Crime & Thrillers Books

Book Synopsis''One of the best opening lines of any novel'' Guardian ''It was the day my grandmother exploded. I sat in the crematorium, listening to my Uncle Hamish quietly snoring in harmony to Bach''s Mass in B Minor, and I reflected that it always seemed to be death that drew me back to Gallanach.''Prentice McHoan has returned to the bosom of his complex but enduring Scottish family. Full of questions about the McHoan past, present and future, he is also deeply preoccupied: mainly with death, sex, drink, God and illegal substances...Praise for Iain Banks:''The most imaginative novelist of his generation'' The Times''His verve and talent will always be recognised, and his work will always find and enthral new readers'' Ken MacLeod, Guardian''His work was mordant, surreal, and fiercely intelligent'' Neil Gaiman''An exceptional wordsmith'' ScotsmanTrade ReviewHis masterpiece... it's got a beating heart, and you want to keep reading * Daily Express *One of the best opening lines of any novel... a warm, witty and ultimately very poignant book * Guardian *Menacing, dark and very funny * Telegraph *Banks keeps death in its place, under the boot of wit which knows that the most significant romance can blossom whilst your youngest brother is up to the elbow in Sugar Smacks looking for the plastic toy * Observer *What makes Banks a significant novelist is the love and effort that go into his works, and his acute sense of the ways in which people can suffer... this is Banks's finest novel * Independent on Sunday *Riveting... exhilarating... its pace, development, intensity and, above all, its hip and sexy humour never allow it to flag. Banks reinforces his credentials as one of the most able, energetic and stimulating writers in the UK * Time Out *The tense horror of the book...is done with considerable imaginative subtlety and a fine touch....This is as fine and ambitious a novel as any from a Scottish writer since the 1960s. It is also unquestionable Bank's best work to date * New Statesman *Banks has woven a warm and funny story, rich with characters and adventures. An utterly enchanting piece of fiction... it marks a return to his brilliant best * New Woman *Tight with detail and closer observation and creates a strong sense of a particular period of growing up * Independent *Magnificent... a poignant, very funny study of life growing up in Bank's native Scotland. At times as wonderfully light and colourful as its setting the west coast of Scotland and as darkly comic as The Wasp Factory * For Him *This substantial novel indicates a restless author very firmly in the driver's seat, back on what appears to be a Scottish route with intriguing potential destinations * Scotsman *Prentice is a most engaging narrator, self-deprecating, funny and hopelessly self-deceiving * Daily Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisCrispin Guest is summoned to a London priory to unmask a merciless killer. Can he discover who is committing the deadliest of sins? 1399, London. A drink at the Boar''s Tusk takes an unexpected turn for Crispin Guest, Tracker of London, and his apprentice, Jack Tucker, when a messenger claims the prioress at St Frideswide wants to hire him to investigate murders at the priory. Two of Prioress Drueta''s nuns have been killed in a way that signifies two of the Seven Deadly Sins, and she''s at her wits end.Meanwhile, trouble is brewing outside of London when the exiled Henry Bolingbroke, the new Duke of Lancaster, returns to England''s shores with an army to take back his inheritance. Crispin is caught between solving the crimes at St Frideswide''s Priory, and making a choice once more whether to stand with King Richard or commit treason again.

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Book SynopsisThe first breathtaking thriller in a brand-new series from number one bestseller Val McDermid.Trade ReviewPraise for 1979 * - *The Queen of Crime has done it again, this time with Allie Burns, a relentless investigative journalist who birddogs crime and terror back in the days of typewriters and smoke-filled newsrooms. Masterfully set in Edinburgh, 1979 transports us from the first page. Val McDermid's latest is more than just a compelling story. It's an irresistible and palpable journey that's especially gratifying in today's remote world -- Patricia CornwellA brilliant novel by a supremo of the genre at the height of her powers. A cast of engaging new characters promise to make this an unmissable new series and a thrilling addition to the genre -- Peter JamesA tour-de-force by the amazing McDermid. From the very first pages she effortlessly transports us back in time . . . The plot and characters are remarkable and compelling. Hopefully, we will see the crackerjack Allie Burns back on the pages. The Queen of Crime has delivered another masterpiece -- David BaldacciVal McDermid is the absolute QUEEN. It's great that this is the first of a new series. Allie is a fabulous character, I'll go wherever she takes me and I'm dying to see what she does next -- Marian KeyesPacked full of Val McDermid's trademark brilliance, 1979 is a thrilling snapshot of a fascinating era -- Jane HarperMcDermid is at her considerable best here . . . The good news is that this excellent novel marks the start of a new series * Guardian *A brilliant thriller, as well as a perfect snapshot of the social and political issues of the time. If there's a novel that better captures what working on a newspaper was like back in the day, I can't think of it -- Linwood BarclayUnrivalled. Unmissable. Unforgettable. 1979 is Val McDermid at her nail-biting, heart-rending best -- Chris WhitakerWhile "gripping" is an adjective over-used in book reviews, it's a fitting description of a sensational novel. A surefire bestseller from one of Britain's most accomplished writers * Sunday Express *A new series from Val McDermid promises to be an event - and 1979 delivers. It's full of wit, thrills and incisive social observation, and features, in Allie Burns, a marvellous new character to follow through the years to come -- Mick HerronAbsolutely fantastic. I have been reading Val McDermid for twenty-five years, so I am really saying something when I tell you I enjoyed this novel the most. Immersive in its authenticity and pungently atmospheric . . . For someone who remembers the print newsrooms in their heyday, it was a trip into the past so realistic I could smell the fag smoke on my clothes -- Chris BrookmyreMcDermid can do edge-of-seat suspense better than most novelists . . . An excellent opener to what promises to be an outstanding series * Spectator *Brilliant characters, masterful plotting and a pitch-perfect evocation of the heyday of newspapers. I loved it -- Chris HammerA nail-biting new series * Observer *A fast-paced triple whammy of a thriller, with all three plots, each credible, running simultaneously. It uses all the crime-writing skills she has honed over the years, and adds something else - a pin-sharp portrait of tabloid journalism in its messy, misogynistic 1970s heyday. Allie Burns is off to a flying start, and well worth following down the decades * The Scotsman *A fast-paced triple whammy of a thriller, with all three plots, each credible, running simultaneously. It uses all the crime-writing skills she has honed over the years, and adds something else - a pin-sharp portrait of tabloid journalism in its messy, misogynistic 1970s heyday. Allie Burns is off to a flying start, and well worth following down the decades * The Scotsman *Val McDermid was a newshound at the time and it shows . . . This is her best book in years * The Times, Book of the Month *Allie is a gratifyingly multi-faceted character, and the sociopolitical elements here add a frisson * Financial Times *The work of a writer at the peak of her powers * Herald *The fast-paced storytelling flows irresistibly, and McDermid marshals a wide-ranging cast of characters with aplomb * Irish Times *Her evocation of the Winter of Discontent is spare and skilful . . . allowing the characters, not the period, to take centre stage * Scotland on Sunday *Captures the bleakness and misery of the era with pitch-perfect accuracy * Irish Independent *A superb evocation of the humiliations and triumphs of being a junior reporter, set against the backdrop of the broken Britain of 1979 . . . Riveting * Daily Express *A novel as touching as it is gripping * Big Issue *There are all sorts of reasons to love this book, from the unvarnished truth about newsrooms in the late 70s, to glimpses into social history . . . Engrossing * The i *An engrossing read * Sunday Post *A delightful throwback . . . McDermid looks back in anger - and with some measure of affection - at the vexed era she lived through that gave rise to her socially engaged mysteries * Washington Post *The Crime Queen has done it again and created a character we will all come to know and love. A masterpiece * Daily Record *A pacey read * Daily Express *

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Book SynopsisWho owns the most powerful man in the world?Her code name is Kingfisher. Her mission: to seduce and marry a man of wealth and political influence. Now she must protect a terrifying secret.  October 2016: In America, the election is a few weeks away. Journalist Grace Elliott has just landed a scoop that she believes will make her career. A porn star is willing to talk about her affair with the man some hope and many fear will become the next president of the United States. But no one will touch it. Not even Grace's boss, the right-wing publisher of America's leading tabloid. Instead, Grace is sent to Europe where she discovers a story so big, so explosive that it could decide the American election and launch a new Cold War. As long as she can stay alive long enough to tell it.  Spies, murder, and one of the biggest conspiracies of our time lie at the heart of this immersive thriller.

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

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

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Book Synopsis ''An absolute treat of a read with all the ingredients of a vintage murder mystery: a country house, mysterious dead bodies and three actresses all keen to catch the killer. Perfect weekend reading!'' Janice Hallett, author of The Appeal''Celebrates and gently satirises Golden Age crime novels in a hugely entertaining country house mystery'' The Times----------Three rival actresses team up to solve a murder at the stately home of the author who made them famous - only to discover the solution lies in the stories themselves. A contemporary mystery with a Golden Age feel, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and Jessica Fellowes.In attendance: the VIP fans, staying at Aldermere; the fan club president turned convention organiser; the team behind the newest movie adaptation of Davenport''s books; the Davenport family themselves - and the three actresses famous for portraying Lettice''s 1930s detective, Dahlia Lively.

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

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

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Book SynopsisFrom Wall Street Journal bestselling author Jeff Wheeler comes the latest installment in the thrilling Invisible College series as the fate of the world hangs in the balance of two star-crossed lovers determined to unravel fateeven amid betrayals, a looming war, and twisted secrets of the past. For now, the centuries-long war between mortalkind and the Aesir is quiet. Yet not over. With the coming of winter, a season in which the Aesir thrive, they will resurface. Only two people, united by magic, can stop them. But first they'll have to survive more imminent threats to their lives. Robinson Hawksley is of the tragic belief that his beloved wife, McKenna, has perished in a sorcerer's firejust as he is about to ascend to the highest rank in the magic order of the Invisible College. But as Robinson navigates political machinations, deception, and betrayal, not everything is as it seems. McKenna, a woman of uncanny mysteries, has been abducted as an offering to the Aesir that promises to end the invasion once and for all. Now she is running for her life. To reunite, Robinson and McKenna have so much to learn about themselves and each other. Amid secrets, sacrifices, and long-dormant memories restored, they still hold the power to save the world.

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Book SynopsisA routine case leads to a Russian cell operating in the UK. Investigating a tyre blowout on a school minibus is not what DCI Rick Castle had envisaged in his new job in charge of Special Investigations at South Manchester. He'd prefer to be making headway on a cold case murder. Then drugs are found in his car, and he's arrested.

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Book SynopsisPrivate detectives Grand & Batchelor''s latest case draws them into the arcane world of high art and high society in this compelling Victorian mystery.London. May, 1878. Private enquiry agents Matthew Grand and James Batchelor have been hired by the artist James Whistler to dig into the past of outspoken critic John Ruskin, with whom he has an ongoing feud. Not particularly optimistic of success, the two detectives are sidetracked from the investigation by the murder of a prostitute in nearby Cremorne Gardens. Her body posed on a park bench, a book on birth control sitting on her lap, Clara Jenkins is not the first young woman to have met a similarly grisly fate - and she won''t be the last.Could there be a connection between the Cremorne killer and their art world case? With the investigation heading nowhere fast, Grand comes up with a decidedly unorthodox plan to ensnare the killer. But even the best-laid plans have a nasty habit of going catastrophically awry ...

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Book SynopsisFull of adrenaline-inducing twists and emotional nuance, Girl, 11 is a heartstopping suspense novel perfect for fans of Karin Slaughter and Belinda Bauer.

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Book SynopsisFrom Daniel Kraus, the New York Times bestselling co-author of Academy Award-winning Best Picture The Shape of Water, comes Blood Sugar, the blood-curdling story of a Halloween where trick-or-treat becomes life or death... “A hard kick in the shins you never saw coming... And wow, is it fun to read” – LitReactor Best of 2019 Pick WHEN TRICK OR TREAT BECOMES LIFE OR DEATH From the dark imagination of bestselling novelist Daniel Kraus - co-author with Guillermo del Toro of THE SHAPE OF WATER - comes a Halloween crime story that's like nothing you've ever read before. In a ruined house at the end of Yellow Street, an angry outcast hatches a scheme to take revenge for all the wrongs he has suffered. With the help of three alienated kids, he plans to hide razor blades, poison, and broken glass in Halloween candy, maiming or killing dozens of innocent children. But as the clock ticks closer to sundown, will one of his helpers - an innocent himself, in his own streetwise way - carry out or defeat the plan? Told from the child's point of view, in a voice as unforgettable as A CLOCKWORK ORANGE, Kraus' novel is at once frightening and emotional, thought-provoking and laugh-out-loud funny. It'll make you rethink your concepts of family, loyalty, and justice - and will leave you double-checking the wrappers on your Halloween candy for the rest of your days.Trade Review"I never miss a book by the remarkable Daniel Kraus and Blood Sugar exceeds all expectation. A Stephen King tale told by a pidgin Artful Dodger, it's a twisted little miracle with a sneaking, beating heart." -- Megan Abbott

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Book SynopsisAfter a horrific murder, a sleuthing English teacher will need a Christmas miracle to prove a condemned man innocent. Colourful Christmas lights dapple the family homes in the idyllic lakeside town of Sweet Haven when Jennifer Dean, a young librarian at the local elementary school, is brutally murdered. There are witnesses and her boyfriend Travis Blake confesses to the crime... but something doesn't add up. Blake is a third generation Army Ranger, awarded the Silver Star for his heroism in Afghanistan. How could a beloved son of this tight-knit community commit such a grisly deed? Sweet Haven is made up of military families, so no one wants to investigate a war hero. In steps Cameron Winter, a rugged and lonesome English professor haunted by the ghosts of his own Christmas past, whose former lover asks him to prove Blake innocent. The Sweet Haven murder echoes a horrific Yuletide memory from Winter's youth, and he knows the case is even darker than it seems. If he can solve this small-town mystery, just maybe he can find peace from his inner demons too. Reviews for When Christmas Comes 'When Christmas Comes is wonderful, gripping, a pure delight' Dean Koontz 'This terrific holiday-themed novel will leave readers unsettled and hopeful at the same time' Publishers WeeklyTrade ReviewAn exciting but tender, heartfelt crime novel about an English professor's attempt to clear a former Army Ranger of murder. It's fast-paced, haunting, with a central character you'll love * Dean Koontz, AARP The Magazine *Andrew Klavan's When Christmas Comes is a masterclass in mysteries of the melancholic kind * John Valeri, Criminal Element *This terrific holiday-themed novel will leave readers unsettled and hopeful at the same time * Publishers Weekly, starred review *Just the thing for one of those lengthening nights between Halloween and Christmas * Kirkus Reviews *Andrew Klavan is the most original American novelist of crime and suspense since Cornell Woolrich -- Stephen King

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Book SynopsisPRE-ORDER THE NEXT THRILLING MURDER MYSTERY FROM TOM HINDLE DEATH IN THE ARCTIC COMING JANUARY 2025____________________________________ ''Heir to Christie'' Daily Mail''Clever, classy and captivating'' CHRIS WHITAKER_______________________________One happy couple.Two divided families.A wedding party to die for.On the private island of Castello Fiore - surrounded by the glittering waters of Lake Garda - the illustrious Heywood family gathers for their son Laurence''s wedding to Italian influencer Eva Bianchi.But as the ceremony begins, a blood-curdling scream brings the proceedings to a devastating halt.With the wedding guests trapped as they await the police, old secrets come to light and family rivalries threaten to bubble over.Everyone is desperate to know . . .Who is the killer?And can they be found before they strike again?________________________________________

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Book SynopsisAs Paris is shaken by a spate of murderous robberies, the aristocratic Mademoiselle de Scuderi pens a poem to poke fun at the cowardly lovers who now fear to go out at night to see their mistresses. But when she receives an unexpected visit from a young man, who gives her a box of jewels with a note thanking her for supporting the robbers' cause, the elderly writer is plunged into a dangerous web of passion, intrigue and murder. First published in 1819 to great acclaim, and displaying all the author's trademark wit and ingenuity, E.T.A. Hoffmann's tale has inspired and delighted writers and readers ever since, and remains a benchmark for all modern crime novels.Trade ReviewReading Mademoiselle de Scudéri, one is astonished to discover that Hoffmann, yet again, was a precursor, the true inventor… of so much that makes literature pleasurable. -- Gilbert AdairE.T.A. Hoffmann belongs to the eternal guild of poets and visionaries who take revenge on the life that is tormenting them by showing it examples of forms more colourful and diverse than reality can manage to convey. -- Stefan Zweig

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Book Synopsis"This is exactly the sort of big, meaty, ambitious thriller that the market needs. I haven't read a book like this since I Am Pilgrim." ANTHONY HOROWITZ------------"Superb - there's an ominous drumbeat throughout, and pace and tension, and a subtle and scarily plausible dystopia - and above all there's main character Alex Lamarque, who could be one of the greats. Greg Mosse writes like John Le Carre's hip grandson." LEE CHILD------------Paris, 2037. Global warming and pandemics have torn through the fabric of society. And Alexandre Lamarque of the French external security service is hunting for eco-terrorists. Experience has taught him there is no one he can trust. Experience has taught him there is no one he can trust - not his secretive lover Mariam, not even his old mentor, Professor Fayard, the man at the centre of the web. He is ready to give up. But he can't. In search of the truth, Alex must follow the trail through an ominous spiral of events, from a string of brutal child murders to a chaotic coup in North Africa. He rapidly finds himself in a heart-thumping race against chaos and destruction. He could be the world's only hope of preventing THE COMING DARKNESS . . .

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Book SynopsisCatharina Ingelman-Sundberg is a Swedish author who has written numerous books in several genres, including popular science, cartoon, children's and historical fiction.Her individual writing style, featuring depth of insight, and sense of surprise and humour, gives her books a special appeal. So much so that in 1999 she won the prestigious Widding Prize as the best writer of popular history and historical novels.Catharina Ingelman-Sundberg is a former journalist and marine archaeologist. She now works full-time as an author and her books include the Little Old Lady series.Trade ReviewA good-natured, humorous crime caper * Independent on Sunday *A quirky, offbeat delight and a heart-warming reminder that one is never too old for some mischief and adventure -- Tom Winter, author of Lost & Found‘A shining expression of how joyous life is. It is not dangerous to grow old if you are like Märtha and the gang’ Hyllan, blogg‘The funniest book this year!’ Magazine Familjen, Norway‘A book which should be read by people of all ages’ Radio P4‘A hilarious farce . . . highly entertaining with very well crafted characters’ Frettabladid newspaper, Iceland‘It has humour, brilliant dialogue, irony and warmth. A light-hearted and enjoyable detective comedy with breath-taking events, which provide many smiles but also reflection on life’ PRO Pensionären‘Criminally fun!’ Bonniers Bokklubb‘Very imaginative, fun and filled with gallons of humour!’ Katarina Mazetti

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Book SynopsisEmpire in Black and Gold is the first instalment in the critically-acclaimed epic fantasy series Shadows of the Apt by Adrian Tchaikovsky.The days of peace are over . . .The Lowlands’ city states have lived in peace for decades, hailed as bastions of civilization. Yet that peace is about to end. A distant empire has been conquering neighbours with highly trained soldiers and sophisticated combat techniques. And the city states are its desirable new prize.Only the ageing Stenwold Maker – spymaster, artificer and statesman – foresees the threat, as the empires’ armies march ever closer. So it falls upon his shoulders to open the eyes of the cities’ leaders. He sees that war will sweep through their lands, destroying everything in its path.But to warn his people, he must stay alive.Empire in Black and Gold is followed by the second book in the Shadows of the Apt series, Dragonfly Falling.Trade ReviewBrimming with imagination -- SciFiNowThe Shadows of the Apt series is simply one of the best epic fantasy series out there -- LEC Book ReviewsSuper worldbuilding, great characters and extreme inventiveness -- Fantasy Book CriticEpic fantasy at its best. Gripping, original and multi-layered storytelling from a writer bursting with lots of fascinating ideas -- Walker of WorldsFull of sparking, speculative innovation -- Stephen Baxter on The Doors of EdenBreathtaking scope and vision. Adrian Tchaikovsky is one of our finest writers -- Gareth Powell on Children of RuinA joy from start to finish. Entertaining, smart, surprising and unexpectedly human -- Patrick Ness on Children of Time

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Book SynopsisThe Italian detective Commissario Brunetti takes on another intriguing, but personal case in Donna Leon's Acqua Alta, an atmospheric murder mystery filled with the sights and sounds of Venice.Commissario Guido Brunetti of the Venice Questura is shocked to hear that his friend and art historian, Brett Lynch, has suffered a savage beating.The attack, in the beautiful palazzo home of Flavia Petrelli, reigning diva of La Scala, had come with a message: 'Don't keep that appointment with Dottor Semenzato.'Then, with the storm clouds gathering fast over the city, a man's body is found . . .The fifth novel in the Commissario Brunetti Venetian crime series, which also includes The Anonymous Venetian and So Shall You Reap.'A splendid series . . . with a backdrop of the city so vivid you can almost smell it' – Sunday TelegraphTrade ReviewA splendid series . . . with a backdrop of the city so vivid you can almost smell it * Sunday Telegraph *Music and art mingle delightfully with murder and mayhem in the course of this very engaging story. * Pittsburgh Post-Gazette *

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Book SynopsisThe latest gripping new thriller featuring DS Maeve Kerrigan and DI Josh Derwent from the Top Ten Sunday Times bestselling authorWealthy, privileged Ilaria Cavendish checks into a luxury hotel in central London. Within the hour, her lover finds her submerged in a bath full of scalding water, dead. It looks like an accident, because no one went into the room with her and no one came out, but someone killed her all the sameFor DS Maeve Kerrigan the case is a welcome distraction from her worries about DI Josh Derwent, who is struggling with a difficult situation but then disaster strikes. The only person who can help Josh now is Maeve. It''s no longer will-they-won't-they this is a matter of life and death.

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Book SynopsisFrom the multi-million-copy bestselling author of The Perfect Marriage comes a chilling family thriller about the (sometimes literal) skeletons in the closet.Beth''s life hasn''t worked out the way she planned. After her father walked out on their family with a note simply saying ''I''m sorry'', she became obsessed with finding him. An obsession that destroyed her relationship with her husband and her daughter. She just has her dying mother left, Beth taking care of her as best she can until she breathes her final, shocking words:Your father. He didn''t disappear. Don''t trust...Still processing these words, Beth receives a surprise call to say her sister has been attacked and rushed to hospital. Soon after, she finds both estranged sister and brother returning to the family home. She makes sure to lock her bedroom door at night. Her sister can''t be trusted.Desperate to revisit happier memories, the siblings find themselves watching home videos of their childhood. It feels like a good idea, until the footage shows them their father covered in blood, their mother''s voice panicked, and a dead girl''s body. They''d love to believe it''s fake, but they know the girl in the video.Losing their mother is already hard enough, but will Beth and her siblings survive the truth of what really happened to that little girl?Read what everyone is saying about Home is Where the Bodies Are:''This book is Jeneva Rose AT HER FINEST.'' Reader Review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐''I would give a million stars if that was possible!... It had absolutely everything and more that you could possibly want in a thriller... It has officially taken the top spot for my favourite ever book!!'' sians.book.reviews, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐''Stayed up wayyyy too late to finish this book!'' Reader Review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐''Argh. Jeneva, absolutely mind-blowing. The entire book. The characters, the house, the entire story (Oh my)!... This was absolutely perfect... Chef''s kiss.'' Reader Review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐''This was my first Jeneva Rose book and it did NOT disappoint!! I was hooked from start to finish and binged this in one night. I did not see the ending coming at all!!'' Reader Review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐''Now THAT''S a thriller! Jeneva is backkkkkk!'' Reader Review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐''Amazing, fun, original! This is her best work yet.'' Reader Review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐''FANTASTIC!!!'' Reader Review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Book SynopsisBY THE WINNER OF THE 2021 NOBEL PRIZE IN LITERATURE SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2021 ORWELL PRIZE FOR POLITICAL FICTION LONGLISTED FOR THE 2021 WALTER SCOTT PRIZE ‘Riveting and heartbreaking ... A compelling novel, one that gathers close all those who were meant to be forgotten, and refuses their erasure’ Maaza Mengiste, Guardian ‘A brilliant and important book for our times, by a wondrous writer’ Philippe Sands, New Statesman, Books of the Year _______________ While he was still a little boy, Ilyas was stolen from his parents by the German colonial troops. After years away, fighting in a war against his own people, he returns to his village to find his parents gone, and his sister Afiya given away. Another young man returns at the same time. Hamza was not stolen for the war, but sold into it; he has grown up at the right hand of an officer whose protection has marked him life. With nothing but the clothes on his back, he seeks only work and security – and the love of the beautiful Afiya. As fate knots these young people together, as they live and work and fall in love, the shadow of a new war on another continent lengthens and darkens, ready to snatch them up and carry them away… _______________ ‘One of the world’s most prominent postcolonial writers … He has consistently and with great compassion penetrated the effects of colonialism in East Africa and its effects on the lives of uprooted and migrating individuals’ Anders Olsson, chairman of the Nobel Committee ‘In book after book, he guides us through seismic historic moments and devastating societal ruptures while gently outlining what it is that keeps those families, friendships and loving spaces intact, if not fully whole’ Maaza Mengiste ‘Rarely in a lifetime can you open a book and find that reading it encapsulates the enchanting qualities of a love affair ... One scarcely dares breathe while reading it for fear of breaking the enchantment’ The TimesTrade ReviewAn aural archive of a lost Africa ... alive with the unexpected. In it, an obliterated world is enthrallingly retrieved * Sunday Times *From the first assured pages of Afterlives, a book of quiet beauty and tragedy, it is clear one is in the hands of a master storyteller * Financial Times *A tender account of the extraordinariness of ordinary lives, Afterlives combines entrancing storytelling with writing whose exquisite emotional precision confirms Gurnah’s place among the outstanding stylists of modern English prose. Like its predecessors, this is a novel that demands to be read and reread, for its humour, generosity of spirit and clear-sighted vision of the infinite contradictions of human nature * Evening Standard *Riveting and heartbreaking ... A compelling novel, one that gathers close all those who were meant to be forgotten, and refuses their erasure. -- Maaza Mengiste * Guardian *In clean, measured prose, Gurnah zooms in on individual acts of violence ... and unexpected acts of kindness. Affecting in its ordinariness, Afterlives is a compelling exploration of the urge to find places of sanctuary * Daily Telegraph *A remarkable novel, by a wondrous writer, deeply compelling, a thread that links our humanity with the colonial legacy that lies beneath, in ways that cut deep -- Philippe SandsTo read Afterlives is to be returned to the joy of storytelling as Abdulrazak Gurnah takes us to the place where imagined lives collide with history. In prose as clear and as rhythmic as the waters of the Indian Ocean, the story of Hamza and Afiya is one of simple lives buffeted by colonial ambitions, of the courage it takes to endure, to hold oneself with dignity, and to live with hope in the heart -- Aminatta FornaEffortlessly compelling storytelling ... Gurnah excels at depicting the lives of those made small by cruelty and injustice ... A beautiful, cruel world of bittersweet encounters and pockets of compassion, twists of fate and fluctuating fortunes ... You forget that you are reading fiction, it feels so real -- Leila AboulelaGurnah is a master storyteller -- Aminatta Forna * Financial Times *As beautifully written and pleasurable as anything I've read ... The work of a maestro * Guardian *Rarely in a lifetime can you open a book and find that reading it encapsulates the enchanting qualities of a love affair ... one scarcely dares breathe while reading it for fear of breaking the enchantment * The Times *Many layered, violent, beautiful and strange ... a poetic and vividly conjured book about Africa and the brooding power of the unknown * Independent on Sunday *A powerfully evocative oeuvre that keeps coming back to the same questions, in spare, graceful prose, about the ties that bind and the ties that fray * Daily Telegraph *A vibrant and vivid novel which shows human beings in all their generosity and greed, pettiness and nobility, so that even minor characters seem capable of carrying entire novels all by themselves * Herald *Abdulrazak Gurnah is a master of his craft ... An intricate, delicate novel, vitally necessary * New Internationalist *

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Book SynopsisA movie starA deadly cocktailA murderWhen glamorous Marina Gregg came to live in St Mary Mead, tongues were sure to wag.But, with a local gossip's sudden death, has one tongue wagged a bit too much?As the police chase false leads, and two more victims meet untimely ends, Miss Marple starts to ask her own questions.What secrets might link a peaceful English village and a star of the silver screen?Never underestimate Miss MarpleChristie's ingenious plots and fiendish twists set the bar for all of us who follow in her footsteps.'Ruth WareThe pieces finally drop into place with a satisfying click.'Times Literary SupplementTrade Review‘Without a doubt, the greatest mystery writer of all time’ – Ragnar Jonasson ‘A hundred years after her first novel, and we are all still standing in her shadow’ – Andrew Taylor ‘She gives us an insight into human nature that few, if any, have surpassed’ – Susan Lewis ‘Dame Agatha has sold more books than all besides Shakespeare and the Bible’ – David Baldacci ‘All crime fiction writers around the globe owe Agatha Christie a massive debt’ – Peter James ‘Reading a perfectly plotted Agatha Christie is like crunching into a perfect apple: that pure, crisp, absolute satisfaction.’ – Tana French

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Book SynopsisA brand new omnibus of 55 short stories, presented for the first time in chronological order.Described by her friend Dolly Bantry as the typical old maid of fiction', Miss Marple has lived almost her entire life in the sleepy hamlet of St Mary Mead. Yet, by observing village life she has gained an unparalleled insight into human nature and used it to devasting effect. As her friend Sir Henry Clithering, the ex-Commissioner of Scotland Yard has been heard to say: She's just the finest detective God ever made.' and many Agatha Christie fans would agree.Appearing for the first time in The Murder at The Vicarage (1930) her crime-fighting career spanned over forty years when she solved her final case in 1977 in Sleeping Murder. With every tale flawlessly plotted by the Queen of Crime herself, these short stories provide a feast for hardened Agatha Christie addicts as well as those who have grown to love the detective through her many film and television appearances.Here, for the first tiTrade Review‘The plots are so good that one marvels… most of them would have made a full length thriller.’ Daily Mirror

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Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE CWA IAN FLEMING STEEL DAGGER AWARD WINNER OF THE EDGAR AWARD FOR BEST NOVEL 'Thoughtful, piercing storytelling with the power to transport' - FINANCIAL TIMES 'An expertly plotted triple whodunit' - SUNDAY TIMES Southern fables usually go the other way around. A white woman is killed or harmed in some way, real or imagined, and then, like the moon follows the sun, a black man ends up dead. But when it comes to law and order, East Texas plays by its own rules - a fact that Darren Mathews, a black Texas Ranger working the backwoods towns of Highway 59, knows all too well. Deeply ambivalent about his home state, he was the first in his family to get as far away from Texas as he could. Until duty called him home. So when allegiance to his roots puts his job in jeopardy, he is drawn to a case in the small town of Lark, where two dead bodies washed up in the bayou. First a black lawyer from Chicago and then, three days later, a local white woman, and it's stirred up a hornet's nest of resentment. Darren must solve the crimes - and save himself in the process - before Lark's long-simmering racial fault lines erupt. 'A winning literary thriller' - MAIL ON SUNDAY 'America's most interesting crime writer' - DAILY TELEGRAPHTrade ReviewMesmerising ... original ... exhilarating ... Locke is building a compelling body of work * Guardian *A superb thriller ... Locke's message of injustice is the more convincing for being conveyed with restraint * Times *Tight, bright prose ... powerful ... she seems more and more like America's most interesting crime writer * Daily Telegraph *Locke evokes place brilliantly, writes tangy, fluent prose ... an expertly plotted triple whodunit * Sunday Times *Memorable characters, engaging prose and a soundtrack of down-home blues make for a winning literary crime thriller * Mail on Sunday *Bluebird, Bluebird is absorbing and Locke's writing is beautiful ... The best crime novel of the year so far * Metro *What is most satisfying about this crime novel is its use of the crime as a device with which to explore something much larger and universal ... Locke's writing is both sharp-edged and lyrical. This is thoughtful, piercing storytelling with the power to transport * Financial Times *Elegant ... gripping * Observer *Ms. Locke is a wonderful stylist, able to conjure vivid impressions with a single phrase * Wall Street Journal *The prose is beautifully rhythmic ... Locke uses her insider knowledge of the area to really get under the skin of her characters, in the process revealing the real beating heart of rural Texan life ... brilliantly executed * Big Issue *A rich sense of place and relentless feeling of dread permeate Attica Locke's heartbreakingly resonant new novel about race and justice in America ... an emotionally dense and intricately detailed thriller, roiling with conflicting emotions steeped in this nation's troubled past and present * USA Today *Locke is a brisk writer with a sharp eye for the subtleties of how rural white Southerners tend to act as if their little towns belong to them - and react harshly to black independence * Washington Post *One of my favourite books of the past year -- Harlan Coben, author of THE STRANGERThis is the best kind of thriller: as literate and thoughtful as it is fast-moving. Attica Locke has bags of style, and sings the blues on every page. A highlight of the year so far, and the curtain-raiser for what promises to be a compelling series -- Mick Herron, author of SLOW HORSESAttica Locke had both mastered the thriller and exceeded it. Ranger Darren Mathews is tough, honor-bound, and profoundly alive in corrupt world. I loved everything about this book -- Ann Patchett, author of COMMONWEALTHTaut where it has to be to keep a murder investigation on its toes, this novel is also languid when you need to understand just what would keep a black woman or man in a place where so much troubled history lies. Locke's small town murder investigation reveals what lies at the heart of America's confusion over race. -- Walter Mosley, author of DOWN THE RIVER UNTO THE SEAWith Bluebird, Bluebird Attica Locke brings freshness and vitality to a beloved form. From the first beautifully done scene until the finale, this is a very propulsive novel concerning old deeds that keep influencing the present, injustice and courage - a powerful and dramatic look at contemporary black life in rural America -- Daniel Woodrell, author of WINTER'S BONEAttica Locke knows Texas, a place that has shaped both her characters and her life. Locke's new book, Bluebird, Bluebird, is evidence of her deep knowledge and love of her community and a deep talent for writing hype thrillers that also manage to be timely, relevant and keenly insightful -- Joe Ide, author of RIGHTEOUSBluebird, Bluebird has the impeccable pacing, memorable characters, and deepening sense of mystery and dread we expect in the finest noir thrillers. But this is so much more. Attica Locke has written a marvelous novel -- Ron Rash, author of THE RISENAttica Locke has built a career on political novels wrapped in the conventions of the crime thriller, and Bluebird, Bluebird burnishes an already impressive reputation * Irish Times *

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Book SynopsisThis was one of those books that just keeps giving I cannot explain how much I loved this book It's a thriller, it's about friendships, it's about finding your path, it's a murder mystery, it's just brilliant' Reader review, ?????STUNNING! Feminist writing at its absolute best. 10 stars' Reader review, ?????* * *Nessa: The SeekerJo: The ProtectorHarriett: The PunisherWith newfound powers the time has come to take matters into their own handsWidowed Nessa lives alone in her house near the ocean. In the quiet hours, she hears voices belonging to the dead who will only speak to her.On the cusp of fifty Harriett's marriage and career imploded, but her life is far from over in fact, she's undergone a stunning metamorphosis.Jo spent years at war with her body. The rage that arrived with menopause felt like the last straw until she discovers she's able to channel it.Guided by voices only Nessa can hear, the trio discover the abandoned body of a teenage girl. The police have written off the victim. But the women have not. Their own investigations lead to more bodies, and a world of wealth where the rules don't apply and the realisation that laws are designed to protect villains, not the vulnerable.Now three women will avenge the innocent and punish the guilty. IT'S TIME.* * *Praise for Kirsten Miller A perfect contradiction, existing in the shades of grey that real life is so often painted in A story that's as furious as it is tender' Emily Henry A roar of rage, a pacy page-turner, I loved it with all my broken heart. Read it. You'll love it' Marian KeyesA proper smash-the-patriarchy read with tension and a compelling plot to boot Loved it' Harriet TyceA propulsive plot and characters that roar off the page, this is a novel that's unafraid to take on societal misogyny while being satirical and even funny at the same time' GuardianAn addictive, fast-paced crime novel like nothing you've ever read before' Red magazineTrade Review Praise for THE CHANGE ‘A roar of rage, a pacy page-turner, I loved it with all my broken heart. Read it. You’ll love it’ Marian Keyes ‘I loved this wild mystery about a group of midlife women who have just about had enough. I couldn't put it down’ Erin Kelly ‘The Change is a proper smash-the-patriarchy read with tension and a compelling plot to boot. It gave me the same energy as Lessons in Chemistry, and I take my hat off to Harriett The Punisher and will be taking some life lessons from her. Loved it’ Harriet Tyce ‘Part crime thriller, part extended howl of pure rage, The Change takes a scalpel to the cancer of misogyny that infects every cell of western culture, with biting wit and a burning, righteous anger that never lets up. Powerful and original’ Tammy Cohen ‘A brilliant book. Thrilling, fast paced and original. I couldn’t stop reading’ Sarah Morgan ‘How brilliant to read about strong, fabulous women – this is a great book. The Change will inspire women to feel empowered at a time when they feel their strength is waning – could be a life-changer! Fresh and fabulous, teeming with amazing characters, unputdownable – stays with you long after the last page is turned’ Milly Johnson ‘With a propulsive plot and characters that roar off the page, this is a novel that’s unafraid to take on societal misogyny while being satirical and even funny at the same time’ Guardian ‘[A] bewitching and satisfying mystery and thriller . . . A compelling read’ The Independent ‘I loved this book, in particular its three powerful independent no-nonsense female protagonists . . . A feminist thriller for our times’ Nina Pottell, Prima ‘A revenge fantasy and feminist fist-pump – and a balm for trying times’ Grazia ‘An addictive, fast-paced crime novel like nothing you’ve ever read before’ Red magazine

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Book SynopsisYellowjackets meets House of Hollow in award-winning author Kyrie McCauley's gripping and magical thriller following a group of young women as they face the stress of harsh elements, a mysterious monster, and an unraveling of secrets after their yacht is wrecked off the coast of North America.

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Book Synopsis''A compelling thriller.''DAILY MAIL''Superb.''SUNDAY TIMESThe Sunday Times bestselling author of Snow and April in Spain returns with Strafford and Quirke's most troubling case yet.1950s Dublin. The body of a young woman is discovered in a lock-up garage, an apparent suicide. But pathologist Dr Quirke and Detective Inspector Strafford soon suspect foul play.The victim's sister returns from London to help the two men, but, with relations between them increasingly strained, and their investigation taking them back to events from the final days of the Second World War, can they join the pieces of a hidden puzzle before it's too late?Atmospheric and sinister with simmering tension . . . Once you start reading, it's impossible to stop.'DAILY EXPRESS''Addictive.''DAILY TELEGRAPHReaders are gripped by The Lock-Up:***** ''A real page-turner. . . Highly recommend!''***** ''Crime writing at its finest''***** ''Quite spectacular! John Banville is a wonderful writer''***** ''I had an absolute blast reading this novel. I genuinely didn''t want it to end.''**THE DROWNED - THE CHILLING NEW STRAFFORD & QUIRKE MURDER MYSTERY - AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER NOW**

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Book SynopsisOn a stormy summer day the Aosawas, owners of a prominent local hospital, host a large birthday party. The occasion turns into tragedy when 17 people die from cyanide in their drinks. The only surviving links to what might have happened are a cryptic verse that could be the killer's, and the physician's bewitching blind daughter, Hisako, the only person spared injury. But the youth who emerges as the prime suspect commits suicide that October, effectively sealing his guilt while consigning his motives to mystery. The police are convinced that Hisako had a role in the crime, as are many in the town, including the author of a bestselling book about the murders written a decade after the incident, who was herself a childhood friend of Hisako' and witness to the discovery of the murders. The truth is revealed through a skilful juggling of testimony by different voices: family members, witnesses and neighbours, police investigators and of course the mesmerizing Hisako herself.Trade Review"A superb mystery in the true sense of the word." Asahi Shimbun "This spine-chilling masterpiece will make you aware of the dark places in your own heart." Hokkaido Shimbun "With superb skill, Onda depicts the ambiguity of truth and the unreliability of facts." Shukan Pia

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Book SynopsisPre-order the pulse-racing new Jack Ryan thriller, TOM CLANCY EXECUTIVE POWER, now!________________FOR JACK RYAN, THE GREATEST THREAT LURKS BENEATH THE WAVES . . . AGAIN.US intelligence is reporting turmoil in the Russian navy. Their deadliest submarine, the Belgorod, has unexpectedly launched. Who authorised the departure? What mission is it on? And, most disturbing of all, what weapons do the giant doors on the sub''s bow hide?It''s been four decades since a similar incident with the Soviet sub, Red October, ended happily, thanks to a young CIA analyst named Jack Ryan.Now, President Jack Ryan finds himself with fleets of ships, squadrons of jets, and teams of SEALs at his command, but what he doesn''t have is insight into the plans of the Belgorod''s commander. It falls to a younger generation of Ryans to do the dangerous work that will reveal that information.But there''s always a price to be paid. When the final moments tick away, will Jack Ryan have to choose between the safety of his country and the safety of his child?___________Reader reviews for ACT OF DEFIANCE''Undoubtedly one of the best books of the series. Riveting, integrating political and military aspects, with surprising shifts and turnings''''Netflix and prime should be fighting over the movie rights for this great read''''The author definitely knows his subject and is well informed with the politics and command structure. The story is well constructed and leads to a good climax. Well worth the read''''Loved the introduction of new Ryan characters. A show-stopper book and a must read. Can''t wait for the next one''Very good read; a completely absorbing plot and, as always, the final outcome fits the bill''

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Book SynopsisThe Sunday Times bestseller from international bestseller John Grisham. Is a Perfect Storm the Perfect Time for a Murder? 'Another gem from John Grisham' Observer When Hurricane Leo threatens Florida's Camino Island, the Governor is quick to issue an evacuation order. Most residents flee but a small group of diehards decide to ride it out. Amongst them is Bruce Cable, proprietor of Bay Books in downtown Santa Rosa.The hurricane is devastating: homes and condos are levelled, hotels and storefronts ruined, streets flooded, and a dozen people are killed. One of the victims is Nelson Kerr, a friend of Bruce's who wrote timely political thrillers. But evidence suggests that the storm wasn't the cause of Nelson's death - he had received several mysterious blows to the head.Who would want Nelson dead? The local police are overwhelmed with the aftermath of the storm and in no condition to handle the case. Bruce begins to wonder if the shady characters in Nelson's novels were more fact than fiction. And somewhere on Nelson's computer is the manuscript of his new novel - could the key to the case be right there, in black and white? Bruce starts to look into it and what he finds between the lines is more shocking than any of Nelson's plot twists - and far more dangerous.Gripping, compelling and pacy, this exceptional thriller from international bestseller John Grisham is the perfect escapist read this summer.Praise for Camino Winds:'In American icon John Grisham's new novel, Camino Winds, an odd assortment of mystery and crime authors, some of them felons themselves, discover one of their colleagues has been murdered during the fury of a massive hurricane-the perfect crime scene' Delia Owens, author of Where the Crawdads Sing'The Camino Island series, featuring trouble-prone bookseller Bruce Cable, is a perfect escapist mix of detective action, insider riffs on the literary world - and even a little romance' Mail on Sunday'Camino Winds has all the usual Grisham hallmarks - a pacy plot and tension-filled scenes' Independent'Another compelling read from Grisham, and will satisfy old fans and please new readers alike' Press Association'The novel has enough plot twists to keep you engaged' The Herald 350+ million copies, 45 languages, 9 blockbuster films:NO ONE WRITES DRAMA LIKE JOHN GRISHAMTrade ReviewPraise for Camino Winds * : *In American icon John Grisham's new novel, Camino Winds, an odd assortment of mystery and crime authors, some of them felons themselves, discover one of their colleagues has been murdered during the fury of a massive hurricane-the perfect crime scene. Since officials are preoccupied with the aftermath of the storm, the authors set out to solve the mystery themselves, in the type of wild but smart caper that Grisham's readers love * Delia Owens, author of Where the Crawdads Sing *The Camino Island series, featuring trouble-prone bookseller Bruce Cable, is a chance for Grisham to have fun... A perfect escapist mix of detective action, insider riffs on the literary world - and even a little romance * Mail on Sunday *Another gem from John Grisham... There is something very soothing about Camino Winds , despite the fact it deals with more than one brutal murder and a drugs conspiracy. The follow-up to Grisham's Camino Island , it's very different in tone to his legal thrillers... Grisham knows what he's doing * Observer *Cable is an engaging protagonist, full of ambiguities, a man whose own morality is full of 'grey areas'... Camino Winds has all the usual Grisham hallmarks - a pacy plot, tension-filled scenes - and the descriptions of a storm-battered island are well executed * Independent *Another compelling read from Grisham, and will satisfy old fans and please new readers alike * Press Association *The novel has enough plot twists to keep you engaged without it feeling exhausting. Another compelling read from Grisham * The Herald *A perfect summer read, enjoying all his plotting wizardry and deft characterisation * Irish Independent *gripping (...) I can highly recommend * Stuart Johnstone, My Weekly *Plenty of suspects and a slew of memorable characters * Irish Independent *Reads like first-hand reportage * Sunday Times online (Best paperbacks of 2021) *In both of these irresistible reads Grisham introduces readers to memorable characters whom he capably brings to life * Forbes Global *Plenty of suspects and a slew of memorable characters * Irish Independent *In both of these irresistible reads Grisham introduces readers to memorable characters whom he capably brings to life * Forbes Global *

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Book SynopsisAgatha Christie's seasonal mystery thriller in a sumptuous Christmas hardback Special Edition.'There is, at Christmas, a spirit of goodwill. People who do not feel amiable are putting great pressure on themselves to appear amiable! If you dam the stream of natural behaviour, mon ami, sooner or later the dam bursts and a cataclysm occurs!'It is Christmas Eve. The Lee family reunion is shattered by a deafening crash of furniture, followed by a high-pitched wailing scream. Upstairs, the tyrannical Simeon Lee lies dead in a pool of blood, his throat slashed.But when Hercule Poirot, who is staying in the village with a friend for Christmas, offers to assist, he finds an atmosphere not of mourning but of mutual suspicion. It seems everyone had their own reason to hate the old manTrade Review‘You yearned for a “good violent murder with lots of blood”. So this is your special story – written for you.’Agatha Christie 'There is irresistible simplicity and buoyancy of a Christmas treat about it all'Times Literary Supplement

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Book SynopsisIt was the war to end all wars, the global struggle that would finally make the world safe for democracy - at any cost. But one American soldier has paid a price beyond measure. And within the disfigured flesh that was once a vision of youth lives a spirit that cannot accept what the world has become. An immediate bestseller upon its first publication in 1939, Trumbo''s stark, profoundly troubling masterpiece about the horrors of the First World War brilliantly crystallized the uncompromising brutality of war and became the most influential protest novel of the Vietnam era. As timely as ever.Trade Review'Powerful ... an eye-opener' - Michael Moore 'A book that can never be forgotten by anyone who reads it' Saturday Review

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Book SynopsisReacher never backs down from a problem.And he's about to find a big one, on a deserted Arizona road, where a Jeep has crashed into the only tree for miles around. Under the merciless desert sun, nothing is as it seems.Minutes later Reacher is heading into the nearby border town, a backwater that has seen better days.Trade ReviewClassic Reacher, great story. Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant. * Conn Iggulden on THE SENTINEL *Thoroughly entertaining . . . it's good to have some of Reacher's brutal certainties back. * The Times on THE SENTINEL *The one man revenge machine seems revitalised. Great stuff. * Sun on THE SENTINEL *The coolest continuing series character. * Stephen King *Jack Reacher is today's James Bond, a thriller hero we can't get enough of. * Ken Follett *

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Book Synopsis"This was the first Jack Reacher novel and with its lean, spare prose it has one of the most intriguing heroes of our times and displays a gift for explosive drama."Trade ReviewIf Rolls-Royce wrote thrillers they would look a lot like the work of Child. This was the first Jack Reacher novel and with its lean, spare prose it has one of the most intriguing heroes of our times and displays a gift for explosive drama * Daily Express *Stunningly dynamic * Daily Mail *Races along, spattering blood and body parts on the way * Sunday Telegraph *At least as good as any of Grisham's * Cork Examiner *

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewIt is tremendously comforting to be in the hands of Child and his hero - a good man who we know will save the day in the end before moving on, toothbrush in pocket, "just the clothes on his back. No particular place to go, and all the time in the world to get there." * Observer *Lee Child is the absolute master of the story of a lone stranger arriving in town to save the innocent, and this is one of the best of his series...as always, the violence is ferocious and fast-moving. Anyone feeling hard done by or facing insuperable odds will be comforted by this novel, which is also the best advertisement for the NHS I have ever seen. * Literary Review *Forget Marvel - we all know Jack Reacher is the only avenger that matters...Child has found his mojo again. * Sun *There's only one Jack Reacher. Accept no substitutes.Jack Reacher, the 21st-century knight errant who over 23 books has proved himself the most reliable excellent basher of bad guys since [James]Bond...And good work, Lee Child. If you're at all partial to his revenge fantasies, this is one of the best for a while...your hands keep turning those pages, drawn in by storytelling that knows fancy words count for less than clarity and rhythm...It's nonsense. Yet it's compelling nonsense, a vicarious clearing away of life's obstacles via a hero who has no moral qualms, no physical or emotional vulnerability and no interest in what shampoo he uses. * The Times *

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Book SynopsisThe bestselling author of international BookTok sensation If We Were Villains returns with a story of a group of misfits who meet in the local cemetery each night to unearth the secrets lurking in an open grave.Every night, in the college''s ancient cemetery, five people cross paths as they work the late shift: a bartender, a rideshare driver, a hotel receptionist, the steward of the derelict church that looms over them, and the editor-in-chief of the college paper, always in search of a story.One dark October evening in the defunct churchyard, they find a hole that wasn''t there before. A fresh, open grave where no grave should be. But who dug it, and for whom?Before they go their separate ways, the gravedigger returns. As they trail him through the night, they realize he may be the key to a string of strange happenings around town that have made headlines for the last few weeks--and that they may be closer to the mystery than they thought.Atmospheric and eerie, featuring an ensemble of misfits that fans will love and a delightfully familiar academic backdrop, Graveyard Shift is a modern Gothic tale in If We Were Villains author M. L. Rio''s inimitable style.

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Book SynopsisHistorical novel. Love story blighted by events in an England emerging from war, plague and the puritan age.

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Book Synopsis''Historical fiction with a fantastical twist, done with verve and skill'' IAN RANKIN''An atmospheric and constantly surprising thriller'' SUNDAY TIMES''Kept me guessing until the end. An absolute masterpiece'' JENNIFER SAINT''A deliciously dark historical novel of thrilling originality'' ESSIE FOX''Spellbinding, gripping, immersive and deliciously gothic'' ERIN KELLY''Evocative, chilling, compelling'' TAMMY COHEN''Breathtakingly good'' ABIR MUKHERJEEParis, 1750.In the midst of an icy winter, as birds fall frozen from the sky, chambermaid Madeleine Chastel arrives at the home of the city''s celebrated clockmaker and his clever, unworldly daughter.Madeleine is hiding a dark past, and a dangerous purpose: to discover the truth of the clockmaker''s experiments and record his every move, in exchange for her own chance of freedom.For as children quietly vanish fTrade ReviewIt's rarely I come across a book that astounds me. The Clockwork Girl byAnna Mazzola is one such book. Engrossing plot, vivid characters, attention to historical detail, and above all the beauty of its prose. It is breathtakingly good * Abir Mukherjee *This book has everything I love. A deliciously dark historical novel of thrilling originality. Immensely clever and entertaining, this is a dazzling gothic novel where science, sin and subterfuge are as intricately rendered as the workings of a clock * Essie Fox *Evocative, chilling, compelling. Anna Mazzola brings 18th Century Paris vividly to life in all its stinking, disease-ridden brutality. Tremendous * Rachel Rhys/Tammy Cohen *The Clockwork Girl instantly draws you in, immersing the reader in a Paris of filth and greed, money and sin. Madeleine is a clever, captivating guide to this world, her story dark and bewitching. I loved itRarely have I been so utterly swept away by the opening pages of a novel as I was with The Clockwork Girl by Anna Mazzola - this book hooked me in and didn't let go. 1750 Paris was exquisitely wrought, from the freezing and fetid underbelly of the back streets and brothels to the glittering decadence of Versailles. This intricate and twisting story kept me guessing until the end. An absolute masterpiece! * Jennifer Saint *Unbelievably immersive - from the first page you are plunged into 18th century Paris and you won't want to leave. It is a gripping, gothic tale... three unforgettable women caught in a web of intrigue and murders. You really won't want to miss this. * Elodie Harper *Deliciously creepy, alive with the rustling silks, rotten smells and lethal egos of a divided Paris. Loved it * Sarah Hilary *'Anna Mazzola's new novel is a macabre tale of social upheaval and aristocratic skullduggery set against a beautifully evoked 1750s Paris. Mazzola immerses us in the political intrigues of the period, weaving a dark tale of vanished children, an obsessive genius, and courtly machinations. Told through the voices of three very differing women this is another accomplished slice of historical noir from a sure-footed exponent of the genre * Vaseem Khan *A superb historical novel set in a brilliantly evoked 18th century Paris, The Clockwork Girl will delight and enthral and leave you wanting more * William Ryan *Drawing you into 18th century Paris from the very first page, this book is a dark delight. Anna is uniquely amazing at letting you into her characters' heads & hearts, so you carry on thinking about them long after you stop reading... A Gothic gem * Beth Underdown *A treat in store for lovers of historical fiction next March. The Clockwork Girl is vivid & meticulously detailed. From the filth of Paris to the surprisingly squalid salons of Versailles in 1750, Anna Mazzola has crafted this dark jewel of a novel with the precision of a watchmaker...Glittering macabre * Kate Griffin *Spellbinding, gripping, immersive and deliciously gothic, I was happy to lose a whole weekend to THE CLOCKWORK GIRL. Beautiful prose brings the smells of 18th century Paris to life so vividly that you almost read the book with a scented handkerchief under your nose. No one gets under history's skin like Anna Mazzola. * ERIN KELLY *A chilling tale * WOMAN & HOME *Chilling and compelling, this is a gothic masterpiece that fans of historical fiction will love * S MAGAZINE, SUNDAY EXPRESS *Conjuring up a world of sin and danger, this intoxicating historical mystery is brilliantly original * HEAT *An inventive historical mystery. Gloriously gothic. * BEST *Captivating * THE I *

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Book SynopsisRead the Sunday Times bestselling murder mystery debut with magical passengers, epic adventure, and a twist you can't guessIf Agatha Christie wrote fantasy, this would be it!-----------For a thousand years, Concordia has maintained peace between its provinces. To mark this incredible feat, the Emperor's ship embarks upon a twelve-day voyage to the sacred Goddess's Mountain.Aboard are the heirs of the twelve provinces of Concordia, each graced with a unique and secret magical ability known as a Blessing. Except one: Ganymedes Piscero class clown, slacker, and all-round disappointment.But when a beloved heir is murdered, every one of these powerful people becomes a suspect.Now Ganymedes alone and vulnerable without a Blessing must become the hero he was never born to be. With the body-count rising, can he unmask the killer before they reach the shore?--Praise for Voyage of the Damned:Agatha Christie with glitter magic. I'm totally here for it. Both funny and flirty as it deals with class, snobbery and sexuality amongst all the magic and murder. Hugely entertaining' HeraldA brilliantly clever tale full of heart-warming characters, riveting twists and a gloriously conceived world' Bea Fitzgerald, bestselling author of Girl, Goddess, Queen

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