Crime & Thrillers Books

Book SynopsisThe Wench is Dead is the eighth novel in Colin Dexter's Oxford-set detective series featuring Inspector Morse.That night he dreamed in Technicolor. He saw the ochre-skinned, scantily clad siren in her black, arrowed stockings. And in Morse's muddled computer of a mind, that siren took the name of one Joanna Franks . . .The body of Joanna Franks was found at Duke's Cut on the Oxford Canal at about 5.30 a.m. on Wednesday, 22nd June 1859.At around 10.15 a.m. on a Saturday morning in 1989 the body of Chief Inspector Morse – though very much alive – was removed to Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital. Treatment for a perforated ulcer was later pronounced successful.As Morse begins his recovery he comes across an account of the investigation and the trial that followed Joanna Franks' death . . . and becomes convinced that the two men hanged for her murder were innocent . . .The Wench is Dead is followed by the ninth Inspector Morse book, The Jewel That Was Ours.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA moving and emotional family drama set between France and Britain from bestselling author, Mary Wood. They would fight for their country, at all costs . . .When Sibbie and Marjie arrive at RAF Digby, they are about to take on roles of national importance. It’s a cause of great excitement for everyone around them. Perhaps they will become code-breakers, spies even? Soon the pair embark on a rigorous training regime, but nothing can prepare them for what they’re about to face . . .Amid the vineyards of rural France, Flora and Ella can’t bear the thought of another war. But as the thunderclouds grow darker, hanging over Europe, a sense of deep foreboding sets in, not just for their safety but for the fate of their families . . . With danger looming, as the threat of war becomes real, Flora and Ella are forced to leave their idyllic home and flee. Can they make it to safety, or will the war have further horrors in store for them?The Brave Daughters is the fourth book in the Girls Who Went to War series by Mary Wood.Trade ReviewWood is a born storyteller * Lancashire Evening Post *

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn ex-MI6 agent driven to avenge a tragic death.A radical environmental group determined to avert climate catastrophe.A lone outsider with the power to devastate the world.Scott Pearce has torn up the espionage rulebook to overcome those spreading division and hate, but radical environmental group White Fire is a new kind of enemy posing a new kind of threat.With everything on the line, Pearce discovers links to an old enemy thought long defeated, and as the danger rises, he realises he and his team, Leila Nahum and Kyle Wollerton, have underestimated the fight ahead.As the conspiracy that links Black 13 and Red Wolves emerges from the shadows, the team has one chance to avert a global catastrophe that could disable the world permanently . . .Packed with tension and pace, White Fire is the third Scott Pearce novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author.What readers are saying about White Fire:‘If there’s one spy thriller series that sets the bar high for thrilling espionage books, it’s Adam Hamdy’s White Fire’‘Another fast-paced thriller from Adam. A well plotted novel which keeps you on the edge of you seat’‘Ramps up to a wholly satisfying climax’Praise for the Scott Pearce series:'Introduces readers to . . . Scott Pearce who looks set to become the British Jason Bourne or Jack Reacher. A stunning book deserving huge success' – Daily Express'A kinetic ride' – Financial Times‘Intelligent, globe-trotting adventure thriller’ – C. M. Ewan, author of The House Hunt'Hamdy creates smart adrenaline-charged action scenes' – The Times''Move over Jason Bourne, Scott Pearce is in town . . . A breathless rollercoaster of a ride' – Fiona Cummins, author of Into the DarkTrade ReviewEver inventive, ever surprising, Hamdy is fast carving a name as one of the most intelligent and gripping thriller writers of our time -- Peter James, bestselling author of the Roy Grace seriesHamdy creates smart adrenaline-charged action scenes * The Times *Adam Hamdy has created a unique protagonist in Scott Pearce. Muscular prose, a pace that doesn’t let up and a setting that feels disturbingly close to the truth make for a thrilling read. -- Mark Dawson, author of UppercutBond for the new age . . . Timely, tense, terrifying -- K. J. Howe, international bestselling author of SkyjackA kinetic ride * Financial Times *A scorching thriller that will make you question where we are as a country . . . and where we might be heading -- Anthony Horowitz, bestselling author of the Alex Rider novelsMove over Jason Bourne, Scott Pearce is in town . . . A breathless rollercoaster of a ride -- Fiona Cummins, author of Into the Dark

Read more less

Book SynopsisOnce a celebrated Naval officer, John Rowland has fallen from grace. After slipping into alcoholism, Roland is dismissed from the Navy and shamed. Having lost everything, Rowland now works as a deckhand on the Titan, operating deck machinery and keeping watch. However, Rowland is just as shocked and horrified as the civilian passengers when the mighty ocean liner collides with an iceberg, beginning the ship’s slow sink to ruin. As the Titan sinks, its passengers are frenzied, as they realize that there are not enough lifeboats for all of them. Amid the chaotic panic of the wreck, Rowland finds the young daughter of an ex-lover and is immediately drawn to protecting the child. Together, Rowland and the young girl fight for their survival, rushing to escape the ship and hoping to find a lifeboat. With their lives on the line, Rowland understands that this is his chance at redemption—if he can find a way to save them both. Filled with drama, suspense, action, and sentiment, The Wreck of the Titan by Morgan Robertson has remains to be engrossing and fascinating to modern readers. First published in 1898, The Wreck of the Titan has earned a place in pop culture with film, television, and literary allusions, and is often compared to the historic sinking of the Titanic. Since the Titanic wrecked over a decade after Robertson’s work was released, audiences have even suspected Robertson to be precognizant, though the author himself denied this and brushed off the similarities. This edition of The Wreck of the Titan by Morgan Robertson now features a new, eye-catching cover design and is printed in a font that is both modern and readable. With these accommodations, this edition of The Wreck of the Titan crafts an accessible and pleasant reading experience for modern audiences while restoring the original mastery of Morgan Robertson’s work.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA seemingly well-reasoned justification of murder comes to pieces as the murderer is forced to confront the true nature of his crime. After much thought Rodion Raskolnikov determines that certain special people deserve the right to step outside of normal law and order to accomplish difficult deeds for the good of others and even humanity as a whole. Trapped in desperate poverty, he justifies his plan to rob and kill a rich, unpopular pawnbroker, reasoning that he will take the money, survive and go on to do good things for others. The terrible act of murder, and the unstoppable cascade of events that follow, throw Raskolnikov into a nightmare of mental unbalance and moral torment. One situation after another arises that drives home his guilt and shows how his brutal act has resulted in nothing but destruction and pain. A surprise visit from family and a policeman who seems teasingly, sardonically aware of his guilt thrust Raskolnikov into a position where he can’t tell if even confession will supply meaningful redemption. First published in 1866, Crime and Punishment stands as one of the most acclaimed novels of all time and remains unsurpassed in its penetrating psychology and raw glimpses of a mind wracked by moral confusion and fundamental questions of how to do the right thing. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Crime and Punishment is both modern and readable.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe youngest son of King Peter, leaves his family home to explore the world, meet new people, and discover the Well at the World’s End. It’s an unconventional hero’s journey that takes the protagonist on a life-changing adventure. King Peter has four sons, all of whom are eager to leave home. He allows three of them to travel the world but forces his youngest boy, Ralph, to stay. Despite his father’s ruling, Ralph sets out on his own adventure without his family’s blessing. While on the road, he encounters exciting and unusual characters, including the Lady of Abundance and the maiden Ursula. When he learns of the powerful Well at the World’s End, his journey takes a sudden and unexpected turn. The Well at the World’s End is full of distinct characters and vivid imagery. William Morris weaves a fantastical tale driven by curiosity and romance. This story is a standout within its genre and among Morris’ impressive catalog. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of The Well at the World’s End is both modern and readable.

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhite-Jacket (1850) is an adventure novel by American writer Herman Melville. Based on the author’s personal experience as a seaman in the United States Navy—Melville spent fourteen months aboard the USS United States—the novel was both commercially successful and influential for reforming US Naval policy. Following its publication, and aided by advocacy from journalists and politicians, flogging was banned as a punishment in the navy. The novel is seen as a precursor to Melville’s masterpiece, Moby-Dick (1851), and is often compared to his posthumous novella Billy Budd (1924). White-Jacket is the name given to the novel’s protagonist, a young seaman who embarks on the USS Neversink hoping for brotherhood and adventure. As he grows accustomed to the duties and indignities of naval life, he becomes the target of ire for most of the crew and officers. His jacket, the only one of its kind on board, not only causes him to stand out, but is a source of constant danger—insufficient for the cold weather around Cape Horn, difficult to discern from the color of the Neversink’s sails, the jacket both defines and dooms the novel’s hero. Praised for its adventurous narrative and political message, White-Jacket was a critical and commercial success for Melville, enabling him to compose and publish Moby-Dick, an ambitious and complex novel now recognized as among the greatest works of American literature. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Herman Melville’s White-Jacket is a classic of American literature reimagined for modern readers.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAs one of the many installments in Jules Verne’s Voyage Extraordinaire series, Journey to the Center of the Earth promises high stakes and thrilling adventure. When Professor Otto Lidenbrock bought an ancient runic manuscript, which chronicles the lives of Norwegian Kings, he did not expect to learn of anything but the history of Icelandic leaders. However, upon further inspection, Lidenbrock and his nephew, Axel, find that the manuscript includes a coded message written by a 16th century alchemist. After rigorous translating and decoding, Axel and Lidenbrock discover the content of the note, in which the author reveals that it is possible to travel to the center of the Earth through volcanic passages. When Lidenbrock heard the news, he immediately started preparations to start the journey, though Axel was skeptical. When Lidenbrock’s will proves to be more powerful than his nephew’s doubt, the two decide to make the journey, recruiting an Icelandic tour guide named Hans on the way. As the three men make their way to inactive volcanic tubes, they embark on a high-stake adventure, facing dangers of cave-ins, subpolar tornados, an underground ocean and prehistoric creatures. The three men stay strong in their adventure, knowing the risky journey promises superior knowledge and acclaim, granted that they make it out alive. With the combination of science fiction and the adventure genre, Jules Verne created a novel that captures the attention of his audience. Originally published in 1864, Journey to the Center of the Earth still provides modern readers with entertainment and insight with its detailed and imaginative prose. Journey to the Center of the Earth can be read independently or as a companion to the other titles of Jules Verne’s critically acclaimed series, Voyage Extraordinaire. This edition of Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne now features an eye-catching cover design and is printed in a stylish and readable font, crafting an assessible and pleasant reading experience for modern audiences.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrent’s Last Case (1913) is a detective novel by E.C. Bentley. Adapted three times for the cinema—including a 1952 feature film starring Michael Wilding, Orson Welles, and Margaret Lockwood—Trent’s Last Case, which was titled The Woman in Black in the U.S., earned the acclaim of such writers as Dorothy L. Sayers, and was followed by a sequel and a collection of short stories involving its main character. When Sigsbee Manderson, a prominent American plutocrat, is murdered at his country estate in southwest England, Philip Trent, an amateur detective and freelance journalist, is hired to investigate the case. Aided by police, Trent begins his examination of the facts and evidence. Granted access to the body as well as the grounds of White Gables, Manderson’s estate, Trent concludes his investigation with a series of interviews. Beginning with Manderson’s wife, he uses his journalistic skill to collect information from the plutocrat’s secretaries, servant, and maid, as well as Nathaniel Cupples, Mrs. Manderson’s uncle and an old friend of Trent’s. When the coroner’s report is released, and in coordination with his own research, evidence suggests that Manderson was murdered due to some unknown business vendetta. There is reason to believe, however, that his death could have something to do with his troubled marriage, a possibility complicated by Trent’s growing attraction to Mabel, his widow. Unable to reach a conclusion, Trent embarks for Latvia to work as a traveling correspondent, but no matter how much time or distance he places between himself and White Gables, the questions and the mystery remain. Trent’s Last Case is a masterful detective novel by a writer whose reputation has unjustly faded over the past several decades. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of E.C. Bentley’s Trent’s Last Case is a classic of English detective fiction reimagined for modern readers.

Read more less

Book SynopsisOriginally published in 1911, The Innocence of Father Brown is the first of five official collections of short stories focused on the crime-solving Roman Catholic. He is an endearing character often compared to another famous detective, Sherlock Holmes. Father Brown is a devout Roman Catholic priest who has a penchant for detective work. He first appears in the short story, “The Blue Cross,” which was previously published in 1910 in the Saturday Evening Post. Father Brown stumbles across unusual cases that require his distinct reasoning and deduction skills. He’s often described as a short man with a stocky figure who can see into the heart of evil. His first outing, The Innocence of Father Brown, features 12 stories including “The Hammer of God,” “The Invisible Man” and "The Sins of Prince Saradine." The Innocence of Father Brown is the inaugural edition of G.K. Chesterton’s delightful detective series. It consists of many famous cases and characters including frequent collaborator, Hercule Flambeau. This book is a great introduction to these delightful stories that are fueled by heart and humanity. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of The Innocence of Father Brown is both modern and readable.

Read more less

Book SynopsisOfficer Harry Feversham leaves his military position right before an important battle to the disappointment of his three closest friends and the woman he loves. Appalled by his decision, they each gift him with one striking symbol—a white feather. A young British soldier, Harry Feversham, suddenly resigns from his post and leaves his regiment. He is quickly overcome with shame as he receives four feathers, which signify his cowardice. Three are from his peers Captain Trench, Lieutenant Castleton and Lieutenant Willoughby, and one is from his fiancée, Ethne Eustace. Driven by guilt, Harry participates in various heroic acts to regain his honor and return their feathers. The Four Feathers is one of A.E.W. Mason’s most famous works. It explores the unbearable weight of status and reputation in a world driven by strict codes. It has been adapted multiple times for television and film. The most notable version was the 2002 feature starring Oscar-winner Heath Ledger as Harry. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of The Four Feathers is both modern and readable.

Read more less

Book SynopsisMoonfleet (1898) is an adventure novel by J. Meade Falkner. Largely forgotten by today’s readers, Falkner was more widely known in his lifetime for his nonfiction works on history and topography as well as his role as chairman of a major arms manufacturer. Far from the amateur musings of a bored millionaire, Falkner’s writing shows a mastery of genre fiction while benefitting from his extensive geographical knowledge. Moonfleet has been adapted several times for radio, television, and film, most notably for Fritz Lang’s 1955 feature of the same name. “When I was a child I thought that this place was called Moonfleet, because on a still night, whether in summer, or in winter frosts, the moon shone very brightly on the lagoon; but learned afterwards that 'twas but short for 'Mohune-fleet', from the Mohunes, a great family who were once lords of all these parts.” Growing up in Moonfleet, young John Trenchard couldn’t help but hear the legends of the powerful Mohune family, whose ancestor Colonel Blackbeard is said to have stolen a diamond from King Charles I. An orphan, he is raised by his aunt, Miss Arnold, who tries to protect him from the violence and crime perpetuated by local smugglers. At church one Sunday, John hears noises from the crypt below and endeavors to return. The next day, he encounters two of his friends beside the church wall, and suspects they are searching for the ghost of Blackbeard. As he steps into a sinkhole in the graveyard, he finds himself in a tunnel leading to the crypt, where the telltale signs of smuggling reveal a shocking secret. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of J. Meade Falkner’s Moonfleet is a classic of English adventure fiction reimagined for modern readers.

Read more less

Book SynopsisToilers of the Sea (1866) is a novel by Victor Hugo. Written while Hugo was living in exile on the island of Guernsey, Toilers of the Sea is a story of adventure that expresses the everyday struggles of a fool in love while capturing the changes wrought by political and economic revolution in Europe. “Gilliatt lived in the parish of St. Sampson. He was not liked by his neighbours; and there were reasons for that fact.” Viewed as an outsider by the seafaring community of Guernsey, Gilliat lives alone in a house deemed haunted, though no one would dare visit him anyway. Despite his skill as a fisherman, the townspeople claim he is a malevolent sorcerer, all but condemning him to a life of total seclusion. In love with the niece of a prominent shipowner, he volunteers to salvage what he can from a vessel that was wrecked some distance from the coast. Braving the elements and coming face to face with a vicious octopus, Gilliatt seizes his only chance at escaping his lonely circumstances, at finding love at last. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Victor Hugo’s Toilers of the Sea is a classic work of French literature reimagined for modern readers.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Lodger (1913) is a novel by Marie Belloc Lowndes. Inspired by the infamous murders committed by Jack the Ripper and Dr. Neill Cream—also known as the Lambeth Poisoner—The Lodger is a thriller that employs aspects of the popular penny dreadful novel while maintaining its literary status as a bone-chilling and highly original tale. “The room, especially when it be known that it was part of a house standing in a grimy, if not exactly sordid, London thoroughfare, was exceptionally clean and well-cared-for. A casual stranger, more particularly one of a Superior class to their own, on suddenly opening the door of that sitting-room; would have thought that Mr. and Mrs. Bunting presented a very pleasant cosy picture of comfortable married life.” Behind their polished exterior, the Buntings hide a common struggle. After countless failures, their business is threatened with total failure, forcing them to go cold and hungry in order to keep up appearances. As their savings plummet, a strange man named Mr. Sleuth arrives offering to pay for the next month in advance. The Buntings are in no position to turn him down. At the same time, a series of brutal murders shocks the city of London, raising their suspicions and fears to a fever pitch. The Lodger is a story of desperation and terror inspired by some of the twentieth century’s most notorious serial killers. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Marie Belloc Lowndes’ The Lodger is a classic work of British literature reimagined for modern readers.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe glamour and danger of 1950s New York and the wild scene at the iconic Chelsea Hotel come together in this dazzling new novel.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisJohn le Carré said the best place to start a crime novel is as near to the end of the story as possible. But how do you know what the story is?As writers, we all have different experiences and skills to draw upon, and this book will help you identify the right beginning, middle and end for your own crime novel.Whether you are writing a police procedural or a psychological thriller, you will need to consider the basic elements of a gripping narrative. Within these pages, you'll learn to master the art of storytelling, from creating a compelling plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats to choosing the perfect point of view to bring your characters to life. Dive into the depths of suspense, mystery, and surprise, as you unravel the intricacies of crafting a crime novel that captivates and entertains.This guide will help any new or experienced writer to navigate the writing journey, uncovering the core principles that will make your crime fiction truly exceptional.Trade Review'Entertaining and valuable.'Mick Herron, author of Slow Horses'While many books on writing tend to be prescriptive, delivering “formulas,” Crafting crime fiction is the precise opposite. Both illuminating and encouraging, it provides aspiring writers seeking a jumpstart with an expansive tool kit, a rich history and a wealth of creative possibilities. Best of all, it sparks the imagination, lighting a fire in your belly, making you want to get writing, keep writing and then go back and write some more.'Megan Abbott, NYT best-selling author of The Turnout and Beware the Woman‘Sutton proves through examples, vignettes and a wide range of references that indeed, crime fiction is the most decolonized of genres. Written in accessible language that is the hallmark of his teaching style, this is a gift to be unwrapped carefully, reflected upon and most of all, to inspire us…’ Femi Kayode, author of Lightseekers ‘A forensic, deep dive into my favourite genre. An enjoyable, and informative guide that cracks crime fiction wide open. Henry Sutton's decades of reading and writing crime have been put to good use.’ Louise Welsh, author of ten crime novels including The Cutting Room and The Second Cut'Henry has written the definitive book on crime writing, drawing together his vast experience both as a teacher and a crime writer. The book is essential reading for every crime reader, aspiring crime writer and even those of us with somewhat more experience. I’m a busy creative writing teacher and author, but I still found plenty here to inspire me. It’s also a massively entertaining and erudite read.'Julia Crouch is the author of nine internationally published crime novels -- .Table of ContentsIntroduction: beginnings 1 Plot and point of view2 Character and purpose3 Imitation and limitation4 Setting and description5 Structure and development6 Pace and fluency7 Mystery and suspense8 Entertainment and engagement9 Craft and editingConclusion: endingsIndex

Read more less

Book SynopsisTHE TIMES THRILLER OF THE MONTH A SUNDAY TIMES THRILLER OF THE YEAR 'Vivid and packed with journalistic lore ... Mixing pulsating derring-do with painstaking detective work' Sunday Times A Bangladeshi camp. A British ambassador. A Harley Street doctor. Investigative journalist Casey Benedict is used to working on stories that will take her from the bottom to the top of society stories with a huge human cost. And her latest case is no different. A frantic message is found hidden in clothes manufactured for the British high street. They take the girls Casey and her team at the Post know they are on the brink of a major expos but identifying the factories in which the clothes have been made is one challenge, following the trail of those taken is another. Their attempts to find the girls will take Casey from her London newsroom across the world and into the very heart of families who will be destroyed if what

Read more less

Book Synopsis'A gripping, fast-paced read stuffed full of atmosphere and murder most foul' Red The second book in the acclaimed new historical crime series following on from the Richard & Judy Book Club 2019 pick, The House on Half Moon Street. It’s been a year since Leo Stanhope lost the woman he loved, and came closing to losing his own life. Now, more than ever, he is determined to keep his head down and stay safe, without risking those he holds dear. But Leo’s hopes for peace and security are shattered when the police unexpectedly arrive at his lodgings: a woman has been found murdered at a club for anarchists, and Leo’s address is in her purse. When Leo is taken to the club by the police, he is shocked to discover there a man from his past, a man who knows Leo's birth identity. And if Leo does not provide him with an alibi for the night of the woman's killing, he is going to share this information with the authorities. If Leo's true identity is unmasked, he will be thrown into an asylum, but if he lies... will he be protecting a murderer?Trade ReviewA gripping, fast-paced read stuffed full of atmosphere and murder most foul * Red *The second novel in the Leo Stanhope series stands alone, and it’s well worth your time … A deeply atmospheric thriller with more twists and turns than the grubby streets of London, and a central character we really care about * Heat *Leo Stanhope was one of the finest literary creations of last year – a fully realised trans amateur detective in Victorian London * i *A gripping tale that twists like the dark back streets of Victorian London to a devastating conclusion, The Anarchist's Club and its colourful cast will not let you go. Leo Stanhope is a wonderful creation, his world atmospheric and terrifying, and his own story as powerful and enthralling as the mysteries he investigates -- Sam Blake, author of 'No Turning Back' and 'In Deep Water'Another class act from Alex Reeve. Leo is a brilliant hero: clever and flawed, infuriating and at the same time someone I root for at every turn -- Stephanie Butland, author of 'Lost for Words'Highly original -- Praise for 'The House on Half Moon Street' * Guardian *Reeve has not only crafted a brilliant crime novel, but has created a character who has made me see the world with new eyes. I await Leo’s – and Reeve’s – return eagerly -- Praise for 'The House on Half Moon Street' * The i *A masterful Gothic mystery full of unsettling twists, riveting turns and characters that would make Dickens jealous -- Praise for 'The House on Half Moon Street', Kaite WelshCreating a genuinely original protagonist in historical crime fiction is difficult, but Alex Reeve has succeeded ... An intriguing murder mystery and a complex portrait of a man isolated by his awareness of who he truly is * Sunday Times *This tense, emotional journey through late-Victorian London has an unusual and memorable young hero at its heart, carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders * Sunday Express *

Read more less

Book SynopsisElliot Rook QC is one of the greatest barristers of his generation. He is also a complete fraud. Elliot Rook is the epitome of a highly successful, old Etonian QC. Or so everyone believes. In fact, he is an ex-petty criminal with a past that he has spent decades keeping secret. Until now… An unidentified young woman of Middle Eastern origin has been found murdered on the outskirts of Rook’s home town. Billy Barber – a violent football hooligan and white-supremacist – is accused of her murder. Barber insists that Rook must defend him. If Rook refuses, Barber will expose him, bringing crashing to the ground the life and career that Rook has spent his life building. The truth is there for the finding. But at what cost? The start of a thrilling new legal series, perfect for fans of Robert Galbraith and The Secret Barrister, written by an acclaimed QC

Read more less

Book Synopsis'Wonderfully creepy ... This is a spectacular debut' Daily Mail The first in a new Norwegian crime series by the winner of the Riverton Prize 2021 introducing disgraced ex-Chief Inspector Thorkild Aske, a damaged man with a complicated past Fresh out of prison and a stint in a psychiatric hospital, disgraced ex-policeman Thorkild Aske only wants to lose himself in drugged dreams of his beloved Frei. Wild, unknowable Frei. The woman he loved. The woman he has lost forever. Yet when Frei’s young cousin goes missing off the Norwegian coast and Thorkild is called in by the family to help find him, dead or alive, Thorkild cannot refuse. He owes them this. Tormented by his past, Thorkild soon finds himself deep in treacherous waters. He’s lost his reputation – will he now lose his life? The second Thorkild Aske mystery, Scatter Her Ashes, is out nowTrade ReviewA gripping, atmospheric novel and a first outing for Aske. More are promised – I can't wait * Saga *Wonderfully creepy … This is a spectacular debut * Daily Mail *I Will Miss You Tomorrow is a psychological drama and a noirish chiller with plenty of atmosphere and a setting that is bleak, empty, cold and unforgiving and perfect for the story… A powerful and exhilarating novel -- Paul Burke * NB *The Gothic elements in I Will Miss You Tomorrow are splendidly integrated into the crime plot, along with a strand of dark sardonic humour. It’s a novel that is as much about loss and guilt as it is about the solving of a crime. At a stroke, Bakkeid has entered the upper echelons of Norwegian crime writing. -- Barry Forshaw * Norwegian Arts *It’s the blend of classic crime plot, unexpected horror and wittily told scenes that makes the book extraordinary. Stephen King has got himself a Norwegian crime heir * Ekstra Bladet, Italy *A star has been born * Thriller Nord, Italy *A thrilling story set in the harsh milieus of northern Norway * Dagens Nyheter, Sweden *A truly great crime novel that far exceeds expectations * Femina, Denmark *An extraordinary debut * Sondag, Denmark *Accomplished and well-executed crime plotline ... There is something rare and tender about it ... It’s a book about loss, love, shame, guilt and greed. And it’s a great one * Vildmedkrim, Denmark *Riveting… The dialogue between Aske and his former boss in particular sparkles * BOK, Norway *

Read more less

Book Synopsis'Creepy, atmospheric and darkly comic' – C. J. Tudor 'Bakkeid is already big and his work is only going to get bigger and better '– Daily Record Disgraced, damaged former police officer Thorkild Aske has stopped taking his painkillers after his last experience searching for the missing in northern Norway. Wracked by withdrawal and desperate for work, he reluctantly agrees to investigate the disappearance of two schoolgirls for bestselling crime writer Milla Lind – but he soon discovers that Lind’s interest in the case is not, as she claims, simply research for her latest novel. When Thorkild discovers that her previous investigator was murdered on the job, no-one will explain why – all he has to go on are files about unrelated cases from all across Norway. Oh, and his ex-wife wants to talk. What could possibly go wrong? By the winner of the Riverton Prize 2021 Praise for the Thorkild Aske series: 'Stephen King has got himself a Norwegian crime heir' - Ekstra Bladet 'Wonderfully creepy' - Daily Mail 'A gripping, atmospheric novel and a first outing for Aske. More are promised – I can't wait' - Saga 'At a stroke, Bakkeid has entered the upper echelons of Norwegian crime writing' - Barry ForshawTrade ReviewThe excellent and original prose elevates this novel far above many others of the same genre. A particularly well-executed plot holds the reader captive during this entertaining and thrilling piece of crime fiction -- 2018 Riverton Prize judgesWonderfully built story-world – atmospheric, dark, pleasantly twisted. A fast-moving midnight train from Oslo to the deepest fjords of the human mind -- Antti Tuomainen, author of Little SiberiaAtmospheric * Crime Monthly *I loved Heine Bakkeid’s first novel - I Will Miss You Tomorrow – and Scatter Her Ashes continues in the same creepy, atmospheric and darkly comic way -- C. J. TudorThe first thing I noticed when reading Bakkeid’s work is how snappy, darkly funny and addictive it is. He has such a skill of sucking you in, shocking you and entertaining you all in one chapter. No wonder he’s being showered with rave reviews from authors and readers across the globe. I felt such a mixture of emotions for the character of Thorkild Aske, and that’s all down to his creator, who nails characters to a tee. … Bakkeid is already big and his work is only going to get bigger and better. * Daily Record *

Read more less

Book SynopsisNever Have I Ever... done something I shouldn't. 'Wonderful – suspense and surprises, real characters and a scary, ominous backbeat' LEE CHILD 'I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough' CLARE MACKINTOSH It starts as a game at a book group one night. Never Have I Ever... done something I shouldn't. But Amy Whey has done something she shouldn't. And Roux, the glamorous newcomer to Amy's suburban neighbourhood, knows exactly what that is. Roux promises she will go away – if Amy plays by her rules. But Amy isn't prepared to lose everything. She's going to fight back, and in this escalating game of cat and mouse, there can be only one winner. 'Once I started, I couldn't put this one down' CHRISTINA DALCHER 'Wow – what a book! I devoured it in one day' RACHEL ABBOTT The new edge-of-your-seat domestic thriller from Joshilyn Jackson – Mother May I – is out in May 2021 and available to pre-order now.Trade ReviewBrilliant... horribly credible, and Jackson’s dialogue and scene-painting are impeccable as each chapter addictively advances the battle of wits * Sunday Times, Thriller of the Month *Wonderful – suspense and surprises, real characters and a scary, ominous backbeat. This feels like the book Jackson was born to write -- Lee ChildA smart, original thriller with real, compelling characters and a chilling reveal. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough -- Clare MackintoshJackson writes the kind of book that will set even the most blameless on edge, leaving us to wonder who might know our imperfect histories. Once I started, I couldn’t put this one down -- Christina Dalcher, author of VoxFull of masterful suspense, this is one hell of a thriller * Heat *Our old friend, the psychological thriller, absolutely immaculately done, to be read in one breathless sitting -- India Knight * Sunday Times Magazine *A heart-pounding tale of cat and mouse with twists you won’t see coming. Just when you think you couldn’t be more shocked, Jackson delivers a mind-blowing ending. Riveting! -- Liv ConstantineA riveting read that will get you wondering who you can trust -- Nina Pottell * Prima Magazine *This book will make you gasp with shock. A summer must-read! * Woman *Jackson raises the stakes again and again in this skilfully plotted novel -- Laura Wilson * Guardian *Wow – what a book! I devoured it in one day, and it’s a book that will stay with me for a long time. It is such a compelling story, but for me even more important than the brilliant and original plot was the strength and clarity of the characters -- Rachel AbbottThe more Roux and Amy became obsessed with each other, the more obsessed I became with the book … By the time of the explosive, entirely unexpected climax, I was clinging to the edge of my seat -- Sara GruenNail-biting suspense … Jackson builds on her talent for creating imperfect, capable and multi-layered characters to write smart suspense, driven by the intelligence and determination of the instigator and her prey * Booklist *One of those thrillers with such a distinct style and such rich writing you simultaneously want to turn the pages but also just want to slow down and soak it up. Amazing -- Amy LloydDark, twisty and brilliantly plotted. Never Have I Ever is a compelling game of cat and mouse. Couldn’t put it down -- Alice Clark-PlattsWell-developed, memorable characters and an action-packed plot * Publisher’s Weekly *Chock-full of dramatic reveals and twisty turns… Be warned: It’s a stay-up-all-night kind of book. Compulsively readable * Kirkus Reviews *[Jackson's] prowess at writing affecting, character-driven fiction is on full display, and readers will devour the twisty, consuming story * Library Journal *A tale of moral suspense in addition to a psychological thriller. Its several plot twists are surprising and effective ... Many books claim to be the perfect beach read. This one doesn’t, but it certainly fits the bill * Wall Street Journal *

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe latest atmospheric mystery from the author of the Richard and the Judy Book Club choice, The House on Half Moon Street. 'Exceptional – you hear and smell and taste Victorian London' Sarah Hilary The headlines scream warnings about the ‘Butcher of Berner Street!’ and the journalist behind them – Leo Stanhope – is secretly thrilled to see the effect his words are having. Leo is used to covering more mundane issues, but when an anonymous letter summons him to a club in East London, only for the owner of the club to be found murdered shortly afterwards, Leo sees a story worth pursuing. Not to mention an opportunity to make a name for himself. Yet the more Leo digs, the stranger the story becomes, taking him from the club to a nearby convent, and into the past of a very unusual woman. But he is not the only one hunting for a killer. And it seems Leo’s newspaper reports may have put someone else in grave danger… The Butcher of Berner Street is a brilliantly atmospheric, characterful Victorian mystery, perfect for fans of Antonia Hodgson, Abir Mukherjee and Andrew Taylor. ____________________ The latest Leo Stanhope case, The Blood Flower, is available to pre-order now - out July 2022! ____________________Trade ReviewThe atmosphere is exceptional – you hear and smell and taste Victorian London – while the themes are thoroughly up to date. Alex has combined painstaking historical research with a deep and compassionate understanding of what matters most to us, right now -- Sarah HilaryThe writing sings with gorgeous description but, more than that, achieves poignancy through Leo's keen sense of how it feels to be misunderstood. Here is an investigator with an open heart. Immaculately researched, sensitively written and, as ever, highly exciting -- John McCulloughThis series goes from strength to strength, and the relationships between the characters elevate it from any standard mystery. I’m already longing for the next Leo Stanhope instalment -- Sarah FranklinReeve has not only crafted a brilliant crime novel, but has created a character who has made me see the world with new eyes -- Praise for the Leo Stanhope series * i *Wonderfully atmospheric, each page carries the whiff of sulphur and gaslight -- Praise for the Leo Stanhope series * Red *A deeply atmospheric thriller with more twists and turns than the grubby streets of London, and a central character we really care about -- Praise for the Leo Stanhope series * Heat *

Read more less

Book Synopsis'Exceptional' Sarah Hilary ‘Don’t be ordinary, Leo. Passion has its price.’ 1883. Two young people have been killed near Portsmouth’s docks. When journalist and amateur detective Leo Stanhope arrives, the police have already dismissed the victims as a ‘molly-lad’ and a misfit. As Leo begins to investigate, what he uncovers will lead him to the dangers of the Navy shipyard, the temptations of Portsmouth’s underground nightlife – and even the family of his wife, Rosie. But can he risk the people he loves for the sake of justice? PRAISE FOR ALEX REEVE 'Highly original' Guardian 'Enthralling, exciting, extraordinary, and utterly convincing' Sarah Hilary 'An entertaining and ingenious psychological drama of gender identity enfolded within a dexterously plotted and deeply satisfying Victorian murder' Rachel Holmes 'Leo is a brilliant hero: clever and flawed, infuriating and at the same time someone I root for at every turn' Stephanie Butland 'One of the most inventive series out there' iTrade ReviewOne of the most inventive series out there * i *Leo Stanhope is a wonderful creation -- Sam BlakeYou hear and smell and taste Victorian London -- Sarah Hilary

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe masterpiece of one of the most important and overlooked British women writers of the twentieth century, with a new introduction by Melissa Harrison; 'Isabel Colegate has no rival' (The Times) 'If you are curious as to why Britain is still ruled by a tiny cadre of not-very-introspective aristo-capitalists, Orlando King is essential reading’ Sunday Times ‘Colegate’s sharp-eyed trilogy about a young man on the make in 1930s London feels particularly resonant right now, given its acute take on male privilege and power’ i paper, Summer Reading Picks 2020 'An extraordinary achievement' Frances Wilson, Times Literary Supplement, Summer Reading Picks 2020 Orlando King is a trilogy about a beautiful young man, raised in a remote and eccentric wilderness, arriving in 1930s London and setting the world of politics ablaze. In a time of bread riots and hunger marches, with the spectre of Fascism casting an ever lengthening shadow over Europe, Orlando glidingly cuts a swathe through the thickets of business, the corridors of politics, the pleasure gardens of the Cliveden set, acquiring wealth, adulation, a beautiful wife, and a seat in Parliament. But the advent of war brings with it Orlando’s downfall; and his daughter Agatha, cloistered with him in his banishment, is left to pick through the rubble of his smoking, ruined legacy. Elegant and muscular, powerful and razor-sharp, Orlando King is a bildungsroman, Greek tragedy and political saga all in one; a glittering exorcism of the inter-war generation’s demons to rival the work of Evelyn Waugh and Muriel Spark.Trade ReviewA joy to read * Sunday Times on Orlando King *Colegate’s novels offer readers clear-eyed, illuminating windows onto this now bygone world ... Colegate has no equal ... In shining a light on the past, Colegate also illuminates the present * Paris Review *With impeccable timing, Bloomsbury have republished, in a single volume, Isabel Colegate’s Orlando trilogy ... When I read them as a teenager I had only the thinnest understanding of the rise of fascism or the work of Sophocles and no idea how extraordinary Colegate’s achievement was. -- Frances Wilson * Times Literary Supplement *It will be intriguing to reclaim a writer who was esteemed in the 1980s but who has largely fallen out of print -- Hilary Mantel * Times Literary Supplement *Colegate’s sharp-eyed trilogy about a young man on the make in 1930s London feels particularly resonant right now, given its acute take on male privilege and power * i paper, Summer Reading Picks 2020 *Miss Colegate has before proved herself not only precise in her evocation of periods but also gifted with that sympathy that makes hindsight genuinely more rewarding than topical observation … There is hardly a sentence to fault, or a snatch of dialogue to improve on * Times Literary Supplement on Orlando King *She should be a household name -- Eleanor CattonIt makes a direct impact because it is a succession of clear pictures or striking statements; it has sharply outlined characters, definite situations, dramatic pauses; and its story line leads through a tangle of incidents to a climax that has the weight of inevitability * New York Times on Orlando King *Colegate's instinctive feel for the values and obsessions of the upper echelons of English, society is heightened by the ironic distance she inserts between herself and her conservative yet eccentric cast of characters, the end result has the unstoppable momentum of an upper crust potboiler * Irish Times on Orlando King *Colegate's prose is flowing and unpretentious. She tells an excellent tale * Daily Telegraph on The Blackmailer *Combine the slightly offbeat sensibility of Muriel Spark with the milieu of an Iris Murdoch novel and you’ll have something of an idea about this witty tale -- Lucy Scholes * BBC Culture on The Blackmailer *Subtle and graceful … Miss Colegate is beautifully precise and invests that sticky feverish time with just the right mixture of doomed fun, melancholy and faintly lascivious despair * Observer on Statues in a Garden *She writes so gracefully and with such skill that her “private fable” acquires a truly fabulous quality * Times Literary Supplement on Statues in a Garden *Miss Colegate has found a perfect metaphor for the passing of a way of life * Spectator on The Shooting Party *Poised, wry, lovable, informative … An utterly complete rendering of a way of life * Gail Godwin on The Shooting Party *A beautifully crafted novel, remarkably visual and evocative. The characters are caught in stunning images and tableaux that convey the essence of their natures, the sweep of their emotions * Washington Post on The Shooting Party *A lovely piece of writing, in which subtlety, irony, and close observation abound -- Larry McMurtry on The Shooting PartyStylish, funny, as vivid and brilliant as a painting on glass * Daily Telegraph on The Shooting Party *Threads of romance, social comment, country lore and intrigue both above and below stairs are cunningly worked together to create a brilliant tapestry … I have seldom enjoyed a book so much * Sunday Telegraph on The Shooting Party *Remarkable … I can think of no work of fiction that brings [this period] to life so fully and subtly * Washington Post on The Shooting Party *‘Isabel Colegate is not afraid of ideas nor of using fiction to express them … In this rich and fascinating book, someone is hiding something - possibly everyone is. Time itself obscures the truth. Can the past be known? Or is what we call history the best of recollection, not absolute but consensual, and always subject to interpretation? * LA Times on Deceits of Time *A sonorous and muted masterpiece * The Times on Winter Journey *

Read more less

Book SynopsisSelected as a Best Crime Novel of the Month by The Times, Sunday Times, Independent, Guardian, Observer, Financial Times and Irish Times. Chosen as a Waterstones Thriller of the Month 'Lightseekers is the type of detective crime thriller that should be on everyone’s shelves' Dorothy Koomson, author of My Other Husband 'A fast-paced thriller that offers insight into the ever present tensions in a poverty stricken community. An action-packed and spirited debut' Oyinkan Braithwaite, author of My Sister, the Serial Killer Winner of the 2019 UEA Crime Writing Prize, Lightseekers is the start of a major new crime series introducing investigative psychologist Dr Philip Taiwo. When three young students are brutally murdered in a Nigerian university town, their killings - and their killers - are caught on social media. The world knows who murdered them; what no one knows is why. As the legal trial begins, investigative psychologist Philip Taiwo is contacted by the father of one of the boys, desperate for some answers to his son's murder. But Philip is an expert in crowd behaviour and violence, not a detective, and after travelling to the sleepy town that bore witness to the horror, he soon feels dramatically out of his depth. Will he finally be able to uncover the truth of what happened to the Okriki Three? ----------------------- **Philip Taiwo returns in Gaslight - AVAILABLE TO BUY NOW**Trade ReviewLightseekers is one of those books that comes at you from left-field. Completely unexpected and instantly absorbing, I could barely stop myself racing ahead to find out what happened next. With vivid, well-drawn, heart-capturing characters and a plot that doesn’t let up, Lightseekers is the type of detective crime thriller that should be on everyone’s shelves. The setting, pace and emotions are all pitch-perfect. A wonderfully written and brilliantly told story. Can’t wait for the next book in the series -- Dorothy Koomson, author of My Other HusbandA superb novel – so inventive and so well done. It’s just brilliant -- Harriet TyceWhat a sensational debut. Confident, beautifully-paced writing. Dr Philip Taiwo is a protagonist I want to meet again, and the setting is so well-drawn. Intelligent, suspenseful and utterly engrossing -- Will DeanThe standout thriller of the month ... A stunning murder mystery ... The suspense is expertly handled * Independent *Tense and disturbing ... An impressive debut * Observer *This ambitious debut combines the story of a fish out of water with a gung-ho thriller ... Femi Kayode is an atmospheric writer -- Mark Sanderson * The Times *[An] exciting debut ... Gripping, with an appealing protagonist and a strong sense of place * Guardian *Gripping, beautifully written and unlike anything else you'll read -- William RyanThrillingly good. Femi Kayode takes crime fiction – very literally – to new places ... Told from the perspective of a returning expatriate, Lightseekers takes us deep into the rich complexities of contemporary Nigeria -- William ShawAn original and fast-paced thriller that masterfully explores the smoldering historical tensions underpinning modern-day Nigeria, the role of social media, and the complexities of family, friendship and belonging -- Lauren WilkinsonAn important story masterfully told -- Leye AdenleWith its twisty plot, engaging characters and brilliantly realised setting, Lightseekers will keep you eagerly turning the pages * Daily Record *A powerful and fast-paced thriller that will stay with you long after you have closed its pages * Herald *An absolutely cracking debut – fresh, unique and beautifully written, a sure-fire candidate for next year's big prizes. In a time when travel is nigh-on impossible, it's wonderful to be transported to another world in such a vivid and memorable fashion -- Trevor Wood[A] page-turner * Cosmopolitan *Lightseekers is ripe with all the twists and turns you could hope for... A fast-paced thriller that offers insight into the ever present tensions in a poverty stricken community. An action-packed and spirited debut -- Oyinkan Braithwaite, author of 'My Sister, the Serial Killer'The gripping tale of the mystery of three young students who are brutally murdered in a Nigerian university town -- Best Books 2021 * Independent *These brand new releases for 2021 will certainly keep you on your toes, promising spine-chilling twists and turns in their pages … the first in a major new crime series -- Eight Gripping New Novels * Metro *This debut has an intriguing setting – the Nigerian countryside; an engaging fish-out-of-water hero in Dr Philip Taiwo, recently returned after living in the US for years; and a smart plot centring on a covered-up murder -- 75 of the best books for 2021 * iNews *Transporting us to Nigeria, this is an atmospheric, vivid and beautifully written mystery that oozes with intrigue, and a brilliant first novel from the winner of the 2019 UEA Crime Writing Prize * Dead Good Books *A distinctive, absorbing first novel … Taiwo is a likable, engaging presence and the interplay between him and his tough guy sidekick, Chika Makuochi, propels the action to a series of incendiary climaxes, all the while casting light on the fascinating historical and social tensions underpinning contemporary Nigeria * Irish Times *Kayode’s expertise brings an extra layer to an already absorbing narrative ... Nigeria is vividly drawn * Financial Times *Femi Kayode offers a frightening picture of a society divided between rich and poor, educated and not, in which corruption and cruelty are practised at all levels and noble intentions are often subverted * Literary Review *A carefully crafted, subtly powerful piece of psychological crime. The first in the Philip Taiwo series of books, Lightseekers has a style and central character with the potential to run and run * Living Magazine *A brilliantly drawn thriller set against the backdrop of Nigerian culture and politics * Heat *Kayode uses this space to highlight aspects of his country, from the pervasive potency of religion to college fraternities that have morphed into criminal gangs. All are filtered through the sceptical, baffled perspective of his likeable sleuth * Sunday Times *Page by page [Kayode] racks up the tension * Saga *It's difficult to believe this clever, complex and nuanced novel is Femi Kayode's first book. Lightseekers is a carefully plotted and compelling story that explores some of the darker aspects of Nigerian life ... A fantastic debut and I look forward to seeing what's next in store for Dr Philip Taiwo * CrimeSquad *

Read more less

Book Synopsis'SUPERB' TELEGRAPH 'YOU EITHER GOT IT OR YOU DON'T ... WATT ABSOLUTELY HAS' THE TIMES THRILLER OF THE MONTH 'THE FINAL CHASE SCENE ... IS ONE OF THE BEST I'VE READ' OBSERVER THRILLER OF THE MONTH ------------- Only a journalist goes where even the police fear to tread... Casey Benedict is the globe-trotting star reporter at London paper, The Post, is tenacious, fearless, inventive - and still in recovery after her last major story jeopardised her life, and all those close to her. Invited to spend a day at the races, she sees a man being hunted across the racecourse. A horrified Casey intervenes to save his life - and in doing so finds herself face to face with her next major investigation. From London to Budapest, from snowy mountain retreats to glitzy Mediterranean coastal resorts, Casey is on a desperate hunt to find the person behind the shadowy organisations responsible and expose them to the public before anyone else's lives are lost. ------------- READERS CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF THE END OF GAME 'Her best yet' 'Really has it all, outstanding characters and great suspense' 'Fascinating and exciting' Trade ReviewI loved this smart, modern, brilliantly plotted journalistic thriller, which combines relentless action with wonderful writing. The End Of The Game brings vividly to life the adrenaline-fuelled highs and frightening lows of life as an undercover reporter. Watt's unstoppable heroine, and the shadowy worlds she navigates, are perfectly realised and terrifyingly plausible. A real triumph! -- Katherine FaulknerThe End of the Game is a terrific next instalment in the brilliant Casey Benedict series, and also a satisfying thriller in its own right with the perfect balance of glitz, grit and heart. As tense as it is entertaining, Holly Watt's tale combines an insider's knowledge of undercover investigations and rigorous research with a real flair for story-telling - not to mention action that canters along at a pace. I loved it, from the first page to the unexpected twist and wonderfully thoughtful ending -- Charlotte PhilbyIn Holly Watt’s most powerful thriller yet, obsessive and unstoppable journalist Casey Benedict joins forces with those whose lives and careers she has wrecked, uncovering a cynical global conspiracy involving gambling and illicit data-harvesting. Fast paced, meticulously researched and skillfully told. All too believable -- Simon ConwayPraise for The Hunt and the Kill: Casey is fierce, obsessive and brilliant * Observer *Praise for The Hunt and the Kill: In the gutsy Casey [Holly Watt] has created an unstoppable yet entirely credible modern heroine * The Times *Praise for The Hunt and the Kill: Casey Benedict is just such a refreshing character – there are so few books that focus on a strong, brave, determined woman and she is all that and more. Properly intelligent, impeccably researched and utterly gripping -- Ellery LloydThe End of the Game has glamour, grit and chase scenes to die for -- Sarah Hilary

Read more less

Book SynopsisYou Don't Know Me, the adaptation of Imran Mahmood's brilliant debut thriller, is currently one of the most screened series on Netflix! LONGLISTED FOR THE THEAKSTON OLD PECULIER CRIME NOVEL OF THE YEAR 2022 LONGLISTED FOR THE CWA GOLD DAGGER 2022 An impossible crime. A witness no-one wants to believe. 'Unforgettable ... A searing take-down of privilege, our unequal society and indeed of traditional crime whodunnits' GILLIAN MCALLISTER 'Highly original and deftly plotted, delivering a gut-punch of an ending' SUNDAY EXPRESS 'A mesmerising thriller - don't miss this one' T. M. LOGAN ________ A woman strangled in a Mayfair flat. A man fleeing the scene. Xander Shute saw it all – but the police won’t believe someone who lives on the streets. Determined to find justice for the murdered woman, Xander searches for answers. But as his recollection of the crime comes under increasing scrutiny, he is forced to confront other memories, including those from his long-buried, troubled, wealthy past. How much will he risk to understand the brutal truth? ________ 'Intelligent, imaginative and meticulously plotted, this is an author at the top of his game - simply sensational' M. W. CRAVEN 'A deftly written and nerve-jangling thriller' HERALD 'Clever, mercilessly addictive and deeply thought-provoking, I Know What I Saw blends a dynamite plot with heartfelt characterisation' CHRIS WHITAKER 'A white-knuckle ride through the tortuous labyrinth of human memory' CHRIS BROOKMYRE 'Mahmood gets deep into the psychology of a damaged man in this unusual novel, and the ending is like a blow to the gut' SUNDAY TIMES 'Heart-wrenching and jaw-dropping, I held my breath until the final word' HOLLY SEDDON 'Mahmood, following his innovative, breakout hit, You Don’t Know Me, once again delivers a twisting narrative full of surprises and blind alleys' VASEEM KHAN 'Every bit as fantastic as everyone says. Utterly gripping' THE SECRET BARRISTER 'Smart, atmospheric, poignant, and will keep you hooked' SAIMA MIR 'A tense literary thriller about the lies we persist in telling ourselves and our inability to escape our damaged pasts - packed with moments of pathos and unexpected humour' SARAH VAUGHAN 'Intelligent and thought-provoking, it marks a welcome return for a supremely talented writer' ABIR MUKHERJEE ‘What an astonishing voice Imran has created for Xander, at once intelligent, resourceful and yet also deeply flawed. I thought the complex plot was handled masterfully, and that double punch at the end was superb’ JAMES OSWALD READERS LOVE I KNOW WHAT I SAW: 'I was absolutely gripped from start to finish' 5***** review 'A fantastic rollercoaster of a read' 5***** review 'I absolutely LOVED this book ... I could not put it down, and read it all in one delicious day-long gulp! A must-read for sure' 5***** reviewTrade ReviewA mesmerising thriller - wonderful writing and a brilliantly gritty, street-level perspective. Don't miss this one -- T. M. LoganEvery bit as fantastic as everyone says. Utterly gripping -- The Secret BarristerMahmood gets deep into the psychology of a damaged man in this unusual novel, and the ending is like a blow to the gut * Sunday Times *With pace and fineness, I Know What I Saw brings together an impossible crime, a witness no one wants to believe and an unflinching study of life on the streets. Intelligent, imaginative and meticulously plotted, this is an author at the top of his game - simply sensational -- M. W. CravenIt’s a truly Hitchcockian thriller ride, a white-knuckle ride through the tortuous labyrinth of human memory -- Chris BrookmyreMahmood, following his innovative, breakout hit, You Don’t Know Me, once again delivers a twisting narrative full of surprises and blind alleys -- Vaseem KhanMahmood has a rare gift for combining hypnotic prose with a page-turning pace. A gripping and beautiful read -- Ayisha MalikSpectacular – an absolute treat -- A. A. DhandI stayed up way past lights out last night to finish what was in short a quite phenomenal novel. Having absolutely loved You Don't Know Me, I was fairly certain this one would be good too, but it was far better than I could have hoped. What an astonishing voice Imran has created for Xander, at once intelligent, resourceful and yet also deeply flawed. I thought the complex plot was handled masterfully, and that double punch at the end was superb. I thoroughly enjoyed it. -- James OswaldUnforgettable ... I didn't think Mahmood could top You Don't Know Me but he most certainly has. A searing take-down of privilege, our unequal society and indeed of traditional crime whodunnits. Mahmood writes sympathetically and intelligently about people who live on the fringes of society -- Gillian McAllisterSmart, atmospheric, poignant, and will keep you hooked -- Saima MirThis complex mystery (set on the streets of London) took my breath away. Themes of memory, privilege & identity - it’s a book that that pulls you in deep. Gripping & utterly immersive. Mahmood is a master storyteller -- Will DeanA tense literary thriller about the lies we persist in telling ourselves and our inability to escape our damaged pasts - packed with moments of pathos and unexpected humour. I believed completely in Xander Shute -- Sarah VaughanI Know What I Saw takes us on a tense, nerve-jangling journey into the world of Xander Shute who believes he’s witnessed a murder, but also makes us question our own preconceptions towards people who’ve fallen through society’s cracks. Intelligent and thought-provoking, it marks a welcome return for a supremely talented writer -- Abir MukherjeeClever, mercilessly addictive and deeply thought-provoking, I Know What I Saw blends a dynamite plot with heartfelt characterisation. Wonderful -- Chris WhitakerI was a big fan of Imran Mahmood's first book, YOU DON'T KNOW ME, and his second, I KNOW WHAT I SAW, is every bit as gripping, insightful and beautifully written. [...] I was absolutely captivated -- Simon LelicAn intense, complex mind-bender of a book, told through eyes you can’t always trust. As compelling a tale as I’ve ever read; you won’t put it down until you know the truth -- Tony KentAs a portrait of vulnerability it’s sympathetically rendered and the resolution surprisingly disturbing * The Times *Not only a deftly written and nerve-jangling thriller, but also a multi-layered and unflinching portrait of life for those marginalised on the fringes of society * Herald *Heart-wrenching and jaw-dropping, I held my breath until the final word -- Holly SeddonEvery bit as fantastic as everyone says. Utterly gripping -- The Secret BarristerThe violent narrative inexorably grips the attention … it’s the examination of the mental state of his intelligent protagonist caught in a downward spiral that affirms his talent * Financial Times *Elegantly constructed, educational, involving and moving, this is a terrific novel * Literary Review *I Know What I Saw consolidates [Mahmood’s] position as an unpredictable crime writer able to tell a complex fast-paced story and keep readers hooked * Eastern Eye *Highly original and deftly plotted, delivering a gut-punch of an ending * Sunday Express *

Read more less

Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR THE CWA DAGGER IN TRANSLATION ‘Disturbing and powerful … I loved it’ - Leïla Slimani, author of Lullaby 'Icy and chilling... In sharply drawn sentences, Sedira summons the beauty of a small French village, and the shocking acts of the people inside it' - Flynn Berry, author of the Reese Whitherspoon Book Club pick, Northern Spy You sprinted all the way to the river. What were you running from? Anna and Constant Guillot and their two daughters live in the peaceful, remote mountain village of Carmac. Everyone in Carmac knows each other, leading simple lives mostly unaffected by the outside world – that is until Bakary and Sylvia Langlois arrive with their three children. The new family’s impressive chalet and expensive cars are in stark contrast with the modesty of those of their neighbours, yet despite their initial differences, the Langlois and the Guillots form an uneasy friendship. But when both families come under financial strain, the underlying class and racial tensions of their relationship reach breaking point, culminating in act of abhorrent violence. With piercing psychological insight and gripping storytelling, People Like Them asks the questions: How could a seemingly ordinary person commit the most extraordinary crime? And how could their loved ones ever come to terms with what they'd done? Lullaby meets Little Fires Everywhere, this intense, suspenseful prize-winning novel explores the darker side of human nature - and the terrible things people are capable of. *Winner of the Prix Eugène Dabit*Trade ReviewPeople Like Them is disturbing and powerful. It explores the topics of racism and jealousy in a very subtle way. I loved it -- Leila SlimaniSedira packs a powerful punch, exploring the class-race divide …The graphic murders stand in stark contrast to Sedira's subtle accounting of Constant’s tortured path … Deeply unsettling yet compulsively readable * Kirkus *Icy and chilling, People Like Them is an investigation both of a crime and of the society that nurtured it. The novel’s precise, vivid writing brings to mind two other knock-outs from France, The Adversary by Emmanuel Carrere and Based on a True Story by Delphine de Vignan. In sharply drawn sentences, Sedira summons the beauty of a small French village, and the shocking acts of the people inside it -- Flynn BerryDark and unsettling and brilliantly concise ... I'll be thinking about it for a long time -- Jane CaseyPerfectly executed, and prize-worthy * La Marseilleise *Unflinching. Every word in this crisply told story matters, and every seemingly-casual moment is laced with dread, daring you to look away. You won’t -- Ani Katz

Read more less

Book SynopsisLonglisted for the 2023 Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award 'I loved every single page!' GILLIAN MCALLISTER, author of WRONG PLACE, WRONG TIME 'A thoroughly compulsive ticking-clock thriller’ TM LOGAN, author of THE MOTHER I didn’t kill her. Trust me… When Amy Blahn died on a London rooftop, Layla Mahoney was there. Layla was holding her. But all she can say when she’s arrested is that ‘It was Michael. Find Michael and you’ll find out everything you need to know.’ The problem is, the police can’t find him – they aren’t even sure he exists. Layla knows she only has forty-eight hours to convince the police that bringing in the man she knows only as ‘Michael’ will clear her name and reveal a dangerous game affecting not just Amy and Layla, but her husband Russell and countless others. But as the detectives begin to uncover the whole truth about what happened to Amy, Layla will soon have to decide: how much of that truth can she really risk being exposed? 'A relentless, absorbing thriller' JANICE HALLETT 'The very definition of a compulsive page-turner' CHRIS WHITAKERTrade ReviewA haunting exploration of memory and obsession, of guilt and betrayal – set against the backdrop of a thoroughly compulsive ticking-clock thriller -- T. M. Logan, Sunday Times bestselling author of THE HOLIDAY and THE CURFEWImran is probably the most exciting crime fiction author in the UK right now and All I Said Was True is further proof of that. The dual narrative is exhilarating, the plot complex and layered, the writing is perfect and the narrator's voice is somehow both unreliable and trustworthy. Superb stuff -- M. W. CravenA twisting path to the moment of murder via a police interview where the truth meets its match. A relentless, absorbing thriller of the darkest paranoid noir -- Janice Hallett, Sunday Times bestselling author of THE APPEAL and The TWYFORD CODEI loved every single page! -- Gillian McAllister, author of Sunday Times bestseller, WRONG PLACE, WRONG TIMEOriginal and ingenious. There’s an authenticity to Imran Mahmood’s books that is so rare and rewarding. All I Said Was True is the very definition of a compulsive page-turner -- Chris Whitaker, winner of the CWA Gold Dagger and the Theakstons Crime Novel of the Year awardA tantalising thriller that bleeds with authenticity. Taut, twisty and fiendishly clever, it will surely confound you until the gripping finale. -- Kia AbdullahMahmood just keeps getting better and better -- Simon LelicOffering powerful insight into Layla's tortured mind, while also revealing parts of the mystery like a set of Russian dolls, each one concealing another, it underlines barrister Mahmood's considerable talents as a crime writer * Daily Mail *Wonderfully twisty and kept me guessing all the way to a really satisfying denouement -- Ajay ChowdhuryImran Mahmood’s ALL I SAID WAS TRUE is beautifully complex and arresting. I was swept away in Layla’s story, though not quite knowing who I should be trusting and when which - for me - is absolutely key in great storytelling. The way that Imran continues to challenge society, and all our many preconceptions within his books is so powerful -- L. V. MatthewsThis novel haunted me with its lyrical lies -- Jane CorryA suspenseful and intriguing thriller, layered with authenticity and told with real poise -- Victoria SelmanMahmood perfectly executes the killer combination of beautiful prose and a bloody great story. I will read anything he writes -- Ayisha MalikExquisite writing, a voice that pulls you in, and a story where you simply have to know what happened. All I Said Was True by Imran Mahmood is addictive -- Vicki BradleyFlawless prose from a skilful mind. Imran Mahmood really knows this world, and he stands head and shoulders above the competition -- Emma BamfordA beautifully written, gripping page-turner that you won’t want to put down -- Adam HamdyThis beautifully constructed, clever plot and it really delivers on suspense. I was guessing and second guessing myself all the way along. This was such a propulsive book for me I read it in one sitting, eschewing everything else so that I could find out what was going on. For me, that’s the mark of a real page-turner and this one has it all. It is unpredictable, intriguing, suspenseful and highly enjoyable * Live and Deadly *Anglo-Asian barrister-cum-novelist Imran Mahmood expertly balances a complex narrative in All I Said Was True ... as his beleaguered protagonist Layla tries to convince the police that a murder she is accused of was committed by a man who does not seem to exist. * Financial Times *With an unreliable narrator – is Layla going mad or is her story, no matter how implausible, true? – and plenty of twists and turns, this novel had me hooked, its brisk pace and revelations making it difficult to put down * Good Reading Magazine *

Read more less

Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR THE CWA DAGGER FOR CRIME FICTION IN TRANSLATION 2024 ''It''s a clever book ... [Im Seong-sun] offers readers his razor-sharp observations on consumer capitalism and what it means to feel anonymous'' M. W. Craven -------------------Sometimes work can be murder...The Consultant is very good at his job. He creates simple, elegant, effective solutions for... restructuring. Nothing obvious or messy. Certainly nothing anyone would ever suspect as murder. The ''natural deaths'' he plans have always gone well: a medicine replaced here, a mechanism jammed there. His performance reviews are excellent. And it''s not as though he knows these people. Until his next ''customer'' turns out to be someone he not only knows but cares about, and for the first time, he begins to question the role he plays in the vast, anonymous Company. And as he slowly starts to understand the real scope of their work, he reali

Read more less

Book SynopsisWelcome to Keeper Island, the private Caribbean paradise where the cocktails are chilled, the guests are not, and new manager Lola is hoping nothing messes up her badly needed fresh start.Her previous job in Hong Kong ended in tears and quite a lot of blood so she's come to Keeper to lie low, as well as to provide the gold-star service the resort's spoiled one-percenters expect. Her only connection to her previous life now is her old mentor and new boss, Mike Moxham.But nothing is that simple, and no secret is truly safe forever. When Moxham is found dead less than a day after her arrival on the island, the rules Lola uses for working with the super-rich quickly become rules for survival:Be prepared for anything.Trust no one.Because she might be nextBella Mackie meets Below Deck in this twisty escapist thriller as gulpable as rum punch and just as deadly

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

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

Read more less

Book SynopsisIt''s November 1967, and when a girl''s body is found in the burning embers of a fire in a farmer''s field in Cheshire, DCI Sheraton begins a complex investigation. When a second body is found a short time later, the hunt now commences for a possible serial killer. Though, are the two really connected? With murder, hidden secrets and revenge, all combining in this fast-moving thriller, is it just a question of time before the crimes are eventually detected? There are several twists and turns in this latest entertaining crime thriller by David McCaddon, which is sure to delight his readers and keep them gripped until the very last page.

Read more less

Book Synopsis‘Peter James is one of the best British crime writers, and therefore one of the best in the world.’ - Lee Child, author of The Jack Reacher seriesA long-lost masterpiece sparks deadly violence – and sets Detective Superintendent Roy Grace on the path of a calculating killer. Discover the darkness that lurks around every corner in Picture You Dead.Now a major ITV drama starring John Simm as Roy Grace.Harry and Freya, an ordinary couple, dreamed for years of finding something priceless buried amongst the tat in a car boot sale.It was a dream they knew in their hearts would never come true – until the day it did . . .They buy a drab portrait for twenty pounds for its beautiful frame, planning to cut the painting out. Then, studying it back at home, there seems to be another picture beneath, of a stunning landscape. Could it be a long-lost masterpiece from 1770? If genuine, it could be worth millions.One collector is certain it is genuine. Someone who uses any method he can to get what he wants.Detective Superintendent Roy Grace finds himself plunged into the unfamiliar and rarefied world of fine art. Outwardly it appears respectable, gentlemanly, above reproach. But beneath the veneer, he rapidly finds that greed, deception and violence walk hand-in-hand. And Harry and Freya are about to discover that their dream is turning into their worst nightmare . . .Although the Roy Grace novels can be read in any order, Picture You Dead is the eighteenth title in the bestselling series. Enjoy more of the Brighton detective’s investigations with Find Them Dead and Left You Dead.‘The master of the craft’ - Daily ExpressTrade ReviewSinister and riveting… Peter James is one of the best British crime writers, and therefore one of the best in the world. -- Lee Child, bestselling author of the Jack Reacher novelsPeter James is one of the best crime writers in the business -- Karin SlaughterA typically clever and convoluted central mystery -- Daily Mirror on Left You DeadLeft You Dead is a real page-turner. -- Express on Left You DeadAs ever, the pages become blurred as you race to discover the verdict. The plot also leaves you hungry for the next episode in DS Grace’s personal drama -- i newspaper on Find Them DeadReading your books after reading another author is like coming home. -- John Simm, from the Left You Dead launch eventPeter James creates a world we can smell, touch and feel for his Brighton detective Inspector Roy Grace -- The Times on Not Dead EnoughOne of the world’s most popular detective series * The Guardian *

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom the author of A Nearly Normal Family - now a major Netflix TV series. The Woman Inside is a breathless page-turner from an international master of suspense, this is a story about dependency, justice, and the sometimes fine line between right and wrong.'The darkness dwells, the desperation grows between the characters and the walls close in until you're caught in the trap' - Lars Kepler, author of The SpiderThree young people.Bill, a widower and single dad, is in a financial mess with bills to pay when he rents out a room in his apartment to Karla.Karla left home to study law and to earn some money begins working as a cleaner at the palatial home of Steven and Regina Rytter. But inside their house it is clear that something is wrong with the doctor and his wife, who never leaves her bedroom.Jennica is single and careerless when she meets Steven on Tinder. But just as she thinks her luck is changing, it soon becomes clear that Steven is hiding secrets of his own . . .Two murders.By the end of the summer Steven and Regina Rytter will be found dead in their home and the questions will begin . . .One truth.Ordinary people will do things they never thought possible when faced with extraordinary circumstances, and the truth is that the woman inside may hold the key to it all . . .What readers are saying about The Woman Inside:‘The Woman Inside was my first novel from author Edvardsson. It certainly won’t be my last. Five stars’‘The last sentence left me breathless’‘I loved how the layers of the story were revealed and I am always a fan of multi POV’‘This book is over 10 hours long and I am telling the truth when I say I didn’t press pause’‘This was a very fun thriller, great for fans of Lisa Jewell and Sally Hepworth’Praise for A Nearly Normal Family:‘Deceptive and riveting’ - Karin Slaughter, bestselling author of Girl, Forgotten‘Taut page-turner *****’ - The Sun‘A cracking read!’ - T. M. Logan, bestselling author of The Vacation‘A compulsively readable tour de force’ - Wall Street Journal‘A canny, intensely suspenseful legal thriller’ - Scott Turow, author of Presumed InnocentTrade ReviewA super well-composed chamber drama, where the darkness dwells, the desperation grows between the characters and the walls are closing in until you're caught in the trap -- Lars Kepler, No. 1 internationally bestselling author of The SandmanA deceptive and riveting novel. A Nearly Normal Family will make you question everything you know about those closest to you -- Karin Slaughter on A Nearly Normal FamilyTore through this in a matter of days! Deadly secrets, divided loyalties and a dysfunctional family under unbearable strain as layers of deceit are peeled away one by one. A cracking read! -- T. M. Logan on A Nearly Normal FamilyAn utterly compelling premise with wonderful writing. The characters . . . are so achingly real that one holds one’s breath with them. This is a layered, intelligent novel that will force any parent to consider exactly how far they would go to protect their child -- Fiona Cummins on A Nearly Normal FamilyA canny, intensely suspenseful legal thriller -- Scott Turow on A Nearly Normal FamilyAny parent . . . and every teenager . . . will be gripped by this book. I couldn't put it down and the author skillfully keeps you guessing until the very last line -- Michelle Frances on A Nearly Normal FamilyPage-turner . . . Peels away the compromises we make with ourselves to be the people we believe our beloveds expect, revealing just how flimsy those pretenses can be - one of the top seven thrillers for the summer -- The New York Times on A Nearly Normal Family

Read more less

Book Synopsis‘This book’s power lies in its depiction of civilians trying to lead ordinary lives during the horror of war . . . It is shattering stuff, but Rothmann is tender towards his characters and this book is as memorable as his last.’ - The Times, ‘Historical Fiction Book of the Month’As the Second World War enters its final stages, millions in Germany are forced from their homes by bombing, compelled to seek shelter in the countryside where there are barely the resources to feed them.Twelve-year-old Luisa, her mother, and her older sister Billie have escaped the devastation of the city for the relative safety of a dairy farm. But even here the power struggles of the war play out: the family depend on the goodwill of Luisa’s brother-in-law, an SS officer, who in expectation of payment turns his attention away from his wife and towards Billie. Luisa immerses herself in books, but even she notices the Allied bombers flying east above them, the gauntness of the prisoners at the camp nearby, the disappearance of fresh-faced boys from the milk shed – hastily shipped off to a war that’s already lost.Living on the farm teaches Luisa about life and death, but it’s man’s capacity for violence that provides the ultimate lesson, that robs her of her innocent ignorance. When, at a birthday celebration, her worst fears are realized, Luisa collapses under the weight of the inexplicable.Ralf Rothmann’s previous novel, To Die in Spring, described the horror of war and the damage done on the battlefield. The God of that Summer tells the devastating story of civilians caught up in the chaos of defeat, of events that might lead a twelve-year-old child to justifiably say: ‘I have experienced everything.’Trade Review‘This book's power lies in its depiction of civilians trying to lead ordinary lives during the horror of war... It is shattering stuff, but Rothmann is tender towards his characters and this book is as memorable as his last.’ * The Times *

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe first book in the Dragons of Terra series, Blood of an Exile features a life-changing mission for a death-defying adventurer . . . Welcome to Brian Naslund's spectacular, action-packed fantasy debut.Sentenced to die. Impossible to kill.Bershad was supposed to die. When he was caught attempting to assassinate a fellow noble, he was given the harshest sentence: a command to slay dragons, so his death might serve the kingdom. Yet for some reason he never lost a fight and is now the most successful dragon-slayer in history. However, as a doomed man Bershad is still shunned by his peers and his countrymen. But that could all change. The king who sentenced Bershad has just given him a way out: kill a foreign monarch and walk free forever. His problem is that Bershad couldn’t care less about the fates of kingdoms – until the dragon-slayer discovers he could save an innocent child in the process.His mission might also save every creature in Terra.'Dark and adventurous, brazenly cinematic . . . sure to win over dragon-loads of fantasy fans'Sebastien de Castell'Fans of Joe Abercrombie’s First Law or Michael Sullivan’s Riyria Revelations will love Brian Naslund’s debut' Django WexlerTrade ReviewI had a great time with Blood of an Exile – it’s a fast, fun fantasy full of dragons and traitors, humor and bloody action. Fans of Joe Abercrombie’s First Law or Michael Sullivan’s Riyria Revelations will love Brian Naslund’s debut -- Django WexlerPart Game of Thrones, part super hero epic, Blood of an Exile is a cinematic fantasy whirlwind -- Sebastien de CastellA page-turning, action-packed tale full of memorable characters, set within a world full of dragons . . . It doesn't get much cooler than this -- John GwynneExciting, epic and wonderfully told, full of subtle humour and laugh laugh-out-loud lines -- Angus WatsonBlood of an Exile is a thrilling, action-packed rollercoaster ride of a dark fantasy debut and I devoured the four hundred plus pages in three days . . . a darkly-tinged mixture of John Gwynne’s—Of Blood and Bone and Andrzej Sapkowski’s The Witcher Saga -- Grimdark MagazineNaslund succeeds in creating a page-turning, edge-of-your-seat read that breathes new (fiery) life into dragon mythology. Top-notch adventure fantasy – a stand-up-and-applaud debut -- Kirkus ReviewsNaslund’s debut wraps action, a mystery, and the environment into an impressively tight knot of classic fantasy -- Publishers WeeklyAn exhilarating and action-packed debut -- Novel NotionsBlood of an Exile promises to be a well-done epic fantasy, complete with heroic battles, death-defying acts, and the continuation of a misunderstood hero’s story -- Reviews & Robots

Read more less

Book SynopsisWelcome to Brian Naslund's spectacular, action-packed fantasy debut. The first book in the Dragons of Terra series, Blood of an Exile features a life-changing mission for a death-defying adventurer . . . If you liked The Witcher, you'll love this.'Dark and adventurous, brazenly cinematic . . . sure to win over dragon-loads of fantasy fans' - Sebastien de Castell, author of SpellslingerSentenced to die. Impossible to kill.Bershad was supposed to die. When he was caught attempting to assassinate a fellow noble, he was given the harshest sentence: a command to slay dragons, so his death might serve the kingdom. Yet for some reason he never lost a fight and is now the most successful dragon-slayer in history. However, as a doomed man Bershad is still shunned by his peers and his countrymen. But that could all change.The king who sentenced Bershad has just given him a way out: kill a foreign monarch and walk free forever. But Bershad couldn’t care less about the fates of kingdoms – until the dragon-slayer discovers he could save an innocent child in the process.His mission might also save every creature in Terra.'Fans of Joe Abercrombie’s First Law or Michael Sullivan’s Riyria Revelations will love Brian Naslund’s debut' - Django Wexler, author of the Shadow Campaigns series

Read more less

Book SynopsisSet in urban Manchester, Running Scared is a nerve-shredding thriller by bestselling author Mandasue Heller.When teenager Alexis ‘Lexi’ James falls out with her best mate Nicole over ‘bad boy’ Ryan King, it’s just the beginning of a chain of events that go from bad to worse to deadly.Returning home one night to her high-rise flat, she is faced by a terrifying scene that changes her life forever, and matters are made worse when she is put into care in another town.Years later, Lexi has left school and is back in Manchester. A chance meeting with Nicole and her so-called ‘other half’ Ryan ends in disaster, and she vows never to see them again. Then one night she is saved from a vicious attack by a charming stranger. He takes her home and their acquaintance blossoms into something much deeper.When her new man receives a call in the middle of the night and leaves in a hurry, she is horrified when he returns with someone she never thought she would see again. It soon becomes obvious that Lexi doesn’t know her new lover as well as she thought, and she is forced to make a decision that will have devastating results . . .'Heller doesn’t mince words, her gritty plots create a Manchester underworld to rival Martina Cole’s raw and rough East End – Peterborough Evening TelegraphTrade ReviewHeller doesn’t mince words; her gritty plots create a Manchester underworld to rival Martina Cole’s raw and rough East End * Peterborough Evening Telegraph *Mandasue has played a real blinder with this fantastic novel -- Martina Cole on Forget Me NotCaptivating from first page to last -- Jeffery Deaver on Lost Angel

Read more less

Book SynopsisSet in urban Manchester, Running Scared is a nerve-shredding thriller by bestselling author Mandasue Heller.When teenager Alexis ‘Lexi’ James falls out with her best mate Nicole over ‘bad boy’ Ryan King, it’s just the beginning of a chain of events that go from bad to worse to deadly.Returning home one night to her high-rise flat, she is faced by a terrifying scene that changes her life forever – and matters are made worse when she is put into care in another town.Years later, Lexi has left school and is back in Manchester. A chance meeting with Nicole and her so-called ‘other half’ Ryan ends in disaster, and she vows never to see them again. Then one night she is saved from a vicious attack by a charming stranger. He takes her home and their acquaintance blossoms into something much deeper.When her new man receives a call in the middle of the night and leaves in a hurry, she is horrified when he returns with someone she never thought she would see again. It soon becomes obvious that Lexi doesn’t know her new lover as well as she thought, and she is forced to make a decision that will have devastating results . . .Trade ReviewHeller doesn’t mince words; her gritty plots create a Manchester underworld to rival Martina Cole’s raw and rough East End * Peterborough Evening Telegraph *Mandasue has played a real blinder with this fantastic novel -- Martina Cole on Forget Me NotCaptivating from first page to last -- Jeffery Deaver on Lost Angel

Read more less

Book Synopsis'It's like a big hug in a book' - Janice Hallett, author of The AppealA novel about love, loss and the importance of living life to the full, Annie Stanley, All at Sea by Sue Teddern is proof that it’s often the most difficult moments in life that show us what really matters.Sometimes the end is only the beginning . . .Annie is single, unemployed and just a bit stuck when her beloved father dies unexpectedly. Furious at his partner’s plans to scatter his ashes somewhere of no emotional significance, Annie seizes the urn and, on a whim, decides to take it on a tour of the thirty-one sea areas that make up the shipping forecast, which her father loved listening to, despite living in landlocked St Albans.Travelling around the coastline of Britain searching for the perfect place to say goodbye, she starts to wonder if it might be time to rethink some of the relationships in her life – but is it too late for second chances?'Witty, wise with wonderful characters. I absolutely loved this book' - Katie Fforde, author of A Springtime AffairTrade ReviewA funny, warm, wry writer -- David Nicholls, bestselling author of One Day and Sweet SorrowThis charming, well-judged debut novel balances seaside kitsch and mordant humour. Deckchair optional -- ObserverWitty, wise with wonderful characters. I absolutely loved this book -- Katie Fforde, author of A Springtime Affair and Highland FlingThis bittersweet story about grief has just the right balance of poignancy and humour -- Good HousekeepingI loved Annie Stanley: she's a gloriously imperfect heroine who takes you on a stormy journey of grief, love and Britain's brilliant coastline. I was swept away -- Eva Carter, author of How To Save a LifeA journey to rediscover that life really is worth living * OK Magazine *This is a brilliantly funny, heartwarming celebration of life, love, grief and the Shipping Forecast -- Georgia Pritchett, author of My Mess Is a Bit of a LifePoignant, funny and full of emotional resonance. You cannot help but root for Annie Stanley as she embarks on a journey that is both stormy and strangely reassuring -- Elizabeth Enfield, author of Ivy and AbeDevoured this funny, tender book and fell in love with chaotic bumbler Annie Stanley along the way. Can’t wait to see her again -- Jenny Landreth, author of Swell and Break A LegThis book is packed with heart and wit. I was moved and laughed out loud so many times. I truly love Annie. Her journey and the people in her world are completely real to me -- Jo Clegg, author of The Summer Holiday

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Earthquake Bird is Susanna Jones's stunning, prize-winning first mystery - now a major motion picture starring Alicia Vikander.Winner of the CWA New Blood Dagger for Best Debut Crime Novel of the YearWinner of the John Llewellyn Rhys PrizeEarly this morning, several hours before my arrest, I was woken by an earth tremor. I mention the incident not to suggest that there was a connection. . . for in Tokyo we have a quake like this every month. I am simply relating the sequence of events as it happened. It has been an unusual day and I would hate to forget anything . . . So begins The Earthquake Bird, a haunting novel set in Japan which reveals a murder on its first page and takes its readers into the mind of the chief suspect, Lucy Fly – a young, vulnerable English girl living and working in Tokyo as a translator. As Lucy is interrogated by the police she reveals her past to the reader, and it is a past which is dangerously ambiguous and compromising . . . Why did Lucy leave England for the foreign anonymity of Japan ten years before, and what exactly prompted her to sever all links with her family back home? She was the last person to see the murdered girl alive, so why is she not more forthcoming about the circumstances of their last meeting? As Lucy’s story unfolds, it emerges that secrets, both past and present, obsess her waking life . . .Trade ReviewIn spare yet devastating prose, Susanna Jones maintains a chilling ambiguity throughout, scoring 10 on the suspense Richter scale. Compelling and haunting, this delicately crafted debut novel's tremors are felt long after the final page is turned * Observer *Jones is a mistress of the unexplained menace * Mail on Sunday *An astonishingly accomplished debut... it's hard to believe that this skilfully constructed and beautifully written work is a first novel * Daily Telegraph *Exquisitely written yet utterly chilling, this will keep you gripped from start to finish: a potential book-group classic * Elle *Anyone familiar with Jones's previous books will know that, in her deliciously disorientating fictional worlds, nothing is ever quite as it seems... Jones is a mistress of disguise, not just in her characterization and plotting, but in her blurring of the divisions between right and wrong... the revelation, when it comes, is breathtaking' * Literary Review *Remarkable... you'll find this story still lurking in the dark corners of your mind long after you've put the book down * The Face *Jones evokes a sense of mystery and strangeness with the lightest of touches, and casts doubt on the reliability of her narrator in a manner reminiscent of Paul Aster. Experimental, teasing but always utterly readable, this novel will keep you guessing all the way through its 278 pages * Independent on Sunday *An engrossing read, and one that's quite mysterious at times, this is a book that you won't be able to put down * Easy Living *Comparisons with Lesley Glaister, Barbara Vine and Helen Dunmore spring to mind, although Jones is too original, too unusual in her sensibilities to be easily or usefully pigeon-holed * Literary Review *An impressive psychological thriller... written with bleak beauty * New Statesman *This spare, urgent debut is not only a polished crime novel, but a hymn to Tokyo and an awkwardly tender love story * Daily Telegraph *Mesmerising * Mail on Sunday *Prepare for all-over goosebumps * Elle *

Read more less

Book Synopsis** Featured on BBC Two's Between The Covers **'Irresistible' - Val McDermid, author of 1979'Breathtaking . . . This is crime writing of a striking calibre' - Daily MailNear the dying English seaside town of Ilmarsh, local police detective Alec Nichols discovers sixteen horses’ heads on a farm, each buried with a single eye facing the low winter sun. After forensic veterinarian Cooper Allen travels to the scene, the investigators soon uncover evidence of a chain of crimes in the community – disappearances, arson and mutilations – all culminating in the reveal of something deadly lurking in the ground itself.In the dark days that follow, the town slips into panic and paranoia. Everything is not as it seems. Anyone could be a suspect. And as Cooper finds herself unable to leave town, Alec is stalked by an unseen threat. The two investigators race to uncover the truth behind these frightening and insidious mysteries – no matter the cost.Sixteen Horses is the debut literary thriller from an extraordinary talent, Greg Buchanan. For fans of Jane Harper’s The Dry.'Totally gripping' - Alex Michaelides, author of The Silent Patient'Read it, read it, read it' - B. P. Walter, author of The Dinner Guest'Original' - Sophie Hannah, author of Haven't They GrownTrade ReviewUnlike anything else you’ll read this year, Sixteen Horses is a deeply disconcerting ride. Irresistible -- Val McDermidDark, visceral and disturbing, this highly suspenseful and beautifully written thriller is totally gripping from start to finish. A hugely impressive debut -- Alex Michaelides, author of The Silent PatientOriginal, beautifully written, terrifying and haunting. I won't forget this novel -- Sophie Hannah, author of Haven't They GrownA breath-taking debut . . . written with immense panache. This is crime writing of a striking calibre, which constantly surprises as it takes unexpected twist after twist — leaving you desperate for more * Daily Mail *Utterly gripping, exquisitely written [. . .] Haunting and very dark, this is certainly worth the read * Guardian *Sometimes you come across a work of fiction so staggeringly good, it’s almost impossible to find words that can do justice to its brilliance and adequately describe how it made you feel. In the end, all that needs to be said is this: read it, read it, read it -- B. P. Walter, author of The Dinner GuestUtterly brilliant. Poetry and cinema at once. If this isn’t one of the biggest titles of 2021 I’ll eat my hat -- CJ Cooke, author of The NestingPoignant, chilling, eerie, and gruesome, Sixteen Horses is a thriller with a literary soul, perfect for fans of Netflix's Dark or BBC's Top of the Lake. Buchanan impressively balances horror and empathy, showing real evil while also exploring the human cost of economic collapse. A unique, ambitious debut that left me shocked and enthralled -- Sara Sligar, author of Take Me ApartA dark, ambitious, and highly intelligent thriller . . . This complex, often gothic tale is definitely an eye-opener * Publishers Weekly *A darkly atmospheric crime thriller * Northampton Chronicle & Echo *

Read more less