Historical crime and mysteries

Book SynopsisAmongst the scholars, secrets and soporifics of Victorian Oxford, the truth can be a bitter pill to swallow…Jesus College, Oxford, 1881. An undergraduate is found dead at his lodgings and the medical examination reveals some shocking findings. When the young man’s guardian blames the college for his death and threatens a scandal, Basil Rice, a Jesus College fellow with a secret to hide, is forced to act and finds himself drawn into Sidney Parker’s sad life.The mystery soon attracts the attention of Rhiannon ‘Non’ Vaughan, a young Welsh polymath and one of the young women newly admitted to university lectures. But when neither the college principal nor the powerful ladies behind Oxford’s new female halls will allow her to become involved, Non’s fierce intelligence and determination to prove herself drive her on.Both misfits at the university, Non and Basil form an unlikely partnership, and it soon falls to them to investigate the mysterious circumstances of Parker’s death. But between corporate malfeasance and snake-oil salesmen, they soon find the dreaming spires of Oxford are not quite what they seem…An intriguing first installment of The Oxford Mysteries series by master crime writer, Alis Hawkins. Perfect for fans of Laura Shepherd-Robinson, S.G. MacLean and Kaite Welsh.Praise for A Bitter Remedy ‘An excellent historical mystery dripping with atmosphere that exposes the chauvinism, misogyny and bigotry of late Victorian England’ The Times‘Her inventiveness is prodigal’ Financial Times‘Fearlessly tackles taboo attitudes of the era, taking aim at misogyny, homophobia, and sexual politics. An excellent addition to the historical mystery canon. Marvellous!’ Vaseem Khan, author of Midnight at Malabar House‘A Bitter Remedy is a perfect tonic for our times.’ S. G. MacLean author of The Seeker‘Absolutely brilliant! Thoughtful, complex and engrossing’ Chris Lloyd, author of The Unwanted Dead‘A superb atmospheric mystery to the last page’ Rachel Lynch, author of Dark Game‘I can’t wait for Non and Basil’s next case!’ Katherine Stansfield author of Falling Creatures

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Book SynopsisCan two unlikely allies unite to uncover the truth?Edith Trewin, the general maid in the Killivant household, and Miss Alicia Killivant, the young lady of the house, are social worlds apart but share a streak of independence and intelligence. Edith is imaginative and has a keen perception of the world. Alicia is vivacious and tired of answering to her brother, Edwin, for the running of the house and the care of their ailing mother.When a kitchen maid vanishes shortly after her arrival at the house, the young women decide to go in search of her. But as the world is plunged into the war, the two find that they cannot escape it, even in Cornwall. Their paths are separated and they are thrust into a war-torn world, experiencing love and loss along the way. Can Edith and Alicia still unravel the truth, or will their new lives get in the way?A thrilling saga of love and friendship, perfect for fans of Rosie Clarke and Anna Jacobs.

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Book SynopsisLondon, 1716. Revenge is a dish best served ice-cold…’An immersive, action-packed thriller with intrigue in the air and threats around every corner’ The Herald’Great fun ... the language is colourful and the action never stops’ Laura Shepherd-RobinsonThe city is caught in the vice-like grip of a savage winter. Even the Thames has frozen over. But for Jonas Flynt – thief, gambler, killer – the chilling elements are the least of his worries…Justice Geoffrey Dumont has been found dead at the base of St Paul’s cathedral, and a young male sex-worker, Sam Yates, has been taken into custody for the murder. Yates denies all charges, claiming he had received a message to meet the judge at the exact time of death.The young man is a friend of courtesan Belle St Clair, and she asks Flynt to investigate. As Sam endures the horrors of Newgate prison, they must do everything in their power to uncover the truth and save an innocent life, before the bodies begin to pile up.But time is running out. And the gallows are beckoning...A totally enrapturing portrayal of eighteenth-century London, and a rapier-like crime thriller, perfect for fans of Laura Shepherd-Robinson, Antonia Hodgson and Ambrose Parry.

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Book SynopsisFor whatever we lose, it is our self we find in the sea.‘The best swashbuckler of the year ... There are echoes of Horatio Hornblower in Nightingale’s introspection and doubts. The gay love story is beautifully written and the evocation of life on board the Scylla is equally good’ The Times ‘An extraordinary work, absolutely breathtaking ... it beggars belief’ Conn Iggulden, New York Times & Sunday Times bestselling author‘Achingly beautiful. A delightful, romantic, queer historical adventure’ Mackenzi Lee, New York Times bestselling authorCaptain Hiram Nightingale is a veteran of the wars which have raged throughout Europe and the Americas. But a grand victory at the Battle of the Nile in 1798 comes at a devastating cost. Plagued by wounds both physical and mental, he attempts to recover by accepting command of HMS Scylla. His task is to hunt down a mutinous ship and bring the crew to justice.However, it soon becomes clear that the mission is just one danger in an immense web. Nightingale finds himself in the middle of a network of secrets that will affect everyone onboard the Scylla. He has to battle against the perils of the war-torn seas, a crew who he fears does not accept him, and meddling, powerful figures from his past.And in the centre of all this, his new lieutenant, the popular Arthur Courtney, stirs up long repressed feelings. On his journey, Nightingale must confront his own demons. For it seems, during his dangerous adventure, his greatest enemy might just be himself.A deeply poignant tale of naval warfare, political intrigue and a love between two men that stands tall in an unaccepting world. Perfect for fans of Hornblower, Sharpe and Outlander.Praise for Leeward ‘There is a weight of human insight here that is quite dazzling. A story told with such panache deserves a bestseller mass audience’ Conn Iggulden‘One of the best debut novels I have read in many years. A magnificent, compelling read’ Ben Kane, Sunday Times bestselling author‘Profound, intricate, artful. A truly original story of forbidden love and adventure. I urge you to sail into the storm!’ A. J. West, Sunday Times bestselling author‘A stunning book. In an utterly authentic voice, Katie Daysh brings to life the terrifying power of the sea, and the bonds of both love and duty that tie a captain to his ship’ Damion Hunter, author of Shadow of the Eagle

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Book SynopsisEnemies at every turn in this medieval mystery thriller perfect for fans of D. V. Bishop and S. J. Parris.Florence, 1342. A city on the brink of chaos.Restored to favour at court, King''s Messenger Simon Merrivale accompanies an English delegation to Florence, the powerful centre of European finance, to negotiate a loan to offset King Edward III's chronic debt.A top secret plot, one to decide the fate of European control.But the delegation has another purpose: to set up an Englishman, Henry Stapledon, Bishop of Dorchester, as an anti-pope in Rome. If they can succeed, they will undermine the papacy and strike a hammer blow to French support across Europe.But one devastating betrayal will shatter their hopes.When disaster strikes, Merrivale finds himself alone, isolated and with a dozen different factions out for his blood. With no way to go but forward, he must plunge back into the s

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Book SynopsisWhy should the devil have all the best tunes?''Themes of inequality, forbidden love and personal responsibility weave through a fast-paced narrative in which the location plays a key part. Nation CymruThe Salvation Army has come prancing and singing from the slums of London to the poorest quarters of Oxford, but along with its red hot gospel preaching and music hall songs it brings a prohibition message which sparks immediate opposition and violence.An Army soldier an ex-drunk is brutally killed and a note suggests that the Salvation Army's shadowy enemy, the Skeleton Army, is responsible.With the police unwilling to come between the two forces, Non Vaughan, aspiring journalist and great hope of the Oxford women's college movement, and Basil Rice, Jesus College fellow and union-sanctioned guardian of the dead man's family, are compelled to investigate.But as the threats from both sides

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Book SynopsisEngland, 1716. The only certainty in a thief’s life… is death.Christopher Templeton is a lawyer whose conscience troubles him. He knows many of the secrets of The Fellowship, the shadowy group profiting from the civil unrest in the nation, and has intimated to the Company of Rogues that he is willing to share them.The problem is, he has vanished. Jonas Flynt – thief, gambler, killer – still recovering from a duel with death upon the frozen Thames, is tasked with finding him.The trail takes him from the dark slums of London to a quiet village in the north of England, where all is not as it seems. But while he hunts for the missing man, someone else may be stalking him… someone with murder in their heart.The new gripping historical mystery from the author of An Honourable Thief, longlisted for the McIlvanney Prize 2023. Perfect for fans of Abir Mukherjee, Craig Russell and S.G. MacLean.

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Book SynopsisA city on the brink of civil war. A madman pulling the strings.A family is found butchered in a dismal room in the Rookery, London's poorest district. Not even their small children are left alive.Most of the authorities pay scant attention, except for Thieftaker General Jonathan Wild. Intrigued by this development, Colonel Nathaniel Charters tasks his most trusted operative, Jonas Flynt, with discovering why.When another family is murdered just as brutally, Flynt uncovers evidence of a simmering conflict between rival gangs, with Wild seemingly desperate to keep a lid on the slaughter.The question for Flynt is how deep is his new friend The Admiral, a gang leader, involved, and is he capable of killing innocents? Or is there someone else in London, more dangerous and more deranged, with blood on their hands?A scintillating serial killer thriller set amidst the dirt and grime of Georgian London, the next thrilling instalment in the McIlvanney longlisted Company of Rogues series.

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Book SynopsisJonas Flynt sets sails for the Caribbean, in pursuit of a slaver's ship who have abducted his stepmother. While there he comes face to face with legendary pirate, Blackbeard.

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Book SynopsisThe greatest writer who ever lived turns spy.London, 1592. 28-year-old William Shakespeare is the rising man of English theatre. But plague has hit the capital, and the playhouses are to be shut. Livelihoods, and lives, are at stake.Lady Celia Vernon is one of the first to perish but did she really die of plague? Her cousin, the Earl of Southampton, orders Will to discover the truth in a London filled with conspirators and traitors, assassins and spies.The Queen''s spymaster, Robert Cecil, suspects the Earl of treason and orders Will to spy on him in return. Caught between two of the most powerful men in the kingdom, Will cannot possibly serve both masters, and could easily become the next victim of the killer he is trying to catch.With his future, safety and life on the line, Will uncovers a devastating secret, and changes the course of his, and the world's, destiny forever.An utterly compelling historical mystery offering a new and fascinating look into the personal life of the great William Shakespeare.

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Book Synopsis''Flynt is as bold and ruthless a killer-agent as James Bond, and even more resourceful'' ScotsmanA city on the brink of civil war. A madman pulling the strings.A family is found butchered in a dismal room in the Rookery, London's poorest district. Not even their small children are left alive.Most of the authorities pay scant attention, except for Thieftaker General Jonathan Wild. Intrigued by this development, Colonel Nathaniel Charters tasks his most trusted operative, Jonas Flynt, with discovering why.When another family is murdered just as brutally, Flynt uncovers evidence of a simmering conflict between rival gangs, with Wild seemingly desperate to keep a lid on the slaughter.The question for Flynt is how deep is his new friend The Admiral, a gang leader, involved, and is he capable of killing innocents? Or is there someone else in London, more dangerous and more deranged, with blood on their hands?A scintillating serial killer thriller set amidst the dirt and grime of Georgian London, the next thrilling instalment in the McIlvanney longlisted Company of Rogues series.Praise for A Thief''s Blood A Glasgow Times Book of 2024''Skelton has the storyteller''s essential gift: the ability to lead you on, ever eager to know what happens next'' Yorkshire Post''Skelton's eighteenth-century London is, as always, exquisitely rendered and thoroughly immersive .... In a solidly-plotted historical thriller with danger lurking around every corner and intrigue brewing from the lowest dungheap to the highest palace in the land, the realisation that these murders are inflaming existing rivalries to the point where an epic confrontation is almost unavoidable raises the stakes even further. There's no sign here that the dark and brooding Jonas Flynt's adventures are running out of steam yet'' Herald

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Book SynopsisAn enthralling locked-room murder mystery inspired by crime fiction of the Golden Age, Death and the Conjuror is the critically acclaimed debut novel by Tom Mead. Selected as one of Publishers Weekly's Mysteries of the Year. 1936, London. A celebrity psychiatrist is discovered dead in his locked study. There seems to be no way a killer could have escaped unseen. There are no clues, no witnesses, and no evidence of the murder weapon. Stumped by the confounding scene, Inspector Flint, the Scotland Yard detective on the case, calls on retired stage magician turned part-time sleuth Joseph Spector. Spector has a knack for explaining the inexplicable, but even he finds that there is more to this mystery than meets the eye. As he and the Inspector interview the colourful cast of suspects, they uncover no shortage of dark secrets... or motives for murder. And when a second murder occurs, this time in an impenetrable elevator, they realise the crime wave will become even more deadly unless they can catch the culprit soon. Reviews for Death and the Conjuror 'Pure escapism and an excellent puzzle, ingeniously expounded.' The Times 'Secrets, red herrings and sleights of hand abound in an ingenious piece of intriguing escapism.' Guardian 'An intricate "impossible" crime that completely fooled me.' Peter Lovesey 'A sharply drawn period piece with memorable characters.' New York Times 'A real treat for mystery fans.' Ragnar Jónasson 'A beautiful, dark, atmospheric story.' Victoria DowdTrade ReviewA sharply drawn period piece... Locked-room mysteries shine best with memorable characters, which is one of Mead's strengths * New York Times *Secrets, red herrings and sleights of hand abound in an ingenious piece of intriguing escapism * Guardian *Death and the Conjuror is an engrossing tale of murder and magicians, and a revealing exploration of the ever-popular locked-room mystery. Mead's debut is a novel to intrigue and delight -- John Connolly[An] affectionate tribute to the golden age of impossible murder mysteries... This ingenious debut is also great fun * The Times *[A] stellar debut and series launch... This homage to golden age crime fiction rivals the best of John Dickson Carr * Publishers Weekly *With a deviously intricate locked-room plot, Death and the Conjuror unfolds as both an elegant tribute and a cunning update of the classic 'impossible crime' story. Somewhere, the great John Dickson Carr is smiling -- Daniel StashowerBoth a splendid homage to the Golden age of impossible crimes and its great exponent John Dickson Carr and a witty reconstruction of the classic locked room mystery with tongue in cheek bravado and a gallery of attendant, endearing characters, Tom Mead's debut is a sheer delight -- Maxim JakubowskiAn ingenious locked room mystery. This is a fiendishly clever puzzle wrapped in a beautiful, dark atmospheric story. Utterly captivating! -- Victoria DowdTom Mead has created an intriguing set of puzzles on par with John Dickson Carr in Death and the Conjuror. A true delight for mystery lovers! -- Charles ToddThis ingenious (and fair-play) locked-room mystery should win over a new generation of readers to this delightfully devious style of classic mystery -- Gigi PandianSparkling, exhilarating. The narrative is stuffed with provocative ideas and good humour. Tom Mead is a dazzling new talent. -- TP FieldenThe clever and complicated plots the unknown antagonist concocts will likely keep you guessing all the way through * Crime Fiction Lover *Fans of Golden Age historical fiction will enjoy this new spin on a traditional pairing for professional policeman and amateur sleuth... All the elements you would expect are here, and the book is pleasingly referential * Historical Novel Society *Pure escapism and an excellent puzzle, ingeniously expounded * The Times Audiobook of the Week *Not just a worthy imitation of the Golden Age puzzlers, but also a gently tongue in cheek rejuvenation of a type of mystery novel that is both cosy and challenging * Crime Time *There are some very fine descriptive images, a good pace, lots of variety and a skilful reveal. This is a most encouraging debut * The Critic *Mead faithfully replicates all the loving artifice and teasing engagement of golden-age puzzlers in this superior pastiche * Kirkus Reviews *Mead maintains suspense throughout, creating a creepy atmosphere en route to satisfying reveals. Puzzle mystery fans will eagerly await the sequel * Publishers Weekly *'More red herrings than a North Sea trawler, suspects galore, a dearth of clues, a locked room, and no weapon. A classic 'who?' and 'how?' -- Adrian MagsonInventive and engrossing * TripFiction *Locked room mysteries are back in fashion and in Death and the Conjuror, Tom Mead gives us one to savour. With fluid prose, sharply defined characters, and an ingenious set of puzzles, this is a book that references the Golden Age of crime fiction in the best possible way. -- Vaseem KhanFans of Golden Age mysteries, the original kind or a more modern version, have a treat in store * Promoting Crime Fiction *'A top of the range, good, old fashioned whodunnit. Great fun - and very clever! I enjoyed it enormously.' -- Daisy Waugh'An enticingly brilliant and stylish mystery.' -- Frances BrodyFans of Golden Age mysteries, the original kind or a more modern version, have a treat in store. * Mystery People *A great homage to Golden Age mysteries and a fresh angle on them, this is a witty, enthralling and atmospheric page turner with a fabulous setting and a striking cast of characters * Historical Writers' Association *Splendidly tricksy * The Guardian, Crime & Thriller Books of the Year 2023 *

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Book Synopsis***Pre-order Hannah Dolby's next Historical rom-com, How to Solve Murders Like a Lady, now! Perfect for fans of cosy mysteries and female detectives*** *** Violet Hamilton is a woman who knows her own mind. Which, in Victorian Hastings, can make things a little complicated... At 28, Violet's father is beginning to worry she will never find a husband. But every suitor he presents, Violet finds a new and inventive means of rebuffing. Because Violet does not want to marry. She wants to work, and make her own way in the world. But more than anything, she wants to find her mother Lily, who disappeared from Hastings Pier 10 years earlier. Finding the missing is no job for a lady, but when Violet hires a seaside detective to help, she sets off a chain of events that will put more than just her reputation at risk. Can Violet solve the mystery of Lily Hamilton's vanishing before it's too late? A delightfully joyful, funny and gripping historical novel, perfect for fans of The Lady's Guide to Fortune Hunting and The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels. *** 'Glorious... it's funny from the start.' – The Daily Mail 'Delightfully quirky, joyful and original... it will help you bounce exuberantly into spring' – Adele Parks 'If you loved Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus, you'll love to snuggle up with this novel!' – Chat *** A delightfully joyful, funny and gripping historical novel, perfect for fans of The Lady's Guide to Fortune Hunting and The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels.Trade ReviewGlorious... it's funny from the start. * Daily Mail *Delightfully quirky, joyful and original... it will help you bounce exuberantly into spring -- Adele Parks * Platinum *A charming, humorous and glorious read * Woman's Weekly *This debut is a joyous read - let's hope this isn't the last we hear from Violet * My Weekly *If you loved Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus, you'll love to snuggle up with this novel! * Chat *Praise for No Life For a Lady: 'A GORGEOUS historical romcom with lashings of mystery... Joyful!' Sophie Irwin 'Charming, exhilarating, fabulously funny and so full of heart – Violet is the heroine I've been waiting for.' Daisy Buchanan 'So original and well written, I couldn't put it down... I can't remember rooting for a heroine as hard as I did for Violet.' Lucy Vine 'Delightful, original, cleverly crafted and completely addictive. Violet Hamilton is one of those characters who slips into your heart straight away and radiates joy. I loved it!' Hazel Prior 'Impeccably researched, with a slowly unfurling mystery at its heart, this witty and uplifting story belongs entirely to Violet – a lady determined to tackle life (and love!) on her own terms' Julietta Henderson 'Violet’s story is moving, inspiring and very, very funny; a complete triumph' Celia Anderson 'Watch out Enola Holmes - Violet Hamilton is on the case! Pure joy and utterly charming!' Faith Hogan ’Eleanor Oliphant for historical fiction fans, with a dash of detective work and mystery thrown in. I loved everything about it.’ Katie Lumsden

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Book Synopsis''Always a treat reading Lesley Thomson.'' Ian Rankin''Lesley Thomson at her considerable best'' Elly GriffithsEighty years of secrets. A body that reveals them all.1941. Rupert and Adelaide Stride are raising their two daughters, Clare and Rosa, in the midst of war. When Rupert is called to fight, he dies on the beaches of Dunkirk, leaving his family to fend for themselves.2023. Decades later, Clare and Rosa have retreated to the annex, trapped in the place where they were raised: Yew Tree House.When the rooms are put up for rent, Jack Harmon sees the perfect spot for a family holiday with his twins and detective Stella Darnell. But then the children discover a skeleton with a hole in its skull hidden in the brambles of a decommissioned WWII pill box.This home has always been a complicated one, but Stella and Jack will need to confront a history of revenge, desperation, and wartime tragedy to unco

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Book Synopsis'Historical crime fiction at its most beguiling' Financial Times'Not to be missed' SJ BennettIn the hotly anticipated follow-up to The Tumbling Girl, Minnie and Albert take on a new crime-solving quest in the world of a Victorian music hall. The Variety Palace Music Hall is in trouble, due in no small part to a gruesome spate of murders that unfolded around it a few months previously. Between writing, managing the music hall and trying to dissuade her boss from installing a water tank in the building, Minnie Ward has her hands full. Her complicated relationship with detective Albert Easterbrook doesn't even bear thinking about. But when a new string of murders tears through London, Minnie and Albert are thrown together once more. Strangely, the crimes seem to link back to a tragedy that took place fourteen years ago, leaving 183 children dead. And given that the incident touched so many people's lives, everyone is a suspect . . .

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Book SynopsisAn incredible anthology of truly fascinating Victorian tales of the supernatural.

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Book SynopsisSherlock-esque crime set in early 20th century London, packed with action and martial arts elements, this is the first book in a series to feature a daring, opium-addicted Chinese judge and his shy, academic sidekick, solving fiendish mysteries among the Chinese community in London's Limehouse district.

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Book SynopsisJamaica, 1772. The wheel of justice is turning. The winds of change blow straight.On the island of Jamaica, people are going missing. Rumours have landed in England of fraud, foul play, and even murder.Isaiah Ollenu, law clerk and aspiring esquire, is busy with making his mark as the only black man in the courts of Bristol. However, his studies are interrupted when barrister John Dunne gives him the task of investigating the disappearances and putting such rumours to bed.Joined by insurance man Reuban Ashby, Ollenu boards the Isabella and makes way for the shores of Jamaica. Confronted by nightmarish creatures, vengeful spirits and untoward characters, Ollenu and Ashby's journey is not quite the simple task it was set out to be especially when the scales of justice are always unfairly weighted.A story of Law, Legends, and Liberation, by PD Lennon, for fans of __, ____ and ____.

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Book SynopsisIs Jack the Ripper at large once again in Victorian India? A sensational debut from a thrilling new voice in historical crime fiction

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Book SynopsisGinny Beauchamp joins the Women's Land Army in 1940. Posted to Essex, she gets in trouble for meeting pilots from a nearby airfield, including Piotr, a Polish airman to whom she feels some attraction, being part-Polish herself.Sent to work on a farm with a final warning, she finds herself in the middle of an emotional storm because another Land Girl, Anna, has fallen in love with the farmer's son.In August after the Luftwaffe attack the airfield at North Weald Ginny discovers that Piotr has been seriously wounded, and she rushes to the hospital. When she returns to the farm late at night, she discovers the dead body of Anna in the yard beneath the barn's winching point. Ginny believes that Anna's death is suspicious, and she cannot accept that Anna fell or committed suicide, which is the view of the local police and coroner.Ginny is on her own in trying to reveal the truth of Anna's death. For her challenge to the authorities over the death, Ginny is dismissed from service.Now on her own, she risks her own life to try to reveal the truth.

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Book SynopsisA fatal jump. A missing suffragette. An inexplicable murder.London, 1920. For the first time ever, two women are competing against each other to become an MP. Reporter Iris Woodmore has a big story on her hands when she accompanies one of the candidates to the House of Commons. But it’s a place that holds painful memories. In 1914, her mother died there when she fell into the River Thames during a daring suffragette protest. Then, in the shadow of Big Ben, a waterman tells Iris her mother didn’t fall – she jumped.Iris discovers that the suffragette with her mother that fateful day has been missing for six years, mysteriously disappearing just after the protest. Desperate to know the truth behind the fatal jump, Iris’s investigation leads her to Crookham Hall, an ancestral home where secrets and lies lead to murder…The first book in the Iris Woodmore cozy crime series.Previously published as The Suffragette’s Daughter'The mystery itself is intriguing, with plenty of twists and unexpected developments. If you enjoy 1920s mysteries and learning about the Suffragettes and all they stood for, then I highly recommend Death at Crookham Hall.' Verity Bright, author of Murder by Invitation'A fabulous, well-written, mystery that holds all the promise of much more to come... The Iris Woodmore mysteries are fast becoming some of my favourites.' M J Porter, author of King of Kings'A joy to read! Such a well-researched mystery. I absolutely loved the unconventional heroine, 1920s setting, engaging characterisation and poignant ending, all of which provide a captivating start to the Iris Woodmore cosy mystery series.' Anita Davison, author of the Flora Maguire Mysteries‘Death at Crookham Hall is a lovely, murder mystery by a gifted writer.’ Helena Dixon, author of Murder at the Village FairWhat real readers are saying:'Well written, with complex characters ... a thoughtful and compelling story ... readers of the Maisie Dobbs series by Jacqueline Winspear might like this book.'"What a great book! Highly recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction and a twisty plot."“…a real page turner… couldn't put it down. So much so that I stayed up until the early hours to find out what happens. The ending did not disappoint. A thoroughly enjoyable novel.”“The writer's attention to detail and historical fact was very good… characters are well drawn and believable… I would thoroughly recommend.”“1920s at its best…When you get to the end of a book and feel sad that the book is finished, you know you have just read a worthwhile story. The characters are brilliantly written and swept me along.”

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Book SynopsisA murder shocks the small town of Walden. And it’s only the beginning…Walden, 1921. Local reporter Iris Woodmore is determined to save her beloved lake, Waldenmere, from destruction.After a bloody and expensive war, the British Army can’t afford to keep the lake and build a convalescent home on its shores yet they still battle with Walden Council and a railway company for ownership. But an old mansion used as an officer training academy stands where the railway company plans to build a lakeside hotel. It belongs to General Cheverton – and he won’t leave his home.When the General is found murdered, it appears someone will stop at nothing to win the fight for Waldenmere. Iris thinks she can take on the might of the railway company and find the killer. But nothing prepares her for the devastation that’s to come…'A fabulously well-researched historical cosy mystery... The Iris Woodmore mysteries are fast becoming some of my favourites.' M J Porter‘A cracking addition to the series … superbly written… lots of drama, intrigue, twists and turns.’ Gingerbookgeek‘WOW!! Another fantastic addition to my favorite historical series by Michelle Salter… So many unexpected developments, twists, shocking revelations, my god!!’ thebookdecoder‘I have fallen head over heels for this series.’ Booksbybindu‘A terrific historical cozy mystery that will keep readers gripped …With plenty of tension, intrigue and suspense, Murder at Waldenmere Lake is an addictive historical cozy mystery … perfect for Anne Perry and Verity Bright fans.’ bookishjottingsPraise for The Iris Woodmore Mysteries:‘A real page turner and couldn't put it down. So much so that I stayed up until the early hours to find out what happens.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reader review‘What a great book! I loved the characters and the ever deepening plot.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reader review‘An incredibly well-written historical mystery … interspersed with fascinating tit-bits of information both about the suffragettes and their sister organisation, the suffrage societies.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reader review‘Starts well and then gets better! ’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reader review‘I recommend this book to anyone who loves a twisty plot line that keeps you guessing.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reader review‘As soon as I started reading, I knew that I was reading something special … Iris Woodmore … is such a fun, feisty and determined young lady.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reader review‘Excellent read … Brilliant storyline.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reader review‘The writer's attention to detail and historical fact was very good … The characters are well drawn and believable.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reader review‘The characters are brilliantly written and swept me along.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reader review

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Book SynopsisA murder shocks the small town of Walden. And it’s only the beginning…Walden, 1921. Local reporter Iris Woodmore is determined to save her beloved lake, Waldenmere, from destruction.After a bloody and expensive war, the British Army can’t afford to keep the lake and build a convalescent home on its shores yet they still battle with Walden Council and a railway company for ownership. But an old mansion used as an officer training academy stands where the railway company plans to build a lakeside hotel. It belongs to General Cheverton – and he won’t leave his home.When the General is found murdered, it appears someone will stop at nothing to win the fight for Waldenmere. Iris thinks she can take on the might of the railway company and find the killer. But nothing prepares her for the devastation that’s to come…'A fabulously well-researched historical cosy mystery... The Iris Woodmore mysteries are fast becoming some of my favourites.' M J Porter‘A cracking addition to the series … superbly written… lots of drama, intrigue, twists and turns.’ Gingerbookgeek‘WOW!! Another fantastic addition to my favorite historical series by Michelle Salter… So many unexpected developments, twists, shocking revelations, my god!!’ thebookdecoder‘I have fallen head over heels for this series.’ Booksbybindu‘A terrific historical cozy mystery that will keep readers gripped …With plenty of tension, intrigue and suspense, Murder at Waldenmere Lake is an addictive historical cozy mystery … perfect for Anne Perry and Verity Bright fans.’ bookishjottingsPraise for The Iris Woodmore Mysteries:‘A real page turner and couldn't put it down. So much so that I stayed up until the early hours to find out what happens.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reader review‘What a great book! I loved the characters and the ever deepening plot.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reader review‘An incredibly well-written historical mystery … interspersed with fascinating tit-bits of information both about the suffragettes and their sister organisation, the suffrage societies.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reader review‘Starts well and then gets better! ’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reader review‘I recommend this book to anyone who loves a twisty plot line that keeps you guessing.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reader review‘As soon as I started reading, I knew that I was reading something special … Iris Woodmore … is such a fun, feisty and determined young lady.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reader review‘Excellent read … Brilliant storyline.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reader review‘The writer's attention to detail and historical fact was very good … The characters are well drawn and believable.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reader review‘The characters are brilliantly written and swept me along.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reader review

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Book SynopsisMichael Moorcock's triumphant return to Britain's adventuring detective, Sexton Blake! His first published novel restored, revised, expanded... and presented with a brand new prequel story!A deep sea mission...A baffling murder...Beneath a sky of limpid sapphire blue, the research ship Gorgon rolls gently on the scintillating waters of the Caribbean Sea.Below, two men in a bathysphere, lowered more than a 150 fathoms into the crushing depths. But when the sphere is raised, there is only one man inside... and he has a knife in his back!Now Sexton Blake must answer an impossible question: How did the killer escape?**Trade Review“Makes Jack Reacher look like a bungling amateur...definitely not be missed.” — The Crime Review“Delighted to see Sexton Blake still going strong – and with such aplomb!” -- Agatha Christie"The Sexton Blake Saga is the nearest approach to a national folk-lore" -- Dorothy L Sayers"After more than seventy years of continuous publication, Sexton Blake is still the doyen of detectives." -- Daily Telegraph"[Moorcock] is the greatest writer of post-Tolkien British Fantasy." — Michael Chabon, Pulitzer Prize winning author of The Amazing Adventures of Kavalaier & Clay, and Telegraph Avenue"Moorcock’s influence is nothing like Tolkien’s, at least on the surface, but his vision of a speculative-fiction genre that can be psychologically complex is evident in how very sophisticated some of it has become—from “True Detective” to Jeff VanderMeer, from David Mitchell to “Under the Skin.” — The New Yorker"Moorcock as the most important successor to Mervyn Peake and Wyndham Lewis... The vast, tragic symbols by which Moorcock continually illuminates the metaphysical quest of his hero are a measure of the author’s remarkable talents" — J.G.Ballard, author of Empire of the Sun, Crash, and The Drowned World"[Moorcock] can gleefully give you all the formulae of every kind of story there ever was, because he's tried and tested all of them ... the master story-teller of our time." — Angela Carter author of The Bloody Chamber, and Nights at the Circus"Serious literary fun as Mark Hodder vaults to the front of the new steampunk writers pack. Elaborately researched and name-checked, THE SECRET OF ABDU EL YEZDI races Victorian explorer Sir Richard Burton through a diabolically baffling maze of historical possiblities -- plus there's corsets and airships. Hard to imagine any lover of alternate British empires not being thoroughly amazed and entertained" ? K.W. Jeter

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Book Synopsis**Selected for BBC 2 Between the Covers Book Club 2023**''Tense. Moving. Morally complex. Zina Pavlou is wholly unforgettable.'' Rachel Rhys''Impressive... worthy of Sarah Waters'' The TimesTHEY HAVE TOLD SO MANY LIES ABOUT ME.London, 1954. Zina Pavlou, a Cypriot grandmother, waits quietly in the custody of the Metropolitan police. She can''t speak their language, but she understands what their wary looks mean: she has been accused of the brutal murder of her daughter-in-law.Eva Georgiou, Greek interpreter for the Met, knows how it feels to be voiceless as an immigrant woman. While she works as Zina''s translator, her obsession with the case deepens, and so too does her bond with the accused murderer.Zina can''t speak for herself. She can''t clear her own name. All she can do is wait for the world to decide.IS SHE A VICTIM? OR IS SHE A KILLER?''Kyr

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Book SynopsisNew historical crime from award-winning writer Clare Whitfield, based on a real-life all-female London crime gang. Twenty-four-year-old Eleanor Mackridge leaves behind her working-class family to reinvent herself as 'Nell the Mack' in the Forty Elephants.

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Book SynopsisA sparkling return to the Golden Age of Crime Fiction, where even the most fiendish of mysteries can be unlocked by a keen eye and a sharp mind... 1938, London. Ambitious lawyer Edmund Ibbs has got his teeth into the case of a lifetime – defending the young woman accused of shooting her husband in the infamous ‘Ferris Wheel Murder’ case. Despite a plethora of evidence against his client, Ibbs is certain he can secure her acquittal. But after a night of magic and illusion at London’s Pomegranate Theatre, Ibbs finds himself behind bars, accused of a double murder. The renowned prestidigitator Professor Paolini and the operator of said notorious Ferris wheel are dead, and as far as Scotland Yard’s Inspector Flint is concerned, all signs point to the lawyer’s guilt. Luckily for Ibbs, illusionist turned sleuth Joseph Spector also attended the theatre that night. Can Spector’s eye for detail pierce the veil of deceit in a world of illusion and misdirection, where seeing is not always believing? Reviews for The Murder Wheel 'Wildly entertaining... Confirms Tom Mead’s status as a master of the locked-room mystery.' Tim Major 'Pitch perfect magical locked-room extravaganza. Astounds and amazes.' Barbara Nadel 'Tom Mead establishes himself as the current master of the locked-room mystery.' Aaron Elkins 'A delicious locked room feast of impossibilities. I love the Mephistophelean Joseph Spector!' Ovidia Yu ‘An absolute masterclass in the locked room mystery... I love this series. More please!’ Victoria Dowd Reviews for the Spector Locked-Room Mystery series: 'An intricate 'impossible' crime that completely fooled me.' Peter Lovesey 'A sharply drawn period piece with memorable characters.' New York Times 'Great fun.' The TimesTrade ReviewMaking things even more fun is the combination of two vintage templates: the locked-room puzzle and the theatre mystery. Add a charismatic protagonist, and you have a recipe for pure nostalgic pleasure * The Wall Street Journal *An affectionate tribute to the Golden Age locked-room mystery... Mead’s skilled homage draws from early 20th century true-crime cases and classic genre motifs, all set against the charmed worlds of the fairground and theatre * Irish Times *Bears every sign of being possessed by the ghost of the master of the locked-room mystery, John Dickson Carr * The Daily Telegraph *A brilliantly contrived plot, scattered with false trails, makes for a literary sleight of hand that is a delight to read. * Daily Mail *'The Murder Wheel is a wildly entertaining mystery brimming over with knotty puzzles, sleight of hand, wit and intelligence. It confirms Tom Mead’s status as a master of the locked-room mystery, and secures Joseph Spector as one of my favourite fictional detectives.' -- Tim Major'Set within the theater world of 1938 London, this ingenious new novel is packed full with lush period detail, a glittery cast of characters, and a genuinely compelling puzzle at its center. Mead knows his subject and gives the reader a full immersion into this compelling mystery.' * CrimeReads *Ingenious and enjoyable, this is just the job for those needing a few hours’ respite from real-world horrors * Morning Star *'A delicious locked room feast of impossibilities set in the golden age of theatre and murder mysteries. I love the Mephistophelean Joseph Spector!' -- Ovidia Yu, author of the History Tree MysteriesPeppered with a wide range of theatre-like characters, the reader enjoys a twisted road to an unexpected denouement * Historical Novel Review *Mead has extensively researched crime, magicians and their tricks from the 1930s for this highly entertaining tale * The Sun *'In his captivating second novel Tom Mead establishes himself as the current master of the locked-room mystery, and The Murder Wheel doesn't give us to merely one example of this honored tradition to solve, but three of them... three interlocking "impossible" murders, each with plenty of twists and skillful misdirection. The characters are charming, the plot moves briskly along, and in the end, the brilliant "Old Conjuror," Joseph Spector, puts it all together and comes up with the goods. A winner!' -- Aaron Elkins'Tom Mead has quickly become one of my must-read authors, writing some of the most ingenious and entertaining locked-room mysteries being published today.' -- Gigi PandianIllusion blend with reality to create an outcome that is impossible to predict * My Weekly *'What an absolute treasure! Tom Mead writes with the sophisticated and knowing voice of another era, with a skilled sleight of hand, and with deep knowledge of psychology, magic, and human nature. THE MURDER WHEEL is an engaging, perplexing, and irresistible riff on locked room mysteries – you've never seen a series of crimes as delightfully complex, or as brilliantly crafted. You will not be able to put this down, and what's more, you will never be able to solve all the puzzles within puzzles. But you will stand and applaud, as I did, at the marvelously fair solutions. I promise you'll be given all the clues, dear murder mystery readers, but, trust me: give up trying to identify whodunnit, and simply enjoy the journey to an elegant and satisfying conclusion, where the impossible becomes – presto! – possible.' * Hank Phillippi Ryan *A gripping locked room mystery * BBC Bristol *REVIEWS FOR DEATH AND THE CONJUROR: 'Mead faithfully replicates all the loving artifice and teasing engagement of golden-age puzzlers in this superior pastiche' Kirkus '[A] stellar debut and series launch... This homage to golden age crime fiction rivals the best of John Dickson Carr' Publishers Weekly Best Books of 2022 - Mystery/Thriller 'With a deviously intricate locked-room plot, Death and the Conjuror unfolds as both an elegant tribute and a cunning update of the classic 'impossible crime' story. Somewhere, the great John Dickson Carr is smiling' Daniel Stashower 'An ingenious locked room mystery. This is a fiendishly clever puzzle wrapped in a beautiful, dark atmospheric story. Utterly captivating!' Victoria Dowd 'Tom Mead has created an intriguing set of puzzles on par with John Dickson Carr in Death and the Conjuror. A true delight for mystery lovers!' Charles Todd 'Both a splendid homage to the Golden age of impossible crimes and its great exponent John Dickson Carr and a witty reconstruction of the classic locked room mystery with tongue in cheek bravado and a gallery of attendant, endearing characters, Tom Mead's debut is a sheer delight' Maxim Jakubowski 'This ingenious (and fair-play) locked-room mystery should win over a new generation of readers to this delightfully devious style of classic mystery' Gigi Pandian 'A sharply drawn period piece... Locked-room mysteries shine best with memorable characters, which is one of Mead's strengths' New York Times 'Mead maintains suspense throughout, creating a creepy atmosphere en route to satisfying reveals. Puzzle mystery fans will eagerly await the sequel' Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisCovent Garden, January 1708. Widow Trotter has big plans for her recently-inherited coffee house, not suspecting that within days her little kingdom will be caught up in a national drama involving scandal, conspiracy and murder... Queen Anne’s new “Great Britain” is in crisis. The Queen is mired in a sexual scandal, spies are everywhere, and political disputes are bringing violence and division. The treasonous satirist “Bufo” is public enemy number one and the Ministry is determined to silence him. Drawn into a web of intrigue that reaches from the brothels of Drury Lane to the Court of St James’s, Mary Trotter and her young friends Tom and Will race against time to unravel the political plots, solve two murders, and prevent another. The first in a projected series of "Chocolate House Mysteries", the novel presents the London of Queen Anne in all its brilliance and filth, its violence, elegance and wit. The book moves among a rich cast of characters, ranging from the life of the streets and the "nymphs" of Drury Lane to the conspiratorial world of Queen Anne's Court. At its heart is the Bay-Tree Chocolate House, Covent Garden, where Widow Trotter presides as she does over the novel itself, with good humour, fierce integrity, and resolute determination.

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Book Synopsis A gripping mystery with a classic feel, for fans of Agatha Christie 'Haunting and exquisitely written. Part intricate mystery and part ghost story. This book will stay with me for a long time' Anna MazzolaThe drive leads past the gate house and through the trees towards the big house, visible through the winter-bared branches. Its windows stare down at Harkin and the sea beyond . . .January 1921. Though the Great War is over, in Ireland a new, civil war is raging. The once-grand Kilcolgan House, a crumbling bastion shrouded in sea-mist, lies half empty and filled with ghosts - both real and imagined - the Prendevilles, the noble family within, co-existing only as the balance of their secrets is kept.Then, when an IRA ambush goes terribly wrong, Maud Prendeville, eldest daughter of Lord Kilcolgan, is killed, leaving the family reeling. Yet the IRA column insist they left her alive, that someone else must have been responsible for her terrible fate. Captain Tom Harkin, an IRA intelligence officer and Maud's former fiancé, is sent to investigate, becoming an unwelcome guest in this strange, gloomy household.Working undercover, Harkin must delve into the house's secrets - and discover where, in this fractured, embattled town, each family member's allegiances truly lie. But Harkin too is haunted by the ghosts of the past and by his terrible experiences on the battlefields. Can he find out the truth about Maud's death before the past - and his strange, unnerving surroundings - overwhelm him?A haunting, atmospheric mystery set against the raw Irish landscape in a country divided, The Winter Guest is the perfect chilling read.Praise for THE WINTER GUEST and W.C. Ryan'A snowflake of a novel: intricate, exquisite, and unlike any other. If Sebastian Faulks and Laura Purcell were to join forces, they might produce a novel like this... yet I can't imagine anyone but WC Ryan shaping it with such imagination, or charging it with such intelligence, or gracing it with such heart' A.J. Finn, author of The Woman in the Window 'Haunting, gripping . . . hugely evocative' Elodie Harper'Works superbly on several levels. This is a most welcome winter guest indeed, to be greeted by the fire with drink in hand' Irish Times'Ryan evokes this moody, gothic atmosphere with convincing skill. Harkin is a sensitive, complex character and his quest to solve the mystery is deftly plotted. A treat' The Times'A perfectly crafted mystery. Vivid, compelling and deeply moving, it is a triumph both as a crime novel and a work of historical fiction' Jane Casey'A beautifully taut and evocative thriller' Sarah Hilary'Superb . . . I could not put it down' Elizabeth Buchan'Atmospheric and genuinely eerie, this is an ideal winter read' Sinead Crowley'A terrifically atmospheric, gripping novel' Amanda Craig, The Golden Rule'Haunting, beautifully crafted, and full of heart. Perfect reading for dark days' A.K. Benedict, author of The Christmas Murder Game'Beautifully written, haunting and unmissable' Cass Green'Excellent murder mystery/ghost story set during the Irish war of independence and as usual with W.C. Ryan, beautifully written' Liz Nugent'Intriguing, haunting, romantic and beautifully written, I cared as much about the fate of the characters as about the gripping mystery' Laura Marshall*longlisted for the CWA Gold Dagger award 2023: 22/04/23 (https://thecwa.co.uk/awards-and-competitions/the-daggers/gold-dagger)Trade ReviewRyan evokes this moody, gothic atmosphere with convincing skill. Harkin is a sensitive, complex character and his quest to solve the mystery is deftly plotted. A treat. * The Times *A haunting, gripping novel . . . hugely evocative, with some absolutely beautiful writing which captures the profound unease of the times and the bleak nature of the landscape. I really loved this book. * Elodie Harper, The Wolf Den *A terrifically atmospheric, gripping novel. * Amanda Craig, author of The Golden Rule *Ryan writes with precision and elegance... This is the best historical crime novel set in Ireland I have read. * Literary Review *In 2018, WC Ryan published A House Of Ghosts, a superb period mystery with spooky overtones, and now he returns with an equally engrossing read. A clever whodunnit with a bracing whiff of the supernatural. * Daily Express *A snowflake of a novel: intricate, exquisite, and unlike any other. Here, as in his every book, Ryan once again recalls Graham Greene - the command of plot, the precision of language - but The Winter Guest also finds him summoning the dark-rose spectres of haunted-house classics like The Woman in Black. If Sebastian Faulks and Laura Purcell were to join forces, they might produce a novel like this... yet I can't imagine anyone but WC Ryan shaping it with such imagination, or charging it with such intelligence, or gracing it with such heart. * AJ Finn, international bestselling author of The Woman in the Window *The Winter Guest works superbly on several levels. As a mystery it unfolds in well-constructed, satisfyingly dramatised scenes, with sharp dialogue and an especially nice line in flirtatious banter. Ryan deftly sketches the contours of a society where friends and mortal enemies live at close quarters, and explores those shifting, volatile allegiances with subtlety and nuance. This is a most welcome winter guest indeed, to be greeted by the fire with drink in hand. * Irish Times *A serendipitously timed, impeccably researched and utterly intriguing historical mystery that lays bare the societal fractures caused in Ireland's fight for freedom. * Irish Independent *Excellent murder mystery/ghost story set during the Irish war of independence and as usual with W.C. Ryan, beautifully written. * Liz Nugent *A beautifully taut and evocative thriller. * Sarah Hilary *Ryan adroitly marshals a dense plot in a thriller that bears comparison with both le Carré and Buchan. William Ryan - writing here as WC Ryan - has a le Carré-like facility with genre. Like le Carré, Ryan's novels converge at the point where crime fiction, the historical novel and the spy thriller intersect. His Russian crime series, featuring Captain Alexei Korolev of the Moscow Militia, established his reputation as a compelling storyteller. Ryan's story commands your undivided attention . . . his marshalling of his extremely dense plot is deft and assured . . . and the tension builds to a crescendo that keeps the reader guessing until the final pages. His prose is richly evocative of the historical period. Seriously impressive . . . a ripping yarn. * Sunday Times (Ireland) *Apart from the immaculately paced plot, there's an aura in this novel that's quite bewitching, with the dead coming and going like the west wind, wordless but somehow profound. Harkin's loneliness is so palpable it's like a solid thing, bringing John Banville's Quirke and PD James's Dalgliesh to mind. He is a man mired in darkness but vaguely attempting to reach for some elusive shaft of light. Here's hoping we encounter him again. * Sunday Irish Independent *Haunting and exquisitely written. Part intricate mystery and part ghost story. This book will stay with me for a long time. * Anna Mazzola *Atmospheric and genuinely eerie, this is an ideal winter read. * Sinead Crowley *Beautifully written, haunting and unmissable. * Cass Green *A master of the dark arts penning spine-tingling ghost stories. Ryan conjures up the perfect winter's tale... Perfectly pitched for the dark nights, The Winter Guest is a multi-layered, twisting turning masterpiece that moves deftly through a claustrophobic miasma of bitter recriminations, divided loyalties, ghostly shadows, deadly deeds, dangerous double-crossing, and thrills that chill to the bone. Entertaining, unsettling and utterly captivating, this is Ryan at his intelligent, storytelling best. Don't miss it! -- Pam Norfolk * Lancashire Evening Post *Superb . . . an old war and new sectarianism, family division and decay, a love story, murder, layered in with such finesse and skill. I could not put it down. * Elizabeth Buchan *Intriguing, haunting, romantic and beautifully written, I cared as much about the fate of the characters as about the gripping mystery. * Laura Marshall *The horrors of the First World War spill into an Irish countryside aflame with revolution in this superb tale of treachery, murder and divided loyalties. Excellent. * Michael Ridpath, author of The Diplomat’s wife. *A stunning book, beautifully written. I'm haunted by it. * Ann Cleeves *A beautifully written, atmospheric novel about Ireland in 1921, betrayal and spies, an ambush and a brutal murder. Agatha Christie meets Elizabeth Bowen with an edge of Graham Greene. I loved it * Jane Casey *

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Book SynopsisFrom the winner of the Richard and Judy Search for a Bestseller competition comes another tantalising Golden Age wartime mystery.**DON'T MISS THE LASTEST JOSEPHINE FOX MYSTERY, A CONFLICT OF INTERESTS. OUT NOW!**PRAISE FOR THE JOSEPHINE FOX SERIES:'Terrific ... captures brilliantly the atmosphere of wartime Britain' ANN CLEEVES'Feisty, determined and brave - I loved Josephine Fox' JUDY FINNIGAN'A complete delight ... sings with authenticity' CAZ FREARDECEMBER 1942. As the war rages on, the accidental death of a young man is almost unremarkable. Except this young man was patrolling the grounds of Hursley Park House, where teams are designing crucial modifications to the Spitfire - and he was found clutching part of a blueprint.JANUARY 1943. Josephine Fox is given a code name and a mission as she is seconded to Hursley: uncover the network responsible for information leaks to the enemy. And when the dead man's father visits Bram Nash convinced that his son was innocent of espionage and the victim of murder, her friend is also drawn into the investigation.But as Jo and Bram circle closer to the truth, danger is closing in around them...*INCLUDES AN EXCLUSIVE LOOK AT THE NEXT JOSEPHINE FOX MYSTERY, A CONFLICT OF INTERESTS*

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Book Synopsis'One of today's finest thriller writers' - DAILY MAILFrom the award-winning modern master of US crime fiction comes a thriller about revenge, justice, family - and a quest for the truth in the face of evil. With one of the most unforgettable villains of the year, The Unwilling is the perfect read for fans of The Dry by Jane Harper and We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker.__________________NOT EVERYONE DESERVES A SECOND CHANCE . . .After a tour of Vietnam and a three-year stint in prison, Jason is back in town and wants to rebuild his relationship with Gibby, the younger brother he hasn't seen for years. Determined to make that connection, he coaxes Gibby into a day at the lake: long hours of sunshine and whisky and older women.But when the four of them encounter a prison transfer bus on a stretch of empty road, one of the women taunts the prisoners, causing a riot on the bus.Soon after, Tyra is savagely murdered.Given his violent history, suspicion turns first to Jason. Determined to prove his older brother's innocence, Gibby must avoid the police and dive deep into his brother's hidden life, a journey that takes him into the darkest corners of the community.What he discovers is a truth more disturbing than he could have imagined: not just the identity of the killer and the reasons for Tyra's murder, but the forces that shaped his brother in Vietnam, the reason he was framed - and why the most dangerous man alive wants him back in prison.Set in the American South, The Unwilling combines crime, suspense and searing glimpses into the human mind and soul in New York Times bestselling author John Hart's singular style.__________________PRAISE FOR JOHN HART:'A master storyteller' - HARLAN COBEN'A clever mystery' - SUNDAY TELEGRAPH'Read this novel' - DAVID BALDACCI, author of ONE GOOD DEED'If you crave thrillers that are vividly beautiful, graphic, will make you bleed, try John Hart' - PATRICIA CORNWELL, author of THE SCARPETTA SERIES'Whenever I thought that I had unravelled the plot, another twist left me flummoxed' - GUARDIAN'John Hart has clearly joined the top rank of thriller writers' - VINCE FLYNN, author of TOTAL POWER'A Chandleresque thriller' - SUNDAY TIMES'Raw, tender, brutal, and exquisite' - C.J. BOX, author of DARK SKY'Crime fiction at its absolute best' - MARK GREANEY, author of RELENTLESS'Explores betrayal and forgiveness in indelible prose' - OBSERVER'Richly complex . . . this is John Hart at his lyrical, atmospheric best' - TAMI HOAG, author of THE BOY'A heart-pounding thriller' - METRO

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Book Synopsis1957 - Young Queen Elizabeth II is finding her way in a challenging world as the United Kingdom must adjust to having neither an empire nor a set place in post-war Europe. As she travels the world to try and build bridges, the Queen is advised by the 'men in moustaches', as Philip calls them - her father's old courtiers, who may or may not have her best interests at heart. One of them is trying to sabotage her: that much she is sure of.And then two bodies turn up, horribly murdered, in Chelsea, and the Queen finds herself unwillingly used as the alibi for somebody very close to her.Elizabeth knows she can't face these challenges alone. She needs support from someone clever, discreet and loyal, someone she can trust. Then she meets ex-Bletchley Park code breaker, Joan McGraw, and their investigation into the murders begins in earnest . . .

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Book SynopsisThe brand-new novel from the winner of the Richard and Judy Search for a Bestseller competition.'A CRACKING READ' HISTORICAL NOVEL SOCIETY'THIS ATMOSPHERIC WARTIME MYSTERY IS PERFECT FOR FANS OF FOYLE'S WAR' CANDISJune 1944, Romsey, England.Josephine 'Jo' Fox is at an impasse since the unwelcome return of her wayward husband Richard. So, when he disappears again, she is neither concerned nor surprised - until a burning car is discovered with a body inside. And there are signs that Richard is somehow involved.Jo is determined to find both her husband and answers, yet with her friend Bram Nash in hospital suffering an infection of his old war wound, she must do so alone. When information comes to light that implicates Bram too, Jo finds herself on a dangerous path to the truth.But what will be left for her when all is revealed?PRAISE FOR THE JOSEPHINE FOX SERIES:' Terrific ... captures brilliantly the atmosphere of wartime Britain' ANN CLEEVES' Feisty, determined and brave - I loved Josephine Fox' JUDY FINNIGAN'A complete delight ... sings with authenticity' CAZ FREARTrade ReviewFeisty, determined and brave - I loved Josephine Fox * Judy Finnigan on The Unexpected Return of Josephine Fox *A complete delight. The story sings with authenticity and I found myself transported to 1940s Romsey from the very first page ... Unputdownable * Caz Frear on The Unexpected Return of Josephine Fox *A terrific debut novel, which captures brilliantly the atmosphere of wartime Britain * Ann Cleeves on The Unexpected Return of Josephine Fox *This atmospheric wartime mystery is perfect for fans of Foyle's war * Candis *Gradidge captures vividly the impact of war on a rural community ... A cracking read * Historical Novel Society *

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