Psychological thriller

Book SynopsisIf you go down to the woods today, you better not go alone . . .FROM THE MILLION-COPY BESTSELLING AUTHOR M.J. ARLIDGE_________The last thing Tom Campbell remembers is camping in the New Forest with his girlfriend, Melissa.Now he is helpless, alone, and being hunted through the woods by a sinister, masked figure . . .When Tom''s body is found, displayed with grisly relish, Helen Grace takes the case. But before she can catch her breath, a second victim is taken.There''s a serial killer on the loose.As something dark and deadly stalks the forest, Helen and her team must race against time to catch the perpetrator, before more blood is shed.But the hunt will take Helen back into the eerie twilit woods.And this time, she might not make it out alive . . .PRAISE FOR M.J. ARLIDGE:''Helen Grace is one of the greatest heroes to come along in years'' Jeffery Deaver''The new Jo Nesbo'' Judy Finnigan''Fast paced and nailbitingly tense . . . gripping'' Sun ''DI Helen Grace is a genuinely fresh heroine . . . MJ Arlidge weaves together a tapestry that chills to the bone'' Daily MailTrade ReviewDetective Inspector Helen Grace is one of the greatest heroes to come along in years -- Jeffery DeaverPage-turningly chilling * The Times *DI Helen Grace is a genuinely fresh heroine ... Arlidge weaves together a tapestry that chills to the bone * Daily Mail *This is going to be as big as Jo Nesbo -- Judy FinniganTaut, fast-paced, truly excellent * Sun *One of the best new series detectives . . . Mesmerizing! -- Lisa GardnerM. J. Arlidge has created a genuinely fresh heroine in DI Helen Grace * Daily Mail *Chilling stuff * Fabulist *A chilling read * My Weekly *A grisly, gripping thriller * Sunday Mirror *Gruesomely realistic, intriguing and relentless. Arlidge's fledgling army of fans is about to grow * Sunday Sport *Expertly pulled off. It has a devious premise. DI Helen Grace is fiendishly awesome. It's scary as all hell. And it has a full cast of realistically drawn, interesting characters that make the thing read like a bullet -- Will Lavender

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Book Synopsis‘Taut, compelling and deliciously dark’ – B. A. Paris, author of The PrisonerAn unputdownable domestic suspense, The Favour is the bold, compulsive debut from Nora Murphy.Leah Dawson and McKenna Hawkins had a lot in common, but they had never met.They are smart, professional women living in the same sunny, prosperous neighbourhood in lovely houses with picket fences and beautiful gardens. And they were both married to successful, good-looking men who both seem bent on having ‘the perfect wife’.They don’t – ever – find themselves in the same train carriage or meet accidentally at the gym or in the coffee shop. And they don’t – ever – discuss their problems and find common ground.But they do cross paths. And they see something each recognizes in the other.That they are living in hell.Neither narrator is unreliable. They always tell us the truth. And their truth hurts. A lot. Because these two attractive, intelligent professional women are living in a hell of their husband’s making. And there is no way to get out of hell. Is there?'A thrilling debut – I couldn’t put it down!' – Shari Lapena, author of The Couple Next DoorTrade ReviewTaut, compelling and deliciously dark, I tore through The Favour -- B. A. Paris, Sunday Times bestselling author of Behind Closed DoorsDark, unsettling, brave and compassionate -- Victoria Selman, author of Truly, Darkly, DeeplyA beautifully written yet chilling glimpse behind the curtain of relationships gone badly wrong, and the terrifying consequences of what happens when wronged women fight back. Absolutely brilliant -- Fiona Cummins, bestselling author of Into the DarkI loved following the parallel lives of Leah and McKenna, two strangers whose actions tie them together forever. The Favour is a page-turning debut that will have you questioning the lengths you’d go to save someone else, even though it’s you that needs saving -- Sandie Jones, bestselling author of The Other WomanA thrilling debut – I couldn’t put it down! -- Shari Lapena, author of multimillion-copy international bestseller The Couple Next DoorA brilliant, gripping, dark and superbly written debut. I was transfixed by Leah and McKenna and the deftly woven plot that connects them. Nora Murphy is one to watch -- Gilly Macmillan, author of The Long WeekendA brilliantly tense tale – you will long for Leah and McKenna to find happiness * The Sun *

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Book SynopsisThey’ve offered you a luxury apartment, rent free. THE CATCH: you may not live long enough to enjoy it…No visitors. No nights spent away from the apartment. No disturbing the other residents. These are the only rules for Jules Larson's new job as apartment sitter for an elusive resident of the Bartholomew, one of Manhattan's most high-profile private buildings and home to the rich and famous.Recently heartbroken and practically homeless, Jules readily accepts the terms, ready to leave her past life behind.Out of place among the extremely wealthy, Jules finds herself pulled toward other apartment sitter Ingrid. But Ingrid confides that the Bartholomew is not what it seems and the dark history hidden beneath its gleaming facade is starting to frighten her. Jules brushes it off as a harmless ghost story - but the next day, her new friend has vanished.And then Jules discovers that Ingrid is not the first temporary resident to go missing…Welcome to the Bartholomew…You may never leave.From the New York Times bestselling author of FINAL GIRLS and LAST TIME I LIED: 'the author delivers the kind of unpredictable conclusion that all thriller readers crave - utterly shocking yet craftily foreshadowed...' New York Times Book ReviewTrade ReviewDeliciously frightening * Daily Mail *Move over Rosemary's Baby, urban paranoia has a deliciously Gothic new address. * Ruth Ware *The Bartholomew is an apartment building of terrifying secrets. You’ll find startling twists and alarming surprises down every dark hallway. It’s too late to lock the doors–the horror is already inside. My favorite thriller of the year! * R.L. Stine, author of Goosebumps *Sager fans and new readers alike will enjoy this heart-pounding thriller that cleverly weaves economic anxiety with something a whole lot darker. Jules must face the demons in the woodwork and in the world around her if she is to have any hope of a future. Because, ultimately, locking every door won’t keep the terror away if the terror is locked in there with you. * New York Journal of Books *The author, writing under a pen name, relates ominous events and spooky developments with skill, adding an element of social commentary and a surprise twist ending—elevating this exercise in terror above the ordinary shocker.” * Wall Street Journal *

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Book SynopsisFrom the mind of a psychologist comes a chilling domestic thriller that gets under your skin."Creepy, compelling and very well written" Harriet TyceAt first it's the lie that hurts.A voicemail from her husband tells Sara he's arrived at the holiday cabin. Then a call from his friend confirms he never did. She tries to carry on as normal, teasing out her clients' deepest fears, but as the hours stretch out, her own begin to surface. And when the police finally take an interest, they want to know why Sara deleted that voicemail.To get to the root of Sigurd's disappearance, Sara must question everything she knows about her relationship.Could the truth about what happened be inside her head?"A wonderful storyteller" Chris Whitaker "Wonderfully creepy, twisty and compelling" Karen Hamilton"Masterfully paced and hauntingly written" Anna Bailey"Gets under your skin" Jo Spain"I couldn't put it down" Sarah WardTranslated from the Norwegian by Alison McCulloughTrade ReviewA sharply observed thriller with a plot packed full of psychological suspense. I couldn't put it down. -- Sarah Ward, author of Bitter ChillTense and atmospheric, this psychological thriller gets under your skin. Helene Flood keeps presenting questions to her reader, sending us every which way, as she builds towards the stunning and satisfying conclusion. -- Jo SpainMasterfully paced and hauntingly written, The Therapist creeps up on you and leaves you looking over your shoulder long after you've turned the last page. -- Anna Bailey, author of Tall BonesDark, absorbing and richly complex. Helene Flood is a wonderful storyteller and The Therapist kept me guessing till the final, devilish twists. -- Chris WhitakerWonderfully creepy, twisty and compelling, with a rising sense of dread that will keep readers turning the pages right through to the unexpected ending. -- Karen Hamilton, author of The Perfect GirlfriendCreepy, compelling and very well-written. The Norwegian setting and the questions it poses about crime and punishment are particularly interesting. -- Harriet Tyce, author of Blood OrangeTense and atmospheric . . . Well plotted with plenty of unexpected twists and turns. -- Breda Brown * Irish Independent. *A marvellously assured debut thriller. -- Declan Burke * Irish Times. *Flood takes her time but manipulates audience expectations with considerable aplomb. -- Barry Forshaw * Financial Times. *A striking debut. -- Andrew Rosenheim * Spectator *We all love a Norwegian crime drama, and this is set to be your new favourite. * Cosmopolitan. *Will have you up all night with the lights on. * Elle. *Don't read this one at night. * Woman’s Weekly. *Chilling. * Bella. *

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Book Synopsis**Sunday Times Number One Bestseller**A classic tale of murder and deceit from one of the world's best storytellers - 'a masterpiece' The TimesTrudy has betrayed her husband, John. She's still in the marital home - a dilapidated, priceless London townhouse - but not with John. Instead, she's with his brother, the profoundly banal Claude, and the two of them have a plan. But there is a witness to their plot: the inquisitive, nine-month-old resident of Trudy's womb.'An astonishing act of literary ventriloquism unlike any in recent literature. A bravura performance, it is the finest recent work from a true master...' Daily TelegraphTrade ReviewAn astonishing act of literary ventriloquism unlike any in recent literature. A bravura performance, it is the finest recent work from a true master… Told from a perspective unlike any other, Nutshell is a shocking tale of murder and treachery from one of the world’s master storytellers. * Daily Telegraph *A creative gamble that pays off brilliantly…Witty and gently tragic, this short, bewitching novel is an ode to humanity’s beauty, selfishness and inextinguishable longing. * Mail on Sunday *Ian McEwan’s embryonic spin on Hamlet is a virtuoso feat of wordplay … Virtuoso entertainment. * Observer *While the literary device of an unborn baby narrating a novel from the womb is hardly original… Ian McEwan employs it with aplomb... Here everything is tightly controlled and the tension ratchets up as our all-knowing unborn watches helplessly from his watery sack while the dastardly plan progresses through a series of nail-biting moments… The ending is beautifully contrived… The book is elegantly written with plenty of pungent, topical observations upon the world. * Daily Mail *At once playful and deadly serious, delightful and frustrating it is one of McEwan’s hardest to categorise works, and all the more interesting for it. * The Times *

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Book Synopsis'God, he's good' Stephen King An American Indian demon is unearthed in the present day. Original, disturbing and utterly terrifying, this is the new standalone from master of horror, and author of The Manitou, Graham Masterton. A BODY IN FLAMES In a tiny public bathroom somewhere outside of West Hollywood, blue flames flicker around a woman's body. Aspiring movie star, Margot, is burning alive. The police rule it suicide, but house cleaner Trinity Fox and ex-cop Nemo Frisby are certain it's something more sinister. They are determined to get to the truth – however strange it might be. A DEPRAVED CULT Their investigation leads them to a movie mogul's vast mansion up in the hills of Bel Air, and into the inner circle of a debauched secret society where the desires of the Hollywood elite can be indulged away from prying eyes. But why did such a rich man choose to build his mansion over an American Indian burial site? AN INSATIABLE HUNGER Ancient mythology tells of a demon in native folklore who, if awoken, can imbue evil men with great and terrible power. He is the soul stealer. And he is fed by the sacrifice of innocent lives... Graham Masterton is a true master of his genre, famous for his original, disturbing, and utterly terrifying novels. The Soul Stealer will stand alongside The Manitou as one of horror's most chiling explorations of the native magic of the ancients. Praise for Graham Masterton: 'One of the most original and frightening storytellers of our time' Peter James 'Suspenseful and tension-filled... All the finesse of a master storyteller' Guardian 'One of Britain's finest horror writers' Daily Mail 'You are in for a hell of a ride' Grimdark MagazineTrade ReviewPRAISE FOR GRAHAM MASTERTON: 'One of Britain's finest horror writers' Daily Mail. 'Masterton is a master of writing horror... You are in for a hell of a ride!' Grimdark. 'Masterton handles his large cast of well-drawn characters with the finesse of a master storyteller, propelling the tension-filled narrative through a series of short, fast-paced chapters, and steers the novel towards a suspenseful finale' * Guardian, on The House of a Hundred Whispers *

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Book SynopsisTo save your lifeYou must kill the one you loveCan you do it?Sarah is madly in love with boyfriend Theo, and can’t wait to go on their first weekend away.But by the end of the first night, Theo is dead. And Sarah has killed him. But she swears she had no choice.She was forced to kill Theo because of something that happened a lifetime ago … something buried in her past.Now, Sarah has one week to find the truth of what happened back then and prove her innocence, before she’s turned over to the police.She’s spent years running from the truth – but now the choices of her past might destroy her future.A fast-paced, addictive thriller that fans of Gillian McAllister and Linwood Barclay won’t be able to put down.Readers are loving The Choice:‘So many twists that you are never sure what is going to happen next…thoroughly entertaining and one hell of a rollercoaster ride.’ Reader Review‘A clever, gripping and unexpected read…The ending is mindblowing and well-executed.’ Reader Review‘Amazing story, really captivated me!...Loved every minute of it.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘A classic thriller tale with twists and turns that keeps the reader engaged, turning page after page to reach the climax. Deception, murder, greed and revenge fill the pages.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘This tale is creepy and scary in parts. Suspenseful and tense! I couldn’t get enough.’ Reader Review‘Rollercoaster of a suspense, packed with action and unpredictable twists and turns, a well-crafted cast of characters and a vein of deliciously dark humour.’ Reader Review‘Really suspenseful and kept me on my toes throughout most of the book.’ Reader Review‘Wow! What an intense read from page one…I loved the crazy thrilling ride it took me on.’ Reader Review‘Fast paced, hooks you in. Great book that keeps your attention.’ Reader ReviewPraise for P.D. Viner’s breakneck thrillers:‘I loved it! A very fast-paced, action-packed story with lots of suspense to keep you reading straight to the very end!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘Go with the flow and enjoy the rollercoaster ride…A gripping thriller that surprises, at times, by being laugh-out-loud funny.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘So gripping that I couldn’t have put it down even if I had wanted to…full of suspense and mystery, I loved it.’ Reader Review‘This one is certainly worth a read. A fun ride through a very dark night. Recommended.’ Reader Review‘A fun, high-energy read…this thriller offers you a rollercoaster of a ride.’ Reader Review‘Wow… It’s intense, gory and gripping, and I really enjoyed it!’ Reader Review‘I really enjoyed this book, it grabbed me from the very first page.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘A twisty and scary read that I couldn’t put down!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘The suspense starts straight away… it kept me hooked throughout’ Reader Review

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Book SynopsisUnfolding over the course of four days and culminating in a shocking twist, Walk is a haunting, visceral and unique novel about the acts that ordinary people are prepared to commit when pushed to the very limits of what we are able to endure.Trade ReviewA modern picaresque that will grab and guide you through some of Britain's last remaining wildernesses, both inner and outer: the Wales/England border, the ransacked sociopolitical contract, the crisis of contemporary masculinity and its effect on all kinds of interpersonal relationships, the crags and quicksands of the soul. It is compelling and propulsive from the serene and optimistic beginning all the way to the stricken end. Fantastic. -- Niall GriffithsA mad picaresque across Wales which is promising a twist that I know is coming but just can't guess from which direction. I'm half way through it and enjoying every step of the journey. * Wales Art Review *This one's special. Bold, unapologetic, superbly written. 'Walk' offers a masterclass in how to write lean prose that's visually stunning and dialogue that's entirely real. -- Caroline Smailes'One of the most stunning debuts I've read in a long time. The talent behind it is huge.' -- Helen Walsh, author of The Lemon Grove Alice and the Fly is a darkly quirky story of love, obsession and fear. A disconcerting but beautiful story hung around the enchanting and heartbreaking voice of teenager Greg. -- Anna James, The Bookseller 'A beautifully written, haunting, evocative and immensely accomplished tale... this is a novel that demands that you make people read it - James Rice is one to watch. Don't miss it.' -- Liz Loves Books'This is a dark and intriguing story of love, obsession and fear - a Captivating Read *****' * OK! *A powerful novel * Closer *A stunning and fresh debut * Big Issue in the North *Fresh, original and a bit crazy * Red *Enchanting * Inside Soap *'This is a novel about loneliness, and Rice vividly evokes the isolation of all those trapped inside the need to present a socially valid exterior. His writing is fuelled by a powerful sense of empathy, even for those whose aspirations he so expertly ridicules. For all the bleakness it portrays Alice and the Fly is an oddly uplifting novel' * Guardian *'At times uncomfortable but always captivating. A wonderful debut novel - Greg's unique voice will stay with you long after the shocking climax.' * Bella *Rice's stylistic verve and skillful storytelling make us keen to discover if we're right to be fearful for his characters, while also raising pertinent questions about social divisions and the way outsiders are treated today * Independent *'Alice and the Fly is a stunning novel but as a debut work it is outstanding, marking out James Rice as a new talent to watch. This is a vivid and profoundly disturbing book which will stay with you long after you have closed it. Tremendously dark at times, it also pulls off the rare trick of being funny and engaging' -- We Love this Book'It's incredible... The best thing!' -- Scot Williams, Actor

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Book Synopsis***The four-million-copy International Bestseller*** ‘If you love The Girl on the Train read Behind Closed Doors’ Elle ‘Twists our expectations of the entire psychological thriller genre’ Guardian ‘B A Paris has done it again! The Breakdown is a page turning thriller that will leave you questioning the family you love, the friends you trust, and even your own mind’ Wendy Walker If you can’t trust yourself, who can you trust? It all started that night in the woods. Cass Anderson didn’t stop to help the woman in the car, and now she’s dead. Ever since, silent calls have been plaguing Cass and she’s sure someone is watching her. Consumed by guilt, she’s also starting to forget things. Whether she took her pills, what her house alarm code is – and if the knife in the kitchen really had blood on it. Praise for The Breakdown: ‘A psychological page-turner’ Good Housekeeping ‘Gripping!’ Woman ‘You’ll race through to discover what’s happening!’ Prima ‘You’ll be unable to rest until you’ve followed the twists and turns to an ending you didn’t forsee’ Daily Express ‘B A Paris has done it again! The Breakdown is a page turning thriller that will leave you questioning the family you love, the friends you trust, and even your own mind’ Wendy Walker, author of All is Not Forgotten ‘Utterly compelling, brilliant and tense’ Lisa Hall, author of Between You and MeTrade Review Praise for The Breakdown: ‘A psychological page-turner’ Good Housekeeping ‘Gripping!’ Woman ‘You’ll race through to discover what’s happening!’ Prima ‘You’ll be unable to rest until you’ve followed the twists and turns to an ending you didn’t forsee’ Daily Express ‘B A Paris has done it again! The Breakdown is a page turning thriller that will leave you questioning the family you love, the friends you trust, and even your own mind’ Wendy Walker, author of All is Not Forgotten ‘Utterly compelling, brilliant and tense’ Lisa Hall, author of Between You and Me

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Book Synopsis I've been following her for the past few days. I know where she buys her groceries, where she has her dry cleaning done, where she works. I don't know the colour of her eyes or what they look like when they're scared. But I will. Mia Dennett can't resist a one-night stand with the enigmatic stranger she meets in a bar. But going home with him might turn out to be the worst mistake of Mia's life…___ ‘A TWISTY ROLLERCOASTER RIDE’ Lisa Gardner ‘A TREMENDOUS READ’ The Sun The compulsive debut from New York Times bestseller Mary Kubica reveals how, even in the perfect family, nothing is as it seems… Now optioned for a major movie by the company behind Being John Malkovich and the TV series True Detective.___ Readers LOVE Mary Kubica: ‘One of the very best thrillers I’ve read – ever.’ ‘Kept me guessing the whole way through. Sheer genius.’ ‘Messed with my mind (in a good way). I want more!’ ‘Totally riveting and all-consuming’ ‘The ending is a real twist of the knife – it doesn’t get much better than this.’ ‘A very fast paced story which keeps you guessing till the end and what a twist!’ ‘Omg! This is one of the best books that I have ever read! Great thriller, love it!’Trade Review‘I hesitate to use that terrible cliché ‘page-turner’, but this powerful debut thriller is just that. It grabs you from the moment it starts’ Daily Mail 'One of the trickiest, cleverest, most rewarding human interest crime tales of this year' Top 100 Amazon reviewer Katharine Kirby 'Kubica’s powerful debut will encourage comparisons to Gone Girl…[but] this girl has heart' Publishers Weekly starred review 'A twisty, roller coaster ride of a debut. Fans of Gone Girl will embrace this equally evocative tale' Lisa Gardner ‘Memorable and riveting’ Lovereading.co.uk ‘As a debut, this is a stunning, well-written novel – Kubica is an author to watch’ We Love This Book 'This psychological thriller gets right under your skin and leaves its mark. A tremendous read’ The Sun ‘A complex tale of deceit, jealousy, fear and love played out against the bustling, bright lights of Chicago … a stunning debut’ Crimethrillergirl.com ‘If you love a dark mystery, The Good Girl will keep you entranced from the very first page to the end. Likened to the bestselling Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, this psychological thriller looks set to be a blockbuster – and it’s only Kubica’s first novel! … I can’t wait for more from this talented writer’ Peterborough Evening Telegraph

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Book Synopsis'God, it's good' STEPHEN KING On a windswept moor, an old house guards its secrets... The new standalone horror novel from 'a true master of horror.' All Hallows Hall is a rambling Tudor mansion on the edge of the bleak and misty Dartmoor. It is not a place many would choose to live. Yet the former Governer of Dartmoor Prison did just that. Now he's dead, and his children – long estranged – are set to inherit his estate. But when the dead man's family come to stay, the atmosphere of the moors seems to drift into every room. Floorboards creak, secret passageways echo, and wind whistles in the house's famous priest hole. And then, on the same morning the family decide to leave All Hallows Hall and never come back, their young son Timmy disappears – from inside the house. Does evil linger in the walls? Or is evil only ever found inside the minds of men? Praise for Graham Masterton: 'A true master of horror' James Herbert 'One of the most original and frightening storytellers of our time' Peter James 'A natural storyteller with a unique gift for turning the mundane into the terrifyingly real' New York Journal of Books 'This is a first-class thriller with some juicy horror touches. Mystery readers who don't know the Maguire novels should change that right now' Booklist 'One of Britain’s finest horror writers' Daily MailTrade ReviewMasterson duly mixes in elements somewhat uncommon to the subgenre, making for an original telling rather than a tired trope rehash, and furthermore provides sufficient twists and turns to keep the reader guessing up to a thrilling [conclusion] * Grimdark Magazine *The content and tone belong to the finest traditions of pulp horror, and I loved it... The tone is slapstick yet unsettling, gory yet occasionally extremely creepy, and I found myself turning the pages furiously... A pacey novel which quickly moves away from its familiar set-up to introduce weirder and much bolder content, then puts its foot to the accelerator and keeps going' * Sublime Horror *Masterton handles his large cast of well-drawn characters with the finesse of a master storyteller, propelling the tension-filled narrative through a series of short, fast-paced chapters, and steers the novel towards a suspenseful finale * Guardian *[A] genuine page-turner... This is a gem of a horror novel, and I am amazed that after so many novels Masterton can return from the well with such a corker. The horror legend takes the skeleton of what you might expect to find in a genre based haunted house novel but adds several extra dimensions and quirks. Great stuff' * Horror DNA *

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Book SynopsisCAN YOU TRUST A KILLER TO CATCH HIS OWN COPYCAT?The utterly gripping new Murder in Yorkshire crime novel by the brilliant Lesley McEvoy - for fans of Happy Valley.___________________ A serial killer is at large in Yorkshire, cutting off one victim's body part to leave with the next. The police turn to forensic psychologist and profiler Dr Jo McCready, who knows the killer's M.O. all too well. Twenty-five years ago, notorious Yorkshire serial killer Jacob Malecki murdered fifteen people using the same method, and Jo provided the profile that led to his capture.But with Malecki locked up in prison, who is the copycat killer? As the bodies pile up and the police get desperate, Malecki offers to help with the case. After all, who better to find a copycat than the original?Now Jo must play a dangerous game of cat and mouse with both killers. Can she use one to catch the other before more people die?Praise for Lesley McEvoy's Murder in Yorkshire crime series:'McEvoy really knows her stuff.' - IAN RANKIN 'This book really got its hooks into me. Highly original and whipsmart on detail, I devoured it in one sitting' - PETER JAMES'Such a clever, twisty crime thriller' - SAIMA MIR'There are plenty of twists in this gripping read' - YORKSHIRE TIMESTrade ReviewMcEvoy has done it again. A terrifically clever and intricate thriller. The author's background adds a chilling authenticity where you can't be sure on which side of good and evil most characters sit. Brilliant! * GRAHAM BARTLETT *Lesley McEvoy knows her stuff * IAN RANKIN *There are plenty of twists in this gripping read * YORKSHIRE TIMES (on The Murder Mile) *This book really got its hooks into me. Highly original and whipsmart on detail, I devoured it in one sitting * PETER JAMES (on The Killing Song) *Such a clever, twisty crime thriller! * SAIMA MIR (on The Killing Song) *A Deadly Likeness is a thrill-ride of a read. Right from the start you're grabbed into the world that Lesley creates and it's very hard to tear yourself away. Every character is is so well drawn that you become suspicious of everyone - even the dog - and you are desperate to find out what happened with every turn of the page. The ending is brilliantly crafted and satisfying as well as heart-stopping and heartbreaking. I throughly enjoyed this novel from Lesley and I can't wait to read more * DOROTHY KOOMSON *

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Book SynopsisA girl playing a game with a supercomputer unwittingly traps hersister in a deadly escape room.

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Book SynopsisWould you run, or stay and call an ambulance, if it was you that pushed him?''A terrific premise, delivered with panache'' CLARE MACKINTOSH''Dark and intense . . . an exhilarating, hold-your-breath read!'' PrimaIt''s the end of the night. You''re walking home on your own.Then you hear the sound every woman dreads. Footsteps. Behind you. Getting faster.You''re sure it''s him - the man from the bar who wouldn''t leave you alone.You make a snap decision. You turn. You push. Your pursuer tumbles down the steps. He lies motionless, face-down on the floor.Now what? Call 999Wait for the police to arrive. For judgement, for justice, whatever that may be. You just hope your husband, family and friends, everyone you love, will stand by you.OR:RunStay silent. You didn''t mean to do it. You were scared, you panicked. And no one saTrade ReviewPraise for Anything You Do Say * - *A terrific premise, delivered with panache -- Clare MackintoshDark and intense . . . An exhilarating hold-your-breath read! * Prima *I loved Gillian's latest book. Another winner. One of the most inventive and original thrillers I've read in recent memory. The Sliding Doors structure kept me turning page after page to discover Joanna's destiny. I devoured this book in one sitting. It's official! Gillian McAllister is fast becoming one of my favourite authors! -- Hollie OvertonAn addictive, exciting and devilishly clever book . . . exceptional -- Holly SeddonA Sliding Doors thriller with a moral dilemma at its heart. Brilliant -- Claire DouglasA smartly conceived psychological thriller * Sunday Times *Almost unbearably tense. A granular exploration of secrecy and guilt * New York Times *This gripping thriller will make you wonder: What would I do? We couldn't put this book down! * Take a Break *This clever novel reminds me of Sliding Doors - it will challenge every belief you have * Sun *Joanna has two choices: does she call 999 or run? Ingeniously, the novel's alternating chapters depict both riveting options * Heat *All the hallmarks of a stunning psychological thriller: Pace, twists and turns and the heart-stopping realisation that it could easily be you -- Adam CroftCompletely original. I was gripped -- Jane FallonHard to put down. The two storylines work so well and the balance is perfect . . . A gripping story with real characters -- Emma CurtisA Sliding Doors-style thriller that will keep you gripped until the final page * Closer *The novel is ingenious . . . a beautiful and original book -- Claire KendalAn expertly crafted novel full of drama and tension . . . An impossible feat accomplished with great skill. Bravo -- Imran MahmoodPraise for Everything but the Truth * - *Perfection. Intriguing and compelling. An exceptional debut -- Clare MackintoshWonderful writing and a brilliant story. An amazing debut -- B A ParisPacked with twists and turns that will make it almost impossible to put down * Hello *A beautifully written domestic noir full of secrets and lies -- Claire DouglasThis contemporary love story wrapped up in a thriller is a brilliant read. Compelling and intense * Sunday Mirror *A gripping, compelling page turner that kept me up half the night -- Liz NugentYou won't be able to put it down! -- Hollie OvertonAn utterly unique story . . . my heart was in my mouth the whole time -- Holly SeddonAn assured and gripping debut -- Alex MarwoodTense and compelling -- Paula DalyI found myself wanting to pick it up at every opportunity. Brilliant -- Jenny BlackhurstTop domestic noir * Sun *Once I'd started I was powerless to stop. Brilliantly executed, clever and utterly realistic -- Jill MansellThis is a book to devour -- Elizabeth HaynesStartlingly good. Gillian McAllister is a new star in psychological thrillers -- Miranda DickinsonIntriguing and atmospheric -- Sheila O'FlanaganBreathlessly brilliant * Heat *A thrilling book club read * Prima *Prepare to be gripped by this tense thriller * Fabulous Magazine *

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Book SynopsisWho knew her secret? And what happened that night?A cracking page-turner from Phoebe Morgan' Cara HunterFast-moving. Addictive. And all too possible' Jane CorryI loved it, those twists!' B A ParisOn the hottest day of the year, Caroline Harvey is found dead in Suffolk. Her body is left draped over a cot but the baby she was looking after is missing. Hundreds of miles away, Siobhan Dillon is on a luxurious family holiday in France when her husband, Callum, is arrested by French police on suspicion of murder.As Siobhan's perfect family is torn apart by the media in the nation's frantic search for the missing baby, she desperately tries to piece together how Callum knew Caroline.What happened that night? Was Caroline as innocent as she seemed or was she hiding a secret of her own?The thrilling new book from the number one digital bestselling author of The Doll House and The Girl Next Door.Praise for The Babysitter:I loved it, those twists!' B A ParisA cracking page-turner from Phoebe MoTrade Review Praise for The Babysitter: ‘I loved it, those twists!’ B A Paris, bestselling author of The Dilemma ‘A cracking page-turner from Phoebe Morgan’ Cara Hunter, bestselling author of All the Rage ‘Another brilliant read – possibly my favourite of hers yet. Tense, twisty and gripping. I was NOT expecting that twist!’ Claire Allan, bestselling author of Her Name Was Rose ‘This had me at the title. Fast-moving. Addictive. And all too possible’ Jane Corry, bestselling author of I Looked Away ‘The Babysitter took me from France to Suffolk via dark, twisty plotting, compelling characterisation and an ending I didn’t see coming at all’ Harriet Tyce, bestselling author of Blood Orange ‘A well-paced and rather unusual thriller, not least because Morgan has a particular skill for creating a vivid sense of place’ Daily Mail ‘A mystery packed with twists and turns – Morgan knows how to ramp up the tension!’ Woman ‘This chilling thriller is packed with tension and twists!’ My Weekly ‘Smart, suspenseful and oh so twisty, I loved The Babysitter’ Victoria Selman, bestselling author of Blood for Blood ‘Smart and sophisticated, with a payoff that’s well worth the wait. This is a dark, chilling thriller oozing with secrets, betrayals and twists’ John Marrs, bestselling author of The One 'The Babysitter is everything I love in a crime novel – a race-against-time mystery full of betrayal, divided loyalties, dubious men and relationships strained to breaking point. It is hugely enjoyable and impossible to put down until the thoroughly satisfying ending' Jane Casey, bestselling author of Cruel Acts ‘Betrayal, twists, lies and hope … The Babysitter has them all! Unputdownable’ Isabel Ashdown, bestselling author of Lake Child ‘SO addictive with a clever and twisty storyline… Loved it!’ Claire Douglas, bestselling author of Do Not Disturb

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Book SynopsisThe stunning thriller from the No. 1 Sunday Times bestselling authorTwo sistersOne secretSomeone knows what they didLeigh doesn't like to talk about her sister.About the night that tore them apart.About what they did.But someone else is about to.How far will Leigh go to protect her family?What readers are saying about False WitnessWOW!!! I absolutely loved it' ?????My favourite book of 2021' ?????A rollercoaster of emotions' ?????''Wow! What a story!' ?????A one-sitting read' ?????I binge-read it' ?????Karin Slaughter's latest novel After That Night was a No.1 Sunday Times bestseller w/e 27/6/22Trade Review‘Brilliantly real characters, razor-sharp dialogue and a humdinger of a plot. I loved it’ TM Logan, author of The Holiday ‘Heart-stopping one moment, heart-breaking the next. Slaughter at her finest’ Cara Hunter, author of All the Rage ‘Her heroines are believable, flawed and courageous’ Oyinkan Braithwaite, author of My Sister, The Serial Killer ‘Absorbing’ Sunday Times ‘Dizzyingly dark and breathlessly compelling…Utterly unforgettable’ B. P. Walter, author of The Dinner Guest ‘Rich characters and deft plotting make this an unputdownable story that will move you to the core. This is Slaughter's best yet’ Camilla Lackberg, author of the Fjallbacka series ‘A twisty, searingly contemporary mystery steeped in a dark past…catches your breath and keeps you gasping and guessing until the end’ Stacey Abrams, author of While Justice Sleeps ‘Karin Slaughter is a master of the thriller genre’ Francesca Momplaisir, author of My Mother’s House Praise for Karin Slaughter: ‘Gripping, gruesome and emotionally powerful, this is Slaughter doing what she does best’ Mail on Sunday ‘As sharp and absorbing as ever’ Guardian ‘Slaughter’s novel is both a page-turner and a protest about how often sexual violence is overlooked’ Sunday Times ‘I’d follow her anywhere’ Gillian Flynn ‘One of the boldest thriller writers working today’ Tess Gerritsen ‘Her characters, plot, and pacing are unrivalled’ Michael Connelly ‘Passion, intensity, and humanity’ Lee Child ‘A writer of extraordinary talents’ Kathy Reichs ‘Fiction doesn't get any better than this’ Jeffery Deaver ‘A great writer at the peak of her powers’ Peter James 'Karin Slaughter has – by far – the best name of all of us mystery novelists' James Patterson ‘It’s big, dark, rich, satisfying, and bloody – like a perfectly cooked steak’ Stuart MacBride ‘The queen of the explosive thriller’ Good Housekeeping

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Book SynopsisHis terrible secret. Her life-shattering choice . . . Discover the enthralling story of secrets, family, and the danger of the truth from the bestselling author of HBO sensation BIG LITTLE LIES''Another masterclass from the author of Big Little Lies'' GRAZIA _________ Cecilia thought she knew her husband. That is until she finds an envelope with ''to be opened in the event of my death'' written in his hand. Unable to resist temptation, she opens it, and learns a shocking truth he has never dared reveal. Now Cecilia faces a terrible choice.Because revealing her husband''s secret will hurt those she loves the most . . . But could the consequences of staying silent be worse?_________ ''A staggeringly brilliant novel. It is literally unputdownable'' SOPHIE HANNAH ''Finely wrought tension holds up until the final page'' TELEGRAPH Trade ReviewIf you loved Big Little Lies as much as the rest of us, you will adore this (just as gripping) book by the same author . . . this book will have you hooked until the very last page * Daily Express *What would you do if you found a letter in the attic, addressed to you, from your husband - to be opened in the event of his death? Another masterclass from the author of Big Little Lies * Grazia *The Husband's Secret is a gripping story about love, deception and how the smallest choice can have the biggest consequences. From the bestselling author of the hit HBO series Big Little Lies.How well do you know your husband? * from the publisher's description *Every single one of her books is a great read * E! Online *The Husband's Secret is a staggeringly brilliant novel. It is literally unputdownableThe story is cleverly plotted, full of suspense and so well-written that it pulls you in from the first page * Sunday Mirror *Every single one of her books is a great read * E! Online *If you like Jodi Picoult, you'll love this addictive new book * Essentials *Dark and compelling, this is a must read * Sun *The writing is beautiful: sometimes funny, sometimes sad but always compelling * Good Housekeeping *This is such a clever idea. This is powerful, moving and gripping stuff * Star Magazine *It's a tense, page-turning story which gradually draws everyone together in a devastating climax. The writing is insightful on the subjects of families and friends, parents and children, husbands and wives. But what makes this a great read are the agonising dilemmas the characters face over blame and guilt, forgiveness and retribution, love and betrayal * The Mail on Sunday, You Magazine *The book's finely-wrought tension holds up until the final page * The Telegraph *Fresh, very funny and entertaining, but also intelligent and unsentimental * Marian Keyes on Three Wishes *Fascinating and compassionate * Daily Telegraph on The Hypnotist's Love Story *A bittersweet tale by a gifted writer * Women's Weekly on What Alice Forgot *

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Book SynopsisThey say you can't choose your family . . . But what if they're wrong?Chloe lives a quiet life. Working as a newspaper archivist in the day and taking care of her nan in the evening, she's happy simply to read about the lives of others as she files the news clippings from the safety of her desk.But there's one story that she can't stop thinking about. The case of Angie Kyle – a girl, Chloe's age, who went missing as a child. A girl whose parents never gave up hope.When Chloe's nan is moved into care, leaving Chloe on the brink of homelessness, she takes a desperate step: answering an ad to be a lodger in the missing girl's family home. It could be the perfect opportunity to get closer to the story she's read so much about. But it's not long until she realizes this couple isn't all they seem. In a house where everyone has something to hide, is it possible to get too close?Anna Wharton’s debut, The Imposter, is a thought-provoking story of obsession, loneliness and the lies we tell ourselves in order to live with ourselves.'Evocative and compelling' – Karen Hamilton, author of The Perfect Girlfriend and The Last WifeTrade ReviewMasterful characterisation and a compelling narrative makes this a must-read debut -- Clare MackintoshA slick, clever book that delivers the most chilling and claustrophobic setting: moving the narrator into the home of the character you fear the most. You won’t be able to stop page turning until you finally find out what the hell is going on -- Caroline Corcoran, author of Through the Wall and The Baby GroupKeeps you guessing about the characters until the last page * Good Housekeeping *Evocative and compelling -- Karen Hamilton, author of The Perfect Girlfriend and The Last WifeAn intricate plot stuffed with surprises and underpinned with a huge helping of heart -- Holly Seddon, author of Try Not To Breathe and The Hit ListA darkly compelling and original story exploring loneliness and obsession and the desire to belong -- Jenny Quintana, author of The Missing Girl and The Hiding PlaceI loved The Imposter. It's twisty and gripping, and I raced through to the end. It's also thoughtful and moving, with characters who lingered in my mind long after I'd turned the last page -- Laura Marshall, author of Friend Request and Three Little LiesA compelling story of obsession and loneliness -- Nell Pattison, author of The Silent House and The Silent SuspectWith an intriguing and obsessive protagonist and a claustrophobic setting, it’s a tense and compelling read that kept me turning the pages until the final twist -- Debbie Howells, author of The Bones of You and The VowI read Anna’s book in one sitting and loved it! It grips and drags you into ever darker, more terrifying territory right up to the last paragraph, and beyond that, too, leaving you grappling with your own sense of morality -- Tasha Kavanagh, author of Things We Have in CommonEvocative, beautifully written and wise, this pacy novel really is one of the best pieces of fiction I have read this year -- Fiona Mitchell, author of The SwapTakes the perennial theme of a missing child and makes something unfamiliar from it -- The Literary Review

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Book SynopsisExposing the botched murder investigation of three young boys has left Milo Rigg''s reputation and career as a crime-reporting journalist in tatters. But when the naked, frozen bodies of two young sisters, Priscilla and Beatrice Graves, are found down a ravine in Chicago months later, there are disturbing similarities. Are the two cases linked, and could this be Milo''s chance to right the wrongs of the past? Restored to his former reporter role, Milo is back - and he''s asking uncomfortable questions again. Confronted with deception and corruption at every turn, can Milo uncover the identity of a ruthless serial killer and finally rid himself of the black cage that threatens to consume him?

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Book SynopsisFrom the author of the murderously good Sunday Times bestseller, My Sister, the Serial KillerWhen his girlfriend throws him out after suspecting an affair, Bambi has nowhere to go but to his Uncle's house. He arrives during a blackout, and is surprised to find his Aunty Bidemi sitting in a candlelit room with another woman. They both claim to be the mother of the baby boy, fast asleep in his crib.At night Bambi is kept awake by the baby's cries, and during the days he is disturbed by a cockerel that stalks the garden. There is sand in the rice. A blood stain appears on the wall. Someone scores tribal markings into the baby's cheeks. Who is lying and who is telling the truth?'Braithwaite excels at narrative voice, morally compromised characters and original, subversive plots... Part drama, part thriller, it is a gripping distillation of Braithwaite's distinctive brand of comic domestic noir.' Evening StandardTrade ReviewA literary sensation * Guardian, on MY SISTER, THE SERIAL KILLER *Braithwaite is fiendishly talented * The Times, on MY SISTER, THE SERIAL KILLER *A pure joy to read * Stylist, on MY SISTER, THE SERIAL KILLER *'Braithwaite excels at narrative voice, morally compromised characters and original, subversive plots... Part drama, part thriller, it is a gripping distillation of Braithwaite's distinctive brand of comic domestic noir.' * Evening Standard *[A] blackly funny and original drama * Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisUpgrade is the mind-bending thriller from Blake Crouch, author of the bestselling Dark Matter and Recursion.YOU ARE THE NEXT STEP IN HUMAN EVOLUTIONLogan Ramsay is beginning to see the world around him, even those he loves the most, in whole new ways. His concentration is better, he can multitask quick, read faster, memorize more and sleep deeper.It is not natural. His genes have been hacked. He has been targeted for an upgrade.And he knows it.Logan has been trying to escape his family legacy for decades – and it has left him vulnerable to attack. With a terrifying plan in place to replicate his upgrade throughout the world's population, Logan may be the only person capable of protecting the bodies of earth from hijackers.But to win this war, Logan will have to become something other than himself . . .Intricately plotted and epic in scope, Upgrade asks us to ponder the limits of our humanity – and our boundless potential. Are you ready for the impossible?'Imaginative, perfectly paced, and extremely clever' – Andy Weir, author of The MartianTrade ReviewImaginative, perfectly paced, and extremely clever. Upgrade walks the fine line between page-turning thriller and smart sci-fi. Another killer read from Blake -- Andy Weir, author of The MartianFrom the first page of Upgrade, it’s clear you’re in the hands of a master storyteller; Blake Crouch leads you on a rollercoaster ride in this highly original science-fiction adventure thriller, by turns mysterious, fascinating and deeply moving – exploring the very nature of what it means to be human. Spellbinding -- Alex Michaelides, No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of The Silent Patient and The MaidensAmazingly gripping and totally immersive. Brilliant (near-future) world-building and impeccable plot. You don’t so much sympathize with the main character as live inside his skin -- Diana Gabaldon, No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of the Outlander seriesBlake Crouch doesn’t pull any punches in this taut and evocative examination of what humanity really is – and how it fails us. Upgrade is a hugely entertaining and emotionally resonant thriller that you’ll be thinking about long after you turn the last page -- Veronica Roth, No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of Chosen Ones and DivergentBlake Crouch has invented his own brand of page-turner – fearlessly genre-bending, consistently surprising, and determined to explode the boundaries of what a thriller can be -- Karin Slaughter, author of After That Night[A] fantastic, mind-blowing philosophical thriller * Yahoo News *Blake Crouch is brilliant. His innovative novels never fail to grip! -- Sarah Pekkanen, bestselling co-author of The Wife Between Us

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Book SynopsisFROM THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF REBECCA. 'She wrote exciting plots, she was highly skilled at arousing suspense' GUARDIAN 'One of the last century's most original literary talents' DAILY TELEGRAPH 'Du Maurier employs well the assured balancing of uncanny possibilities ... and the bitterly wry sense of absurdity that were to characterise her finest fiction' HELEN TAYLOR, INDEPENDENT 'I want to know if men realise when they are insane. Sometimes I think that my brain cannot hold together, it is filled with too much horror - too much despair . . . I cannot sleep, I cannot close my eyes without seeing his damned face. If only it had been a dream.'This collection showcases the budding talent and fierce imagination of Daphne du Maurier, before she went on to write one of the most beloved novels of all time. In these tales of human frailty and obsession, a waterlogged notebook washes ashore, revealing a dark story of jealousy and passion; a vicar coaches a young couple divided by class issues and an older man falls perilously in love with a much younger woman. Each tale demonstrates du Maurier's extraordinary storytelling gifts and her deep understanding of human nature.Trade ReviewShe wrote exciting plots, she was highly skilled at arousing suspense, and she was, too, a writer of fearless originality * Guardian *One of the last century's most original literary talents * Daily Telegraph *Daphne du Maurier's early short stories reveal a talented writer finding her voice -- Natasha Tripney * Guardian *Du Maurier employs well the assured balancing of uncanny possibilities, the clever manipulation of unconscious fears and desires, and the bitterly wry sense of absurdity that were to characterise her finest fiction -- Helen Taylor * Independent *She wrote exciting plots, she was highly skilled at arousing suspense, and she was, too, a writer of fearless originality * Guardian *

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Book Synopsis‘Joe Goldberg is my guilty pleasure, my strange addiction. If loving him is wrong, I don’t want to be right’ Erin KellyJOE GOLDBERG IS BACK, AND THIS TIME HE'S WRITING HIS OWN HAPPILY EVER AFTER . . .    Joe Goldberg is ready for a change. Instead of selling books, he’s writing them. And he’s off to a good start.    Invited to join a tight-knit writing fellowship at Harvard, Joe thinks he’s finally found a place where talent matters more than pedigree. Where anything is possible, even happy endings. At least until he meets his uber-privileged, already-published, already-distinguished peers. Thankfully, Wonder enters the picture. They have so much in common: no college degrees, no pretensions, just a love for literature. They could be those rare literary soulmates who never fall prey to their demons. If only Wonder could just commit Trade ReviewPraise for Caroline Kepnes and the You series: ‘Kepnes gleefully portrays the most back-stabbing seminar yet, dropping literary names with abandon as she twists the plot . . . Joe Goldberg might be a narcissistic, manipulative, murderous, utterly unreliable narrator, but he's damn entertaining’ -- Kirkus Review (starred review) ‘Within this intensity, [Joe's] snark-laden observations about ego, love, and loyalty ring true’ -- Booklist ‘Hypnotic and scary . . . totally original’ -- Stephen King ‘I will read anything she writes. . . . One of the smartest, most insightful writers out there’ -- Nicola Yoon ‘Delicious . . . It's Kepnes' wit and style that keep you coming back’ -- Lena Dunham ‘That peerless author who makes me laugh and glance over my shoulder on the very same page’ -- Jessica Knoll ‘I absolutely loved it. It’s completely addictive, razor-sharp writing from Kepnes. Internet creeping at its most darkly humorous. Joe’s back, and this time it’s definitely real love’ -- Catherine Steadman ‘As irresistible and as blisteringly acid as ever. Horrible and glorious’ -- Catriona Ward ‘Magnificent’ -- Guardian ‘Joe Goldberg has become a cultural mainstay. . . . Kepnes has mastered the likable villain’ -- Rolling Stone ‘Everyone's favorite stalker’ -- Entertainment Weekly ‘Chilling . . . dangerously clever’ -- USA Today ‘Beautifully crafted . . . will give you chills’ -- People ‘Caroline Kepnes must be some kind of storytelling sorcerer. How else can Joe Goldberg — stalker, creep, multiple-murderer, blamer of everyone else but himself, a “long overdue book, the one you never thought was coming” — be such an entertaining narrator? Even Tom Ripley, Patricia Highsmith’s famously amoral character (a clear inspiration for Kepnes), could be enjoyed at a third-person remove, unlike the in-your-face immediacy of Joe’s blinkered perspective . . . brilliant’ -- The New York Times Book Review ‘Kepnes waggishly satirizes the publishing industry, and her outsized characters’ egos and anxieties lay the foundations for delightfully deranged plot twists . . . Joe’s stream-of-consciousness narration engages throughout, rendering readers both confidante and accomplice. Kepnes reliably entertains’ -- Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewJonasson is a connoisseur of 'unrelenting darkness'; the atmosphere of paranoid claustrophobia [Jonasson] creates is so intense you can't help gripping the book as tightly as possible * The Times *Entertaining, suspenseful and twisty. Highly recommended for fans of Ragnar Jonasson and suspense thrillers in general * Mystery Tribune *Lord of the Flies for grown-ups * Times Radio *Chillingly terrifying, brilliantly entertaining, captivating the reader from page one. Impossible to put down * Frettabladid *The author describes the difficult conditions of the four main characters in such a brilliant way that in an instant the reader finds himself in unfamiliar surroundings which neither the reader nor the characters can control * Morgunbladid *A superb page-turner, Outside breathes fresh and unsettling life into the classic locked room mystery -- Kevin WignallRaw with cold and rich in atmosphere, Outside is an Arctic Inspector Calls for a new generation -- Matt WesolowskiHis best yet . . . Having read all of Jonasson's previous offerings. Outside confirms that here is an author at the top of his game, with complete command of his audience * On Magazine *A stunningly original take on the looked-room mystery, where fear of a treacherous snowstorm outside an isolated hut is matched by mistrust among the terrified occupants. Tense. Very tense -- Michael RidpathFour friends find safety from a snowstorm in a remote Icelandic hut - or so they think. Jónasson's twisting, elegantly crafted story will keep you hooked till the very last page -- William RyanRagnar Jónasson is so skilled in depicting the environment where the story takes place, it becomes one of the characters. It is so atmospheric, I am immediately transported to the Icelandic moors, feeling the cold all the way to the bones. I read with bated breath, my heart pounding with the looming knowledge that soon something bad is about to happen -- Sara BlædelYet another humdinger from Iceland's finest crime writer -- Ryan TubridyJonasson offers an intense standalone, taking to new heights his unrivalled skill for using winter as an unpredictable plot-twister . . . There is so much to like here: the complexity of the quartet's relationships, Jonasson's powerful, streamlined writing, and the parallels between an unforgiving setting and the characters' seething grudges. Readers will be drawn into Jonasson's forbidding Iceland landscape, where it's anyone's guess who will make it out alive * Booklist *Entertaining, suspenseful and twisty. Overall, highly recommended for fans of Ragnar Jonasson and suspense thrillers in general * Mystery Tribune *Chilling thriller by the king of Icelandic noir . . . so gripping I can't put it down -- Fiona CummingsJonasson and translator Victoria Cribb do a fine job of setting the scene, developing the characters, and keeping readers in suspense with a tight, clean, noir prose style * Associated Press *A shivery delight * Kirkus Reviews *Jónasson's spare prose and brisk pacing make for an immersive read . . . Outside is an intriguing study of isolation, claustrophobia and the particular menace to be found in beautiful yet unforgiving terrain * Private Eye *Jonasson is a master at two aspects of Icelandic noir: one is the description of his country's withering weather; the other is the handling of murderous plots that are tangled beyond all expectations. He's in top form in both specialties this time out * Toronto Star *Jonasson is a master at exploring the impact of claustrophobia brought on by darkness and enclosed spaces. He an avid fan of Agatha Christie, and Outside is an adaptation, with an Icelandic twist, of the classic locked-door mystery * Canberra Times *It takes a truly talented writer to work with a thin outline like that and turn it into a classic, and that is exactly what Jónasson has done here. I believe he has penned the Icelandic version of Quentin Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs * Book Reporter *From the winner of THE BEST CRIME NOVEL IN THE LAST 50 YEARS * Le Point *Praise for Ragnar Jónasson * - *Jónasson is an automatic must-read for me . . . possibly the best Scandi writer working todayTriumphant . . . Chilling, creepy, perceptive, almost unbearably tense -- Ian Rankin * - *Dark, chilling and utterly gripping -- Shari Lapena * - *Such a tense, gripping read -- Anthony Horowitz * - *A world-class crime writer. One of the most astonishing plots of modern crime fiction. * The Sunday Times *A master of the Icelandic thriller. * New York Post *Is this the best crime writer in the world today? . . . He's truly a master of his genre * The Times Online *Invigorating Iceland-set slice of Nordic Noir * Daily Mail *Fiendishy clever * Financial Times *Triumphant conclusion to the trilogy. Only Ragnar Jónasson has rendered hindsight so heartbreaking * Sunday Times (on the Hidden Iceland trilogy) *It is nothing less than a landmark in modern crime fiction * The Times *The red hot crime writer from the frozen north . . . One of the most important voices on the international crime scene * The Times *Ragnar Jonasson has a gift for crafting clever whodunnits while conveying the intimidating beauty of his native Iceland * Vogue Scandinavia *Jónasson has the full measure of the Nordic noir genre, and pushes all the buttons * Financial Times *Expertly Plotted * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisTHE CHILLING SEVENTH NOVEL IN THE BESTSELLING FRIEDA KLEIN SERIES ''Menacing'' GuardianSomeone is coming for Frieda, someone deadly . . .Psychotherapist Frieda Klein has believed serial killer Dean Reeve escaped justice for years. Despite what the police say, she is convinced he''s still alive. And finally she has the evidence. Because under her floor is the rotting corpse of an ex-policeman who she''d hired to hunt for Reeve.Now the police have to take her seriously.It''s clear that whoever did this is very dangerous and must be found, but it''s also clear that they''re not finished with Frieda - or those she loves most.As Frieda is about to learn - it''s always darkest just before the dawn . . .''Addictive'' Daily Express''Nail-biting'' Marie Claire''Ingenious'' Daily TelegraphTrade ReviewStop what you are doing and start [reading] right now . . . Dean is back. (Or is he?) -- SAM BAKER IS READING * The Pool *Clear your diaries, crime fans, the latest Nicci French is out . . . the seventh in the series, husband-and-wife writing team throw in surprises right up to the last page * Good Housekeeping *

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Book SynopsisIn a marriage built on lies, the truth will destroy BOTH OF YOU.Absolutely gripping' Richard OsmanChilling and entirely unputdownable' Lisa JewellHad me gasping at the twist' Ian RankinAmbitious, nail-biting, darkly voyeuristic'' Louise CandlishSmart and thought-provoking' T.M. LoganHappy. Married. Missing.Leigh Fletcher, devoted wife and stepmum, goes to work one day and never returns home.Same week, different world Kai Janssen leaves her sexy, wealthy husband and their luxurious penthouse, and vanishes into thin air.Both husbands seem distraught, claiming they have no idea where their wives have gone.DC Clements wants answers. Did these women run away or were they taken? Most importantly, where are they now? When the detective discovers a shocking link between the missing women, it's clear the truth can devastate. Now Clements must work against a ticking clock, before both wives disappear forever.The Sunday Times Number One bestseller Adele Parks returns with her most provocative book to date: Both Of You.Praise for Both Of You:As always with Adele Parks this is an absolutely gripping read' Richard OsmanYet another stick of literary dynamite from Adele Parks: chilling, gripping and entirely unputdownable'Lisa JewellReally enjoyed this! Kept me guessing and had me gasping at the twist' Ian RankinAmbitious, nail-biting, darkly voyeuristic I tore through it in two sittings'' Louise CandlishClever and twisty'FabulousSmart and thought-provoking with an absolutely brilliant mid-point twist' T.M. LoganSizzling. Shocking. Sassy' Jane CorryA dark and intense tale that will keep you turning the pages' Jane FallonCrackleswith toxic relationships, dark desires and shocking twists' Eve ChaseClever and full of unexpected turns' Woman & HomeTaut, raw, emotionally astute, clever and shocking. Parks gets better and better a writer at the mind-blowing top of her game' Gillian McAllisterDeliciously dark, sharp and intriguing Another brilliant page-turner from domestic noir queen Adele Parks' Tasmina PerryWildly compelling' Rachel EdwardsTrade Review Praise for Both Of You: ‘As always with Adele Parks this is an absolutely gripping read’ Richard Osman, No. 1 bestselling author of The Thursday Murder Club ‘Yet another stick of literary dynamite from Adele Parks: chilling, gripping and entirely unputdownable’ Lisa Jewell, No. 1 bestselling author of The Family Upstairs ‘Really enjoyed this! Kept me guessing and had me gasping at the twist’ Ian Rankin, No. 1 bestselling author of A Song for the Dark Times ‘I've always loved Adele Parks’s gripping, immersive novels and Both Of You is one of her very best. Ambitious, nail-biting, darkly voyeuristic – I tore through it in two sittings' Louise Candlish, bestselling author of The Other Passenger ‘Clever and twisty, this will keep you hooked’ Fabulous ‘Smart and thought-provoking with an absolutely brilliant mid-point twist’ T.M. Logan, bestselling author of Trust Me ‘Sizzling. Shocking. Sassy. Made me sit bolt upright … Adele has the gift of making you feel you are right there. Inside her characters. Your heart pounding’ Jane Corry, bestselling author of I Made a Mistake ‘Clever and full of unexpected turns, it’s a must read’ Woman & Home ‘A dark and intense tale that will keep you turning the pages… Gripping and surprising’ Jane Fallon, bestselling author of Worst Idea Ever ‘Crackles with toxic relationships, dark desires and shocking twists. An utterly engrossing read that unsettles as it entertains. I loved it’ Eve Chase, bestselling author of The Glass House ‘Taut, raw, emotionally astute, clever and shocking. Parks gets better and better – a writer at the mind-blowing top of her game’ Gillian McAllister, bestselling author of How to Disappear ‘Deliciously dark, sharp and intriguing…Another brilliant page-turner from domestic noir queen Adele Parks’ Tasmina Perry, bestselling author of The Singles Table

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Book SynopsisA RICHARD & JUDY PICKSUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLERNEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERA GUARDIAN BOOK OF THE YEAR''The best crime novel of the decade'' Steve Cavanagh''Both terrifying and utterly heartbreaking'' Mark Billingham''Superbly creepy . . . it might just break your heart a little, too'' Heat''A dark, creepy, thriller with a huge amount of heart'' Stuart MacBride''Beautifully crafted, heart-rending and spine-tinglingly chilling'' Sarah Pinborough''Shades of Thomas Harris and Stephen King but brilliant in its own right'' C. J. Tudor______________If you leave a door half-open, soon you''ll hear the whispers spoken...Fifteen years ago, a serial killer known only as ''The Whisper Man'' wreaked havoc on the sleepy village of Featherbank.But with the killer behind bars, the village is now a sTrade ReviewA gripping exploration of father-son relationships with a propulsive plot, The Whisper Man is a true skin-crawler * Guardian *A police procedural with supernatural overtones * Guardian, Best Crime & Thrillers of the Year *Creepy. With the movie rights sold to Hollywood, Alfred Hitchcock would have loved every spine-tingling moment * Daily Mail *The best crime novel of the decadeAlex North has achieved the seemingly impossible. The Whisper Man is a thriller that is both terrifying and utterly heartbreaking. Mesmerising and masterful.First it's spooky. Then it's scary. Then it's terrifying. And then... well, dear reader, proceed at your own risk. An ambitious, deeply satisfying thriller - a seamless blend of Harlan Coben, Stephen King, and Thomas Harris. My flesh is still crawlingA police procedural with supernatural overtones, this is a true skin-crawler * Guardian, Best Summer Reads *The Whisper Man is going to be huge. Dark enough to chill your blood but so beautifully written you will not be able to put it down. Utterly brilliant.Beautifully written. Beautifully plotted. Shades of Thomas Harris and Stephen King but brilliant in its own rightAn ultra-creepy tinge of the supernatural, blended with a petrifying threat from all-too-human monsters, conjures truly blood-chilling menace. Built on a tender theme, this flawlessly plotted thriller absolutely deserves to be shouted about * Sunday Mirror *You might think you've read too many of these "next generation serial killer" novels but this is a very good example with strong characters and a palpable sense of sadness behind the scariness * Sunday Express *A dark, creepy, thriller with a huge amount of heart. Damn, but Alex North can write!Compelling, creepy and beautifully written, The Whisper Man will stay with you long after the last page is turned - and make you double-check all your doors and windows are locked at nightThe Whisper Man is the most stunning thriller you will read this year, examining the relationships between fathers and sons, loss, betrayal, abduction and murder. It is a story that will unravel the reader as the plot itself unravels, leaving us winded, choking, gasping for air and wrung out, while disturbing, entertaining and enthralling us at the same time.A painful and moving novel. Ostensibly about the abduction and murder of children, it is also an exploration of fatherhood and its challenges and rewards * Literary Review Crime Novels of the Year *Beautifully crafted, heart-rending and spine-tinglingly chilling, the Whisper Man is a thrilling tour de force. Assured and compelling, I can't wait to see what Alex North does nextOstensibly a suspense novel involving the abduction and murder of children, The Whisper Man is also a study of fatherhood. Alex North's writing is impeccable as he spins out his plot . . . At once painful and moving, this story feels both real and important * Literary Review *Alex North weaves a stunningly captivating narrative that's a nuanced and grounded exploration of father-son relationships. He strikes such a delicate balance that consistently elevates itself, he ultimately provides a master class in genre exploration. An incredible readThe Whisper Man is the most unsettling thriller I have read since Jo Nesbo's The Snowman. Much more than the sum of its parts, it is nightmarish and disturbing and, at the same time, a moving and life-affirming novel about fathers and sons, and grief, loss, and recoveryA novel about the dark places that are recognisably our own, The Whisper Man plays on our emotions as much as on our fears. A tremendous calling card for the brilliant Alex North.Fantastic. He writes beautifully, with a powerful understanding of the effects of loss and damage on the human psyche and a style that sweeps you into its grip and never lets go. I'm totally sold on Alex NorthA fine, chilling tale. Alex North paints a world that is so believable and at the same time utterly terrifying. The characters are beautifully rendered, and the tenderness of the central relationship between father and son deepened the sense of terrorDeliciously creepy and kept me up long after I'd turned the last pageUtterly absorbing and intense, so deliciously creepy I think I held my breath for half the book. I couldn't walk away from this affecting story until it was done with me. Loved it!Gripping, disturbing, and creepy as hell - The Whisper Man deserves to be a huge hit. Absorbing writing, characters that will live with you long after finishing, and guaranteed to show up in a nightmare or three. Heartbreaking and unsettling in equal measure, it's destined to be the book that will readers won't be able to forgetWonderfully dark, gently creepy and completely bloody heartbreaking. Alex North is a fantastic writer. The Whisper Man left me in piecesA nerve-shredding emotional rollercoaster that'll keep you up late at night, whether you're still reading it or not. A compulsive read that's sure to give you nightmaresA phenomenal read. Terrifying and heartbreaking in equal measure and if it wasn't so hot I'd definitely be sleeping with the windows shut tonight! The Whisper Man will be the book everyone's talking about next summer, mark my wordsA riveting page turner! Dark and unsettling, this one creeps under your skinOne of the best crime novels I've read in ages. Alex North has crafted a book that manages to be thrilling, terrifying and genuinely moving.There's a soft voice outside your window and it demands your attention. The Whisper Man is coming. In fact, he's already here. Get ready to be unnerved. This novel is thrillingThe Whisper Man is a tour de force, utterly absorbing and brilliantly realisedThe Whisper Man is a chilling, gripping read but also deeply moving. It's a novel that succeeds on all kinds of levels and deserves all the success that is no doubt coming it's wayNo one does Dark with a Heart like Alex North and The Whisper Man delivers a sucker punch that stays with you. Beautifully crafted, chilling & emotional, this's going to be topping Books of the Year lists as soon as it's outI read The Whisper Man in one go, barely remembering to breathe. North writes brilliantly about the cruelties of life, great and small, and the terrors that afflict young children (not to mention their parents). Tender, terrifying and utterly compelling, The Whisper Man will haunt you to the final page and beyond.A creepy, serial killer-inflected thriller * i *More than just superbly creepy, this beautifully written thriller might just break your heart a little, too * Heat *With a tender theme about the complexity of father son relationships at its heart, this thriller is immaculately plotted, superbly written, and so good it deserves to be shouted about * The People *A psychological thriller that's both terrifying and heartbreaking - you won't want to miss this one * Woman's Weekly *[A] superb thriller... Readers will have a tough time putting down this truly unnerving tale, with its seemingly unexplainable elements and glimpses of broken and dangerous minds * Publishers Weekly *Extraordinarily well-written, deeply moving . . . The stories are deftly marshalled and interwoven by North with a mastery that would be astonishing were he a debut novelist * Irish Times *ALEX NORTH'S tightly plotted crime thriller presses all the right buttons for the genre * Press Association *Summer Books of 2019 * Barry Forshaw, Financial Times *This exceptionally creepy thriller is also a touching portrait of a bereaved father and son learning to depend on each other * Morning Star *A debut that will disturb and intrigue in equal measure * Woman *A debut novel set to disturb and intrigue. Truly chilling * Woman's Own *As much an exploration of grief and of the father-son bond as it is a nerve-shredder, this is a good choice for Stephen King fans * Meath Chronicle *Hollywood has snapped up this psychological thriller - and no wonder * Sun *Standout thriller * Daily Express *Deliciously dark and twisty, this is a page-turner from start to finish * Connaught Telegraph *If you like a touch of Stephen King mixed with British crime, then this is for you . . . this is a spooky read, but also holds its own as a police procedural novel * People's Friend *This flawless thriller will touch your heart and live long in your memory * Daily Express *This flawless thriller lives long in the memory * Daily Mirror *

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Book Synopsis'Original, timely, terrifying' CHRIS WHITAKER'Brilliant, profoundly unsettling' DAILY MAILWHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE WATER RUNS OUT?THE WORLD IS RUNNING OUT OF WATER.With supply in the cities drying up, Aida is forced back home to live with her mum at their rural Scottish farm. The border is closed. Tensions are close to breaking point. For now, Aida and her mother have just enough to get by.But then suspicious strangers arrive asking for help, Aida and her family face a terrible decision. How much water can they afford to share? AND THEN THE TAPS ARE TURNED OFF.Can they survive long enough for the rain to come?Completely compelling, devastating and thought-provoking, Thirsty Animals takes us on a captivating journey of survival and self-discovery.'Beautifully written, vivid and unflinching, it confirms Atalla as a real talent' DOUG JOHNSTONE'A master of slow-burning tension and unease . . . The pace of the story builds to an unputdownable conclusion, and the characters will stay with the reader for a long time' CAILEAN STEEDTrade ReviewThirsty Animals is a hard-hitting speculative thriller, equal parts terrifying and compassionate. Beautifully written, vivid and unflinching, it confirms Atalla as a real talent * Doug Johnstone *Original, timely, terrifying. Thirsty Animals takes a brutal yet deeply heartfelt look at survival, and kindness, and just how difficult it can be for the two to coexist at the extremes * Chris Whitaker *Rachelle Atalla's second novel has shown her once again to be a master of slow-burning tension and unease. Thirsty Animals is terrifyingly believable, and functions both as a warning against overconsumption and division, while also providing a hopeful message about the redemptive possibilities of community. The pace of the story builds to an unputdownable conclusion, and the characters will stay with the reader for a long time * Cailean Steed *this is one seriously brilliant and thought-provoking read * Heat *This brilliant, profoundly unsettling second novel will secure Atalla's place as an extraordinary writer, and a poet of controlled bleakness * Daily Mail *Atalla knows how to ramp up tension expertly, and Thirsty Animals comes to a dramatic, unexpected but satisfying conclusion * Big Issue *Compelling, unsettling and emotive, this is an exciting story of survival and self-discovery * Candis *A disturbing and compelling book * SFX *A prophetic book, offering the reader both a deeply unsettling glimpse into our possible future and a comforting reminder of how resilient humans can be. I was utterly captivated by the story, especially Atalla's characters who are richly drawn and incredibly relatable. Atalla has an uncanny knack of both revealing the best and the worst of humanity. She's quickly establishing herself as a writer for these unsettling times * Jan Carson *Thirsty Animals is one of those perfect reads. Compulsive and profound in equal measure, it is both page-turning thriller and philosophical disquisition on what it means to be human rolled into one. A dystopian triumph that confirms Atalla as a major talent, this chilling and believable second novel is horrifyingly brilliant in the best possible way * Mary Paulson-Ellis *Atalla writes with humanity and with such pace that at times, you find yourself gasping for breath. Even if you think apocalyptic fiction is not your bag, you might be surprised by Thirsty Animals. I was. * The Herald *

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Book SynopsisARE YOU READY TO ENTER THE HALF BURNT HOUSE?The spine-tingling new thriller from the internationally bestselling author of Richard & Judy pick THE WHISPER MAN____________It begins with the house and a body:Alan Hobbes stabbed to death in his own bed.For years, he's lived as a recluse in the remains of aderelict mansion that once belonged to a serial killer.The police have a suspect: Christopher Shaw,observed on the premises on the night of the murder.Katie Shaw hasn't seen her brother Chris in two years.All her life, she's tried to look out for him.Even when he made it so hard.But now he's bound up in the secrets of this dark house.To save Chris, dare she follow him inside . . .____________North handles the complicated plot with skill while bringing his troubled characters to life amid the horror' Observer''Alex North at Trade ReviewThe Half Burnt House is Alex North at his best - a writer who can terrify you on one page and break your heart on the next -- Steve Cavanagh, bestselling author of ThirteenEndlessly intriguing * New York Times *So dark and so twisty * Sun *One of those books that made me wish I'd written it. North wields suspense like a blade. Breath-taking and terrifying -- Helen FieldsNorth handles the complicated plot with skill while bringing his troubled characters to life amid the horror. * Observer *North's poetic way with even the most grotesque of situations is always a joy. The Half Burnt House is his best yet. I love it. -- Alex MarwoodDark, gripping, and twisty -- Claire McGowanThrilling, moving and utterly gripping; The Half Burnt House is a triumph -- William RyanA masterfully creepy, atmospheric rush of a read that will linger with you long after you've finished the last page -- Neil BroadfootComplex, tense and atmospheric * Woman's Weekly *Deeply complex and carefully crafted, this novel is a thrilling question mark all the way to the end, and it puts North's storytelling skills on full display . . . the tension mounts with almost every single chapter... his best so far, a superb addition to his already impressive oeuvre -- Gabino Iglesias * NPR *A cut-throat thriller * Woman's Own *Alex North's best book yet. It's as darkly disturbing as The Whisper Man, and as viciously twisty as The Shadow Friend. But this time there's a premise that will break your heart even as it chills you to the very marrow. Nobody in dark fiction writes family relationships - guilt, fear, loss, and ultimately love - like North, and this is an unputdownable thriller -- Derek FarrellEverything in this story is connected in ways the reader can't begin to imagine until a series of stunning parallels and revelations are disclosed. Wait for it! * Booklist, STARRED *North's latest thriller does not disappoint, weaving an intriguing cast of characters across multiple time periods into a story rich with layers and plot twists and perfectly suspenseful pacing ... A delightfully bone-chilling tale * Kirkus Reviews *Praise for Alex North -- :As terrifying as a great horror novel, as unpredictable as the best type of crime novel and above all beautifully written...a writer who is an absolute master of his craft -- Jane CaseyThis is absorbing, headlong reading, a play on classic horror with an inventiveness of its own * New York Times *Hugely atmospheric and deliciously creepy -- Alex Michaelides

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Book Synopsis IT STARTED WITH A KISS... AND ENDED WITH MURDER. The darkly addictive new novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author of I Looked Away, Blood Sisters and My Husband''s Wife. --------------------------------------------------------In Poppy Page''s mind, there are two types of women in this world: those who are faithful to their husbands, and those who are not. Until now, Poppy has never questioned which she was. But when handsome, charming Matthew Gordon walks back into her life after almost two decades, that changes. Poppy makes a single mistake - and that mistake will be far more dangerous than she could imagine.Someone is going to pay for it with their life . . .--------------------------------------------------------WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT I MADE A MISTAKE''Absolutely brilliant...full of twists and turns that left me positively breathless'' Trade ReviewAbsolutely brilliant...full of twists and turns that left me positively breathless -- Angela MarsonsI loved this cleverly written tale of the devastating consequences of a wife's mistake -- Emma CurtisA python of a book; it draws you in gently at first and then the coils of tension begin to tighten and refuse to let you go...The emotional sucker punch at the end was unexpected and terrific -- Jane ShemiltWhat an addictive read! Extremely clever storytelling with terrific pace and real emotional depth too. I loved it -- Teresa DriscollReaders you are in for a tremendous treat - a roller-coaster of a ride that will leave you screaming, 'No!' on more than one occasion -- Carol WyerFans of Louise Doughty and Clare Mackintosh will love I Made a Mistake. Exhilarating and heartbreaking in equal measure, this story will stay with me for a long time -- Nuala EllwoodJane Corry is at the top of her game and her latest novel cements her place as one of the superstars of the genre. Addictive, dark, and all too believable, I Made A Mistake is her best yet -- Phoebe MorganI love all Jane Corry's books but this is her best yet. So clever, compulsive and twisty with a reveal I never saw coming. Superb -- Claire DouglasI Made a Mistake is an absorbing and gripping masterpiece, skilfully plotted with superbly drawn characters who will stay with you long after you've finished reading -- Kathryn CroftCorry often explores darker themes, and those living on the fringes of society and this book is no exception: gritty, real, interesting and clever. Highly recommended -- Gillian McAllisterBrilliant and chilling. Jane Corry knows exactly how to turn the screws in this compelling and hard-hitting story about the dark underbelly of respectable family life. Another outstanding novel by Jane Corry -- Kate FurnivallJane Corry nails it again. This is a page turner with depth, with characters and human conflicts that stay with you long after the novel is finished. Superb -- Kate HamerA convincing suburban thriller with a compelling sense of doom -- Ross GreenwoodWow! What an utterly tense and addictive thriller. It kept me riveted the whole way through!! -- Shalini BolandGripping and surprising, with killer twists that will keep you guessing right up until the end -- Ella Dove, commissioning editor for Good Housekeeping, Prima and RedStorytelling at its finest. An expertly plotted page turner with real emotional depth -- Victoria Selman

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Book Synopsis''Bound to be the hit thriller of the summer!'' T. M. Logan, The Holiday-----Six friends.The holiday of their dreams.One night that changed it all . . .1989: The tunes are loud and the clothes are louder when a group of friends arrives in Mallorca for a post-graduation holiday of decadence and debauchery at a luxury villa.A beach party marks the pinnacle of their fun, until it isn''t fun any longer. Because amidst the wild partying - sand flying from dancing feet and revellers leaping from yachts - an accident happens. Suddenly, the night of a lifetime becomes a living nightmare.Now: The truth about that summer has been collectively buried. But someone knows what happened that night.And they want the friends to pay for what they did.-----''Thrilling, twisting and gloriously ''80s'' Chris Whitaker, We Begin at the End''Sun-soaked and fast-paced, the perfect holiday page turner'' Ellery Lloyd, The Club''Deliciously gripping and twisty'' Shalini Boland, The Secret Mother''Sizzling with suspense, the perfect summer read'' B. A. Paris, Behind Closed DoorsTrade ReviewPrepare to be utterly seduced by this gloriously immersive summer read. Secrets, revelations and twists aplenty! -- Lesley Kara, author of The RumourIt's only 5th January and I'm pretty sure I've just finished one of the best thrillers I'll read this year -- Emma Curtis, author of One Little MistakeWith a to-die-for setting and elegant prose, this scorcher is a must-have holiday read -- Fiona Cummins, author of When I Was TenPropulsive read which delivers a real punch. Coercive friendships in '89 and now are dissected with skill by Nikki Smith in this cautionary tale. I could not look away! -- Amanda Reynolds, author of Close to MeA truly gripping tale packed with sun, secrets, toxic allegiances and shocking revelations, this novel is sure to grace many a sunlounger this summer -- Caz Frear, author of Sweet Little LiesPerfect reading for a sun lounger * Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisIF YOUR BEST FRIEND WAS IN DANGER, YOU''D TRY TO SAVE HER...WOULDN''T YOU?''Dark and addictive, twisty and twisted...phenomenal!'' Andrea Mara, author of ALL HER FAULTAre you ready to play?Best friends Cleo and Rachel spend their evenings pretending to be people they''re not, inventing elaborate stories to escape the monotony of their real lives. It''s all harmless fun - until they play the game on the wrong person...It''s your move now.Five years later, Cleo is still struggling to come to terms with the night that destroyed her friendship with Rachel and almost cost them their lives. And then she receives a text: Rachel is missing. Have you seen her?There''s only one person to blame.Wracked with guilt for failing Rachel the last time they were in danger, Cleo races to find her friend. But could the past be repeating itself? Only this time, they''re caught up in a fTrade ReviewEdge-of-your-seat suspense... Utterly gripping * Emma Curtis, author of INVITE ME IN *Dark and addictive, twisty and twisted...phenomenal! * Andrea Mara, author of ALL HER FAULT *A stomach-lurching dive into friendship, longing and betrayal, with pitch-perfect pacing, cracking suspense and twists that keep on twisting! * Philippa East, author of LITTLE WHITE LIES *As twisty as hell with a plot that accelerates at 120mph. Highlighting the danger of not knowing who you are really talking to behind a screen on social media . . . simply brilliant! * Nikki Smith, author of LOOK WHAT YOU MADE ME DO *Dark, gritty...A really great thriller and really original concept. * Holly Craig, author of THE SHALLOWS *

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Book SynopsisNancy and Calder are moving from London to an isolated slate island, off the west coast of Scotland. Nancy is focused on their new beginning, but is increasingly unsettled by the stark island, the mysterious inhabitants and Calder''s dark past, which he''s kept hidden from her. Then one of Nancy''s nightmares plays out in real life: she finds Calder''s boat upturned in the bay, his body adrift in the icy water. He''s clinically dead with no heartbeat. But miraculously the doctors manage to bring him back to life. Everyone thinks he has made a full recovery, but Nancy doesn''t recognise the man who has come back from the dead. As secrets, lies and bodies begin to wash up on the island, Nancy must come to terms with the fact that despite the fresh start, sometimes the slate cannot be wiped clean.

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Book SynopsisLondon in the early nineties is a hotbed of political activism and intrigue, prey and predator, and times are changing fast - too fast for DCI Rick Bailey, who is starting to think he cannot keep up. But then a young woman goes missing in the run-up to Christmas, and he''s convinced Alice''s disappearance is related to an unsolved murder that has haunted him for the last three years.He stumbles upon a suspect connected to all the clues, among them a care worker facing betrayal and abuse, a cemetery worker hearing music that does not play, an activist running from himself and a blind man who sees more than anyone else.Who will lead them to Alice before the church bells ring?_____Praise for S. J. Butler:''S.J. Butler writes like a dream and tells tales from the stuff of nightmares . . . This is high-octane crime fiction'' TONY PARSONS''Class warfare in all its glory or goriness'' TONY MILLINGT

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Book SynopsisWhen local detective, Stefani Warner, starts investigating Hannah's disappearance, one person is quickly singled out: Daniel, Alex's nineteen-year-old son. In a panic, Alex lies to protect Daniel. But as her lies begin to multiply, Alex is becoming trapped. Did Alex do the right thing for her child?

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Book SynopsisThe Interview is a gripping locked-room thriller from C. M. Ewan, the acclaimed author of A Window Breaks and the half-a-million-copy bestseller Safe House.It’s 5 p.m. on a Friday.You have been called to an interview for your dream job.In a stunning office thirteen floors above the city below, you are all alone with the man interviewing you.Everyone else has gone home for the weekend.The interview gets more and more disturbing.You’re feeling scared.Your only way out is to answer a seemingly impossible question.If you can’t . . . what happens next?What authors are saying . . .‘C.M. Ewan never once drops the pace in this heart-pounding rollercoaster of a thriller that had me up all night’ - Clare Mackintosh, author of Hostage‘A brilliant hook, a breakneck game of cat and mouse, and twists galore’ - Tim Weaver, author of The Shadow at the Door‘A fast-paced twisty read that races along like an action movie’ - Sarah Pinborough, author of Insomnia‘I can’t stop thinking about The Interview. I loved it’ - Sarah Hilary, author of Fragile‘I couldn’t put The Interview down. Totally brilliant’ - B A Paris, author of The Therapist‘A terrifying, heart-stopping ride’ - Sharon Bolton, author of The Split‘So tense and twisty. An absolute nail-biter of a novel!’ - Gilly Macmillan, author of The Long WeekendWhat readers are saying . . .‘Oh boy did I enjoy this book! The definition of a keep you up all night, read in one sitting thriller’‘I read this beauty in a day, had so much else to do but just couldn't put it down’‘Wow, this book blew me away! I was hooked immediately and found the concept, both exciting and highly original’‘YOU GUYS! If you haven't read this book, DO IT NOW!’Trade ReviewC M Ewan never once drops the pace in this heart-pounding rollercoaster of a thriller that had me up all night. -- Clare Mackintosh, Sunday Times bestselling author of The HostageA brilliant hook, a breakneck game of cat and mouse, and twists galore: Ewan always delivers . . . -- Tim Weaver, author of the David Raker seriesA terrifying, heart-stopping ride and a highly original and deeply disturbing thriller. I've been a Chris Ewan fan for a while, but in this book he soars to another level entirely. -- Sharon Bolton, author of The SplitI couldn't put The Interview down. Totally brilliant -- B A ParisC. M. Ewan has created the most incredible cat and mouse game in his propulsive novel, The Interview. He is an absolute master of the knife-edge thriller. -- Liv Matthews, author of The PrankI can't stop thinking about The Interview. I loved it -- Sarah Hilary, author of FragileCM Ewan has a well-deserved reputation as one of Britain’s best thriller writers. The Interview is a tense, twisting novel that will keep you gripped until the very last page. -- Adam Hamdy, author of Black 13 and Red WolvesA fast-paced and incredibly tense locked room thriller. Kept me guessing all the way to the end. It makes the job interviews in The Apprentice look like a walk in the park . . . -- John Marrs, author of The OneThis was so tense and twisty! An absolute nail biter of a novel. It inspires me to double down on the writing career as I'm never, ever going to a job interview again! -- Gilly Macmillan, author of To Tell You The TruthA slick, adrenalin-soaked corporate thriller that will keep you right on the edge of your seat -- Catherine Ryan Howard, author of 56 DaysIt's brilliant. This startling novel upends the reader’s cocky expectations. I have never found it so difficult to resist flipping ahead to see if what I think is happening is happening. Don’t do it! You’ll be wrong and you’ll miss half the fun. -- Hart Hanson, the creator/showrunner of BonesA fast-paced twisty read that races along like an action movie -- Sarah PinboroughThis is the sort of novel you read with your heart in your mouth. When you think you know where it's going, there's another plot-altering twist . . . a terrific, quite frightening read. * Belfast Telegraph *What a fantastic thriller. A clever set up and a relentlessly gripping, surprising and vividly written story. -- Cath Staincliffe, author of Running out of RoadGripping. * Choice Magazine *

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Book SynopsisThe electrifying novel from the Booker shortlisted author of Everything Under. 'A short sharp explosion of a gothic thriller' ObserverSomething unspeakable has happened to sisters July and September. Desperate for a fresh start, they move across the country to an old family house that has a troubled life of its own. Noises come from behind the walls. Lights flicker of their own accord. Sleep feels impossible, dreams are endless.In their new, unsettling surroundings, July finds that the fierce bond she's always had with September - forged with a blood promise when they were children - is beginning to change in ways she cannot understand.Trade ReviewA short, sharp explosion of a gothic thriller whose tension ratchets up and up to an ending of extraordinary lyricism and virtuosity. * Observer *Fiction to Look Out for in 2020* *A haunting, emotionally acute novel with a terrific twist. -- Claire Allfree * Daily Mail *Christmas Fiction* *[A] gothic masterpiece... You can't stop reading... This taut, lyrical firecracker of a book crescendos into an emotional ambush of a climax, which...confirms Johnson as a profoundly inventive and masterful storyteller. -- Gwendolyn Smith * i *A tour-de-force... Johnson's prose seduces us with the promise of comfort and then yanks that comfort away. -- Erica Wagner * Guardian *Book of the Day* *Exhilarating... A masterful follow up to her debut, Johnson's novel is quietly terrifying and certainly an apt read for 2020. * Evening Standard *

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Book SynopsisSCRAVIR II - Lacklight is the long-awaited sequel to the contemporary Gothic horror bestseller: SCRAVIR - While Whitby Sleeps.

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Book Synopsis'I read this in two lightning-quick sittings...I absolutely adored it' Lisa Jewell, bestselling author of The Family UpstairsHAL MUST KEEP GOING OR RISK LOSING EVERYTHING...EVEN HER LIFE. When Harriet Westaway receives an unexpected letter telling her she's inherited a substantial bequest from her Cornish grandmother, it seems like the answer to her prayers. There's just one problem - Hal's real grandparents died more than twenty years ago. Hal desperately needs the cash and makes a choice that will change her life for ever. She knows that her skills as a seaside fortune teller could help her con her way to getting the money. But once Hal embarks on her deception, there is no going back. _______________Praise for THE DEATH OF MRS WESTAWAY:'Ruth Ware's best: a dark and dramatic thriller, part murder mystery, part family drama' A. J. Finn'Unsettling and brilliant' Heat'[An] explosive claustrophobic family drama laced with a touch of du Maurier' Woman & Home'Atmospheric and eerie with Agatha Christie vibes' Prima'Highly atmospheric' The Times'Unguessably twisty' Louise Candlish

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Book SynopsisHave you ever played two truths and a lie?It was Emma's first summer away from home. She made friends. She played games. And she learned how to lie.Then three of her new friends went into the woods and never returned. . . Now, years later, Emma has been asked to go back to the newly re-opened Camp Nightingale. She thinks she’s laying old ghosts to rest but really she’s returning to the scene of a crime.The gripping new thriller from the bestselling author of Finale Girls - perfect for fans of A. J. Finn's The Woman in the Widow*Don't miss Riley Sager's new thriller, LOCK EVERY DOOR. Available to pre-order*Because Emma’s innocence might be the biggest lie of all. . .Trade ReviewBreathtaking - brightly written, scalpel-sharp, and altogether inspired. This swift, red-blooded thriller set my pulse thrumming. * A. J. Finn, Sunday Times bestseller of THE WOMAN IN THE WINDOW *A haunted summer camp. A lake darker than midnight. This chilling tale will keep you awake long after you've turned the last page -- Liv Constantine, bestselling author of THE LAST MRS PARISHAn edge-of-your-seat thriller full of twists and intrigue, THE LAST TIME I LIED had me riveted from the first page to the stunning conclusion. A fantastic read - eerie, sharp, and all-around captivating -- Megan Miranda, bestselling author of THE PERFECT STRANGERIf you like unreliable narrators and being scared witless, then this is the book for you * Red Magazine *A deliciously unnerving and unpredictable novel * CULTUREFLY *

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Book Synopsis'Propulsive, sinister, gripping' - ALEX MICHAELIDES, international bestselling author of The Silent Patient and The Fear'Such a brilliant read with such well drawn characters – I loved it' - NIKKI SMITH, author of The Beach Party'One thing I've learned, these last few weeks, is that small acts of kindness are far less effective than fear...'She watches them in the dead of night. Hidden in plain sight, Mercy Lake provides what people need. Quietly. In secret. Making lives better.But he is watching too. And he doesn’t want to help anyone - he wants to punish them. And he wants Mercy to join him.Soon, though, their activities draw the attention of the very person Mercy is desperate to avoid. Someone who will go to extreme lengths to make her pay for knowing their secret . . .The People Watcher is a shiver-inducing, heart-pounding suspense thriller that will keep you up into the early hours - perfect for fans of Alex Michaelides, Helen Fields and Catherine Ryan Howard.********Readers can't put down The People Watcher!'WOW! So full of suspense. The ending was a shocker!' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Reader Review'Wow wow wow this book did not disappoint. I read it in 2 sittings. So many twists and turns. I absolutely loved this book - a must read!!' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐'Original, creepy and devastatingly clever. I raced through The People Watcher yet didn't want it to end. Utterly addictive. I loved it!' Sunday Times bestseller ANDREA MARA'Oh ... my ... word. The ending was such a shock and left me speechless. I normally see things coming, but not this time!' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐'Twisty and dark as the night itself, it is impossible to put down. A triumph.' - NEIL LANCASTER'Absorbing and richly detailed, a novel with real heart.' LISA BALLANTYNE, Richard & Judy book club bestselling author of The Guilty One'Non-stop drama, full of surprises and twists and turns. I found it thoroughly engaging, something different and one not to be missed.' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐'Intriguing characters and a gripping plot - what crime fiction should be!' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐'Another cracking thriller from Sam Lloyd.' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐Trade ReviewPRAISE FOR THE PEOPLE WATCHER * : *A propulsive, sinister, gripping tale about the dark side of human nature that is hard to put down. * Alex Michaelides *Original, creepy and devastatingly clever. I raced through The People Watcher yet didn't want it to end. Utterly addictive. I loved it! * Andrea Mara *Deftly plotted and deliciously twisty, this character-led thriller is a step outside the rest * Heat *'Absorbing and richly detailed, a novel with real heart.' * LISA BALLANTYNE, Richard & Judy book club bestselling author of The Guilty One *

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Book Synopsis'Moving, dramatic and darkly humorous' - DAILY MAIL 'Brings a whole new meaning to domestic noir' - THE TIMES 'Funny, grim and very touching' - HARRIET TYCE She will leave your surfaces sparkling. But she may well leave you dead... Maria is a good woman and a good cleaner. She cleans for Elsie, the funny old bird who's losing her marbles, with the terrible husband. She cleans for Brian, the sweet man with the terrible boss. She cleans for the mysterious Mr Balogan with the terrible neighbours. But if you're thinking of hiring her, you should probably know that Maria might have killed the terrible husband, the terrible boss and the terrible neighbours. She may also have murdered the man she loved. She didn't set out to kill anyone, of course, but her clients have hired her to clean up their lives, and she takes her job seriously - not to mention how much happier they all are now. The trouble is, murder can't be washed out. You can only sweep it under the carpet and pray no one looks too closely... Darkly funny and completely gripping from the first page to the last, Make Me Clean is one thriller you won't be able to scrub from your mind. Perfect for fans of Harriet Tyce, Fiona Cummins and My Sister the Serial Killer.Trade ReviewThis tongue-in-cheek, heart-in-the-right-place thriller brings a whole new meaning to domestic noir * The Times *Highly original and darkly humorous * Women's Own *A sympathetic portrait of a woman on society's edge, whose loyalties are few and who can rely only on herself. Insightful, moving, dramatic and darkly funny * Daily Mail *Funny, grim and very touching -- Harriet Tyce, author of BLOOD ORANGEA dark delight that takes the most mundane of realities, soaks it, wrings it out and shakes it into a thoroughly absorbing ride. Funny, violent, real and with characters you love to love - and hate... Five stars -- Janice Hallett, author of THE TWYFORD CODEA clever crime thriller with a murderous main character to absolutely fall in love with... [you'll] laugh one moment, and shudder in dread the next -- Essie Fox, author of THE SOMNAMBULISTMaria is a character who will creep into your heart and stay with you for a long time. Beautifully drawn characters with a deftly woven plot, Make Me Clean is Tina Baker's best yet -- Alice Clark-Platts, author of THE FLOWER GIRLSDark, sharp, shocking, funny and sad. Tina Baker has a unique voice in the blackest depths of domestic noir, and Maria is a cleaner you wouldn't want to mess with... -- Kate Griffin, author of FYNESHADEShe has topped even her first two novels. Brilliant -- Eddie MairQuirky, dark and delicious -- Caroline England, author of HER HUSBAND'S LIES

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Book SynopsisLonglisted for the Crime Writers’ Association Gold Dagger Award 2023 ON THE ROAD TO DISCOVERY, EVEN THE DEAD HAVE SECRETS. High up on a mountain road in the Balkans, former Olympic cyclist Heather Bishop races her journalist boyfriend Ryan. But when he suddenly disappears during the ride, suspicion falls on her. Local police inspector Simo Subotić already has his hands full investigating two mutilated bodies that have washed up on the banks of the River Drina. Something is telling him that these two cases are connected but nothing could prepare him for what is to come. Only together can Simo and Heather hope to uncover the truth in time. Their search not only exposes the darkness of Ryan’s past but exhumes dangerous secrets of a region still reeling from the trauma of war. Are some secrets so devastating that they should remain buried?Trade Review'NE Solomons, in a promising crime debut, has created an atmospheric tale full of menace and the echoes of war' -- Pick of the Week * Sunday Times Crime Club *'The Bone Road is [Solomons'] debut as a writer of thrillers ... you knew that you would get a book that was beautifully written' -- Sue Magee * The Bookbag *'This cleverly written thriller… takes us on a descriptive journey through Serbia and the Balkans where we meet people who are still recovering from, and suffering the effects of, a war that only ended in 1995' * LoveReading *'The Bone Road was brilliant. Its combination of gripping plot, fascinating setting, strong characters and chilling undertones kept me enthralled until the very last page' -- Cathy Johnson * What Cathy Read Next Blog *'This electric novel from NE Solomons focuses on an under-represented conflict - the Bosnia/Serbia War, which provides a gripping context for the unfolding narrative... the clever, thought-provoking plot manages to bridge the gap between fiction and non-fiction.' -- Hollie Bruce * Press and Journal *'Precise plotting and evocative setting combined with a touch of modern history make The Bone Road well worth reading' * Bookertalk *

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Book SynopsisPatricia Highsmith was born in Fort Worth, Texas in 1921 but moved to New York when she was six. In her senior year she edited the college magazine, having decided to become a writer at the age of sixteen. Her first novel Strangers on a Train was made into a famous film by Alfred Hitchcock in 1951. Patricia Highsmith died in Locarno, Switzerland in 1995. Her last novel Small g: A Summer Idyll was published posthumously just over a month later.Trade ReviewIn Ripley Under Ground Patricia Highsmith is in her most brilliant form * Daily Telegraph *The No.1 Greatest Crime Writer * The Times *Ripley Under Ground is Highsmith back on top of her most enjoyable humour-and-horrors form * Sunday Telegraph *By her hypnotic art Highsmith puts the suspense story into a toweringly high place in the hierachy of fiction * The Times *The Ripley books are marvellously, insanely readable * The Times *

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Book SynopsisTHE THRILLING NEW KAY SCARPETTA MYSTERY FROM THE #1 GLOBAL BESTSELLER''I''M STILL SEEING STARS . . . KAY SCARPETTA IS THE SAME GRUMPY, WONDERFUL, RIVETING PERSONALITY SHE''S ALWAYS BEEN AND SHE''S ONLY GETTING BETTER WITH TIME'' JAMES PATTERSONMurder and mayhem. Scarpetta is back, and she''s racing against the clock . . .Chief medical examiner Kay Scarpetta is the reluctant star witness in a sensational murder trial when she receives shocking news. The judge''s sister has been found dead. At first glance, it appears to be a home invasion, but then why was nothing stolen, and why is the garden strewn with dead plants and insects?Although there is no apparent cause of death, Scarpetta recognizes tell-tale signs of the unthinkable, and she knows the worst is yet to come. The forensic pathologist finds herself pitted against a powerful force that returns her to the past, and her time to catch the killer is running out . . .Trade ReviewI'm still seeing stars. A great thriller. One of the hardest things as a series writer is keeping your famous heroes fresh year after year. Kay Scarpetta is not only still fresh, she's the same grumpy, wonderful, riveting personality she's always been - a full-on human being - and she's only getting better with time. I love catching up with her every year -- JAMES PATTERSONCornwell's on blistering form and this absorbing thriller will keep you hooked * SUN *Riveting * THE TIMES *Cornwell knows how to craft a mean page-turner and Livid is no exception * TELEGRAPH *More than thirty years and twenty-six Scarpetta books later, Cornwell is still knocking it out of the park * LOVEREADING *Gripping . . . Sound the klaxon, Patricia Cornwell's brilliant chief medical examiner Dr Kay Scarpetta is back * HEAT *Post-mortem scenes that [will] make fans of this long-running series salivate . . . Something to look forward to * KIRKUS *This is Scarpetta's 26th outing and the plotting remains every bit as fresh as when we were introduced to her * BELFAST TELEGRAPH *PRAISE FOR PATRICIA CORNWELL * - *One of the best crime writers writing today * GUARDIAN *Astonishing . . . Thirty years on, there's still no other crime writer like her * SUNDAY TIMES *The top gun in this field * DAILY TELEGRAPH *America's most stimulating and chilling writer of crime fiction * THE TIMES *Forget the pretenders. Cornwell reigns * MIRROR *A pioneer of the genre of forensic psychological thriller -- BBCThe Agatha Christie of the DNA age * EXPRESS *The queen of the forensic thriller * MAIL ON SUNDAY *Cutting-edge * SUN *When it comes to forensic sciences, nobody can touch Cornwell * NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW *Slick, fast-paced and brilliant * HEAT *

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Book SynopsisIntroducing the Collins Modern Classics, a series featuring some of the most significant books of recent times, books that shed light on the human experience classics which will endure for generations to come.Alison Hart, a medium by trade, tours the dormitory towns of London's orbital ring road with her flint-hearted sidekick, Colette, passing on messages from beloved dead ancestors. But behind her plump, smiling persona hides a desperate woman: she knows the terrors the next life holds but must conceal them from her wide-eyed clients. At the same time she is plagued by spirits from her own past, who infiltrate her body and home, becoming stronger and nastier the more she resistsShortlisted for the Orange Prize, Hilary Mantel's supremely suspenseful novel is a masterpiece of dark humour and even darker secrets.Trade Review‘Magnificent…It’s one of the greatest ghost stories in the language, but it’s far more than just a ghost story – it’s a novel of desperate truthfulness – a majestic work, truly’ Philip Pullman ‘Sparkling, sinister and supremely original’ Sunday Telegraph ‘As black as a tar barrel and very, very funny’ The Times ‘Laceratingly observant, a masterpiece of wit, heavy with atmosphere. It is also gloriously insolent and slyly funny: full of robust, uncluttered prose and searing moments' Independent ‘Pins elusive Middle England to the page in all its creepiness: a place blank and disconnected, yet fatally self-absorbed’ Rachel Cooke, Observer ‘An elegant, atmospheric tale and a nuanced portrait, full of ironies’ Tatler 'Chilling, creepy and endlessly inventive' Kate Saunders, The Times ‘Hilary Mantel has done something extraordinary. She has taken the ethereal halfway house between heaven and hell, between the living and the dead, and nailed it on the page’ Fay Weldon, Guardian ‘Has the kind of gallows humour that makes you laugh out loud…A real page-turner, a darkly humorous take on the enduring effects of childhood trauma’ Mslexia 'A deep, disturbing, violently amusing and subversive work’ Daily Telegraph

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Book SynopsisA chilling novel that pays twisted homage to Defoe's Robinson Crusoe'. Newly reissued with an introduction from Neil Gaiman.Robert Maitland, a 35 year-old architect, is driving home from his London offices when a blow-out sends his speeding Jaguar hurtling out of control. Smashing through a temporary barrier he finds himself, dazed and disorientated, on a traffic island below three converging motorways. But when he tries to climb the embankment or flag-down a passing car for help it proves impossible and he finds himself imprisoned on the concrete island. Maitland must survive using only what he can find in his crashed car.As in all Ballard's best work Concrete Island' provides an unnerving study of our modern lives and world. With his alienating, Ballardian' view of normal events, this is a unique novel from one of the twentieth century's finest writers.This edition is part of a new commemorative series of Ballard's works, featuring introductions from a number of his admirers (includTrade Review'This allegory of modern life is both compelling and profound' Daily Telegraph 'Ballard's violent exact prose carries you along irresistibly. You believe him, you accept his vision, and it is a fearful one' Sunday Telegraph ‘A tour de force … a nightmare we can all share’ Daily Mail 'Ballard writes with taut and precise economy, and the moral of his brilliantly original fable is plain: the interstices of our concrete jungle are filled with neglected people, and one day those people could be ourselves' Sunday Times ‘Perfectly enjoyable within the horror comic tradition … exceptionally skilful’ Auberon Waugh, Evening Standard

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