Historical crime and mysteries

Book SynopsisMaster Hugh, Kate, and their children attend the Midsummer's Eve fire. Next morning early Hugh hears the passing bell ring from the Church of St. Beornwald, and moments later is summoned. Tenants collecting the ashes to spread upon their fields have found burned bones. Master Hugh learns of several men of Bampton and nearby villages who have gone missing recently. Most are soon found, some alive, some dead. Master Hugh eventually learns that the bones are those of a bailiff from a nearby manor. Someone has slain him and placed his body in the fire to destroy evidence of murder. Bailiffs are not popular men; they dictate labour service, collect rents, and enforce other obligations. Has this bailiff died at the hand of some angry tenant? Hugh soon discovers this is not the case. There is quite another reason for murder ...Trade Review“At last a worthy successor to Ellis Peters. Mel Starr brings medieval crime to life in the brilliant 8th chronicle of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon. As a crime writer and medievalist I’m looking forward to absorbing more books by Mel Starr.” -- Mike Jeeks, author of Fields of Glory

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Book Synopsis'Another delightful and absorbing mystery from Mel Starr, keeping the reader guessing as the corpses pile up in Prince Edward's palace. Hugh de Singleton, of the dry wit and engaging humility, is one of my favourite sleuths.' Penelope Wilcock, British author and blogger Master Hugh won the Black Prince's favour when he helped to ease the Prince's illness. Now, in the autumn of 1372, the prince is suffering a relapse and sends to Bampton for Master Hugh to attend him. While at dinner in Kennington Palace, Sir Giles, the knight who escorted Hugh to London, is stricken and dies. Poison! Sir Giles is not popular, and there are many who would gladly see the fellow done away with... except for Prince Edward. The Black Prince feels a debt to the slain man because of his heroic behaviour at the Battle of Crecy, where the knight stood firm with the prince when the fight seemed of uncertain outcome. Despite caring little for Sir Giles, Master Hugh must once again place himself in jeopardy and seek to uncover the perpetrator of the crime...Trade ReviewAnother delightful and absorbing mystery from Mel Starr, keeping the reader guessing as the corpses pile up in Prince Edward's palace. Hugh de Singleton, of the dry wit and engaging humility, is one of my favourite sleuths. -- Penelope Wilcock, British author and bloggerPrince Edward's Warrant is another fascinating chapter in the chronicle of the fourteenth-century surgeon Hugh de Singleton. A truly engrossing and entertaining read. Hugh is a most sympathetic character, well-versed and skilled in all matters of medicine. Mel Starr has created a truly believable character and skilfully evokes all the richness and poverty of the Middle Ages. A most fascinating read and a truly entertaining journey through the murky politics of Medieval England. A must for any reader interested in that period. -- Paul Doherty, award-winning English author, educator, lecturer and historian

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Book SynopsisIndia Black, full-time madam and occasional secret agent, is feeling restless, when one of Disraeli's men calls on her to meet the prime minister. Revolt has spread across Europe and reached the shores of England - anarchists have begun assassinating lords and earls, one by one. Now India must infiltrate the ranks of the underground group...

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Book SynopsisWhen your boss is the Queen of England, you never know what the day will bring. For Gentleman Investigator for the Crown, Sir Maurice Newbury, it is likely to involve rooftop chases, sword fights, races through the Underground, and the most terrifying case of murders to ever plague London.When an Egyptian mummy is unveiled, a string of mysterious murders follows in its wake, drawing Newbury into a web of occult intrigue. Meanwhile, Miss Veronica Hobbes becomes increasingly perplexed by a growing pool of young women who have disappeared after being used as props in a magician's stage act. But what appears to be a straightforward investigation pulls Miss Hobbes into mortal danger.So begins another thrilling Newbury & Hobbes investigation - a weird and wonderful adventure quite unlike any other.Trade Review"Steampunk is making a comeback, and with this novel Mann is leading the charge... An engaging melodrama that rattles along at a breakneck pace." - The Guardian.

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'An exquisite tale of intrigue and dark secrets' LISA JEWELL'A gripping atmospheric read' RUTH WAREA GRIPPING HISTORICAL WHODUNNIT ON THE SEAS DRIPPING WTH HIGHSMITH-ESQUE GLAMOUR, INTRIGUE AND MURDER**********England, September 1939Former chambermaid Lily Shepherd boards a cruise liner for a new life in Australia and is plunged into a world of cocktails, jazz and glamorous friends. But as the sun beats down, long-hidden secrets begin to surface. As tension mounts in the enclosed space of a liner at sea, it's soon clear a killer is on board ...**********Readers are totally gripped by DANGEROUS CROSSING:***** 'Full of luxurious and decadent detail, bringing the five-week sea voyage from England to Australia bursting to life'*****'I enjoyed every single page. Rich, evocative and intriguing from start to finish'*****'Delicious, dark and completely compelling'Also try Rachel Rhys' other unputdownable historical mysteries: A FATAL INHERITANCE and ISLAND OF SECRETS****Coming soon by Rachel Rhys*** MURDER IN BLACK ROCK CASTLE

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Book Synopsis'I was completely spellbound' - Ruth Hogan, author of The Keeper of Lost Things'Setterfield is a master storyteller' - Madeline Miller, author of Circe Some say the river drowned her... Some say it brought her back to life On a dark midwinter's night in an ancient inn on the Thames, the regulars are entertaining themselves by telling stories when the door bursts open and in steps an injured stranger. In his arms is the drowned corpse of a child. Hours later, the dead girl stirs, takes a breath and returns to life. Is it a miracle? Is it magic? And who does the little girl belong to? An exquisitely crafted historical mystery brimming with folklore, suspense and romance, as well as with the urgent scientific curiosity of the Victorian age.____________________ Praise for Diane Setterfield:'An absolute feast of a book, which will keep you engrossed' RED magazine'Brimming with folklore, intrigue and romance, this is a story to savour' Woman & Home'Once Upon a River continues to demonstrate [Setterfield's] mastery of the Gothic genre in a way that will appeal to modern readers' The IndependentReaders are captivated by Once Upon a River: ***** 'Pure escapism, a beautifully written story.' ***** 'It felt as comforting as the fantastical stories you read as a child yet with a darker edge.' ***** 'I was entranced from the beginning to the end.'Trade ReviewA story, no matter how cleverly it is structured, lives or dies on the vividness of its characters. Setterfield, a true storyteller, makes us care about all her players in this beguiling novel. * The Times *Exploring themes of storytelling, parenthood, science and society on the cusp of change, this is a richly evocative novel. * Observer *Diane Setterfield's debut novel, The Thirteenth Tale, came out in 2006 to wide acclaim. She made her mark by delivering her own take on the classic romantic mystery novel, infused with the spirit of Jane Eyre, Rebecca and The Woman in White. Once Upon a River continues to demonstrate her mastery of the Gothic genre in a way that will appeal to modern readers...Setterfield knows how to make the words sing. It is worth taking a journey down the Thames with her. * Independent *Once Upon a River is magical, in every which way...it's the power of her storytelling that allows readers to suspend disbelief, and draws them through each tangled, dazzling chapter...This riverine novel has the mood and feel of a ghost story told late into the night, and will win over readers who enjoy a touch of age-old enchantment. * Financial Times *I was completely spellbound by this book. Numerous strands of the same story are skilfully woven into a magical web from which I, as a reader, had no desire to escape. Setterfield’s prose is beautiful, dark and eerily atmospheric, and her rich cast of characters convincingly illustrate the best and worst of humanity. Utterly brilliant! -- Ruth Hogan,bestselling author of The Keeper of Lost ThingsOnce Upon a River is one of the most pleasurable and satisfying new books I've read in a long time. Setterfield is a master storyteller, her language flowing with a dark magic very like the river at the heart of her tale: swift and entrancing, profound and beautiful. Give yourself a treat and read it! -- Madeline Miller,Orange Prize-winning author of The Song of Achilles and CirceI so didn't want to leave the world of Once Upon a River but now I have and I'm bereft of the company of country folk and river spirits. This charming story about stories and the mystery of life & death captured my heart. A truly extraordinary book. -- Dinah JefferiesHer characters are so vivid, one feels as though one has met them, spent an evening in their company, telling stories around the hearth...Setterfield is a master storyteller herself, giving us all the depth and plot and richness of the great narrative novelists. This is dazzling, alive, all-consumer writing: one reads each page greedily, the beautiful sentences shining like jewels under the pulling current of the tale itself. * Daily Telegraph *A satisfying, thickly characterised tale that plunges you into an evocatively realised historical setting. You care for its characters. * Sunday Times *A finely drawn cast and bravura storytellling. * Mail on Sunday *

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Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR THE CAPITAL CRIME AWARDS MYSTERY BOOK OF THE YEARBeneath the beauty of Havana, she will find a bed of lies...'Transports us to another time and place. I loved it' PRIMA MAGAZINE'Iris is a heroine you'll absolutely root for in this gripping tale of murder, intrigue and romance' RED MAGAZINELondon 1957: Iris Bailey is bored to death of working in the typing pool and living with her parents in Hemel Hempstead. A gifted portraitist with a talent for sketching party guests, she dreams of becoming an artist. So she can't believe her luck when socialite Nell Hardman invites her to Havana to draw at the wedding of her Hollywood director father.Far from home, she quickly realizes the cocktails, tropical scents and azure skies mask a darker reality. As Cuba teeters on the edge of revolution and Iris's heart melts for troubled photographer Joe, she discovers someone in the charismatic Hardman family is hiding a terrible secret. Can she uncover the ugly truth behind the glamour and the dazzle before all their lives are torn apart?______________________________OUTSTANDING PRAISE FOR RACHEL RHYS:'Intoxicating' SANTA MONTEFIORE'Tantalising' DINAH JEFFRIES'Heart-pounding' GOOD HOUSEKEEPING'Transporting' SUNDAY TIMES'A fabulous summer read' DAILY EXPRESSREADERS ADORE RACHEL RHYS:'I absolutely adore Rachel Rhys' books, historical mystery with so much added glitz and glamour''Unputdownable. Wonderful characterization and very well researched''A captivating and fascinating read''Recommended for anyone who loves historical fiction with a bit of mystery and a dash of romance''Oh my goodness, I absolutely adored this book!'Trade ReviewA glamorous cocktail of gangsters and good eggs that shimmers and simmers in the heat of 1950s Havana. Intoxicating and thrilling * VERONICA HENRY *Transports us to another time and place. I loved it! * NINA POTTELL, PRIMA *Iris is a heroine you’ll absolutely root for in this escapist tale of murder, intrigue and romance * SARRA MANNING, RED *Intoxicating as a stiff Mojito * SUNDAY MIRROR *Darkly seductive and laced with intrigue * THE SUN *A vivid historical read * WOMAN'S WEEKLY *A gripping, escapist mystery * GOOD HOUSEKEEPING *Intoxicating * CRIME MONTHLY *A decadent, dangerous story that dazzles as much as it captivates. * CULTUREFLY *Tautly plotted and captivating * TIMES *This is one breathlessly intoxicating mystery * HEAT *Prepare to be spellbound as Rhys stirs together a magical setting with a wonderful heroine to create an addictive murder mystery * i PAPER *Transporting * DAILY EXPRESS, 'Best New Escapist Reads' *

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Book SynopsisBlackmail, espionage and a mass murderer from his wartime past await Bernie Gunther on the French Riviera.'A brilliantly twisting tale of espionage and betrayal' Sunday TimesThe French Riviera, 1956. A world-weary Bernie Gunther is working under a false name as a hotel concierge. His attempts to keep his nose clean go horribly awry when a wartime acquaintance sucks him into a blackmail plot involving Somerset Maugham, one of the most famous British writers of the 20th century, and the notorious Cambridge Spies. All of them have dark pasts and plenty to hide - ideal candidates for a seasoned blackmailer.Trade ReviewA brilliantly twisting tale of espionage and betrayal * Sunday Times *A brilliantly twisting tale of espionage and betrayal * Sunday Times *The Other Side of Silence makes for a welcome break from the relentlessly grim atmosphere in which Bernie is accustomed to working * Washington Post *The Other Side of Silence makes for a welcome break from the relentlessly grim atmosphere in which Bernie is accustomed to working * Washington Post *Kerr's novels are modern classics * Simon Sebag Montefiore *Kerr's novels are modern classics * Simon Sebag Montefiore *Streets ahead of most other historical thrillers in its blend of wit, careful plotting and the kind of detail that brings the past to life - Sunday Times * Sunday Times *Streets ahead of most other historical thrillers in its blend of wit, careful plotting and the kind of detail that brings the past to life - Sunday Times * Sunday Times *Bernie Gunther is one of the more interesting and original private eyes in thriller fiction * The Times *Bernie Gunther is one of the more interesting and original private eyes in thriller fiction * The Times *His Raymond Chandleresque mysteries about a cynical Berlin cop reluctantly working for the Nazis are [Kerr's] masterpiece * The Sun *His Raymond Chandleresque mysteries about a cynical Berlin cop reluctantly working for the Nazis are [Kerr's] masterpiece * The Sun *As near perfection as makes no difference * Crime Fiction Lover *As near perfection as makes no difference * Crime Fiction Lover *Brilliantly done, of course * Weekend Sport *Brilliantly done, of course * Weekend Sport *Streets ahead of most other historical thrillers in its blend of wit, careful plotting and the kind of detail that brings the past to life * Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisThe twelfth book in the Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling series, perfect for fans of John le Carre and Robert Harris. 'One of the greatest anti-heroes ever written' Lee ChildFrance, 1956. Bernie Gunther is on the run. If there's one thing he's learned, it's never to refuse a job from a high-ranking secret policeman. But this is exactly what he's just done. Now he's a marked man, with the East German Stasi on his tail.Fleeing across Europe, he remembers the last time he worked with his pursuer: in 1939, to solve a murder at the Berghof, Hitler's summer hideaway in the Bavarian Alps. Hitler is long dead, the Berghof now a ruined shell, and the bizarre time Bernie spent there should be no more than a distant memory.But as he pushes on to Berlin and safety, Bernie will find that no matter how far he thinks he has put Nazi Germany behind him, for him it will always be unfinished business. The Berghof is not done with Bernie yet.Trade ReviewOnce again Kerr leads us through the fact of history and the vagaries of human nature -- Tom HanksBernie Gunther is as insubordinate, combative, interesting and entertaining as ever . . . yet another Kerr triumph * Sunday Times *Bernie Gunther - sly, subversive, sardonic, and occasionally hilarious - is one of the greatest anti-heroes ever written, and as always he lights up this tough and unflinching novel. We're in good hands here * Lee Child *In Prussian Blue, Philip Kerr once more shows himself one of the greatest master story-tellers in English. The narrative is swift and adept, and so well-grounded in the history and custom of the period that the reader is totally immersed * Alan Furst *The twelfth Bernie Gunther mystery is as brisk and agile as its German police detective protagonist * Washington Post *Gunther offers a wry view of several real figures, notably Heydrich and Bormann, and a pithy up-close analysis of the whole Nazi machine. Thrilling * Sunday Times Crime Club *

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Book SynopsisA murdered diplomat, planted evidence and a treacherous sister: once again, Helga had better find the real killer quickly, before heads start rolling - literally - in this brand-new Viking noir mystery. 'For Vikings done right, come to Snorri Kristjansson' Mark Lawrence, author of Red SisterHelga Finnsdottir left her foster parents, the old Viking chieftain Unnthor Reginson and his knowing wife Hildigunnur, to see the world, but she stopped in Uppsala when she fell in love. Now she's established herself as a local healer and herb-woman on the outskirts of town, and life is good - until King Eirik the Victorious calls a trade council and hairy northerners and southern Swedes alike descend on the town.Unfortunately for Helga, one delegation is headed by a very determined young woman who has her own agenda and will let nothing - and no one - get in her way. But the last time Helga saw Jorunn Unthorsdottir, her foster-sister was being cast out by their father for killing their brother Bjorn and trying to pin the blame on Helga. So perhaps it's no great surprise when one of the delegates is murdered, or that Helga's soon tagged as the lead suspect. It doesn't take her long to clear her own name, but that only leads suspicion to fall on to her man. Once again, Helga must solve a murder, and fast, before the innocent pays with his head.'Truly entertaining' Yrsa Sigurðardóttir, author of the Thóra Gudmundsdóttir series, on Kin'An exciting new voice. With his Viking mystery, Snorri has created a new and interesting sub-genre of Icelandic noir' Ragnar Jonasson on KinTrade ReviewA standout item . . . Top notch * Weekend Sport on Council *A dark mystery in a dark age brought vividly to life. For lovers of the Vikings TV series and Lindsey Davies alike. I look forward to more of Helga Finnsdottir * Robert Fabbri, author of the bestselling Vespasian series, on Kin *Truly entertaining: a new and original Nordic Noir voice * Yrsa Sigurðardóttir, author of the Thóra Gudmundsdóttir series, on Kin *Kristjansson has an evocative style that is easy to get caught up in. If you've not already discovered these books, and you enjoy your crime fiction historic in nature, I heartily recommend checking them out * The Eloquent Page on Council *An exciting new voice. With his Viking mystery, Snorri has created a new and interesting sub-genre of Icelandic noir * Ragnar Jonasson on Kin *For Vikings done right, come to Snorri Kristjansson * Mark Lawrence, bestselling author of Red Sister *Praise Odin, it's a terrific mystery! With Viking family values and a sharp-witted heroine, Snorri Kristjansson delivers a first-rate chronicle of intrigue and murder * Stephen Gallagher, bestselling author of Red, Red Robin on Kin *Council's depiction of Viking life, practices and Norse mythology is its strength . . . [it] brings something to the table which will appeal to readers of different genres. If you don't like historical fiction, you'll be swayed by the crime twist and if you don't like crime, the Viking setting may keep you reading. Either way it's a battle won * Crime Fiction Lover on Council *An entertaining and claustrophobic tale of familial tension and murder * SciFiNow on Kin *The start of an interesting crime series * Book Worm Mum on Kin *Timeless and universal . . . It will be interesting to see where Kristjansson's imagination takes his beguiling heroine next * Starburst on Kin *The remote setting of Viking village, the historical period and Helga's character are very refreshing * The Book Bag on Kin *If the combination of Vikings, mystery and murder sound good, then this is the book for you . . . If you're in a Scandi-noir mood, and willing to leap back through the centuries, then this is a book which will reward a reading; I, for one, look forward to the further adventures of Helga Finnsdottir * Sci-Fi and Fantasy Reviews on Kin *I was completely swept away . . . couldn't put it down . . . completely beguiling . . . I would definitely have no hesitation in recommending this and I look forward to seeing where Helga's adventures lead us to next * Lynn's Book Blog on Kin *This series is set to be a huge success not least because its leading lady is one of the smartest and funniest you will encounter * The Madwoman in the Attic on Kin *It had everything I look for in a book . . . I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes mysteries / crime stories with a sprinkle of Norse mythology and who enjoys reading stories full of flawed characters * Unfiltered Tales on Kin *Compelling reading * The Gin Book Club *A fantastic introduction . . . An enjoyable read with a good sense of suspense and an intriguing backdrop * The Little Book Owl on Kin *Compelling blend of historical fiction and crime mystery * Bibliosanctum on KIN *A highly readable Viking family murder, with an engaging heroine and convincing historical detail. Recommended * Promoting Crime on Kin *

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Book Synopsis'A masterpiece by the woman who may be Britain's finest living crime novelist' Daily Telegraph'Absorbing... this is a bravura performance, a true original' Ian RankinGlasgow, 1957. It is a December night and William Watt is desperate. His family has been murdered and he needs to find out who killed them.He arrives at a bar to meet Peter Manuel, who claims he can get hold of the gun that was used. But Watt soon realises that this infamous criminal will not give up information easily.Inspired by true events, The Long Drop follows Watt and Manuel along back streets and into smoky pubs, and on to the courtroom where the murder trial takes place. Can Manuel really be trusted to tell the truth? And how far will Watt go to get what he wants?**A TIMES TOP 10 CRIME NOVEL OF THE DECADE**__________________Praise for THE LONG DROP:'Extraordinary' Guardian'This book is so, so good. Forensic, beautiful and gripping' Graham Norton'Revisits a dark episode in Glasgow's past... Mina navigates the uneasy territory between fact and fiction with consummate grace' Val McDermidTrade ReviewAngry, vital and unputdownable, The Long Drop’s themes of self-deception resonate long after the final page. This is crime fiction at its very best -- Joseph Knox, author of SirensNot a single word is wasted in this beautifully written novel. Unsettling, evocative and staggeringly good, it is possibly Mina’s finest achievement * Daily Express *A wonderfully atmospheric, unsettling read. -- Louise Rhind-Tutt * i *Deeply unsettling and thought provoking in all the best ways -- Doug Johnstone * Big Issue *The Long Drop is an exceptional book. The pages reek of fifties Glasgow, forming an oppressive backdrop to a true crime story that fascinates and appals from start to finish. Mina’s prose cuts to the bone, laying bare the prideful wickedness of men in a tale that is as often touching as it is frightening. A feast of a crime novel. * Stuart Neville *

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Book Synopsis**WINNER OF THE CWA SAPERE BOOKS HISTORICAL DAGGER 2020**'Death in the East is the best so far of an unmissable series' The Times Calcutta police detective Captain Sam Wyndham and his quick-witted Indian Sergeant, Surrender-not Banerjee, are back for another rip-roaring adventure set in 1920s India. 1905, London. When Bessie Drummond, an old flame of Sam Wyndham's, is attacked in the street, he is determined to get to the bottom of it. But the next day, Bessie is found dead in her room and Wyndham soon finds himself caught up in her murder investigation. The case will cost the young constable more than he ever imagined. 1922, India. Leaving Calcutta, Wyndham heads for the hills of Assam, ready to put his opium addiction behind him. But when he arrives, he sees a ghost from his life in London - a man thought to be long dead, a man Wyndham hoped he would never see again. Wyndham knows he must call his friend and colleague Sergeant Banerjee for help. He is certain that this figure from can only be after one thing: revenge...*A SUNDAY TIMES BOOKS OF 2021 PICK*Praise for the Wyndham and Banerjee series : 'A thought-provoking rollercoaster' Ian Rankin 'Cracking... A journey into the dark underbelly of the British Raj' Daily Express 'A brilliantly conceived murder mystery set amidst political and social turmoil - beautifully crafted' C. J. Sansom 'Mukherjee brings sardonic wit to his portrayal of British rule in India, and the action is perfectly paced.' Daily MirrorIf you enjoyed Death in the East further books in the Wyndham and Banerjee series are available now: A Rising Man A Necessary Evil Smoke and Ashes The Shadows of MenTrade ReviewAs ever, Abir Mukherjee brings sardonic wit to his portrayal of British rule in India and the action is perfectly paced, but this volume has a depth that makes it stand out. His best yet -- Jake Kerridge * Sunday Express *In his most accomplished and complex novel yet, Mukherjee keeps the reader enthralled as the duo race towards a brilliant conclusion. Death in the East is a contender for the best thriller of the year. -- Jon Coates * Daily Express *Death in the East is the best so far of an unmissable series -- Antonia Senior * The Times, *Book of the month* *The perfect combination of mystery and history -- Jake Kerridge * Sunday Express, *Books of the Year* *A skilfully blended dual narrative: twice the intrigue, twice the fun. Mukherjee is at the top of his game -- Mick Herron, award-winning author of London Blues

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Book Synopsis*Sunday Times Crime Book of the Month***A 'Book of the Year' pick in The Times**'An engaging, evocative thriller that captures the heat of Indian nights and heady days of a bygone era, without being sentimental or simplistic' Janice Hallett, bestselling author of The Appeal'Abir Mukherjee is doing something uniquely different in the crime genre...breathtaking' PETER MAY, Sunday Times bestsellerCalcutta, 1923. When a Hindu theologian is found murdered in his home, the city is on the brink of all-out religious war. Can officers of the Imperial Police Force, Captain Sam Wyndham and Sergeant Surendranath Banerjee track down those responsible in time to stop a bloodbath?Set at a time of heightened political tension, beginning in atmospheric Calcutta and taking the detectives all the way to bustling Bombay, the latest instalment in this 'unmissable' (The Times) series presents Wyndham and Banerjee with an unprecedented challenge. Will this be the case that finally drives them apart?'The Shadows of Men finds the always reliable Crime Writers' Association Dagger Award-winner Abir Mukherjee on fine form' Financial Times______________PRAISE FOR THE WYNDHAM AND BANERJEE SERIES'An exceptional historical crime novel' C.J. Sansom'A thought-provoking rollercoaster' Ian Rankin'Cracking... A journey into the dark underbelly of the British Raj' Daily ExpressTrade ReviewCaptivating, moving and exciting, it's historical fiction at its finest * Sunday Express *Another compelling, thoughtful and atmospheric episode in this fine series * Mail on Sunday *Abir Mukherjee is doing something uniquely different in the crime genre. His evocation of 1920s India under British occupation is breathtaking. He takes you there with luscious strokes of his pen and a dry wit, keeping you on the edge of your seat as he spins his tale. * Peter May, Sunday Times bestselling author *I loved the slick dovetailing of the dual narrative and the sharp, humorous writing...An engaging, evocative thriller that captures the heat of Indian nights and heady days of a bygone era, without being sentimental or simplistic. For me, the murder mystery and historical elements were perfectly woven together. * Janice Hallett, author of Sunday Times bestseller The Appeal on The Shadows of Men *Abir Mukherjee's terrific crime novels are set in India in the 1920s. The Shadows of Men is vivid and brutal * Sunday Times, Crime Book of the Month *

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Book SynopsisThey say the girls were witches. But Beatrice Scarlet, the apothecary's daughter, is sure they were innocent victims... London, 1758: Beatrice Scarlet, the apothecary's daughter, has found a position at St Mary Magdalene's Refuge for fallen women. The charity is supported by a wealthy merchant who offers the most promising girls steady work in his factory. But when seven girls go missing, Beatrice is uneasy. Their would-be benefactor claims they were a coven of witches, beholden only to Satan and his demonic misdeeds. But Beatrice is convinced something much darker than witchcraft is at play...Trade ReviewFans of Masterton's unflinching Katie Maguire det-fic [...] may wish to venture into the past with the author, where his craft as a bestselling horror writer is given freer rein * The Sunday Times Crime Club *[Scarlet Widow and The Coven] are amazing mystery thrillers that will have you hooked from page 1 * Love Books Group *Highlights the conflict between superstition and science which underpinned just about everything three hundred years ago - and also tells a graphic, fast-moving tale with a large element of horror threaded through the battle between good and evil. Beatrice Scarlet is a heroine of her own time who could teach a lesson or two to women of ours * Promoting Crime Fiction *

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Book SynopsisThe Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde Continues...Seven years after the death of Edward Hyde, a stylish gentleman shows up in foggy London claiming to be Dr Henry Jekyll. Only Mr Utterson, Jekyll’s faithful lawyer and confidant, knows that he must be an impostor – because Jekyll was Hyde. But as the man goes about charming Jekyll's friends and reclaiming his estate, and as the bodies of potential challengers start piling up, Utterson is left fearing for his life ... and questioning his own sanity. This brilliantly imagined and beautifully written sequel to one of literature's greatest masterpieces perfectly complements the original work. And where the original was concerned with the duality of man, this sequel deals with the possibility of identity theft of the most audacious kind. Can it really be that this man who looks and acts so precisely like Dr Henry Jekyll is an imposter?Trade ReviewPraise for Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Seek:"A strange and wondrous tale – beautifully told." LIN ANDERSON "Fiendishly ingenious." RONALD FRAME "O'Neill infuses the narrative with suspense and meticulously researched detail. A gripping novel." KAITE WELSH "A clever and entertaining sequel that will leave Stevenson fans delighted." KEVIN MacNEIL "Dazzling in its own right." LESLEY McDOWELL

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Book Synopsis'A beautiful sensory overload . . . I didn't want it to end.' - Kirstin Innes, bestselling author of Scabby QueenThree women. A deadly score to settle.EDINBURGH, 1791. Isobel Duguid and her friend, the famous castrato Clessidro, are stars of the Edinburgh Musical Society. Despite her cavalier attitude towards holding a tune, Clessidro's friendship and her own shocking murder ballads keep Isobel on stage and enjoying an opulent lifestyle in Auld Reekie.Yet one night a note arrives from the mysterious Mrs Abercorn, regarding Isobel's most notorious song, The Fiddler's Wrath. It's the tale of a prima donna who died of heartbreak after her husband committed murder and was sent to the gallows. Isobel is intrigued.But Mrs Abercorn's curiosity is far more than a fickle interest and the truth is more complicated than anyone could have imagined. As Isobel recoun

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Book Synopsis'A beautiful sensory overload . . . I didn't want it to end.' - Kirstin Innes, bestselling author of Scabby QueenThree women. A deadly score to settle. EDINBURGH, 1791. Isobel Duguid and her friend, the famous castrato Clessidro, are stars of the Edinburgh Musical Society. Despite her cavalier attitude towards holding a tune, Clessidro's friendship and her own shocking murder ballads keep Isobel on stage and enjoying an opulent lifestyle in Auld Reekie. Yet one night a note arrives from the mysterious Mrs Abercorn, regarding Isobel's most notorious song, The Fiddler's Wrath. It's the tale of a prima donna who died of heartbreak after her husband committed murder and was sent to the gallows. Isobel is intrigued. But Mrs Abercorn's curiosity is far more than a fickle interest and the truth is more complicated than anyone could have imagined. As Isobel recounts rising through the social classes, her role in this ill-fated tune is brought to light, awakening the chilling retribution of a once buried secret. A story of betrayal, mystery, and the secrets some would die to protect. Perfect for fans of Patrick Süskind Perfume and Kate Foster's The Maiden. 'This glorious romp through the filth, greed and duplicity of 18th century Edinburgh is a feminist delight. Highly recommended.' - Mary Paulson-Ellis'A wildly original and alarmingly readable historical novel whose dark, blood-soaked narrative takes us by surprise at every turn.' - Andrew Taylor'Tales of opera singers and murderers, of cobbled streets and Old Town tenements, of audacious women and what can befall them. The writing is sublime, I loved every word.' - Elissa Soave

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Book SynopsisThe new drawing mistress feels inquisitive eyes upon her as she arrives to take up her post at the House of Roxburgh. Despite the cavalcade of respectable guests at the house, quickwitted ex-street urchin Molly begins to suspect that darker secrets lurk in the gardens. Meanwhile, in London's East End, a body tumbles from a ship. Sergeant Lawless unearths connections between a newly arrived aristocrat, an unfortunate fire, and a mysterious vanishment.Trade Review"Fans of Victorian historicals will be rewarded." - Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisA DARK PAST It is 1894, and Sherlock Holmes is called to a Covent Garden art gallery where dozens of patrons lie dead before a painting of the Undying Man. Holmes and Watson are soon on the trail of a mysterious figure in black, whose astounding speed and agility make capture impossible. The same suspect is then implicated in another murder, when the servant of a visiting Russian grand duke is found terribly mutilated in a notorious slum. But what links the two crimes, and do they have anything to do with the suicide of an unpopular schoolteacher at a remote boarding school? So begins a case that will reveal the dark shadows that past misdeeds can cast, and test the companions to their limits...Trade ReviewBritish author Kyme (Rebirth) instantly establishes himself as a top-notch pasticheur with his outstanding mystery, which is especially effective at capturing Sherlock Holmes’s dry sense of humor and warm relationship with Dr. Watson....Sherlockians will look forward to more from Kyme. -- Pubishers Weekly Starred Review

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Book SynopsisA HAUNTED HOUSE Sherlock Holmes receives a request for aid from Lord Cary, whose family home, Torre Abbey, is seemingly haunted. While skeptical, Holmes believes that the Carys are in danger, a belief that proves horrifyingly accurate when a household member dies mysteriously. As strange sightings and threatening apparitions become almost commonplace, Holmes and Watson must uncover the secrets of the abbey if they are to have any hope of protecting the living and avenging the dead.Trade Review"Bugge captures the essence of Holmes as well as the spirit of the time. For all Sherlock fans." -- "Library Journal"

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Book SynopsisSherlock Holmes has just uncovered the truth about the theft of a priceless ruby. The wealthy Lady Damury staged the theft and tried to frame her husband - but just as Holmes reveals the truth, Lady Damury is found murdered. Holmes deduces that this is no crime of passion, but the work of a ruthless killer with no connection to the jewel. With reports of a man in a strange, trance-like state, Holmes finds himself entangled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with the sinister Dr Caligari...

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Book SynopsisThe new novel by NBA All-Star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, starring brothers Mycroft and Sherlock Holmes. It is 1872, and a series of gruesome murders is the talk of London. Mycroft Holmes-now twenty-six and a force to be reckoned with at the War Office-has no interest in the killings; however his brother Sherlock has developed a distasteful fascination for the macabre to the detriment of his studies, much to Mycroft's frustration. When a ship carrying cargo belonging to Mycroft's best friend Cyrus Douglas runs aground, Mycroft persuades Sherlock to serve as a tutor at the orphanage that Douglas runs as a charity, so that Douglas might travel to see what can be salvaged. Sherlock finds himself at home among the street urchins, and when a boy dies of a suspected drug overdose, he decides to investigate, following a trail of strange subterranean symbols to the squalid opium dens of the London docks. Meanwhile a meeting with a beautiful Chinese woman leads Mycroft to the very same mystery, one that forces him to examine the underbelly of the opium trade that is enriching his beloved Britain's coffers. As the stakes rise, the brothers find that they need one another's assistance and counsel. But a lifetime of keeping secrets from each other may have catastrophic consequences...Trade ReviewPRAISE FOR MYCROFT AND SHERLOCK "Careful attention to details, lively characters, and thrilling plotting all make this entry from Team Abdul-Jabbar and Waterhouse a winner! It's a joy to share the company of Mycroft and Sherlock Holmes before they were--well, Mycroft and Sherlock Holmes!" Leslie S. Klinger, Editor, The New Annotated Sherlock Holmes "A better than worthy successor to an extraordinary debut, Mycroft and Sherlock plunges Douglas, Mycroft, and his impossibly abrasive teen brother Sherlock into a dark conspiracy in which the mutilated corpses of Chinese immigrants are somehow tied to the disappearance of a narcotics-addicted street urchin. Told with sublime historical detail, keen plotting, and a warm heart, this marvelous sequel grants us new glimpses into the life of a young, vibrant, brilliant Mycroft Holmes." Lyndsay Faye, bestselling author of The Gods of Gotham "The authors have masterfully captured the Victorian idiom. By dropping in clever references to the canon in this Mycroftian prequel, the overall chronology is linked seamlessly. Detailing the complex relationship of the Brothers Holmes and their extraordinary powers of observation--Mycroft's low-key omnipresent talent vs. Sherlock's pure performance art--is very satisfying, filling in blanks we never thought would be completed. Lovely reading... an excellent addition to Holmesian literature." Michael F. Whelan, "Wiggins", Baker Street Irregulars "As a BSI for nearly a half-century I am fussy about pastiches and cannot praise Mycroft and Sherlock too highly. The tone is spot on, and the characters--nicely tweaked from Doyle's portrayal--come to compelling life in this rousing adventure." Otto Penzler, The Mysterious Bookshop "Queen Victoria charges Mycroft with an impossible mission while a 19-year-old Sherlock investigates his first case; the death of a young boy; supposedly an opium addict, but Sherlock's acumen tells him otherwise. The two stories twist around each other until cleverly tangling into one. The fractious brothers are a Victorian Odd Couple, bickering and competing their way into the darkest corners of London's drug trade. The book is smart, fun and paced like a 100-meter sprint. Mycroft and Sherlock is a worthy addition to the Sherlock Holmes legend and lore." Joe Ide, author of the IQ novels and winner of the Shamus, Macavity and Anthony Awards, NYT Critics Best Books 2016, Washington Post's Best Thrillers 2016 "I've written dozens of mysteries, but I've consciously stayed away from creating a hero who might be described as Holmesian. Here's the thing: I'm not smart enough to write a Holmesian character, though I am self-aware enough to accept this sad fact. Nor do I have a keen eye for observational detail. Because of these limitations, my detectives have the qualities I can manage and are armed only with a sharp tongue and some moxie. Fortunately, Kareem and Anna are braver, and oh so much smarter, than I... I love these mysteries. I love the era. I love the language. On some level I resent Kareem and Anna as they deliver all the ingeniousness that eludes me while still imbuing Mycroft with a sharp tongue and moxie all his own. It doesn't seem fair." Rob Thomas, writer/producer, Veronica Mars, iZombie "Fans will want to read this sturdy pastiche" - Kirkus Reviews "In a sequel that takes place two years following the events detailed in the authors' outstanding Mycroft Holmes (2015), Abdul-Jabbar and Waterhouse again nail the historical ambience, the dialogue, and the plotting, effectively paying tribute to Arthur Conan Doyle but also adding large dollops of humor and romance. This is a wonderful mystery in what one hopes will be a long-running series." -Booklist Starred Review "Fans of Conan Doyle will appreciate the period accuracy, but a much wider audience will enjoy the intelligent treatment of race and social standing as part of a well--plotted, intriguing mystery." -Library Journal - Starred Review "Engrossing, emotional...fun... Readers will find plenty of reasons to celebrate this latest Sherlockian adventure." -BookPage "Mycroft and Sherlock has a well laid out plot with many twists and turns that will keep the reader guessing. And for Sherlock Holmes fans, it is a perfect edition to sit next to Conan Doyle on the library shelf." -New York Journal of Books "Here is a Victorian London both as seamy as you could wish for and more diverse than you might expect, through which Sherlock Holmes's smarter older brother strides with sleek authority, solving a tantalising mystery (with just a little help from his sibling). Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has scored another slam-dunk Holmesian hit." James Lovegrove, New York Times bestseller "The smoke of the London Underground, the funk of the Devil's Acre, the vapors of opium. The atmosphere rises off the pages in Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Anna Waterhouse's sequel to their hugely entertaining Mycroft Holmes. Now, in Mycroft and Sherlock, the Holmes brothers--each brilliant in his own way--must solve a case that lays bare the dark heart of Imperial London: a fraternal duo in a story paced like a whirlwind ride through the night." - Martin Rosenstock "A clever pastiche in the world of Sherlock Holmes that expertly captures the tone of the originals while creating a world all their own"..."Updates the canon by presenting us with newfound depths, both to the characters and to the situations they find themselves in. I absolutely loved this book" - Criminal Element "This book gave me so much to think about when it comes to the Holmes brothers." - Editing Everything "An energetic and clever tale about the young Holmes brothers--sure to thrill fans!" Lois H. Gresh, New York Times bestselling author "A worthy addition to the groaning shelves of new Holmes stories, "Mycroft and Sherlock" stands tall." - Seattle Times "Well-written, strongly paced, a chewy mystery. A must for any Sherlock Holmes fan, and just downright fun for any fan of Victorian mysterious fiction." - Bookgasm "The book's a thriller as well as a mystery, with interesting major and minor characters, and it offers an intriguing look at Victorian London." -Sherlockians and Doyleans "Mycroft and Sherlock adds yet another wrinkle to the Holmes-canon that is equally refreshing and a return to classic Holmesian mystique and intrigue." - Electric Literature "another phenomenal novel...Abdul-Jabbar and Waterhouse continue to raise the bar for historical fiction that aims to make a point while it entertains" - CrimeReads "The titular characters are beginning to embody their canonical selves in this book, and it was a lot of fun to read" - Interesting Though Elementary "Mycroft and Sherlock is a worthy story bringing the two Holmes brothers together. It's time to stop comparisons with Arthur Conan Doyle. Abdul-Jabbar and Waterhouse stand on their own, carrying on the proud Sherlock Holmes tradition. " - John Koenig, Stuff I Like

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Book SynopsisAgatha Christie meets The Mitford Murders in this deliciously dark golden age mystery of wartime family secrets and lies in small town England.**DON'T MISS THE LASTEST JOSEPHINE FOX MYSTERY, A CONFLICT OF INTERESTS. OUT NOW!**April 1941, Romsey, England.Josephine 'Jo' Fox hasn't set foot in Romsey in over twenty years. As an illegitimate child, her family - headed by her controlling grandfather - found her an embarrassment. Now, she wants to return to what was once her home and uncover the secret of her parentage. Who was her father and why would her mother never talk about him?Jo arrives the day after the Luftwaffe have bombed the town. The local pub has been completely destroyed and rescue teams are searching for the remains of the seven people known to have been in the pub at the time the bomb hit. They are shocked, however, to uncover eight bodies instead. The eighth, unidentified, body is that of a teenage girl, who no one in the town claims to know. Who is she, how did she get there, but most importantly - who killed her?Teaming up with local coroner and old friend, Bram Nash, Jo sets out to establish the identity of the girl and solve the riddle of her death. In doing so, she also uncovers her own personal mystery.Everyone has secrets - some are just more deadly than others . . .Trade ReviewThe Unexpected Return of Josephine Fox was a complete delight. The story sings with authenticity and I found myself transported to 1940s Romsey from the very first page. 'Josy' is very much a woman ahead of her time and her voice brings heart, and often humour, to what is essentially a very dark mystery. Unputdownable * Caz Frear, bestselling author of Sweet Little Lies, the previous R&J winner *Jo Fox, a very modern woman in wartime England. Getting to know her was a delight. More please, Claire Gradidge * Richard Madeley *Feisty, determined and brave - I loved Josephine ('Jo') Fox. What a debut from a marvellous new author * Judy Finnigan *A terrific debut novel, which captures brilliantly the atmosphere of wartime Britain * Ann Cleeves *

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Book Synopsis*Shortlisted for the John Creasey (New Blood) Dagger Award 2017* World-weary Jonathan Craine is a detective at the LAPD who has spent his entire career as a studio ‘fixer’, covering up crimes of the studio players to protect the billion-dollar industry that built Los Angeles. When one of the producers of The Wizard of Oz is found dead under suspicious circumstances, Craine must make sure the incident passes without scandal and that the deceased’s widow, the beautiful starlet Gale Goodwin, comes through the ordeal with her reputation unscathed. But against his better instincts, Craine finds himself increasingly drawn to Gale. And when a series of unsavoury truths begin to surface, Craine finds himself at the centre of a conspiracy involving a Chicago crime syndicate, a prostitution racket and a set of stolen pictures that could hold the key to unravelling the mystery.Trade Review‘Superbly realised.’ * Telegraph, Books of the Year *‘Three more debuts introduced splendid anti-heroes…. The Pictures follows a morally dubious studio fixer in a superbly realised Thirties Hollywood.’ * The Telegraph *‘The Pictures is a compelling and dazzling debut for fans of Raymond Chandler and James Ellroy. Bolton's tightly paced mystery vividly re-creates 1930s Hollywood and is enriched with complicated, fascinating and flawed characters.’ * Shelf Awareness *'Star-studded, deliciously dark noir.' * Express *'If Bolton manages to combine his natural talent for place with Black's guidance on character, mystery lovers will have a great deal to anticipate.' * NPR Books *'An astonishingly accomplished debut.' * Daily Mail *‘A splendid read…handled with great skill…[Bolton] paints a portrait of the period with a confidence usually reserved for old survivors.’ * The Times *'A solid read for fans of the silver screen and intelligent detective novels.' * Library Journal *'Bolton spins a lurid tale of Hollywood after dark, complete with drugs, prostitution, and pornography...nicely mixing Hollywood glamour with backroom sleaze.' * Booklist *'A laser-sharp noir thriller.' * Financial Times *‘Brilliantly atmospheric and compelling.’ * Mail on Sunday *‘Craine is not the usual maverick cop and his ambiguous nature makes this novel tick… Place and period are lovingly described.’ * Spectator *‘A skilfully written, atmospheric tale.’ * Literary Review *‘It's one of those books which you pick up idly - and don't put down. I read it in a couple of days and I'm still thinking about a couple of the characters. Definitely recommended…. There's a real pace to the story and an effortless evocation of the Hollywood of the nineteen thirties…It's his first novel and is particularly assured for a debut.’ * The Bookbag *‘Moody Hollywood thriller with a tarnished cop looking into a producer's apparent suicide that puts him up against the studio bosses who pay him, the mob that's muscling in, and his old love. Set against the release of The Wizard of Oz, Bolton creates a time and place both accurate and dreamlike as he delves into wounded men looking for a shot to be better.’ * Mystery People bookstore Picked one of the top six debut mystery novels of 2017 *

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Book SynopsisTHE INSANELY GRIPPING AND CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED FOURTH INSTALMENT IN MARK ELLIS' DCI FRANK MERLIN SERIES'[A] stylish thriller' - Sunday Mirror'This exciting, very well plotted and historically evocative story drives forward to its gripping conclusion' - Euro Crime'A richly atmospheric, authentic, and suspenseful detective series' - Joseph Finder, New York Times bestselling author'A rollercoaster ride' - The Yorkshire Herald'So immaculately nuanced they genuinely feel like they belong in the cannon of mid-20th century thrillers . . . Another belter!' - Fiona Phillips'A truly spellbinding page turner that keeps you hooked right to the end' - Dorset Book Detective___________December 1941.On a bright Sunday morning in Hawaii, Japanese planes swoop down and attack the US naval base at Pearl Harbour. America enters the war and Britain no longer stands alone against Hitler.Conditions on the home front remain bleak. In a city pulverised by the Blitz, with rampant crime and corruption and overstretched police resources, life for Scotland Yard detective Frank Merlin continues as arduous as ever.In the week of Japan's aggression, the shattered body of beautiful film star Laura Curzon is found on the pavement beneath her Mayfair apartment, an apparent suicide. A mile away, the body of a strangled young girl is discovered in the rubble of a bombed-out building.Merlin and his team investigate, encountering fraudulent film moguls, philandering movie stars, depraved Satanists and brutal gangsters as they battle through a wintry London in pursuit of the truth.___________An excellent read by an author who clearly knows his subject . . . highly recommended - Alex J Book ReviewsSuspenseful and plot driven, this book keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout - Rachel Read ItA vivid and often surprising portrayal of wartime London - The Western MailVivid descriptions of the era provide ideal background for the charismatic and likeable Merlin - Buzz MagazineTrade Review[A] stylish thriller * Sunday Mirror *This exciting, very well plotted and historically evocative story drives forward to its gripping conclusion * Euro Crime *A richly atmospheric, authentic, and suspenseful detective series -- Joseph Finder, New York Times bestselling authorA rollercoaster ride * The Yorkshire Herald *So immaculately nuanced they genuinely feel like they belong in the cannon of mid-20th century thrillers . . . Another belter! -- Fiona PhillipsA truly spellbinding page turner that keeps you hooked right to the end * Dorset Book Detective *Brimming with action . . . complex, addictive and highly entertaining . . . I cannot wait to read more books by Mark Ellis * The Book Cosy Book Club *Brimming with authentic details . . . A compelling tale of crime fiction * Foreword Reviews *Wow! Well just as I think I've completed my Outstanding Books Of The Year list, up pops another book that will be on the list * Mrs Bloggs: The Average Reader *A mammoth read with a Dickensian plethora of characters that I thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in . . . meticulously researched . . . deliciously complex * CARAMEROLLOVESBOOKS *This latest novel in Mark Ellis's DCI Merlin series goes way beyond the familiar clichés . . . satisfyingly complex * Shots Magazine *A marvellous addition to this wonderful series * Swirl and Thread *Mr. Ellis comprehensively explodes that persisting myth of unalloyed wartime togetherness . . . an eye-opener -- Janet RogerAn excellent read by an author who clearly knows his subject . . . highly recommended * Alex J Book Reviews *Suspenseful and plot driven, this book keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout * Rachel Read It *A vivid and often surprising portrayal of wartime London * The Western Mail *Vivid descriptions of the era provide ideal background for the charismatic and likeable Merlin * Buzz Magazine *

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Book SynopsisA compelling historical murder mystery set amongst the artists in seventeenth-century Paris. For fans of C.J. Sansom and S.J. Parris. 'A rich and achingly beautiful novel' - Carol McGrath (author of the Daughters of Hastings trilogy) on An Artist in Her Own Right. Paris, 1676. When a body washes up on the banks of the Bièvre river, a young woman finds herself embroiled in an intricate murder case.At first it seems mere coincidence that the dead man was discovered outside the Royal Manufactory of the Gobelins, home to a community of artists and craftsmen. He was not one of them, after all. But Anne-Marie, a sculptor's wife, soon realises that the victim may well be known within the walls of the Gobelins - and that the killer might be amongst them.With the police apparently disinterested, it is a mystery that is hers alone to solve. Anne-Marie's investigations will take her from the unsavoury slums of the Ile Notre-Dame to the grand ducal residences of the Place Royale. But who can she truly trust on the streets of Paris?Readers LOVED An Artist in Her Own Right:'A wonderful blend of fact and fiction that I literally read in two sittings''Alive with action and colour''The ebb and flow of relationships, between family members and artists, are beautifully conceived and nuanced''Wonderful imaginative detail'Trade ReviewA rich and achingly beautiful novel

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Book Synopsis'A perilous predicament for the ever-resourceful Euphemia. Highly entertaining.' - Penny Kline, author of The Sister's Secret'Euphemia is charming and witty and completely adorable. Loved it.' - Colette McCormick, author of Ribbons in Her HairIt is early 1914, the world is on the brink of war and newly-weds Bertram and Euphemia Stapleford have just returned from their honeymoon. But Euphemia's duty lies with her King and country and she is ordered to accompany spymaster Fitzroy as his navigator in an unofficial car rally across Europe. Their task is to collect top-secret information at a dead drop en route from Hamburg to Monaco. Masquerading as Fitzroy's younger brother, Euphemia endures the most terrifying journey of her life. Before the race has even begun Fitzroy's life is put in danger and further violent attempts to sabotage their mission soon follow. When British double agent Otto begs them to help prevent the assassination of one of the Kaiser's relatives, they don't know who to trust. For it is impossible to tell who is actively hostile, as opposed to merely competitive, in a race in which so many lives are at stake...Trade ReviewA Sparkling and witty crime debut with a female protagonist to challenge Miss Marple -- Lin AndersonImpeccable historical detail with a light touch -- Lesley Cookman, The Libby Sarjeant SeriesEuphemia Martins is feisty, funny and completely adorable -- Colette McCormick, Ribbons in Her HairA rattlingly good dose of Edwardian country house intrigue with plenty of twist and turns and clues to puzzle through along with the heroine of the book, Euphemia Martins * Booklore.co.uk *

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Book Synopsis'A perilous predicament for the ever-resourceful Euphemia. Highly entertaining.' - Penny Kline, author of The Sister's Secret'Euphemia is charming and witty and completely adorable. Loved it.' - Colette McCormick, author of Ribbons in Her HairIt is August 1914 and war has been declared. Spymaster Fitzroy returns from France with a team of highly trained spotters wounded and unfit for duty. While Euphemia's husband, Bertram, is away undertaking Fitzroy's next mission, Euphemia and Merry go undercover as nurses in the hospital where Fitzroy's four surviving scouts are being treated. It is feared one of them is a traitor and Euphemia must identify him before it is too late... At the hospital, Euphemia encounters a black-market racketeer, the impenetrable high security Ward D, and an old familiar face who believes some deaths on his ward are a result of foul play. Uncovering far more than she'd bargained for, Euphemia will need all her strength, wit and ingenuity to survive unscathed ...Trade ReviewA Sparkling and witty crime debut with a female protagonist to challenge Miss Marple -- Lin AndersonImpeccable historical detail with a light touch -- Lesley Cookman, The Libby Sarjeant SeriesEuphemia Martins is feisty, funny and completely adorable -- Colette McCormick, Ribbons in Her HairA rattlingly good dose of Edwardian country house intrigue with plenty of twist and turns and clues to puzzle through along with the heroine of the book, Euphemia Martins * Booklore.co.uk *

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Book SynopsisEuphemia Martin's sixteenth gripping mystery is a nail-biting adventure of espionage and suspense set at the beginning of the Great War.It is 1914 and war is underway. A group of French actors has become trapped in Britain and some of them are seeking political asylum, among these is a mathematician with whom Euphemia's friend, Mary, has been corresponding. He joined the troupe with the express intention of making it to Britain and to Mary before the war began.Euphemia's new commander sends her undercover to the theatre where the company is finishing its run, and he instructs Fitzroy to remain on medical leave. But Fitzroy has never been one to obey orders. Meanwhile, Euphemia's husband, Bertram, lies critically ill in hospital and Euphemia must employ all her strength to stay focussed on her mission. With actors and agents playing roles both on and off stage, the toughest challenge is knowing who to trust...Trade ReviewA sparkling and witty crime debut with a female protagonist to challenge Miss Marple -- Lin AndersonImpeccable historical detail with a light touch -- Lesley Cookman, The Libby Serjeant SeriesEuphemia Martins is feisty, funny and completely adorable -- Colette McCormick, Ribbons in Her HairA rattlingly good dose of Edwardian country house intrigue with plenty of twist and turns and clues to puzzle through along with the heroine of the book, Euphemia Martins * Booklore.co.uk *

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Book Synopsis'A rollicking good read' IAN RANKIN'Employs a turbulent 1930s India as the canvas for a nefarious assassination plot complete with tiger hunts and shady maharajahs. A rollicking Raj-era mystery' VASEEM KHAN The second in the series of the Dabble and Harris thrillers! Set in the mid-twentieth century, this adventure series is perfect for fans of action-packed, historical fiction.............................................................India, 1937. Intrepid reporter Sir Percival Harris is hunting tigers with his friend, Professor Ernest Drabble. Harris soon bags a man-eater - but later finds himself caught up in a hunt of a different kind...Harris is due to interview the Maharaja of Bikaner, a friend to the Raj, for his London newspaper - and he and Drabble soon find themselves accompanied by a local journalist, Miss Heinz. But is the lady all she seems? And the Maharaja himself is proving elusive...Meanwhile, the movement for Indian independence is becoming stronger, and Drabble and Harris witness some of the conflict first-hand. But even more drama comes on arrival at Bikaner when the friends find themselves confined to their quarters... and embroiled in an assassination plot!Just who is the enemy in the Maharaja's palace? What is the connection to a mysterious man Drabble meets in Delhi? And what secret plans do the British colonial officers have up their sleeves?............................................................Praise for Alec Marsh's Drabble and Harris thrillers:'An immensely readable treat!' ALEXANDER MCCALL SMITH'Told with humour and flair, Enemy of the Raj is a highly enjoyable, riveting read'ABIR MUKHERJEE'A thoroughly engaging and enjoyable diversion'NEW STATESMAN on Enemy of the Raj 'Tremendous stuff! With the arrival of Alec Marsh's first Drabble and Harris thriller, John Buchan must be stirring uneasily in his grave'STANLEY JOHNSONTrade ReviewA thoroughly engaging and enjoyable diversion * New Statesman *Tremendous stuff! With the arrival of Alec Marsh's first Drabble and Harris thriller, John Buchan must be stirring uneasily in his grave * Stanley Johnson *A rollicking good read * Ian Rankin *An immensely readable treat! * Alexander McCall Smith *Told with humour and flair, Enemy of the Raj is a highly enjoyable, riveting read. I'm already looking forward to the next one! * Abir Mukherjee *

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Book Synopsis'A rollicking good read' IAN RANKIN'A fun read' OBSERVER'Deftly plotted and hugely entertaining' JAMES WILSONThis third novel in the Drabble and Harris thrillers is perfect for fans of action-packed, historical fiction.................................................................When daring journalist Sir Percival Harris gets wind of a curious crime in a sleepy English town, he ropes in his old friend Professor Ernest Drabble to help him investigate.The crime is a grave robbery, and as Drabble and Harris pry deeper, events take a mysterious turn when a theft at the British Museum is soon followed by a murder.The friends are soon involved in a tumultuous quest that takes them from the genteel streets of London to the wide plains of the United States. What exactly is at stake is not altogether clear - but if they don't act soon, the outcome could be a bloody conflict, one that will cross borders, continents and oceans...Meanwhile, can Drabble and Harris's friendship - which has endured near-death experiences on several continents, not to mention a boarding school duel - survive a crisis in the shape of the beautiful and enigmatic Dr Charlotte Moore?................................................................Praise for Alec Marsh's Drabble and Harris thrillers:'Marsh's mixture of derring-do and scholarship makes for a fun read' OBSERVER on Ghosts of the West'An immensely readable treat!'ALEXANDER MCCALL SMITH'Told with humour and flair, Enemy of the Raj is a highly enjoyable, riveting read'ABIR MUKHERJEE'A thoroughly engaging and enjoyable diversion'NEW STATESMAN on Enemy of the Raj'Tremendous stuff! With the arrival of Alec Marsh's first Drabble and Harris thriller, John Buchan must be stirring uneasily in his grave'STANLEY JOHNSON'Immensely enjoyable'SPALDING TODAY'Hugely readable'ALEXANDER LARMAN, THE CHAPTrade ReviewMarsh's mixture of derring-do and scholarship makes for a fun read * Observer on Ghosts of the West *Immensely enjoyable * Spalding Today *Hugely readable * Alexander Larman, writing in The Chap *

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Book SynopsisA chilling Gothic mystery from the bestselling author of Richard & Judy Book Club hit The Cold Season, perfect for fans of Susan Hill, The Coffin Path and The Silent Companions - where superstition and myth bleed into real life with tragic consequences. Pretty Lizzie Higgs is gone, burned to death on her own hearth - but was she really a changeling, as her husband insists?Albie Mirralls met his cousin only once, in 1851, within the grand glass arches of the Crystal Palace, but unable to countenance the rumours that surround her murder, he leaves his young wife in London and travels to Halfoak, a village steeped in superstition.Albie begins to look into Lizzie's death, but in this place where the old tales hold sway and the 'Hidden People' supposedly roam, answers are slippery and further tragedy is just a step away . . .'This is an intriguing and unsettling scenario. Littlewood's descriptions are picturesque and her prose convincingly dated and beautifully lyrical' - Sunday ExpressTrade ReviewLittlewood does a great job writing in a quasi-Victorian manner throughout and the twist is brilliant * Daily Mail *There's an amazing sense of place and time in this novel, as Littlewood perfectly captures the literary style, attitudes, and class consciousness of Victorian England * Publishers Weekly *Suitably strange with a twist * Kirkus Reviews *This is an intriguing and unsettling scenario. Littlewood's descriptions are picturesque and her prose convincingly dated and beautifully lyrical * Sunday Express *Hypnotic and intelligent with buckets of atmosphere . . . Littlewood expertly weaves themes of misogyny and mythology into a psychological page-turner that feels both familiar and fresh * SFX *One of those books that you will probably read over the course of a single night and wonder in the morning where the time has gone . . . The Hidden People is an intriguing piece of work that takes its cue from complex mythology and superstition to weave a timeless story that equally delights and disturbs. * Upcoming4.me *This magical murder-mystery blends the supernatural with the psychological ... surprising, moving and rewarding * Daily Express *A skilful blend of the supernatural and the psychological . . . If you enjoyed Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke and the Woman in Black by Susan Hill, this is one for you * Mature Times *A sense of tension makes The Hidden People deeply uneasy reading, and it's to Littlewood's credit that she sustains this uncertainty so cleverly, without landing on one explanation or the other till the whole of her tremendous tale is told . . . As mesmerising as it is magical, and as quickening as it is at times sickening, The Hidden People is, at the last, an excellent successor to Littlewood's darkly-sparkling debut * Tor.com *The novel has a strange and dreamlike quality to it, almost as if a fog is hanging over the town, and when combined with the bizarre townsfolk and the disturbing mystery at its center, it makes for a book that disturbs the reader as new dimensions unfold piece by piece * Barnes and Noble *Littlewood weaves a plot that's as complex as any contemporary thriller, made more labyrinthine by the supernatural elements; a tense atmosphere permeates the novel, growing in strength to become more disturbing with each passing chapter . . . Anyone expecting a gore-fest or a fairy apocalypse will be disappointed, but for those wanting to observe how subtle psychological horror can be, how the deepest fears can be contained in the smallest of actions, and that the gothic novel is still incredibly powerful even in these modern times, this is the book for them. * Starburst Magazine *A dark Victorian gothic murder-mystery novel with a chillingly authentic feel * Choice Magazine *Definitely ticks all the boxes . . . a brilliant story full of mystery, murder and intrigue * Garbage-file *The Hidden People deftly drops readers into a bygone world where wise women dabble in foretelling the future and sharing herbal concoctions; hobgoblins, changelings and fairies are evident, if you know how to look; and folktales and fantasies can pervade the mind, bringing on delusions and misconceptions that threaten to overwhelm even the most logically minded soul * Shelf Awareness *An enjoyable, dark tale. It is an intriguing Victorian murder mystery filled with interesting themes surrounding folklore and superstition in the 19th century, along with some unforgettable characters * Owl on the Bookshelf *Perfect . . . a story that's exquisitely unsettling * Blue Book Balloon *Alison Littlewood is one of the brightest stars in the horror genre at the moment . . . The Hidden People is impeccably written, quiet, evocative horror. It's yet another must buy from Littlewood. * This is Horror *The atmosphere Alison Littlewood conjures up in The Hidden People is absorbing and there's a real sense of foreboding, you feel the fairies might show themselves at any moment. * Irish News *A brilliant novel * Tim Lebbon *The time and place are evoked with exquisite minute detail that I was swept up in it all - never has the phrase ' away with the fairies" seemed more apt * The Book Trail *The time stops completely, as a reader you're forced to take in all the sounds and sights...You'll constantly question who's bonkers and whether you'll actually meet a real fairy in the story . . . If it wasn't published in October 2016 but rather in early 1900s, it would easily be one of the classics now. * Cover to Cover *[Littlewood] writes the books I love - fairy tales, folklore and mystery all seamlessly woven together * The Bookish Outsider *The story is utterly atmospheric, full of the kind of beautiful, exquisite detail that slowly creeps up on you. Littlewood also writes wonderfully and has a flair for bringing a historical setting to life * Bibliosanctum *Beautifully atmospheric. It's not so much shock-and-awe jump-scare horror as a slow, creeping buildup of wrongness that she creates by subtly weaving together details. She paints a vivid picture of Halfoak, and then starts to tear it apart, bit by bit. * SF Revu *A meticulously imagined novel of a bourgeois London gentleman investigating a northern cousin's immolation under similar circumstances. In Yorkshire, Albert Mirrals gradually finds that the rational explanations he once entertained for what he believes was his cousin's murder - domestic violence, jealousies - become entwined with the lyrical madness of possession. Quotations from Yeats and other poets magnify the effects of Littlewood's carefully period prose * Seattle Review of Books *Littlewood weaves a great story here, with plenty of questions and atmosphere to keep readers turning the pages.The story was compelling, the characters interesting and complex, and it was an evocative novel that's going to have a solid place of my bookshelves from now on. Definitely recommended for those who are looking for something beyond typical urban fantasy fare, for those who enjoy historical fiction, and also, for those like me who have a soft spot for genre-breaking fiction that leaves you hungry for more * Bibliotropic *The characters and story itself were absolutely fantastic! An amazing mystery that messes with your mind and keeps you wondering what is happening from start to end . . . incredibly well thought out and put together * Roadside Reader *Littlewood has a real talent. The Hidden People is one of the most well written books I have read this year * The Quillery *This is a super creepy read whether you want to believe or not * Den of Geek *The perfect October read * Books, Bones & Buffy *Littlewood's best novel yet . . . a sustained and convincing work of traditional gothic horror -- Stephen Teaker * Black Static *The ominous pacing and twisting plot build suspense, as the tale grows more unsettling with every page * Barnes and Noble *

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Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE 2019 CWA HISTORICAL DAGGER'A gripping tale of crime and sedition' Sunday Times on The Black Friar'The best historical crime novel of the year' Sunday Express on The SeekerCaptain Damian Seeker has gone north. Charged with preparing the way for the rule of the major-generals, he is now under the command of Colonel Robert Lilburne at York. But when Lilburne orders him to a small village on the North York moors with details of the stringent new anti-Royalist laws, Seeker finds that what should be a routine visit will reveal a plot to rival anything in scheming LondonAn invitation to dinner at the house of local businessman Matthew Pullan lifts the lid on the bubbling cauldron of grudges and resentment that is Faithly village. The local constable, drunk on the tiny bit of power he holds, using it to avenge old resentments. The hated lord of the manor, the last of a staunchly Royalist family who has managed to avoid suspicion of treachery - for now. The vicar on trial for his job and his home, accused of ungodly acts. And the Pullans themselves, proudly Puritan but disillusioned with Cromwell's government, respected and despised in Faithly in equal measure. The man for whom this unlikely gathering was organised - The Trier, the enforcer of Puritan morality for the local villages - hasn't shown up. And by the end of the night, on of those gathered around Matthew Pullan's table will be fatally poisoned.Seeker must find out the motive behind the death - mushroom misidentification, petty revenge, or part of a larger plot against Cromwell's government in the north? But who in Faithly, if anyone, can he trust? And when the most painful part of his past reappears after eleven years, will the Seeker meet his match?Trade ReviewA suspenseful, atmospheric addition to one of the best historical crime series around * The Times *Different elements are cleverly melded, with MacLean's depiction of the paranoia and fear caused by the Trier and his court particularly chilling and believable, as well as her talent for character development that makes the enigmatic Seeker such a compelling protagonist * Crime Review *

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Book SynopsisGolden Hill and The Alienist meet Gangs of New York in this sweeping historical crime drama set in 18th century New York.New York, 1799: Justy Flanagan, lawyer, soldier, policeman, has returned to his native city, bloodied and battered after fighting in the Irish Rebellion against the English. Determined to hunt down the man who murdered his father, his inquiries lead him to Wall Street and the fledgling stock market there. But as his investigations into the past move ahead, the horrific murders of young slave women in the present start to occupy his time. Convinced that there is a link between his father's murder, the deaths of the young women, and a massive fraud that nearly destroyed New York's economy, Justy can trust no one. As the conspiracy deepens, it becomes clear that those involved will stop at nothing to keep their secrets. Justy is forced to choose: will he betray his father's memory, compromise his integrity, and risk the lives of his closest friends, to get to the bottom of a tale so dangerous, it could change the landscape of America forever?Trade ReviewA meticulously researched historical thriller... with strong, multifaceted [characters] and tight plotting. I will impatiently await the sequel. -- Patrick TaylorThe Devil's Half-Mile terrified me. Paddy Hirsch's vivid story of New York in 1799 shows just how vulnerable our newborn nation was to greedy men with no moral centers. Young Irish-American Justice Flanagan manages to expose the corruption of Wall Street and misdeeds of government officials but it's a close thing. Impossible not to think of parallels to today and hope there are some contemporary Justice Flanagans at work. Powerful. * Mary Pat Kelly, filmmaker and best-selling author of Galway Bay and Of Irish Blood *A tense, violent and atmospheric crime thriller set in 1799 when the white-collar criminals carried switchblades and human lives were traded like sacks of grain. * Michael Robotham, award-winning author of LIFE OR DEATH *Fascinating and well drawn. * The Times *A page-turning historical thriller... A perfect holiday read. * Irish Independent *

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Book SynopsisGolden Hill and The Alienist meet Gangs of New York in this sweeping historical crime drama set in 18th century New York.New York, 1799. Justy Flanagan returns to his native city after five years in Ireland fighting the English. Bloodied and battered, Justy is no stranger to violence. Now he must use all his resources to uncover the truth behind his father's murder. But while he looks so intently at the past, it is the present that threatens to trip him up.When the body of a young woman appears in the docklands, brutally murdered, Justy must venture into the dark underbelly of the nascent city, where the labyrinthine streets hold danger at every turn. And, as the conspiracy deepens, it becomes clear that those involved will stop at nothing to keep their secrets...Trade ReviewA tense, violent and atmospheric crime thriller set in 1799 when the white-collar criminals carried switchblades and human lives were traded like sacks of grain. * Michael Robotham, award-winning author of LIFE OR DEATH *A page-turning historical thriller... A perfect holiday read. * Irish Independent *A meticulously researched historical thriller... with strong, multifaceted [characters] and tight plotting. I will impatiently await the sequel. -- Patrick TaylorFascinating and well drawn. * The Times *The Devil's Half-Mile terrified me. Paddy Hirsch's vivid story of New York in 1799 shows just how vulnerable our newborn nation was to greedy men with no moral centers. Young Irish-American Justice Flanagan manages to expose the corruption of Wall Street and misdeeds of government officials but it's a close thing. Impossible not to think of parallels to today and hope there are some contemporary Justice Flanagans at work. Powerful. * Mary Pat Kelly, filmmaker and best-selling author of Galway Bay and Of Irish Blood *

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Book Synopsis'A wild horse-and-carriage ride through early 19th century New York... Meticulously researched, the novel brings the city to life in lurid sensory detail.' Noel O'Reilly, author of WreckerNew York, 1803. The expanding city is rife with tension, and violence simmers on every street as black and Irish gangs fight for control. When a young girl is found brutally murdered, Marshal Justy Flanagan must find the killer before a mob takes the law into their own hands.Kerry O'Toole, Justy's friend and ally, decides to pursue her own inquiries into the girl's murder. When they each find their way into a shadowy community on the fringes of the city, Justy and Kerry encounter a treacherous web of political conspiracy and criminal enterprise. As events dangerously escalate, they must fight to save not only the city, but also themselves...Trade ReviewA wild horse-and-carriage ride through early 19th century New York... Meticulously researched, the novel brings the city to life in lurid sensory detail. * Noel O'Reilly, author of Wrecker *Absolutely loved this book. What an amazing adventure. Hirsch grabs you by the hand and pulls you into the fascinating and seamy underbelly of 19th century New York. It's Gangs of New York and CJ Sansom rolled into one; a thrilling ride, mesmerising locations, and a compelling murder mystery all at once. * C. S. Quinn, author of The Bastille Spy *The prose is rich... a joy. * The Times *A meticulously researched historical thriller... with strong, multifaceted [characters] and tight plotting. I will impatiently await the sequel. * Patrick Taylor, author of the Irish Country Books series, on The Devil's Half Mile *Fascinating and well drawn. * The Times on The Devil's Half Mile *A page-turning historical thriller... A perfect holiday read. * Irish Independent on The Devil's Half Mile *

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Book SynopsisLonglisted for the HWA Gold Crown 2020_________________________________From the bestselling e-book sensation of The Thief Taker series comes a thrilling and sumptuous novel set during the early days of the French Revolution.'A rip-roaring adventure.' Tessa Harris, author of the Dr Thomas Silkstone Mysteries_________________________________'He was alive when he went in the mortuary.'1789. The Bastille is marked for destruction. Skirmishes in the city are rife and revolution is in the air. When a gruesomely murdered rebel is found in the prison morgue, a plot is suspected.English spy, Attica Morgan, is laying low after an abortive mission. So when she's given an assignment inside the Bastille, her instinct is to run. Instead, she's offered a pardon, in return for solving the mystery of the dead revolutionary; and exposing a plot that leads to Marie Antoinette.But as tensions rise to breaking point in the city, Attica quickly realises she's in a race against time. Soon there could be no Bastille to investigate.'Incredible! It's the best action adventure novel I've ever read... A fantastic achievement that has blown me away with its ingenuity, scope and breathless pace.' Louise Voss, author of the Detective Lennon seriesTrade ReviewA true treasure of a historical novel... Enjoyable and deeply satisfying with a rich array of characters and a sense of danger which lasts throughout. * Paul Doherty, author of the A Brother Athelstan Medieval Mystery series *A rip-roaring adventure with an exciting new heroine at its heart. * Tessa Harris, author of the Dr Thomas Silkstone Mysteries *A sparkling extravaganza of a read - fast-paced, exciting and utterly gripping from explosive start to satisfying ending. Lively, intriguing [and] wonderful... I can't wait for the next one. * Joanna Courtney, author of the Queens of Conquest series *Delicious, brilliant and totally absorbing. This pacy, atmospheric thriller... is absolutely unputdownable with its sharp, witty writing and spot on period description. * Carol McGrath, auhtor of The Daughters of Hastings series *The Bastille Spy is incredible! It's the best action adventure novel I've ever read... I can't wait for the next instalment. A fantastic achievement that has blown me away with its ingenuity, scope and breathless pace. * Louise Voss, author of the Detective Lennon Thriller Series *A galloping ventre à terre from start to finish. Attica Morgan is rebellious, resourceful, and perfectly willing to show that whatever an eighteenth century man can do, she can do better, and with flair. * Sarah Hawkswood, author of the Bradecote and Catchpoll series *The Bastille Spy is a rollicking read - a cross between Lara Croft and Pirates of the Caribbean, all transported to revolutionary era France. * David Penny, author of the Thomas Berrington series *This is really captivating, vivid writing. Descriptions that come straight off the pages and permeate deep into your senses, and a truly electrifying pace. Quinn is a brilliant new talent! * Peter James, author of Dead at First Sight, on C.S. Quinn *Sharp, atmospheric and sumptuous. * Simon Toyne, author of Sanctus, on C.S. Quinn *

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Book SynopsisShortlisted for the HWA Gold Crown 2020_________________________________From the bestselling e-book sensation of The Thief Taker series comes a thrilling and sumptuous novel set during the early days of the French Revolution.'A rip-roaring adventure.' Tessa Harris, author of the Dr Thomas Silkstone Mysteries_________________________________The year is 1789 and revolution is in the air. Attica Morgan - a rebellious and resourceful English spy - is laying low after an abortive mission. So when she's offered a pardon in return for solving a gruesome murder in Paris, she jumps at the chance to redeem herself.Once in the city, it becomes clear that tensions have risen to breaking point and the citizens are on the cusp of revolt. And, as she investigates, Attica uncovers a plot that leads her from the sewers of Paris to the court of Marie Antoinette. She quickly realises that she's in a race to save more lives than her own before the revolution takes its bloody turn...'Incredible! It's the best action adventure novel I've ever read... A fantastic achievement that has blown me away with its ingenuity, scope and breathless pace.' Louise Voss, author of the Detective Lennon seriesTrade ReviewA true treasure of a historical novel... Enjoyable and deeply satisfying with a rich array of characters and a sense of danger which lasts throughout. * Paul Doherty, author of the A Brother Athelstan Medieval Mystery series *A rip-roaring adventure with an exciting new heroine at its heart. * Tessa Harris, author of the Dr Thomas Silkstone Mysteries *A sparkling extravaganza of a read - fast-paced, exciting and utterly gripping from explosive start to satisfying ending. Lively, intriguing [and] wonderful... I can't wait for the next one. * Joanna Courtney, author of the Queens of Conquest series *Delicious, brilliant and totally absorbing. This pacy, atmospheric thriller... is absolutely unputdownable with its sharp, witty writing and spot on period description. * Carol McGrath, author of The Daughters of Hastings series *The Bastille Spy is incredible! It's the best action adventure novel I've ever read... I can't wait for the next instalment. A fantastic achievement that has blown me away with its ingenuity, scope and breathless pace. * Louise Voss, author of the Detective Lennon Thriller Series *A galloping ventre à terre from start to finish. Attica Morgan is rebellious, resourceful, and perfectly willing to show that whatever an eighteenth century man can do, she can do better, and with flair. * Sarah Hawkswood, author of the Bradecote and Catchpoll series *The Bastille Spy is a rollicking read - a cross between Lara Croft and Pirates of the Caribbean, all transported to revolutionary era France. * David Penny, author of the Thomas Berrington series *This is really captivating, vivid writing. Descriptions that come straight off the pages and permeate deep into your senses, and a truly electrifying pace. Quinn is a brilliant new talent! * Peter James, author of Dead at First Sight, on C.S. Quinn *Sharp, atmospheric and sumptuous. * Simon Toyne, author of Sanctus, on C.S. Quinn *

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Book SynopsisAmazon reviewers love The Scarlet Code!'A rollicking good tale''Thoroughly enjoyable, highly recommend''Exciting, swashbuckling adventure''Everything you could want from an adventure thriller: excitement, a fabulously endearing heroine and pirate to fall in love with, a cruel killer and... well-written historical detail. Superb.'1789. The Bastille has fallen...As Parisians pick souvenirs from the rubble, a killer stalks the lawless streets. His victims are female aristocrats. His executions use the most terrible methods of the ancient regime.English spy Attica Morgan is laying low in Paris, helping nobles escape. When her next charge falls victim to the killer's twisted machinations, Attica realises she alone can unmask him. But now it seems his deadly sights are set on her.As the city prisons empty, and a mob mobilises to storm Versailles, finding a dangerous criminal is never going to be easy. Attica's only hope is to enlist her old ally, reformed pirate Jemmy Avery, to track the killer though his revolutionary haunts. But even with a pirate and her fast knife, it seems Attica might not manage to stay alive.'A rip-roaring adventure' Tessa Harris on The Bastille SpyTrade ReviewA true treasure of a historical novel... Enjoyable and deeply satisfying with a rich array of characters and a sense of danger which lasts throughout. * Paul Doherty on The Bastille Spy *A rip-roaring adventure with an exciting new heroine at its heart. * Tessa Harris on The Bastille Spy *A sparkling extravaganza of a read - fast-paced, exciting and utterly gripping from explosive start to satisfying ending. Lively, intriguing [and] wonderful... I can't wait for the next one. * Joanna Courtney on The Bastille Spy *Delicious, brilliant and totally absorbing. This pacy, atmospheric thriller... is absolutely unputdownable with its sharp, witty writing and spot on period description. * Carol McGrath on The Bastille Spy *

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Book SynopsisAmazon reviewers love The Scarlet Code!'A rollicking good tale''Thoroughly enjoyable, highly recommend''Exciting, swashbuckling adventure''Everything you could want from an adventure thriller: excitement, a fabulously endearing heroine and pirate to fall in love with, a cruel killer and... well-written historical detail. Superb.'1789. The Bastille has fallen...As Parisians pick souvenirs from the rubble, a killer stalks the lawless streets. His victims are female aristocrats. His executions use the most terrible methods of the ancient regime.English spy Attica Morgan is laying low in Paris, helping nobles escape. When her next charge falls victim to the killer's twisted machinations, Attica realises she alone can unmask him. But now it seems his deadly sights are set on her.As the city prisons empty, and a mob mobilises to storm Versailles, finding a dangerous criminal is never going to be easy. Attica's only hope is to enlist her old ally, reformed pirate Jemmy Avery, to track the killer though his revolutionary haunts. But even with a pirate and her fast knife, it seems Attica might not manage to stay alive.'A rip-roaring adventure' Tessa Harris on The Bastille SpyTrade ReviewA true treasure of a historical novel... Enjoyable and deeply satisfying with a rich array of characters and a sense of danger which lasts throughout. * Paul Doherty on The Bastille Spy *A rip-roaring adventure with an exciting new heroine at its heart. * Tessa Harris on The Bastille Spy *A sparkling extravaganza of a read - fast-paced, exciting and utterly gripping from explosive start to satisfying ending. Lively, intriguing [and] wonderful... I can't wait for the next one. * Joanna Courtney on The Bastille Spy *Delicious, brilliant and totally absorbing. This pacy, atmospheric thriller... is absolutely unputdownable with its sharp, witty writing and spot on period description. * Carol McGrath on The Bastille Spy *

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Book Synopsis'Historical fiction at its most sumptuous' Rory Clements'S. J. Parris fans will be pleased' Publishers WeeklyFrom the bestselling, CWA Historical Dagger Award-nominated author of The Angel's Mark comes a gripping and atmospheric new mystery . . . ______________The Elizabethan world is in flux. Radical new ideas are challenging the old. But the quest for knowledge can lead down dangerous paths...London, 1594. The Queen's physician has been executed for treason, and conspiracy theories flood the streets. When Nicholas Shelby, unorthodox physician and unwilling associate of spymaster Robert Cecil, is accused of being part of the plot, he and his new wife Bianca must flee for their lives. With agents of the Crown on their tail, they make for Padua, following the ancient pilgrimage route, the Via Francigena. But the pursuing English aren't the only threat Nicholas and Bianca face. Hella, a strange and fervently religious young woman, has joined them on their journey. When the trio finally reach relative safety, they become embroiled in a radical and dangerous scheme to shatter the old world's limits of knowledge. But Hella's dire predictions of an impending apocalypse, and the brutal murder of a friend of Bianca's forces them to wonder: who is this troublingly pious woman? And what does she want?More praise for S. W. Perry's Jackdaw Mysteries: 'Engaging' Sunday Times'Beautiful writing' Giles Kristian'Brilliantly evokes the colours, sights and sounds of the Elizabethan era' Goodreads review'Gripping, packed with twists and turns!' Goodreads review'Spellbinding . . . I fell in love with every character' Goodreads reviewTrade ReviewA real page-turner. Hell, threat and madness abound in this desperate flight from the dangerous, dark streets of Elizabeth's Protestant London to the vivid heart of Galileo's menacing Catholic Italy. * Minette Walters *The Heretic's Mark really is the most thrilling, stimulating and fabulously readable tale. * Liz Robinson, LoveReading, Picks of the month *Vivid characters and spot-on period details complement the intricate whodunit plot... S.J. Parris fans will be pleased. * Publishers Weekly, starred reviews *The writing is of such a quality, the characters so engaging and the setting so persuasive that S.W. Perry's ingeniously plotted novels have become my favourite historical crime series. * S. G. MacLean on The Serpent's Mark *The third in Perry's series is as dramatic and colourful as the previous two. * Sunday Times, praise for The Saracen's Mark *An absolute belter of a read and another fabulous addition to the Jackdaw Mysteries series... I just gobbled up the pages as the story fairly roars along battling spies and pirates on route... S. W. Perry ensures the sights, smells and sounds of London and Morocco entered my very being. I love this series. * Liz Robinson, LoveReading, Picks of the month, praise for The Saracen's Mark *No-one is better than S. W. Perry at leading us through the squalid streets of London in the sixteenth century. * Andrew Swanston on The Serpent's Mark *The Serpent's Mark is an excellent evocation of Elizabethan England, with espionage, intricate conspiracies, strange medical practises and a gripping story. A rattling good read. * William Ryan on The Serpent's Mark *A gorgeous book - rich, intelligent and dark in equal measure. It immerses you in the late 16th century and leaves you wrung out with terror. This is historical fiction at its most sumptuous. * Rory Clements on The Angel's Mark *Wonderful! Beautiful writing, and Perry's Elizabethan London is so skilfully evoked, so real that one can almost smell it. * Giles Kristian on The Angel's Mark *The book is both educational, and entertaining. There is both a detailed description of times, practices and people that seem strange to our modern sensibilities, but also a very well-drawn plot that follows seamlessly from the other three books. * NB Magazine *

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Book SynopsisA gorgeous brand new cover edition of the Sunday Times Bestseller, Richard & Judy Book Club Pick and original break-out witchlit novel. Features an exclusive extract from Stacey Halls' unmissable new novel THE HOUSEHOLD - available to pre-order now!To save her child, she will trust a stranger. To protect a secret, she must risk her life . . .Fleetwood Shuttleworth is 17 years old, married, and pregnant for the fourth time. But as the mistress at Gawthorpe Hall, she still has no living child, and her husband Richard is anxious for an heir. When Fleetwood finds a letter she isn't supposed to read from the doctor who delivered her third stillbirth, she is dealt the crushing blow that she will not survive another pregnancy.Then she crosses paths by chance with Alice Gray, a young midwife. Alice promises to help her give birth to a healthy baby, and to prove the physician wrong.As Alice is drawn into the witchcraft accusations that are sweeping the North-West, Fleetwood risks everything by trying to help her. But is there more to Alice than meets the eye?Soon the two women's lives will become inextricably bound together as the legendary trial at Lancaster approaches, and Fleetwood's stomach continues to grow. Time is running out, and both their lives are at stake.Only they know the truth. Only they can save each other...'Assured and alluring, this beautiful tale of women and witchcraft and the fight against power was a delight from start to finish' JESSIE BURTON'Stacey Halls is a writer of great originality, great imagination and great sense of place. Atmospheric, intelligent, accessible, every novel is worth reading, then reading again and again' KATE MOSSE'The new Hilary Mantel' COSMOPOLITAN'Captivating' SUNDAY EXPRESS'Arresting' THE TIMES'A brilliant debut, pacy and inventive, from a terrifically talented new voice' DAILY TELEGRAPH'Truly spellbinding' GOOD HOUSEKEEPING'A must-read novel' HEATHER MORRIS bestselling author of THE TATTOOIST OF AUSCHWITZ'Enthralling, spellbinding, full of twists and turns, written with heart and style - and the final chapters will have you racing to the end' KATE WILLIAMS'Phenomenal. Beautiful, haunting, strange and evocative' LIZ HYDER'Historical fiction at its feminist best' RED Magazine**THE HOUSEHOLD, the brand new novel from Stacey Halls, is available to pre-order now***Sunday Times bestseller February and September 2018*

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