Crime & Thrillers Books

Book SynopsisA deserting soldier treks through the torn-up countryside and abandoned villages, trying to distance himself from the atrocities of war.An elderly man sits beneath lime trees, remembering his first sexual encounter one summer night with a female stranger who whispered another man's name.A young woman takes up a job in a care home, spending monotonous days scrubbing floors and yearning to dance at the local nightclub.The artist Franz Marc lives on in an imagined life as a patient at an asylum, before falling victim to Hitler's policy of Gnadentod.Finally, a young Jewish girl, the life she once knew destroyed, holds her memories close as she finds refuge in wreckage of her homeland.And throughout there is the shadowy presence of Viktor - one man or many? A looming figure in Germany's own reckoning with its past.Through these five interconnected stories, Philippe Claudel reflects on Germany's complex history and the experiences of its people, dismantling the idea of "a nation" or "a people" and exploring the malleability of memory.Trade ReviewDark, sober and strong * Le Monde *[Philippe Claudel] manages to instil sweetness into the very heart of the suffering and drama he depicts * Culture Tops *Philippe Claudel leads his readers in a dance between great history and intimate stories, great wars and internal wars with his new novel . . . Characters intersect and reappear like a dream, or a form of haunting, until they find their destiny * Le Journal de Québec *

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Book SynopsisMexico in the 1970s is a dangerous country, even for Maite, a secretary who spends her life seeking the romance found in cheap comic books and ignoring the activists protesting around the city. When her next-door neighbor, the beautiful art student Leonora, disappears under suspicious circumstances, Maite finds herself searching for the missing woman-and journeying deeper into Leonora's secret life of student radicals and dissidents. 'An amazing writer' S.A. Cosby, bestselling author of Blacktop Wasteland and Razorblade TearsMexico in the 1970s is a politically fraught land, even for Elvis, a goon with a passion for rock 'n' roll who knows more about kidney-smashing than intrigue. When Elvis is assigned to find Leonora, he begins a blood-soaked search for the woman-and his soul.'A page-turning read full of colour and action' THE INDEPENDENT Swirling in parallel trajectories, Maite and Elvis attempt to discover the truth behind Leonora's disappearance, encountering hitmen, government agents, and Russian spies. Because Mexico in the 1970s is a noir, where life is cheap and the price of truth is high.Velvet Was the Night: an edgy, simmering historical novel for lovers of smoky noirs and anti-heroes.Trade ReviewVelvet Was the Night cements Silvia Moreno-Garcia's incredible versatility as an amazing writer who moves between genres effortlessly. A lush, magnificent trip into a world of danger and discovery. Not to be missed! * S.A. COSBY, Anthony Award-winning author of BLACKTOP WASTELAND and RAZORBLADE TEARS, on VELVET WAS THE NIGHT *Silvia Moreno-Garcia's Velvet Was The Night is a treat to be savoured, a dizzying combination of American and Mexican Noir written in the most individual of voices. * BARRY FORSHAW, Financial Times, on VELVET WAS THE NIGHT *Velvet Was the Night is a rollicking work of historical noir with a vivid sense of time and place and an unforgettable cast. Moreno-Garcia made me care deeply about her characters and their dangerous, riveting misadventures. This is a stylish, hard-boiled novel painted in shades of grey with a whole lot of heart. * STEPH CHA, author of YOUR HOUSE WILL PAY, on VELVET WAS THE NIGHT *Silvia Moreno-Garcia takes you into the gritty underworld noir of 1970s Mexico City with a propulsive read where no one and nothing is as it seems. * ISABELLA MALDONADO, bestselling author of THE CIPHER, on VELVET WAS THE NIGHT *Velvet Was the Night is a delicious, twisted treat for lovers of noir. Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a who pulls you into her dark world and never lets you go. From the suspenseful, slow-burn plot to the crisp, desperate characters, you will be obsessed. * SIMONE ST. JAMES, New York Times-bestselling author of THE SUN DOWN MOTEL, on VELVET WAS THE NIGHT *Moreno-Garcia keeps the suspense high and the action intense, all while sharing a bit of 1970s Mexican history in this perfectly pitched novel. Fans of Moreno-Garcia's other novels will relish this title, as will noir aficionados and readers who like stories about everymen - and women - rising to the occasion * LIBRARY JOURNAL (Starred Review) on VELVET WAS THE NIGHT *Moreno-Garcia, the author of acclaimed and bestselling speculative novels, including Mexican Gothic (2020), returns to noir crime fiction with a winner that brings together a romance-fiction obsessed secretary and a lovelorn enforcer during the brutally suppressed student riots in 1970s Mexico City. Their stories of danger and passion run side by side in an enveloping narrative that is at once dark and bright. Despite their failings, readers will be rooting for them and hoping they find some happiness, and, maybe, even, each other. * BOOKLIST (Starred Review) on VELVET WAS THE NIGHT *It's hard to describe how much fun this novel is - Moreno-Garcia, whose Mexican Gothic (2020) gripped readers last year, proves to be just as good at noir as she is at horror. The novel features memorable characters, taut pacing, an intricate plot, and antiheroes you can't help but root for. A noir masterpiece. * KIRKUS (Starred Review), on VELVET WAS THE NIGHT *A rich novel with an engrossing plot, distinctive characters, and a pleasing touch of romance. Readers won't be able to put it down. * PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, (Starred Review), on VELVET WAS THE NIGHT *A chameleon writer with incredible writing skills * KIRKUS *A genre-jumping wizard, one of the most exciting and necessary authors writing today * CHARLIE JANE ANDERS, award-winning author of The City in the Middle of the Night *You'll be pulled into the tale with spies, romance, danger and rock 'n' roll * NEWSWEEK MAGAZINE *Sexy and simmering * E! ONLINE *Pacy enough to keep you hooked - as it reaches its climax, so will your heart rate * Cosmopolitan *A page-turning read full of colour and action * THE INDEPENDENT *Within this rich world and character is a tense thriller that builds as the book reaches its climax... touches of John Le Carre espionage * SFBOOK REVIEWS *An evocative historical crime noir that quietly simmers with underlying danger and suspense * CULTUREFLY *An enthralling tale that's as fun as it is mysterious... The characters are fascinating, the tone lush and romantic, and it's all wrapped up in a mystery with twists and turns one likely won't see coming... [Silvia Moreno-Garcia is] the sort of author whose works automatically end up on your 'must read' list * USA TODAY *An absolute flex...[Velvet Was The Night] left me marveling at what kind of sorceress Moreno-Garcia must be as she reworks genre after genre, weaving in Mexican history and culture, satisfying familiar cravings without resorting to mere pastiche. The most tantalizing suspense of all comes with wondering what she'll do next * SLATE *The author's previous novel, Mexican Gothic, turned the screw on the traditional ghost story; here she gleefully pries hard-boiled noir from the cold, white hands of Chandler and Hammett * OPRAH DAILY *An adrenalized, darkly romantic journey * THE WASHINGTON POST *Moreno-Garcia has written a note-perfect noir, complete with rainy nights and harsh shadows, crackly records and lingering cigarette smoke... a delectable feast of a story * THE TORONTO STAR *With deft plotting and lush scene-setting (and more than a little romance!), Velvet Was the Night is an edgy noir that is as escapist as it is politically provocative * PLOUGHSHARES *Through precise, accessible yet poetic prose, these characters instantly come alive, and when they begin venturing into Mexico City's darker corners, we are eager to follow them. The result is another triumph for one of genre fiction's brightest voices * BookPage *Moreno-Garcia proves her prowess as a historical fiction powerhouse again * BUZZFEED *Brutal, stylish, and infused with the passions of the times, Velvet Was the Night is a perfect political thriller * CRIMEREADS *Moreno-Garcia breaks the Latinx stereotypes of the poor immigrant, the sexy Latina, or the delinquent in the media by providing a microscopic examination of the characters in this noir novel... At its core, Velvet Was the Night is a novel about the clashes of Mexico's political and cultural landscape of the '70s. Moreno-Garcia uses the tropes of a romance novel juxtaposed with noir to create dissonance, just like how the student protests created ripples in Mexico that still reverberate to this very day * ELECTRIC LITERATURE *[Velvet was the Night] does more than just give a taste of the noir we all know and love; it brings to light the cruelty and fear present for those living in 1970s Mexico City, giving the reader a glimpse of how suppression of civil rights and fear of the government can lead an innocent woman into the scariest days of her life... maybe you read Velvet Was the Night for the romantic plot or its modern take on noir fiction, but you'll walk away with a memorable snapshot of an ordinary Mexican citizen's life during the political unrest of the 1970s * BOOKTRIB *[A] riveting neo-noir thriller * BOOKRIOT *Moreno-Garcia's characters always feel like real people that could walk through the door at any moment. You learn so much about their likes and dislikes, flaws and perfections, that by the time you reach the last page you mourn the profound loss of their voices on the page * YOUR MONEY GEEK *A dazzling noir * POPSUGAR *[A] can't-miss follow-up to Silvia Moreno-Garcia's Mexican Gothic * HARPERS BAZAAR *Romantic, eccentric and violent, this is a perfect example of neo-noir * THE SUNDAY TIMES CRIME CLUB *Moreno-Garcia is a magician able to switch genres with ease . . . a superb noir thriller * THE OBSERVER *A page-turning read full of colour and action * THE INDEPENDENT *This fascinating tale skilfully weaves the history and politics of the period * THE SUNDAY POST *An assured piece of historical fiction, as well as a slice of noir * SHOTS MAGAZINE *Within this rich world and character is a tense thriller that builds as the book reaches its climax . . . touches of John Le Carre espionage * SFBOOK REVIEWS *[Velvet was the Night] is a noir with a heart of gold, and it's a narrative in which the empathy we feel for its characters ultimately reveals an important truth: That Moreno-Garcia is not only a talented storyteller but also an incredibly versatile one * NPR *Intelligent, sexy, and highly entertaining . . . The perfect summer indulgence, this book leaves the reader keyed up, breathless, and eager for more of what Moreno-Garcia has to offer * THE CHICAGO REVIEW OF BOOKS *

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Book SynopsisA bumper collection of delightful stories featuring Bruno, Chief of Police and France's favourite cop, all set in the beautiful Dordogne valley and the ravishing Perigord region of the south west. Here is a landscape of meandering rivers with medieval castles overlooking their banks, of lush hillsides and spreading vineyards, of delicious local wines and world renowned cuisine. With titles like 'The Chocolate War'; 'The Birthday Lunch'; 'Oystercatcher'; 'A Market Tale' and 'Fifty Million Bubbles', you may be sure that champagne and gastronomy will feature as well as cosy crime in 'Dangerous Vacation'. Bruno strides through these tales, staying calm. settling local disputes and keeping safe his beloved town of St Denis. Only on one occasion does he panic: in 'Bruno's Challenge', his friend Ivan, proprietor and chef of the town's popular eatery, suddenly collapses on the eve of a large anniversary dinner, and he asks Bruno to take over the restaurant. After a few protests followed by some deep breaths, the inimitable Bruno meets his challenge and saves the day.Trade ReviewThese short stories have something for everyone, whether you follow Bruno for his culinary expertise, his local knowledge and his loyal friends or his policework . . . If you've not met Bruno before, this would be a very good place to start * Crime Review *Local customs and everyday life spring off the page, set against the beautiful Dordogne countryside . . . If you haven't met Bruno and his friends yet, I urge you to do so, very soon * Mystery People *Any Francophile who has been unable to travel in the last eighteen months will either choke with envy and frustration or devour with gusto Bruno's Challenge . . . The whole collection is quite charming and heart-warming * Shots *

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Book Synopsis'Compulsive, twisty and deliciously dark' 5* reader review'Another brilliant book by Charlotte Duckworth!' 5* reader review'A fabulous twisty thriller' 5* reader review'Tense and gripping' 5* reader review'Addictive and devourable and I loved every second' 5* reader reviewFour pregnant women. Three nights of pampering at an exclusive yoga retreat. One too many deadly secrets . . .On a remote farm in the deepest Devonshire countryside, four pregnant women arrive at an exclusive yoga retreat for a five-star weekend of prenatal pampering. The location is idyllic.Their host, Selina, is eager to teach them all she knows about pregnancy and motherhood. But, like Selina, each of the women has a secret.And secrets can be deadly . . .Praise for The Sanctuary'Dark, compelling and wonderfully creepy' Karen Hamilton'A superbly plotted thriller - I could not put it down' Celia Rees'A fast-paced, twisty thriller' Nikki Smith'A writer at the top of her thriller game' Louise Mumford'Compelling' Jess Ryder'Full of tension and secrets and so many twists!' Lauren North'Gripping' Emma Christie'Wonderfully sinister and compelling' Caroline Hulse'Duckworth's best yet' Rebecca Fleet'A completely addictive read' Sophie FlynnTrade Review[A] dark, tense thriller * Bella *Dark, compelling and wonderfully creepy - a definite must-read * Karen Hamilton *Duckworth's best yet * Rebecca Fleet *A completely addictive read where no-one can be trusted and nothing is as it seems. I loved every page * Sophie Flynn *A perfect domestic suspense, wonderfully sinister and compelling with a pounding sense of upcoming doom. A real page-turner * Caroline Hulse *Duckworth has triumphed in fusing the unassuming serene with the abject sinister in her propulsive novel, The Sanctuary. With every chapter, there is layered tension and intrigue. I ripped through it * LV Matthews *I sped through this sinister locked-room mystery which is both gripping and compulsive with twists galore. More please Charlotte! * Emily Freud *A superbly plotted thriller - I could not put it down * Celia Rees *A fast-paced, twisty thriller about pregnancy and pampering in an isolated retreat where nothing is quite as it seems. I thoroughly enjoyed it * Nikki Smith *A writer at the top of her thriller game. Suspense, intrigue and a setting to die for * Louise Mumford *A compelling read. All credit to Charlotte for wrapping me up in the story and leading me astray * Jess Ryder *Full of tension and secrets and so many twists! I LOVED it! Another thrilling read from Charlotte Duckworth * Lauren North *Gripping, insightful and a wee bit creepy at times, I raced through The Sanctuary * Emma Christie *I always really enjoy Charlotte's books - the twists and turns will keep you riveted * Claire McGowan *Addictively readable and packed with secrets, I flew through this! * Allie Reynolds *Taut with tension from the outset and suspicious of everyone, you'll not be able to put this down until you reach the deliciously satisfying conclusion * Sandie Jones *Like a game of twister the shocks and surprises will tie you in knots * Peterborough Telegraph *Truly unsettling . . . creepy * Belfast Telegraph *

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

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Book SynopsisHe gave her everything. But can she trust him?'Get ready for a creepy, twisty ride' HeatLauren can't wait to leave London for a fresh start in the countryside with her new partner Paul and his two young children. She never thought she'd be so lucky. A dream glass house in the woods, a ready-made family, a second chance. But as dark rumours swirl about their new home, Lauren begins to question their happily-ever-after. When they met, she was at her most vulnerable. She would trust Paul with her life. But should she?'Tense, creepy and utterly chilling' Charlotte Duckworth'I devoured it in a single sitting' Charlotte Philby'Sly, tense and heartbreaking' L V Matthews'Unputdownable' Harriet Walker READERS LOVE WHAT SHE LEFT BEHIND'Gripping, tense and chilling' 5* reader review'Heart-pounding' 5* reader review'Couldn't put it down' 5* reader review'A really brilliant thriller' 5* reader review'Oh my god, this book blew me away!' 5* reader reviewTrade ReviewWith all the ingredients needed to be turned into a cracking ITV thriller, get ready for a creepy, twisty ride * Heat *What She Left Behind is a masterpiece in the suspense thriller genre. Sly, tense, and heartbreaking in equal measure. I absolutely loved it * L V Matthews *Dark and menacing, What She Left Behind is a pacy, accomplished thriller that kept me reading on as the tension built with every page, until I had devoured it in a single sitting - never guessing the final twist * Charlotte Philby *[A] nerve-jangling thriller * Peterborough Telegraph *Emily Freud's What She Left Behind is a twisting evocative story which I devoured in just a few sittings. Brilliantly written and with a chilling isolated setting - I loved it! * Lia Middleton *Unsettling and unputdownable - I whizzed through this * Harriet Walker *I raced through this compelling novel in just two days. Tense, creepy and utterly chilling. What She Left Behind is easily the best thriller I've read this year. It's a proper page turner. So creepy and clever * Charlotte Duckworth *Set against the backdrop of a 'normal' life, this story simmers with foreboding and menace. The build-up to the ending is perfectly paced and executed. A highly recommended read for lovers of dark domestic noir thrillers. 5 stars from me * J. A. Corrigan *What She Left Behind is the perfect domestic thriller, truly gripping and shimmering with a dark undertone. My heart was in my mouth as I raced to the end. Mind-blowing and utterly compelling * Vikki Patis *A claustrophobic and very clever domestic noir thriller with a great sense of setting, believable characters and an excellent twist - I raced through this * Catherine Cooper *What a clever, involving and suspenseful novel about how vulnerability and self-doubt can be exploited so deeply. Emily Freud has written scenes which gave me goosebumps . . . Not to be missed * Jane Lythell *A deliciously dark and claustrophobic page-turner with a heartbreaking twist * Sophie Flynn *One of the best twists I've read in years. You won't want to miss this clever, addictive novel from Emily Freud * Sarah Lawton *Loved this dark, pacey and gripping [novel] with a twist that knocked me sideways. A killer thriller! * Kate Maxwell *What She Left Behind is an atmospheric and creepy thriller with a jaw-dropping ending. The twists and turns will have you hooked * Miranda Smith *An author whose work I'd be interested to read again and who appreciates how to leave enough breadcrumbs to tantalise thriller readers all book long * Peterborough Telegraph *I devoured this book - beautifully written, with masterful characterisation and that triumphant climatic finale took me by surprise * Mira V. Shah *

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Book Synopsis'The ending gave me shivers' Claire Douglas'A plot that tightens like a vice' Erin KellyIt all started to go wrong the day the Wrights moved in next doorMyles and Lana Butler live on a gorgeous new development in Wimbledon, leaning on a mortgage that is just within reach. When one of Myles' investments fails they are bound to lose everything.Gabriel and Holly Wright have just moved in next door. The Wrights are sophisticated, ambitious and apparently very wealthy. At an after-dinner drink with their new neighbours, Myles and Lana share their worries and a solution is suggested between the couples. Life Insurance fraud. For a cut of the pay out, the Wrights would help them.No one thought they were being serious. No one agreed they'd actually go through with it. And no one mentioned it would involve murder.Then, one night, Lana doesn't come home.Praise for The End of Us'Witty, dark, unpredictable. A book to be devoured in one sitting' Karen Hamilton'It reminded me of Hitchcock at his best. Tense, twisty, dark and so unpredictable' Claire Douglas 'The End Of Us is that rare book - beautifully written and impossible to put down' Fiona Cummins 'I loved it - easily Kiernan's best yet' Cara Hunter'Terrifically compelling. And that last line. Oh my. That is how a book should end' John Marrs'A superbly written tangled web of utter brilliance' Joanna CannonTrade ReviewAbsolutely loved The End Of Us, it reminded me of Hitchcock at his best. Tense, twisty, dark and so unpredictable I couldn't read it fast enough to see how it all played out. The ending gave me shivers. My favourite Olivia Kiernan book yet! * Claire Douglas *The End Of Us is that rare book - beautifully written and impossible to put down. A dark, complex and nuanced thriller, its protagonist Myles Butler is a Ripley for the 21st century, rotten to the core of his luxury lifestyle, but impossible to resist * Fiona Cummins *The End of Us is exactly the type of book I love to read: witty, dark, unpredictable, well-written and with great insight into the darker side of human nature. A book to be devoured in one sitting -- Karen HamiltonI loved it - easily Kiernan's best yet -- Cara HunterI loved everything about this stylish, addictive thriller from Olivia Kiernan. The End of Us entertains, it shocks, and it asks fascinating moral questions of its characters - and readers (my sympathies and allegiances were all over the place!) Beautifully written, masterfully executed. And THAT ending . . . -- Caz FrearA deliciously dark domestic noir - twisty, unpredictable and gripping -- J P DelaneyA golden couple whose reach exceeds their grasp, and their new neighbours who suggest a deal-with-the-devil solution. Beautiful prose and a plot that tightens like a vice -- Erin KellySickeningly good cat-and-mouse game of fraud with a spot of murder for good measure, in a bougie enclave of Wimbledon. Delicious right down to the last killer line. -- Dom NolanTense and twisty, this novel sits at the intersection of Hitchcock and Ripley - really enjoyed it. And that ending. Deliciously dark -- Catherine Ryan HowardIntoxicating, classy, twisty and just a total joy to read . . . I adored it -- Charlotte DuckworthThe characters jumped out of the pages and the chilling twists just kept coming. -- Nikki SmithAn unputdownable, gulp-in-one-sitting, utterly brilliant read -- C S GreenThis super chilling, heart-stoppingly suspenseful psychological thriller is not to be missed -- Steph BroadribbDark and compelling, with complex relationships that reveal shocking twists, I was sucked into the world of Belvedere Court and its wealthy inhabitants, where the gloss of respectability is only a veneer. -- Sam BlakeCompelling -- Harriet TyceKiernan's greatest achievement is to make Myles such a sympathetic character that his increasingly violent actions seem almost sensible. * Literary Review *Kiernan has delivered a standalone of style and substance. * Irish Times *A nerve-jangling thriller. * Woman's Own *If you love the old-style Hollywood glamour of films like Double Indemnity, this domestic noir tale, set in the contemporary opulence of a luxury Wimbledon housing estate, will do the trick. * Daily Mail *Strong characterisation, an unpredictable plot and an unexpected conclusion will keep readers gripped. Kiernan has proved she won't be confined to one genre and we look forward to what she does next. * Irish Independent *A gripping thriller * Bella *Beware, this psychological thriller is definitely a sit-up-all-night read * Woman's Weekly *It's a dark, twisted and satisfying read, which never lets up its pace. It's unpredictable, ingenious and brilliantly written. Read it. * Irish Examiner *Hitchcock and Highsmith would both have been proud if they'd written suburban horror-story The End of Us . . .You won't be able to stop reading. Each unfolding episode is unbearable. A bravura thriller. * The Tablet *Kiernan proves she's every bit as good at depicting the dark side of our interior lives as she is with her rollercoaster police procedurals. * Westmeath Examiner *Tom Ripley would see the narrator of this deliciously Highsmithian chiller as a soulmate. . . . * Telegraph (Best Books of 2023) *I really enjoyed this! Switchback Highsmith -- Ian RankinI couldn't stop reading. Perfect for fans of Louise Candlish and Patricia Highsmith * Jo Callaghan *

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Book SynopsisA thrilling SOE spy novel by a former special forces officer who is 'poised to inherit the mantle of John le Carré' 'Edward Wilson seems poised to inherit the mantle of John le Carré' Irish Independent'More George Smiley than James Bond, Catesby will delight those readers looking for less blood and more intelligence in their spy thrillers' Publishers WeeklyCambridge, 1941. A teenage William Catesby leaves his studies to join the war effort.Parachuted into Occupied France as an SOE officer, he witnesses remarkable feats of bravery during theFrench Resistance.Yet he is also privy to infighting and betrayal - some of the Maquisards are more concerned with controlling the peace than fighting the war. Double agents and informers abound, and with torture a certainty if he is taken, Catesby knows there is no one he can trust.Passed from safe house to safe house, with the Abwehr on his tail, he is drawn towards Lyon, a city of backstreets and blind alleys. His mission is simple: thwart an act of treachery that could shape the future of France.'Edward Wilson's excellent Portrait of the Spy as a Young Man draws on his own special forces training'Independent'Engaging . . . Dynamic . . . Wilson's fascination is as much with how the spy betrays himself as with howhe manipulates others' The Times Praise for Edward Wilson: 'Stylistically sophisticated . . . Wilson knows how to hold the reader's attention' W.G. Sebald'A reader is really privileged to come across something like this' Alan Sillitoe'All too often, amid the glitzy gadgetry of the spy thriller, all the fast cars and sexual adventures, we lose sight of the essential seriousness of what is at stake. John le Carré reminds us, often, and so does Edward Wilson' Independent

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Book Synopsis'Hausmann is a force to be reckoned with' DAVID BALDACCIThey say he's a murderer. But how could he be?Berlin, 2017: several young girls have been disappearing for the past fourteen years. Red ribbons show the police the way to their bodies, but there's no trace of the killer. One evening, internationally renowned philosophy professor and anthropologist Walter Lesniak is arrested on the suspicion of the murders in the presence of his daughter, Ann.'Professor Death' becomes the headline of the tabloid press and Lesniak himself refuses to cooperate with the police. Ann is certain this is all some kind of mistake. And she will prove it. Yet, with the arrest of her father, she begins a journey into the unknown . . .READERS LOVE ROMY HAUSMANN'Ingenious' 5 * reader review'Loved every minute' 5* reader review'The best thriller I have ever read' 5* reader review'Spellbinding' 5* reader review'Absolutely brilliant' 5* reader reviewTrade ReviewA deeply unsettling psychological thriller that will get under your skin . . . True crime fans will love this one * Hot Press *PRAISE FOR ROMY HAUSMANN: 'Hausmann is a force to be reckoned with' * David Baldacci *A peerless exercise in suspense * Financial Times *Claustrophobic, terrifying and fiercely compelling * Daily Mail *If you read only one thriller this year, choose this one * Alice Feeney *[B]eautifully written, intriguing and very compelling * Peter James *

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Book SynopsisShould you find yourself in need of a discreet investigation into any sort of mystery, call on Jesperson and Lane . . . 'Arthur Conan Doyle would have approved,' says George R.R. MartinMiss Lane is puzzled by Jasper Jesperson's interest in what seems a very minor theft -possibly even a prank - from the storerooms at the British Museum. But London in the 1890s is rife with secret organisations, cults and individuals eager to acquire some of the legendary magic of ancient Egypt. The deeper the two detectives dig, the more hidden crimes they uncover, and the higher the death toll mounts. And at the centre of it all is the 'Mystery Mummy' recently acquired by the museum. 'Tuttle does a lovely job of putting us back in the foggy streets of Victorian London' George R.R. Martin, author of The Game of ThronesAre the deaths and madness truly caused by a mummy's curse? Or is there a scheming, living villain to be apprehended? 'A most engaging detective duo' Mark Douglas Home, author of The Sea Detective and The Woman Who Walked Into The SeaJesperson and Lane, with their experience of past investigations involving psychic phenomena and supernatural events as well as ordinary human criminality, are surely best placed to find the truth.Jesperson and Lane, at your service.Trade ReviewLisa Tuttle has quietly been writing remarkable, chilling short stories and powerful, haunting novels for many years now, and doing it so easily and so well that one almost takes it, and her, for granted. This would be as big a mistake as not reading Lisa Tuttle * NEIL GAIMAN *A stylish, distinctive storyteller * WASHINGTON POST BOOK WORLD *This John W. Campbell Award-winning author remains one of fantasy's best * PUBLISHERS WEEKLY *Her ability as a storyteller is equalled only by her skill in portraying her characters with a few, precise words * SF SITE *Tuttle's work is a treasure trove, a vast and fearful kingdom in itself * THOMAS TESSIER, author of The Night Walker *Whether fantasy or science fiction, Tuttle's stories generally centre on derangements within family units. Her touch is deft, chilly, exact * JOHN CLUTE, co-author of The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction *Lisa Tuttle's short stories have a way of lingering long after you've read them . . . intelligent and well crafted * THE GOOD BOOK GUIDE *The whole book is delightful to read. Tuttle handles the nuances of the Victorian environment with skilful impeccability * BRITISH FANTASY SOCIETY ON The Witch at Wayside Cross *The story zips along in entertaining and enjoyable way, and it is very well written . . . the novel seems set up for a series. I certainly hope so * HISTORICAL NOVEL SOCIETY on The Somnambulist and the Psychic Thief *'One of the SF and fantasy & horror field's most urbane - and much under-appreciated - writers * MAXIM JAKUBOWSKI, LOVE READING *Sleepwalkers, psychics, and the spirits of the dead (or are they?) make for a heady stew in Lisa Tuttle's The Somnambulist and the Psychic Thief, the first full-length novel about Jasper Jesperson and Miss Lane, a dauntless duo of Victorian detectives first introduced in her stories for Down These Strange Streets and Rogues. They're an entertaining pair, and it's great to see them back in action in a longer work. Here's hoping this is only the first in a long series of Lane and Jesperson adventures. Tuttle does a lovely job of putting us back in the foggy streets of Victorian London in this lively, entertaining blend of murder mystery and supernatural adventure. Arthur Conan Doyle would have approved * GEORGE R.R. MARTIN on The Somnambulist and the Psychic Thief *A cleverly constructed, swiftly moving and absorbing plot * ParSec Magazine *Great fun * Concatenation *

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Book SynopsisBrandon Sanderson meets Joe Abercrombie in this astounding novel of good, evil and magicThe Falcons are knights of the Vestal Order, pledged to use their powers to protect the Empire of Talmont from the cruel Vyr and the carnage they have unleashed upon the world.When the Falcons take a Vyr alive, they go against the protocols of the Vestal Order and interrogate him. They are horrified to learn, if the Vyr speaks truly, that the Empire''s worst enemy may not be the Vyr . . . but the Vestal Order itself.Led by the charismatic Romara Challys, the Falcons go rogue, their quest for the truth taking them through burning forests, lost ruins and the uncanny traces of a dying race, desperate to find answers . . . before it''s too late.But the Vestal Order has no plans to let Challys and her knights succeed in their mission. With the greatest knight in history and an army of fanatics at their heels, the Falcons must evade capture and discover the truth as soon as possible. Because time is running out . . . for everyone.______________________''This book has everything that I love in a political fantasy. Knights, history, intrigue'' - Reader Review''The world-building in The Burning Land is excellent'' - Reader Review''A fiery fantasy adventure that blazes with action, magic and epic battles'' - Reader Review

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Book Synopsis"Outback noir has a new star" The TimesBurnt-out from policework, Detective Sergeant George Manolis flies from Australia to Greece for a holiday. Recently divorced and mourning the death of his father, who emigrated from the turbulent Prespes region which straddles the borders of Greece, Albania and North Macedonia, Manolis hopes to reconnect with his roots and heritage."A brilliant new name in Australian crime" Weekend AustralianOn arrival, Manolis learns of the disappearance of an 'invisible' - a local man who lives without a scrap of paperwork. The police and some locals believe the man's disappearance was pre-planned, while others suspect foul play. Reluctantly, Manolis agrees to work undercover to find the invisible, and must navigate the complicated relationships of a tiny village where grudges run deep."Papathanasiou writes unsparingly, confidently, and compellingly" The QuietusIt soon becomes clear to Manolis that he may never locate a man who, for all intents and purposes, doesn't exist. And with the clock ticking, the ghosts of the past continue to haunt the events of today as Manolis's investigation leads him to uncover a dark and long-forgotten practice."Detective Sergeant George Manolis is a great new addition to the Australian crime scene" EMMA VISKIC, award-winning author of the Caleb Zelic crime seriesTrade ReviewLike The Stoning, the new book shows [Papathanasiou's] ability to combine suspense, politics and lyrical descriptive writing -- Joan Smith * The Sunday Times *This second Manolis thriller is a wonderful evocation of a little-known part of Europe with spectacular scenery and dangerous wildlife, not to mention equally dangerous Balkan criminals on the loose. Highly recommended. -- Myles McWeeney * Irish Independent *Detective Sergeant George Manolis is a great new addition to the Australian crime scene -- Emma Viskic * award-winning author of the Caleb Zelic crime series *A brilliant new name in Australian crime -- Cheryl Akle * Weekend Australian *Papathanasiou writes unsparingly, confidently, and compellingly. * The Quietus *Political crime fiction of the highest order -- Joan Smith * Sunday Times *The author effortlessly transports his reader to Southern Europe's borderlands, where a tragic past haunts the villages and towns, fuelling the mystery at the heart of the novel. This is first-rate crime fiction. -- Andrew Pippos * author of LUCKY'S, shortlisted for the 2021 Miles Franklin Award *Marvellous . . . Exciting . . . A great read -- Mark Sanderson * The Times *The Invisible continues an assured, propulsive and atmospheric new series that crime fiction fans will devour -- Sydney Morning Herald * Cameron Woodhead *This story of a difficult investigation is an unusual and interesting contribution to the genre. -- Natasha Cooper * Literary Review *A wonderful evocation of life in the region with spectacular scenery and fearsome wildlife and equally dangerous criminals. Highly recommended. -- Miles McWeeney * Irish Independent Gift Guide *This second novel is very different from the first, a difference that reflects the range of Papathanasiou's talents. The narrative contains some lovely descriptive writing that evokes the beauty of this remote landscape. Students of ethnography are particularly likely to enjoy the setting, since it is at the junction of three cultures and three distinct histories that all feed into the development of the story -- Alison Booth * Canberra Times *It's a fascinating and entirely effective replacement for the desert hellscape setting of Papathanasiou's debut, The Stoning, and he peoples the rugged landscape with plausible characters who each have their own reasons for preferring a life lived on the fringes of 21st-century society -- Angus Batey * The Quietus *While the tone is very different to The Stoning, The Invisible is every bit as enjoyable and Papathanasiou is displaying his diverse talents early on in his career as a novelist -- Anne Cunningham * Meath Chronicle *Papathanasiou adds considerably to the crime literature defined as Australian. He has his own individuality and represents a successful amalgam of Greek and Australian literature. The writing is vivid and atmospheric. The characters are superbly drawn. Papathanasiou doesn't pull any punches as he takes a clear-eyed look at hypocrisies old and new -- Ian Lipke * Queensland Reviewers Collective *Gripping -- Lisa Howells * Crime Monthly *Sumptuously written -- Readings Monthly * Julia Jackson *It has a lot more richness and meaning than your standard thriller. And the reader is seriously enlightened. It will stay with you -- Peter Donoughue * Booknotes *A reflective story with solid characterisation. The pacing is gentle, but this perfectly evokes the setting and way of life. A socially and politically aware novel -- Jane Hunt * Waterstones *An intriguing and tense thriller with a strong sense of place and well-drawn characters -- Jeff Popple * Canberra Weekly *A true pageturner, with a highly satisfying ending -- A.N. Wilson * Tablet *

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Book Synopsis"Outback noir has a new star" Mark Sanderson, The Times"A rising star of crime fiction" Joan Smith, Sunday Times"Delivers another larger-than-life, take-no-prisoners slice of outback noir. A truly original writer" Emma Styles, author of NO COUNTRY FOR GIRLSWith DS Manolis on leave in Greece, Senior Constable Sparrow receives a phone call from a man who wants to turn himself in.Bob is sixty-five years old, confined to a Perth nursing home. But thirty years ago, he killed a man in the remote northern Kimberley mining region. He offers to show Sparrow where the body is, but there's a catch: Sparrow must travel north with him under the guise of being his carer. They are accompanied on the drive by another nursing home resident: Luke, thirty years old, paralysed in a motorbike accident. As they embark on their road trip through the guts of Western Australia, pursued by outback police and adrenaline-soaked miners, Sparrow begins to suspect that Bob's desire to head north may have sinister motivations. Is Luke being held against his will? And what lies in store for them when they reach their goal?Trade ReviewPeter Papathanasiou is a rising star of crime fiction . . . Half crime novel, half social history, The Pit shows the versatility of the genre in the hands of a gifted writer -- Joan Smith * Sunday Times *Darkly immersive Aussie Noir at its very best * Irish Independent *Peter Papathanasiou has a voice like no one else writing Australian crime fiction and delivers another larger-than-life, take-no-prisoners slice of outback noir. A truly original writer. -- Emma Styles * author of NO COUNTRY FOR GIRLS, winner of the 2023 Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize *

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Book SynopsisOutback noir has a new star Mark Sanderson, The TimesWith DS Manolis on leave in Greece, Senior Constable Sparrow receives a phone call from a man who wants to turn himself in.Bob is sixty-five years old, confined to a Perth nursing home. But thirty years ago, he killed a man in the remote northern Kimberley mining region. He offers to show Sparrow where the body is, but there''s a catch: Sparrow must travel north with him under the guise of being his carer. They are accompanied on the drive by another nursing home resident: Luke, thirty years old, paralysed in a motorbike accident. As they embark on their road trip through the guts of Western Australia, pursued by outback police and adrenaline-soaked miners, Sparrow begins to suspect that Bob''s desire to head north may have sinister motivations. Is Luke being held against his will? And what lies in store for them when they reach their goal?

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Book SynopsisFrom Silvia Moreno-Garcia, the New York Times bestselling author of MEXICAN GOTHIC, comes UNTAMED SHORE, a dark cocktail mixing a nuanced coming-of-age story with a classical noir. 'Brutality takes on an almost divine quality' LA Review of BooksBaja California, 1979: Viridiana spends her days under the harsh sun, watching the fishermen pulling in their nets and the dead sharks piled beside the seashore. Her head is filled with dreams of romance, travel and of a future beyond this drab town where her only option is to marry and have children.When a wealthy American writer arrives with his wife and brother-in-law, Viridiana jumps at the offer of a job as his assistant, and she's soon entangled in the glamorous foreigners' lives. They offer excitement, and perhaps an escape from her humdrum life. When one of them dies, eager to protect her new friends, Viridiana lies - but soon enough, someone's asking questions. It's not long before Viridiana has some of her own questions about the identities of her new acquaintances.Sharks may be dangerous, but there are worse predators nearby, ready to devour a naïve young woman unwittingly entangled in a web of deceit. Trade ReviewThe descriptions of Baja are uncommonly evocative of gritty reality, with poverty and desperation made plain on the page, as well as the lengths people are willing to go to in order to escape . . . (an) insightful look at criminal life from the viewpoint of a sardonic yet lonely soul seems destined for more plaudits * BOOKLIST (Starred Review) *A sense of inevitable dread builds from seemingly innocuous events in this masterful crime debut from Silvia Moreno-Garcia. The period detail is fantastic, the Mexican setting vibrant and fresh, and the noir is as murky as seawater after a shark-feeding frenzy. I loved it! * LAVIE TIDHAR, multiple award-winning author of A Man Lies Dreaming and Osama *This thriller sets a quiet tone before building slowly and evenly, showing how a meek teenager trapped by circumstance grows into a strong woman who takes control of her future, though in the end it might change who she is * LIBRARY JOURNAL (Starred Review) *Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a wonderfully evocative writer, and she uses her skills to their best advantage in her first book of crime fiction. Atmospheric, compelling and very suspenseful, Untamed Shore is a welcome addition to the genre * ALISON GAYLIN, Edgar Award-winning author *Untamed Shore is both transporting and transfixing. Set in a small Baja town in the seedy 1970s, Silvia Moreno-Garcia's latest takes us into a world soaked in sunshine and secrets, where everyone is working an angle and the looming sense of menace builds with nearly each page-turn. A shrewd, exciting thriller by a writer with a fresh vision and a powerful voice * JULIA DAHL author of the award-winning Rebekah Roberts series *Untamed Shore is a masterpiece. I loved this book, and can't get Viridiana out of my head. Silvia Moreno-Garcia's characters are unforgettable and no one and nothing is quite what they seem. I devoured this like one of Viridiana's sharks. Truly a stunning work * AMINA AKHTAR, author of #FashionVictim *The Great Gatsby meets Night of the Iguana in this elegantly spare and darkly twisted story of undercurrents, deception and colliding cultures. Rich in atmosphere and sinister in tone . . . a haunting lesson in the dangers of desire and the illusion of glamour and how dreams can be devoured by deceit * HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN, author of The Murder List *Silvia Moreno-Garcia's Untamed Shore is a treat: the first thriller from a seasoned writer. This is a superb hybrid that's part classic whodunit, part sad love story, and part smart, pulpy noir packed with smiling snakes, a touch of mythology, and a strong female lead who's caught between her immediate reality and her dreams of escape, all inside the hermetic, oppressive hell of small-town gossip and old-fangled morality. This is a novel about greed, murder, and snowballing peccadilloes that moves forward with the power and grace of a shark. Don't miss it * GABINO IGLESIAS, author of Coyote Songs and Zero Saints *An engaging sojourn illuminated by prose as bright and clear as the Baja sun. A plot driven by characters whose motives are as murky and treacherous as stormy gulf waters * MARIO ACEVEDO, author of the Felix Gomez vampire-detective series *Moreno-Garcia is brilliant at conjuring up the hot, dead-end world that Viridiana occupies . . . recommended * British Science Fiction Association *The descriptions of Baja are uncommonly evocative of gritty reality, with poverty and desperation made plain on the page, as well as the lengths people are willing to go to in order to escape . . . (an) insightful look at criminal life from the viewpoint of a sardonic yet lonely soul seems destined for more plaudits * BOOKLIST (Starred Review) *A sense of inevitable dread builds from seemingly innocuous events in this masterful crime debut from Silvia Moreno-Garcia. The period detail is fantastic, the Mexican setting vibrant and fresh, and the noir is as murky as seawater after a shark-feeding frenzy. I loved it! * LAVIE TIDHAR, multiple award-winning author of A Man Lies Dreaming and Osama *This thriller sets a quiet tone before building slowly and evenly, showing how a meek teenager trapped by circumstance grows into a strong woman who takes control of her future, though in the end it might change who she is * LIBRARY JOURNAL (Starred Review) *Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a wonderfully evocative writer, and she uses her skills to their best advantage in her first book of crime fiction. Atmospheric, compelling and very suspenseful, Untamed Shore is a welcome addition to the genre * ALISON GAYLIN, Edgar Award-winning author *Untamed Shore is both transporting and transfixing. Set in a small Baja town in the seedy 1970s, Silvia Moreno-Garcia's latest takes us into a world soaked in sunshine and secrets, where everyone is working an angle and the looming sense of menace builds with nearly each page-turn. A shrewd, exciting thriller by a writer with a fresh vision and a powerful voice * JULIA DAHL author of the award-winning Rebekah Roberts series *Untamed Shore is a masterpiece. I loved this book, and can't get Viridiana out of my head. Silvia Moreno-Garcia's characters are unforgettable and no one and nothing is quite what they seem. I devoured this like one of Viridiana's sharks. Truly a stunning work * AMINA AKHTAR, author of #FashionVictim *The Great Gatsby meets Night of the Iguana in this elegantly spare and darkly twisted story of undercurrents, deception and colliding cultures. Rich in atmosphere and sinister in tone . . . a haunting lesson in the dangers of desire and the illusion of glamour and how dreams can be devoured by deceit * HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN, author of The Murder List *Silvia Moreno-Garcia's Untamed Shore is a treat: the first thriller from a seasoned writer. This is a superb hybrid that's part classic whodunit, part sad love story, and part smart, pulpy noir packed with smiling snakes, a touch of mythology, and a strong female lead who's caught between her immediate reality and her dreams of escape, all inside the hermetic, oppressive hell of small-town gossip and old-fangled morality. This is a novel about greed, murder, and snowballing peccadilloes that moves forward with the power and grace of a shark. Don't miss it * GABINO IGLESIAS, author of Coyote Songs and Zero Saints *An engaging sojourn illuminated by prose as bright and clear as the Baja sun. A plot driven by characters whose motives are as murky and treacherous as stormy gulf waters * MARIO ACEVEDO, author of the Felix Gomez vampire-detective series *Moreno-Garcia is brilliant at conjuring up the hot, dead-end world that Viridiana occupies . . . recommended * British Science Fiction Association *

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Book SynopsisA spy thriller that will change your view of the Cold War forever, by a former special forces officer who is 'poised to inherit the mantle of John le Carré' 'Edward Wilson seems poised to inherit the mantle of John le Carré' Irish Independent'More George Smiley than James Bond, Catesby will delight those readers looking for less blood and more intelligence in their spy thrillers' Publishers WeeklyAugust, 1956. A generation of British spies is haunted by the ghosts of friends turned traitor. Whitehall spymaster Henry Bone has long held Butterfly to be the Holy Grail of Cold War Intelligence. His brain is an archive of deadly secrets - he can identify each and every traitor spy as well as the serving British agents who helped them. And now Bone learns that Butterfly plans to defect to the Americans. Unless Bone gets to him first. William Catesby, a spy with his reputation in tatters, is pressured into posing as a defector in order to track down Butterfly. His quest leads him from Berlin, through a shower of Molotov cocktails in Budapest, to dinner alone with the East German espionage legend Mischa Wolf. 'A gripping Cold War story centred on a Berlin seething with agents and counterspies' Mail on Sunday'Smart, finely written' Publishers Weekly Starred Review'All you could want in a spy thriller' Oliver JamesPraise for Edward Wilson:'Stylistically sophisticated . . . Wilson knows how to hold the reader's attention' W.G. Sebald'A reader is really privileged to come across something like this' Alan Sillitoe

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Book SynopsisA brilliant, eye-opening espionage thriller by a former special forces officer 'now at the forefront of spy writing' 'Edward Wilson seems poised to inherit the mantle of John le Carré' Irish Independent'More George Smiley than James Bond, Catesby will delight those readers looking for less blood and more intelligence in their spy thrillers' Publishers WeeklyApril, 1982. The British prime minister and the Argentine president are both clinging to power. Downing Street, having ignored alarm bells coming from the South Atlantic, finds itself in a full-blown crisis when Argentina invades the remote and forgotten British territory of the Falklands Islands. Catesby is dispatched urgently to prevent Argentina from obtaining more lethal Exocet missiles, by fair means or foul. From Patagonia to Paris, from Chevening to the White House, he plays a deadly game of diplomatic cat and mouse, determined to avert the loss of life. The clock is ticking. Diplomats and statesmen race for a last-minute settlement while the weapons of war are primed and aimed. 'Absolutely fascinating' Literary Review'Gets nearer to the truth of what happened in the Falklands War than any of the standard histories. Highly recommended' Clive Ponting'A classic of the genre . . . as good as espionage thriller writing gets' NB Magazine'A stunning and ingenious book' Crime ReviewPraise for Edward Wilson:'Stylistically sophisticated . . . Wilson knows how to hold the reader's attention' W.G. Sebald'A reader is really privileged to come across something like this' Alan Sillitoe'All too often, amid the glitzy gadgetry of the spy thriller, all the fast cars and sexual adventures, we lose sight of the essential seriousness of what is at stake. John le Carré reminds us, often, and so does Edward Wilson' Independent

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Book SynopsisA gripping espionage thriller about an establishment plot to take control of 1970s Britain, by a writer who is 'poised to inherit the mantle of John le Carre' 'Edward Wilson seems poised to inherit the mantle of John le Carré' Irish Independent'More George Smiley than James Bond, Catesby will delight those readers looking for less blood and more intelligence in their spy thrillers' Publishers WeeklyMarch, 1976. A secret plot unfolds on both sides of the Atlantic to remove the British prime minister from power. 1947: As a hungry Britain freezes through a harsh winter, a young cabinet minister makes a deal with Moscow, trading jet engines for grain and wood. 1951: William Catesby executes a Nazi war criminal in the ruins of a U-boat bunker. The German turns out be a CIA asset. Both men have made powerful enemies in Washington, and their fates become entwined as one rises through MI6 and the other to Downing Street. Now the ghosts of the past are returning to haunt them. A coup d'état is imminent, and only Catesby stands in its way.'A fantastic read' Culture Matters'Le Carré fans will find a lot to like' Publishers Weekly'The best espionage story you'll read this year or any other' Crime ReviewPraise for Edward Wilson: 'Stylistically sophisticated . . . Wilson knows how to hold the reader's attention' W.G. Sebald'A reader is really privileged to come across something like this' Alan Sillitoe'All too often, amid the glitzy gadgetry of the spy thriller, all the fast cars and sexual adventures, we lose sight of the essential seriousness of what is at stake. John le Carré reminds us, often, and so does Edward Wilson' Independent

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Book SynopsisPrivate eye John Taylor swore he'd never return to the Nightside, the hellish netherworld under London, but a girl is missing . . .'A fast, fun little roller coaster of a story . . . macabre and thoroughly entertaining'JIM BUTCHER, No. 1 bestselling author of the Dresden FilesI left the Nightside a long time ago, with my skin and sanity barely intact, and now I make my living in the sunlit streets of London. But business has been slow lately, so when Joanna Barrett showed up at my door, reeking of wealth, asking me to find her runaway teenage daughter, I didn't say no.Then I found out exactly where the girl had gone.The Nightside: that square mile of Hell in the middle of the city, where it's always three a.m. Where you can walk beside myths and drink with monsters. Where nothing is what it seems and everything is possible.I swore I'd never return. But there's a kid in danger and a woman depending on me. So I am going home . . .Something from the Nightside is the first title in Simon R. Green's New York Times bestselling Nightside series.Trade ReviewA fast, fun little roller-coaster of a story . . . macabre and thoroughly entertaining * JIM BUTCHER, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Dresden Files *Devotees of edgy urban fantasists Laurell K. Hamilton and Jim Butcher will eat this one up * ROMANTIC TIMES *Great fun . . . I really enjoyed and would recommend to anyone that likes urban fantasy. There is a hard edge to the book, which I think enhances the chaos and mayhem * FANTASY BOOK REVIEW *Simon Green is known for bringing impossible beings and worlds to life with his words. His most fantastic series, Nightside, kicks off with a book that delves readers deeper into their imagination than they ever thought possible * THE EXAMINER *A fast-paced, macabre excursion into an entertaining world of twisted heroes and rampant weirdness * LOCUS *Simon R. Green's Nightside series is a delight from beginning to end. . . The Nightside books are, unashamedly, all about having a bloody good time reading works that have more than their fair share of "ics." Fantastic, comedic, sarcastic, caustic and heroic are just a few that spring to mind * SF SITE *So much fun it's practically irresistible . . . the start of a series of books that could come to dominate our beach reading for many a summer to come * CEMETERY DANCE *Nobody delivers sharp, crackling dialogue better than Green, and no one whisks readers away to more terrifying adventures or more bewildering locales * BLACK GATE *A grand tour . . . the set-up and the writing are good enough to make me hope for more in the series in the near future * SCIENCE FICTION CHRONICLE *A fun read, lots of action and some pretty wild character * BOOKS ‘N’ BYTES *

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Book SynopsisMAIL ON SUNDAY THRILLER OF THE MONTH São Paulo, 20 March 2016 A campaign for the impeachment of President Dilma Rousseff is in full swing, yet 100,000 people take to Avenida Paulista in Sao Paulo in her support.On the same day, a young man from a wealthy family is murdered. Detective Mario Leme discovers the body. Two Military Policemen confront him.They strongarm him into the back of an SUV. Set against the backdrop of the biggest political corruption scandal in Brazilian history, Playboy is the story of Leme's attempt to clear his name, and find the young man's killer. Leme's investigation runs right through Sao Paulo society, from the bottom, to the very top and has implications far beyond. And the fight to prove his innocence might just cost Leme his life. A stylish, taut, and atmospheric novel in the hardboiled tradition of American noir, Playboy is a thrilling examination of the seething, violent street life of Sao Paulo and the political convulsions of contemporary Brazil. PRAISE FOR JOE THOMAS 'Brilliant' The Times 'Feverish energy' Guardian 'Wonderfully vivid' Mail on Sunday'Sophisticated, dizzying' GQ'Vivid and visceral' The Times'Superbly realised vivid and atmospheric' Guardian'Original' Mail on Sunday'A stylish, atmospheric treat an inspired blend of David Peace and early Pinter' Irish Times 'Sparse, energetic, fragmented prose' The Spectator 'Vibrant, colourful, and complex' Irish Independent 'Stylish, sharp-witted, taut. A must for modern noir fans' NB Magazine 'Definitive confident and energetic' Crime Time 'Brilliant manic energy' Jake Arnott 'Wildly stylish and hugely entertaining' Lucy Caldwell 'Vivid, stylish, funny' Mick Herron 'Gripping, fast-paced, darkly atmospheric' Susanna Jones 'Snappy, thoughtful, moving' John King 'Exciting, fresh, incredibly assured' Stav Sherez 'Happy days!' Mark Timlin 'Utterly brilliant' Cathi Unsworth 'Had James Ellroy and David Peace collaborated on a novel they'd have written something like this' Paul Willets

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Book SynopsisThree best friends. One too many.California, 2003A thirteen-year-old girl disappears from a party at Carlsbad''s Turtle Lake. Discovered on the trunk of a nearby cottonwood tree is the word ''LIAR'' graffitied in blood.What you know . . . Three teenagers went to the lake that night but only two came back. Later, they confess to murdering their friend.. . . is only part of the storyBut did they really kill her? And if not, why say they did?Told across two timelines and tapping into a horrific crime, All the Little Liars is a novel about sisterly love and toxic friendship that asks: how much would you sacrifice to belong?PRAISE FOR ALL THE LITTLE LIARS:''A jaw-dropping twist'' ABIGAIL DEAN''Heathers meets Charles Manson in this tale of good girls gone bad. I loved it'' IAN RANKIN''A tour-de-force . . . what a read!'' CARA HUNTER

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Book SynopsisA mesmerising blend of speculative fiction and detective story, A Granite Silence reconstructs a notorious child murder in Aberdeen in 1934.

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Book SynopsisAfter the events of The High Republic: Convergence, the Jedi travel to Jedha in this full script for the Star Wars audio original The Battle of Jedha.Jedha. The worn streets of this ancient world serve as a confluence for the galaxy. Visited by all, yet owned by none. Here, the Jedi are but one creed among many worshipping and studying the Force. From the Guardians of the Whills to the Path of the Open Hand, countless beings come to learn, and to share, in peace.As all of Jedha prepares for its Festival of Balance, the galaxy still reels from the violence on Eiram and E'ronoh. But after foiling a plot to escalate the war between the two planets, the Jedi believe that a lasting peace may be within reach. Master Creighton Sun and Jedi Knight Aida Forte arrive on Jedha with delegations from both planets to formally end the "Forever War." The Jedi hope that the harmony of Jedha's many factions, along with the signing of a peace treaty, will create a symbol to the rest of the galaxy of what can be accomplished through unity.But not all are happy with the Jedi's involvement or ready to concern themselves with peace. Rumors begin to swirl that the Jedi bring war in their wake. The distrust and anger that for so long fueled the Forever War now threaten to corrupt the communities of Jedha. When violence breaks out on the sacred moon, the war that was meant to end on Jedha may soon engulf the entire world.

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Book SynopsisA murder. Ten witnesses. But no one saw a thing... ''Sharp, original, wickedly astute'' Ashley Audrain, Sunday Times bestselling author of The PushA young teacher is found murdered in the preschool stationery cupboard and the only witnesses are ten toddlers. The problem is the children can't tell the police what happened.But it soon comes to light that an unsettling medical condition is going around Little Academy: the kids are craving blood, and the parents have been keeping secrets from the authorities that could change everything about the case.As the police draw closer to the truth, it soon becomes clear that the children are not just witnesses, they're suspectsand so are their mothers.Part murder mystery, part domestic suspense, Cutting Teeth is a thought-provoking thriller that asks: what wouldn't a parent do for their child?Thrilling and thought-provoking' Stacy Willingham

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Book SynopsisThe new edge-of-your-seat thriller from master storyteller and bestselling author Joseph Knox''Brilliant... absolutely enthralling'' John Marrs''It''s Knox at his mesmerising best'' Financial Times''Sharp dialogue and a surprising number of laughs along the way. Buckle up and enjoy'' Guardian''A dark and riveting thriller that plunges readers into the chaos of its characters. Knox''s sharp prose and gritty atmosphere create a hauntingly atmospheric tale where nothing is as it seems'' Glamour_____________WHEN YOU'RE LIVING A LIE, YOU FIND IT'S BEST TO AVOID CLOSE ATTACHMENTSLynch, a burned out con-artist, arrives, broke, in London, trying not to dwell on the mistakes that got him there. When he bumps into Bobbie, a rehab-bound heiress - and when she briefly mistakes him for her missing brother - Lynch senses the opportunity, as well as the dangerBobbie's brother, Heydon, was

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Book SynopsisJourney into the thrilling world of international espionage as one of Britain's most covert MI-6 divisions,The Nest, recruits a brand-new secret agent to their team: SPY SEAL! Follow the newbie spy and his furry colleagues on exciting train rides, high-speed car chases, down secret underground tunnels, and high-flying air adventures-- all in an effort to hunt down a dangerous British-turned-Soviet double-agent-- a slippery spy who poses as an upscale art dealer while covertly killing off important figures of Parliament. What is the reasoning behind this double-agent's terrorist actions? Why are three masked bunny rabbits vandalizing paintings at every London gallery? And just what is this elusive CORTEN-STEEL Phoenix anyway? Check out this deluxe format edition to decipher the answers to these and other puzzling questions in RICH TOMMASO'S (SHE WOLF) latest series, visually reminiscent of such classic comics as THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN and USAGI YOJIMBO. Book One of Rich Tommaso's newest and most exciting secret agent comic series.Collects Issues 1-4Trade Review"Spy Seal [is placed firmly] in a milieu of fun and levity, and it reads like a throwback to a bygone era of uncomplicated, direct storytelling. It's fun in a way so few comics these days are, and that offers readers a particular satisfaction." —The Onion's AV Club"A Swinging Sixties spy caper in the guise of a Tintin pastiche... Working within the confines of a homage seems beneficial to Tommaso. The story is more structured and the humor sharper than is typical of him, and despite his adopting a European ligne claire graphic approach, the funny-animal character designs and the kinetic actions sequences remain recognizably his own. Tommaso has other series currently ongoing (She Wolf, Dark Corridor), but Spy Seal is the one most deserving of his creative energies.” —Booklist“Completely original, you won’t find a book like Spy Seal anywhere else on the stands.” —Uproxx“The benign, simple font, an adherence to color fills instead of gradients, and an overall devotion to clarity (Tintin’s “Ligne claire” style translates as “clear line”) make Spy Seal look more like a relic that exists inside of Wes Anderson’s head instead of a comic from a mainstream publisher. Fortunately, it is, and it is damn delectable.” —Paste Magazine

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Book SynopsisYou can say this about the life of Stanley Dance: he did it his way. Unfortunately, his way never took getting old into account. Now, the former boxer is on his last legs, looking for redemption... but he’ll settle for going down swinging.Roll the dice with superstar artist Dan Panosian as he creates a bold and breathtaking vision of Las Vegas, where everything old can become new, and superstition influences just how the chips fall. Collects SLOTS #1-6Trade Review“SLOTS is a story about Las Vegas. It's a story about men displaced from their time, their schemes and the people they hurt along the way. But SLOTS is not an old book. Rather, it is something altogether new in how it upends these various tropes to tell a different story—a better story.” —The Oregonian“Hardboiled, stylish, and sexy. It has its own sound and a cool swing. It punched me right in the face and I welcomed it!” —Enrico Marini (Gipsy, Le Scorpion)“Smartly crafted, and beautifully illustrated, the series promises to bring the best and worst out of Vegas' innards.” —Monkeys Fighting Robots“A virtuoso performance. Charming, seedy, and beautifully drawn, SLOTS is Dan Panosian at his best. Don’t miss out." —Kurt Busiek (Astro City, THE AUTUMNLANDS)“Panosian declares his own dusty trailhead, luring you outside the city proper, obliging you to remember that Stanley has hinted that it’s not all just smoke and mirrors.” —Doom Rocket“SLOTS is a knockout, and I cannot wait for round 2.” —Rogues Portal

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Book SynopsisAfter an explosive confrontation over a casserole dish, Joe Bob Coates begins to question his effectiveness as Sheriff of Ambrose County, Texas. Matters only get worse as Los Angeles-based writer Randy Terrill returns home following the sudden and mysterious death of his brother, causing a spiral down into a past filled with treachery and blood. Collects THAT TEXAS BLOOD #1-6

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Book SynopsisIn the never-before-collected chapters of the critically-acclaimed time-hopping saga, explore new faces of the TIME BEFORE TIME universe and meet Oscar Gomez as he hunts for a Syndicate deserter, FBI Agent Alex Sunap as he investigates the disappearance of his former partner, Kareena Jemisin as she discovers the identity of her former partner and lover, and Verna Grace as she desperately searches for a way to reunite with her family...no matter the cost. Join SPAWN writer Rory McConville with a host of artistic talent including OLD DOG''s Declan Shalvey, Judge Dredd''s PJ Holden, GOLDEN RAGE''s Lauren Knight and GOSPEL''s Will Morris. Collects TIME BEFORE TIME #6, #12, #18, #24

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Book SynopsisOff the heels of Gray's terrifying transformation, secrets are revealed and new questions arise. So do new enemies. Time is running out, the apocalypse is coming and Vince and Gray are at the forefront. From this moment onward, everything changes. Collects issues #6-12.

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Book SynopsisThings were bad enough for the hero formerly known as Crossjsack when it was only his tiny hometown that hated him. Now the whole world wants him dead! Stuck in hiding with a tenuous ally, Jack discovers there are some things in his superhero past he just can''t hide from. Meanwhile, something''s not right in Farmington, and Jack must stop a dark force torn from the very earliest Image Comics if he wants to finally become a hometown hero. Collects Local Man #10 - #13, #25 and Local Man: Bad Girls (one-shot)

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Book SynopsisApollo 13 meets Blade in this killer thriller!Collected for the first time, the second tale in the SHROUDED COLLEGE universe created by CHARLES SOULE and WILL SLINEY, which began with HELL TO PAY. In this all-new standalone installment in the supernatural horror-adventure saga, three down-and-out astronauts are tasked with the ultimate heist: breaking nine deadly, ancient vampires out of a space prison orbiting the Sun.

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Book SynopsisWeaver (Paklis) merges elements of cyberpunk and film noir in this admirably ambitious, totally engaging sci-fi thriller. —Library JournalBy day, Detective Blank is a cop on the trail of a vicious serial killer in the year 1949. But when she sleeps, Blank lives a different life-- two hundred years in the future. Is Detective Blank next on the killer''s list? Her dreams may hold the key to the case, if only she can remember them in time. The danger mounts and the suspense builds as the detective closes in, in this genre-bending sci fi-noir thriller. For Detective Blank, to catch the killer will mean facing her greatest mystery—herself.

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Book Synopsis Jack Xaver, Farmington''s very own LOCAL MAN, is called in to investigate a mysterious drowning on dry land. The problem is, Jack isn''t legally allowed to be a superhero. Oh, also, he''s sleeping with the police chief''s wife. AND, there''s a conspiracy theory gaining traction that Jack murdered America''s most beloved champion, The Camo Crusader. Now, Local Man, already in over his head, is drawn into another twisted case with dark ties to his superhero past. Co

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Book Synopsis During the Great Depression MitchellSlate did everything he could for his family. One day his ride home takes a dark turn as Mitchell'strainveers off the rails andtakes him on a macabre and darkly fantastical journey into his ownfragilesoul where he must face that life, for the most part, is the product of the decisions you make.For some, a wrong decision or two or more leads to a crossroads on the other side of the Destiny Gate do you fight for a chance to survive and to start anew or succumb to your inner demons and end it all for you, or worse, those you love. WriterRyan Cady(Haunt You To The End, Batman)and artistChristian DiBari(Revolvers, Magda

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Book SynopsisStargate meets His Dark Materials in a new non-stop sci-fi action blockbuster! Hannah’s life imploded the day her father failed to return from the secretive Smith-Petersen Research Station in Antarctica. Alone and on the street, she’s at her lowest ebb when a friend offers help. Retrained as an engineer, Hannah secures a job at the same Antarctic station to search for her father, and stumbles headfirst into a conspiracy that threatens everything she’s ever believed. Collects Antarctica #1-5

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Book SynopsisTHE QUEST FOR REVENGE...Someone murdered Kate Stone's father. Then they came for her. And now that attorney Kate Stone has left her job with the district attorney's office, she's finally free to hunt down the perpetrator. Kate suspects that Wall Street financier Ian Templeton is behind the vicious and violent attacks against her and the people she cares about.IS A DEADLY PURSUIT.The D.A. warns Kate that Templeton is untouchable, but she is convinced that the best way to bring him down is to expose his latest fraudulent scheme, a new cryptocurrency scam. But while she is tracking Templeton, someone is also tracking her. Kate believes that her pursuers were hired by Templeton to stop her. However, they may be working for someone with a larger agenda instead. Kate's father was a New York City cop with evidence of a conspiracy, and she may have stirred up a cold case and a new enemy. Despite the danger, it's finally time to get justice. She's going to find the people responsible. Even if it kills her.

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Book SynopsisA fun and feminist Regency romp from a master of the genre hailed as "a delight" by Bridgerton author Julia Quinn.Nothing happens in London without Graham Wynchester knowing. His massive collection of intelligence is invaluable to his family's mission of aiding those most in need. So when he deciphers a series of coded messages in the scandal sheets, Graham's convinced he must come to a royal's rescue. But his quarry turns out not to be a princess at all... The captivating Kunigunde de Heusch is anything but a damsel in distress, and the last thing she wants is Graham's help.All her life, Kuni trained alongside the fiercest Royal Guardsmen in her family, secretly planning to become her country's first Royal Guardswoman. This mission in London is a chance to prove herself worthy without help from a man, not even one as devilishly handsome as Graham. To her surprise, Graham believes in her dream as much as she does, which makes it harder to resist kissing him...and falling in love. But how can she risk her heart if her future lies an ocean away?

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Book SynopsisA beloved professor of theology and archaeology at Harvard, Cal Donovan has achieved renown - but he drops everything when he is called by his friend Pope Celestine to investigate the potential existence of a mysterious prophecy. And it soon becomes clear that another party is desperate and willing to kill for the same information.In a race against time that will lead him from Lisbon to Rome and to London and Paris, Donovan will become the only person standing in the way of unspeakable destruction. Now his only hope for survival is to outwit, outrun, and outlast his enemies long enough to get to the truth behind the Fourth Prophecy.

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Book SynopsisTwo sisters discover the fairy tales written by their great-grandmother during WWII in this riveting tale of one woman's secrets lost in the chaos of war-perfect for fans of Julia Kelly and Natasha Lester.1940 - Stasia always found comfort in the idyllic French countryside where she spent her childhood summers, roaming the gardens of an old chateau and finding inspiration for fairy tales full of bravery and adventure. But these days are much darker, and with Nazis storming across Europe, she soon finds herself one of the most hunted agents of the Resistance. The only safe haven she can think of is Chateau de Montissaire. But she's about to discover that it just may be the center of her biggest mission yet.Present day - When Isabelle purchases a crumbling chateau in Rouen, it's not just a renovation project-it's a chance to reconnect with her sister, Emilie, the only family she has left. What she uncovers instead is an intriguing mystery... As the siblings piece together the incredible truth behind the books written by their great-grandmother Stasia, they discover an exciting story of courage in the face of treachery and an explosive secret that will change everything they believed about their family.

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Book SynopsisA young woman's carefully constructed fantasy world implodes in this brilliantly conceived novel that blurs distinctions between right and wrong, comedy and tragedy, imagination and reality: "Surreal . . . filled with technicolor lies and terrible truths" (Alix E. Harrow, New York Times bestselling and Hugo-award winning author).Most Anticipated by CrimeReads · Good Housekeeping · BookRiot · Goodreads · Bookish · OverDrive An Aardvark Book Club pickKatrina Kim may be broke, the black sheep of her family, and slightly unhinged, but she isn't a stalker. Her obsession with her co-worker, Kurt, is just one of many coping mechanisms-like her constant shape and number rituals, or the way scenes from her favorite children's book bleed into her vision whenever she feels anxious or stressed.But when Katrina finds a cryptic message from Kurt that implies he's aware of her surveillance, her tenuous hold on a normal life crumbles. Driven by compulsion, she enacts the most powerful ritual she has to reclaim control-a midnight visit to the Cayatoga Bridge-and arrives just in time to witness Kurt's suicide. Before he jumps, he slams her with a devastating accusation: his death is all her fault.Horrified, Katrina combs through the clues she's collected about Kurt over the last three years, but each revelation uncovers a menacing truth: for every moment she was watching him, he was watching her. And the past she thought she'd left behind? It's been following her more closely than she ever could have imagined.A gripping page-turner, as well as a sensitive exploration of mental health, Liar, Dreamer, Thief is an intimate portrayal of life in all its complexities-and the dangers inherent in unveiling people's most closely guarded secrets.Includes a Reading Group Guide.

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Book SynopsisFrom the acclaimed author of The Town, an epic thriller about the secret right-hand man of one of the most infamous unprosecuted mob bosses in American history, and the hidden crime that will bring down an empire.In the late 1970s, The Outfit has the entire city of Chicago in its hands. Tony Accardo is its fearless leader. Nicky Passero is his loyal soldier, though no one knows he has a direct line in to the boss of bosses. When the Christmas gift Accardo got for his wife, an inscribed bracelet with gold and diamond inlay, is stolen along with other items in a jewelry heist, Nicky is charged with tracking down and returning all of the items-by whatever means necessary.Forced into an impossible situation, Nicky must find a way to carry out Accardo's increasingly unhinged instructions and survive the battle for control of Chicago. What Accardo doesn't know: Nicky has a secret which has made his life impossible and has put him in the pocket of the FBI.Based on the true story of Tony Accardo, the longest-reigning mob capo in history, Gangland is a Shakespearean-esque drama of integrity, lost honor, and revenge. Gritty and action-packed, it is the ultimate gangster tale and Chuck Hogan's most thrilling novel yet.

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