her to the very brink of losing her husband, her sanity, her very self. Each chapter will leave you wondering who to trust. The answer: You don't want to know... * Lisa Gardner on YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW *Absolutely tension filled... Jackson is on top of her game. * Suspense Magazine on TELL ME *The spookily atmospheric plot is jam-packed with scary chills and sexy thrills. * Booklist on TELL ME *a fast moving thriller with plenty of twists and turns, and an easy flowing style that readily catches the reader up in its thrall. * Canberra Times on MALICE *Gripping... Jackson heightens the creep factor. * Publisher’s Weekly on MALICE *As a beach read, this is a cracker. Read it at night and it certainly will keep you up. For after the prologue, Jackson slips into her real agenda, and out of your comfort zone. * Courier Mail, Brisbane on DEEP FREEZE *Tense... Suspenseful . . . shocking . . . will leave readers on the edge of their seats. * Booklist on ABSOLUTE FEAR *Her latest whodunit hits all the marks, taking readers on a nail-biting roller coaster ride. * Library Journal on WITHOUT MERCY *Jackson takes creepy to a new level with her latest chilling offering... A frightening tale filled with danger and shocking twists. * RT Book Reviews on WITHOUT MERCY *Jackson... shows a mastery of the true-crime thriller formula that will please fans * Kirkus Reviews on TELL ME *Graphic, terrifying suspense and gripping emotion are what makes all of Lisa Jackson's thrillers so unforgettable. THE MORNING AFTER just adds to her growing inventory of terrific page-turners. * Romantic Times on THE MORNING AFTER *In a word: clever * The Herald Sun on CHOSEN TO DIE *The highly suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat reads that Lisa Jackson provides are unparalleled * Publisher’s Weekly on LEFT TO DIE *

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Book SynopsisHe was supposed to be having fun with his friends, not playing detective and stalking a serial killer.Theodore Boone - teenage lawyer and courtroom hero - is on a class trip seeing the sights of the capital city. But he hadn''t counted on seeing the most wanted man in the history of his home town, Strattenberg.Suddenly Theo is caught in the hunt for an accused murderer, alongside the FBI. Theo knows he''s getting in deep - and things could become even more dangerous. Because if this case goes back to court, it will be down to him. Will justice finally be done . . . or will the killer''s criminal allies be out for revenge?******************What readers are saying about THEODORE BOONE: THE FUGITIVE''Suspense, curiosity and, bravery, this book is packed with them'' - 5 stars''Loved this book'' - 5 stars''A great read for all ages'' - 5 stars''Awesome book - loved it'Trade ReviewIf you aspire to turn your children into lawyers who will keep you in your old age, John Grisham's Theodore Boone, his first novel for young people, might be for you. * Sunday Times *Nobody does legal fiction better. * Daily Express *Not since Nancy Drew has a nosy, crime-obsessed kid been so hard to resist. * The New York Times *Gripping... I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery. I think everyone will be enthralled by Theodore Boone. * Scholastic News *A master of his craft. * The Guardian *

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Book SynopsisAD 69: The Rhine frontier has exploded into bloody rebellion, and four centurions who once fought in the same army find themselves on opposite sides of a vicious insurrection.The rebel leader Kivilaz and his Batavi rebels have humbled the Romans in a battle they should have won. The legions must now defend their northern stronghold, the Old Camp, from the enraged tribes of Germany, knowing that they cannot be relieved until the civil war raging to the south has been resolved. Can they defend the undermanned fortress against thousands of barbarian warriors intoxicated by a charismatic priestess''s vision of victory?Trade ReviewA master of the genre - The TimesThis is fast-paced and gripping "read-through-the-night" fiction, with marvellous characters and occasional moments of dark humour. Some authors are better historians than they are storytellers. Anthony Riches is brilliant at both. - Conn IgguldenA damn fine read . . . fast-paced, action-packed. - Ben KaneStands head and shoulders above a crowded field . . . . real, live characters act out their battles on the northern borders with an accuracy of detail and depth of raw emotion that is a rare combination. - Manda Scott

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Book SynopsisThe author of the bestselling Empire sequence continues his new trilogy: the epic story of the uprising of the Batavi in AD 69.''A master of the genre'' - The TimesAD 69: The Rhine frontier has exploded into bloody rebellion, and four centurions who once fought in the same army find themselves on opposite sides of a vicious insurrection. The rebel leader Kivilaz and his Batavi rebels have humbled the Romans in a battle they should have won. The legions must now defend their northern stronghold, the Old Camp, from the enraged tribes of Germany, knowing that they cannot be relieved until the civil war raging to the south has been resolved. Can they defend the undermanned fortress against thousands of barbarian warriors intoxicated by a charismatic priestess''s vision of victory?Trade ReviewA master of the genre - The TimesThis is fast-paced and gripping "read-through-the-night" fiction, with marvellous characters and occasional moments of dark humour. Some authors are better historians than they are storytellers. Anthony Riches is brilliant at both. - Conn IgguldenA damn fine read . . . fast-paced, action-packed. - Ben KaneStands head and shoulders above a crowded field . . . . real, live characters act out their battles on the northern borders with an accuracy of detail and depth of raw emotion that is a rare combination. - Manda ScottRiches highlights the chaos and fragility of an empire without an emperor . . . dense, complicated and rewarding. - The Times on BETRAYAL

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Book SynopsisAfter saving the emperor''s life in Rome, Marcus and his comrades have been sent across the sea to the wealthy, corrupt Greek metropolis of Aegyptus, Alexandria.An unknown enemy has slaughtered the garrison of the Empire''s last outpost before its border with the mysterious kingdom of Kush. Caravans can no longer reach the crucial Red Sea port of Berenike, from which the riches of the East flow towards Rome.The Emperor''s most trusted and most devious adviser has ordered Marcus''s commander Scaurus and his trusted officers to the south. With orders that are tantamount to a suicide mission, and with only one slim hope of success.Can a small force of highly trained legionaries restore the Empire''s power in this remote desert no-man''s-land, when faced by the fanatical army of Kush''s iron-fisted ruler?Trade ReviewPraise for Anthony RichesRiver of Gold is the eleventh novel in Anthony Riches' best-selling Empire series and its considerable strengths are all the more impressive because of it. . . . a gripping narrative full of breath-taking action, unforgettable characters, and dazzling twists and turns -- Peter Tonkin * Aspects of History *A masterclass in military historical fiction * Sunday Express *A master of the genre * The Times *Fast-paced and gripping "read-through-the-night' fiction with marvellous characters and occasional moments of dark humour. Some authors are better historians than they are storytellers. Anthony Riches is brilliant at both * Conn Iggulden *A damn fine read . . . fast-paced, action-packed * Ben Kane *Stands head and shoulders above a crowded field . . . real, live characters act out their battles on the northern borders with an accuracy of detail and depth of raw emotion that is a rare combination * Manda Scot *

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Book SynopsisThe brand new Hap and Leonard mystery - now an Amazon TV series.Unlikely detective duo Hap and Leonard''s latest case could expose the corrupt cops of East Texas - if it doesn''t get them killed first.Jamar Elton supposedly died in a fight with local hoods, but it doesn''t add up. His sister Charm had recently been stalked by a bullying cop. Jamar had set out to gather evidence on him...and found more than he bargained for. Soon, Hap and Leonard are treading on the toes of just about everyone in the local underworld - cops and criminals alike. But if anyone can navigate these pitfalls and bring the bad guys to justice, it''s them.Trade ReviewPraise for Rusty Puppy * - *Joe R. Lansdale has a wicked way with words...One almost feels guilty enjoying [Hap and Leonard's] raw, rollicking adventures. But Lansdale has a way of winning readers over with his deceptively elegant brand of 'redneck noir'. * Fort Worth Star-Telegram *Lansdale spins a wild, rollicking yarn, but behind all the mayhem is a heartfelt tale about friendship, brotherhood, loyalty, and family. Hap and Leonard are complicated, violent men, but they display a basic humanity and decency that carries this remarkable series along. * Publishers Weekly starred review *Praise for the Hap and Leonard books * . *Dialogue worthy of Elmore Leonard, memorable characters and explosive action * Crime Scene Magazine *A unique mix of sly humor and horrific violence. Readers will laugh at some particularly profane smart-ass repartee and then want to cover their eyes a couple sentences later as the violence explodes. Another fine entry in a great series * Booklist *Another rip-roaring, wisecracking, savagely violent story...Gloriously bloody fun * Metro *The Texan equivalent to our own Christopher Brookmyre...A rollicking pulp thriller, with a surprisingly warm and empathetic core. * Glasgow Herald *

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Book SynopsisEdgar Award-winner and fan favourite Joe R. Lansdale is back with Hap and Leonard's latest case: investigating the disappearance of a cult leader's daughter.Trade ReviewPraise for the Hap and Leonard books * - *Dialogue worthy of Elmore Leonard, memorable characters and explosive action * Crime Scene Magazine *A unique mix of sly humor and horrific violence. Readers will laugh at some particularly profane smart-ass repartee and then want to cover their eyes a couple sentences later as the violence explodes. Another fine entry in a great series * Booklist *Another rip-roaring, wisecracking, savagely violent story...Gloriously bloody fun * Metro *The Texan equivalent to our own Christopher Brookmyre...A rollicking pulp thriller, with a surprisingly warm and empathetic core. * Glasgow Herald *

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Book SynopsisA sensational million-copy best seller in Poland, GIRL AT MIDNIGHT is a page-turning, suspense-filled drama ready to take the rest of Europe by storm.

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Book Synopsis ...WHILE THE STREETS OF LONDON HAD SHERLOCK HOLMES, THE DARK ALLEYS OF EDINBURGH HAD INSPECTOR JAMES McLEVY ''ASHTON IS THE DIRECT HEIR TO ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON'' actor Brian Cox ''EXCELLENT'' The Sherlock Holmes Society ''DRIPPING WITH MELODRAMA AND DERRING-DO'' Herald ELEGANT AND CONVINCING'' The Times 1880, Edinburgh.Election fever grips the city. But while the rich and educated argue about politics, in the dank wynds of the docks it''s a struggle just to stay alive. When a prostitute is brutally murdered, disturbing memories from thirty years ago are stirred in Inspector McLevy who is soon lured into a murky world of politics, perversion and deception - and the shadow of the serpent. BASED ON THE LONG-RUNNING BBC RADIO 4 McLEVY DRAMA SERIESTHE INSPECTOR MCLEVY SERIES1 - Shadow of the Serpent2 - Fall from GraceTrade ReviewPRAISE FOR THE INSPECTOR McLEVY SERIESMclevy is a sort of Victorian Morse with a heart, prowling the mean wynds and tenements of the endlessly fascinating city. David Ashton impeccably evokes Edinburgh so vividly that you feel the cold in your bones and the menace of the Old Town's steep cobbles and dark corners * Financial Times *An intriguing Victorian story... elegant and convincing * The Times *McLevy is one of the greatest psychological creations and Ashton the direct heir to Robert Louis Stevenson * Brian Cox, star of the BBC Radio 4 McLevy series *David Ashton's writing is excellent, his characters thoroughly convincing and his narrative grabs you * The Sherlock Holmes Society *Ashton's McLevy is a man obsessed with meting out justice and with demons of his own * Scotsman *A real page-turner * The Sunday Post *Dripping with melodrama and derring-do * Herald *You can easily imagine the bustling life of a major port, and the stories are alive with a most amazing array of characters * BBC Radio 4 *

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Book Synopsis BASED ON THE LONG-RUNNING BBC RADIO 4 McLEVY DRAMA SERIES...WHILE THE STREETS OF LONDON HAD SHERLOCK HOLMES, THE DARK ALLEYS OF EDINBURGH HAD INSPECTOR JAMES McLEVYELEGANT AND CONVINCING'' The Times ''ASHTON IS THE DIRECT HEIR TO ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON'' Brian Cox ''EXCELLENT'' The Sherlock Holmes Society ''DRIPPING WITH MELODRAMA AND DERRING-DO'' HeraldA burglary and murder at the home of Sir Thomas Bouch, the enigmatic architect of the ill-fated Tay Bridge, sets Inspector James McLevy off on a train of brutal killings, lethal liaisons, and double suicide which leads to a violent encounter with an old enemy, Hercules Dunbar.Caught up in a terrifying storm as he tracks his foe to Dundee, McLevy watches the rail bridge collapse and plunge into the icy depths of the Tay. The aftermath brings the destruction of reputation and love as the inspector uTrade ReviewPRAISE FOR THE INSPECTOR McLEVY SERIESMclevy is a sort of Victorian Morse with a heart, prowling the mean wynds and tenements of the endlessly fascinating city. David Ashton impeccably evokes Edinburgh so vividly that you feel the cold in your bones and the menace of the Old Town's steep cobbles and dark corners * Financial Times *An intriguing Victorian story... elegant and convincing * The Times *McLevy is one of the greatest psychological creations and Ashton the direct heir to Robert Louis Stevenson * Brian Cox, CBE - Award-winning actor *David Ashton's writing is excellent, his characters thoroughly convincing and his narrative grabs you * The Sherlock Holmes Society *Ashton's McLevy is a man obsessed with meting out justice and with demons of his own * Scotsman *A real page-turner * Sunday Post *

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Book SynopsisKnown as the father of forensics and a likely influence on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, real-life police inspector James McLevy is here reinvented by David Ashton in a thrilling mystery - the third in a series - set in dark, violent Victorian Edinburgh.Trade ReviewPRAISE FOR THE INSPECTOR McLEVY SERIESMclevy is a sort of Victorian Morse with a heart, prowling the mean wynds and tenements of the endlessly fascinating city. David Ashton impeccably evokes Edinburgh so vividly that you feel the cold in your bones and the menace of the Old Town's steep cobbles and dark corners * Financial Times *An intriguing Victorian story... elegant and convincing * The Times *McLevy is one of the greatest psychological creations and Ashton the direct heir to Robert Louis Stevenson * Brian Cox, CBE - Award-winning actor *David Ashton's writing is excellent, his characters thoroughly convincing and his narrative grabs you * The Sherlock Holmes Society *Ashton's McLevy is a man obsessed with meting out justice and with demons of his own * Scotsman *A real page-turner * Sunday Post *Dripping with melodrama and derring-do * Herald *

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Book Synopsis BASED ON THE LONG-RUNNING BBC RADIO 4 McLEVY DRAMA SERIES...WHILE THE STREETS OF LONDON HAD SHERLOCK HOLMES, THE DARK ALLEYS OF EDINBURGH HAD INSPECTOR JAMES McLEVYELEGANT AND CONVINCING'' The Times ''ASHTON IS THE DIRECT HEIR TO ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON'' Brian Cox ''EXCELLENT'' The Sherlock Holmes Society ''DRIPPING WITH MELODRAMA AND DERRING-DO'' Herald1887. The streets of Edinburgh seethe with anarchy as two gangs of students rival each other in wild exploits. After a pitched battle between them, an old woman is found savagely battered to death in Leith Harbour.Enter the Thieftaker - Inspector Jame McLevy. With Constable Mulholland at his side, he scours the low dives of the waterfront and then sees the tendrils of the case spread to more respectable nooks and crannies.When the inspector encounters Robert Louis Stevenson, author of Trade ReviewPRAISE FOR THE INSPECTOR McLEVY SERIESMclevy is a sort of Victorian Morse with a heart, prowling the mean wynds and tenements of the endlessly fascinating city. David Ashton impeccably evokes Edinburgh so vividly that you feel the cold in your bones and the menace of the Old Town's steep cobbles and dark corners * Financial Times *An intriguing Victorian story... elegant and convincing * The Times *McLevy is one of the greatest psychological creations and Ashton the direct heir to Robert Louis Stevenson * Brian Cox, CBE - Award-winning actor *David Ashton's writing is excellent, his characters thoroughly convincing and his narrative grabs you * The Sherlock Holmes Society *Ashton's McLevy is a man obsessed with meting out justice and with demons of his own * Scotsman *A real page-turner * Sunday Post *Dripping with melodrama and derring-do * Herald *

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DEAVER. DANGEROUSLY GOOD. 9am, 31st December. A man gets onto the packed escalator of a metro station and fires a silenced machine gun through a paper bag. He escapes without being spotted in the chaos that follows. A note is delivered to the mayor of Washington, D.C., demanding $20 million, or the writer will instruct the gunman to strike again, at 4 pm, 8 pm and midnight. The mayor decides to pay up. But then a man is killed in a hit and run accident - and his fingerprints match the ones on the note.With the brains behind the operation dead, there's no way of stopping the gunman killing again, and again, and again... The only evidence the FBI have is the note. And Parker Kincaid, forensic document expert, is the only man who can stop the killer. But he's running out of time... 'Deaver is a terrific storyteller, and he takes the reader on a rollercoaster of suspense, violence and mystery' Daily Telegraph

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Book SynopsisThe second of the Rune thrillers - set in New York.Trade ReviewDeaver is a terrific storyteller, and he takes the reader on a rollercaoster of suspense, violence and mystery . . . Good entertainment * Susanna Yager, Daily Telegraph *Jeffery Deaver's fiendish new suspense thriller . . . Amazing as it sounds, Deaver makes the intellectual puzzle the most thrilling part of his high-anxiety drama, which twists, turns and leaves us weak * The New York Times Book Review *Principal characters unusually vivid and sympathetic.... Rapidly paced, wholly engrossing tale * Publisher's Weekly *A truly engrossing thriller. Psychological thriller writers do not come much better than Deaver. His cogent plotting, smooth characterisation and (best of all) psychological profiling of his villains is all nonpareil * The Times Crime Supplement *

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Book SynopsisMURDERA millionaire philanthropist is shot while he sleeps. His terrified wife made a narrow escape. Or did she?MYSTERYA crime writer''s violent fictions start to come chillingly true. Has he unwittingly inspired a murderer?SUSPENSEA young woman is trapped in a tunnel deep underground. Two men battle to rescue her. Are they heroes, or driven by some darker motive?In the cunning, suspense-filled world of Jeffery Deaver, only one thing is certain: the next twist is only ever a page away ...Trade Review'A mystery hit for those who like their intrigue short and sweet . . tight, bare-bones plotting and the sneaky tricks that Mr Deaver's title promises' - New York Times on TWISTED'The tales are so twisted, they're dizzying . . .what they all share is that "oh my God" element of surprise, which is what short stories should be all about.' * Daily Mail *'Enjoyable, humorous and definitely twisted.' Herald on TWISTEDThe best psychological thriller writer around * The Times *'Jeffery Deaver is a master at crafting intricate crimes that are solved through guile, tenacity and sheer creative genius. And Lincoln Rhyme is one of a kind.' * Harlan Coben *A master of suspense * Guardian *Teeth-chattering suspense * Daily Mail *The best psychological thriller writer around * The Times *The most creative, skilled and intriguing thriller writer in the world * Sunday Telegraph *Teeth-chattering suspense * Daily Mail *

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Book Synopsis ''Jean Brash is my favourite character and David Ashton''s writing is as delicious, elegant and compelling as she is'' Siobhan Redmond (Jean Brash in BBC Radio 4''s McLevy series)Jean Brash, who first appeared in BBC Radio 4''s Inspector McLevy mysteries, is a formidable woman in her prime. Once a child of the streets, she is now Mistress of the Just Land, the best bawdy-hoose in Edinburgh and her pride and joy. But a murder in her establishment could wreck everything.New Year''s Day - and through the misty streets of Victorian Edinburgh an elegant, female figure walks the cobblestones - with a certain vengeful purpose. Jean Brash, the Mistress of the Just Land, brings her cool intelligence to solving a murder, a murder that took place in her own bawdy-hoose. A prominent judge, strangled and left dangling, could bring her whole life to ruin and she didn''t haul herself off the streets, up through loTrade ReviewHere is Jean Brash centre stage in all her splendour - clever, cheeky, generous, alluring, hard-headed, yet prone to the occasional burst of crazy romanticism, an old friend who is full of surprises. I find her as irresistible as McLevy does: she's my favourite character and David Ashton's writing is as delicious, elegant and compelling as she is. * Siobhan Redmond (Jean Brash in BBC Radio 4’s McLevy series) *Ashton is an old hand at milking the Old Town, New Town and Leith for their maximum atmosphere, suspense and air of criminality. That, combined with the intriguing premise of a crime-solving brotel-keeper, makes Mistress of the Just Land a most diverting page turner * Herald *PRAISE FOR THE INSPECTOR McLEVY SERIESMclevy is a sort of Victorian Morse with a heart, prowling the mean wynds and tenements of the endlessly fascinating city. David Ashton impeccably evokes Edinburgh so vividly that you feel the cold in your bones and the menace of the Old Town's steep cobbles and dark corners * Financial Times *An intriguing Victorian story... elegant and convincing * The Times *McLevy is one of the greatest psychological creations and Ashton the direct heir to Robert Louis Stevenson * Brian Cox, CBE - Award-winning actor *David Ashton's writing is excellent, his characters thoroughly convincing and his narrative grabs you * The Sherlock Holmes Society *Ashton's McLevy is a man obsessed with meting out justice and with demons of his own * Scotsman *A real page-turner * Sunday Post *

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Book Synopsis''A startling psychological mystery'' Michael GreenbergBenjamín Chaparro is a man haunted by his past. A retired detective, he remains obsessed with the decades-old case of the rape and murder of a young woman in her own bedroom.As he revisits the details of the investigation, he is reacquainted with his similarly long, unrequited love for Irene Hornos, then just an intern, now a respected judge.Set in the Buenos Aires of the 1970s, The Secret in Their Eyes reveals the underpinnings of Argentina''s Dirty War, and asks what justice really means. And it explores the boundaries of love in all its forms: adoration, devotion and, finally, obsession.

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Book SynopsisA cosy Dandy Gilver mystery set in 1930s Scotland. For fans of PG Wodehouse, Dorothy L Sayers and Agatha Christie.''A delightfully uplifting mystery with a distinctly P.G. Wodehouse-ian feel. Navigating ancient castles, and family feuds, Dandy Gilver must also contend with a ribald staging of Shakespeare''s Macbeth. I loved the sense of fun, the wonderful use of language . . . satisfying on many levels.'' Vaseem Khan, author of the Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector ChopraScotland, 1934. Aristocratic private detective Dandy Gilver arrives at Castle Bewer, at midsummer, to solve the tangled mystery of a missing man, a lost ruby and a family curse. The Bewer family''s latest wheeze to keep the wolf from the door is turning the castle keep into a theatre. While a motley band of players rehearse Macbeth, the Bewers themselves prepare lectures, their faithful servants set up a tearoom, and Trade Review'The perfect read for those who enjoy the bygoneworld charm of Nancy Mitford, Evelyn Waugh and Agatha Christie.' * The Lady on Dandy Gilver and a Most Misleading Habit *A delightfully uplifting mystery with a distinctly P.G. Wodehouse-ian feel. Navigating ancient castles, and family feuds, Dandy Gilver must also contend with a ribald staging of Shakespeare's Macbeth. I loved the sense of fun, the wonderful use of language . . . satisfying on many levels. * Vaseem Khan, author of the Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra *Catriona McPherson is a writer as talented as she is versatile. Dandy Gilver tackles a Golden Age era puzzle with her usual aplomb when the Scottish play offers a Shakespearean twist to a mystery with plenty of classic ingredients. * Martin Edwards *Superb! Dandy Gilver deserves a damehood for increasing the gaiety of the nation. * Frances Brody, author of the Kate Shackleton Mysteries *

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