Tags:amateur sleuth
Dead Beside The Thames
#1 NYT-bestselling author Stephanie Laurens returns with a confounding case that sees her favorite sleuths acting to save a friend wrongly accused of murder.When a detested viscount is found murdered by the banks of the Thames and Charlie Hastings becomes the prime suspect, Barnaby and Penelope Adair join forces with Stokes to discover the real story behind the unexpected killing. Charlie Hastings is astonished to find himself accused of murdering Viscount Sedbury. Admittedly, Charlie had two heated altercations with Sedbury in the hours preceding the man’s death, but as Charlie is quick to point out to Stokes – and to Barnaby and Penelope – there are a multitude of others in the ton who will be delighted to learn of Sedbury’s demise.As Penelope, Barnaby, and Stokes start assembling a suspect list, Charlie’s prediction proves only too accurate. Yet the most puzzling aspect is who on earth managed to kill Sedbury. The man was a hulking brute, large, very strong, and known as a vicious brawler. Who managed to subdue him enough to strangle him?As the number of suspects steadily increases, the investigators are forced to ask if, perhaps, one of their suspects hired a killer capable of taking Sedbury down. With that possibility thrown into the calculations, narrowing their suspect list becomes a futile exercise.Their pursuit of the truth leads them to investigate the many shady avenues of Sedbury’s life, much to the consternation of Sedbury’s father, the Marquess of Rattenby. Rattenby does not want Sedbury’s distasteful proclivities exposed for all the world to see, further harming the other family members who Sedbury has taken great delight in tormenting for most of his life.In the end, the resolution of the crime lies in old-fashioned policing coupled with the fresh twists Barnaby and Penelope bring to Scotland Yard’s efforts.And when the truth is finally revealed, it raises questions that strike to the very heart of justice and what, with such a victim and such a murderer, true justice actually means. A historical novel of 62,500 words interweaving mystery and murder with a touch of romance.
Curtain: Poirot’s Last Case (Poirot)
A wheelchair-bound Poirot returns to Styles, the venue of his first investigation, where he knows another murder is going to take place... The house guests at Styles seemed perfectly pleasant to Captain Hastings; there was his own daughter Judith, an inoffensive ornithologist called Norton, dashing Mr Allerton, brittle Miss Cole, Doctor Franklin and his fragile wife Barbara , Nurse Craven, Colonel Luttrell and his charming wife, Daisy, and the charismatic Boyd-Carrington. So Hastings was shocked to learn from Hercule Poirot’s declaration that one of them was a five-times murderer. True, the ageing detective was crippled with arthritis, but had his deductive instincts finally deserted him?...
The Girl in the Window
A psychological thriller that will keep you on your toes, guessing until the very end, from the author of the NUMBER ONE bestselling phenomenon The Girl in Seat 2AI know their secrets...Every morning, I sit at the same table of my favourite café, sip my cappuccino, and watch them.The woman has no idea I’m watching, day after day, unravelling the secrets of her life. I see the way she smiles when he arrives, how she glances over her shoulder... like someone who is hiding something.She thinks she’s in control, but has no idea I’m on to them...I know a lot more about the man. For a start, he’s not who he pretends to be – his lies are as plain as the nose on your face.There’s more to this story than meets the eye, a lot more than I’ll ever let on. I already know a lot about the man, but have learnt so much more from watching.Why do I think the man should tell me what’s going on?Because he’s my husband. That’s why.An unforgettable tale of deceit, lies and revenge, from the bestselling author of The Girl in Seat 2A.Praise for Diana Wilkinson:‘I have to say that it is one of the best psychological thrillers that I have read ... It was hard to take my eyes away from the pages.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review‘Heart pounding thriller that left me on the edge of my seat... Definitely one of the best books this year.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review‘It’s a wild ride of lies, deceit and control that has twists and turns and a great finale.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review‘Clues upon clues upon clues kept me glued to the story. What a very clever book ... not a read for the faint-hearted!’ Valerie Keogh‘With a unique plot and superb writing, Ms Wilkinson has nailed this one! I’d give it 10 stars if I could.’ J A Baker‘A beautifully written thriller where even the clues are out to get you!’ Gemma Rogers‘A fast paced, edge of the seat thriller that’s extremely well executed. I was gripped from the very first page!’ L. H. Stacey‘Wilkinson delivers with this gripping and original thriller’ Keri Beevis
The Missing Guest
A pulse-raising thriller from Diana Wilkinson, author of the Number One bestseller The Girl in Seat 2AWhat happens when the safety of your home is no longer safe?Every Friday night during lockdown, six friends meet onscreen to take part in a quiz.But when it's Barton Hinton’s turn to host the event, he introduces a set of personal questions that clearly aren’t random and which set off a fatal chain of events.When the police start to ask questions, the friends agree to hide the truth.Is it possible that one of the six guests killed a fellow member?Everyone has their secrets.Some are worth dying for.Some are worth killing for...A gripping thriller that keeps you guessing until the very last page, perfect for fans of Freida McFadden and T M Logan.Praise for Diana Wilkinson‘Clues upon clues upon clues kept me glued to the story. What a very clever book ... not a read for the faint-hearted!’ Valerie Keogh‘Wilkinson delivers with this gripping and original thriller’ Keri Beevis‘With a unique plot and superb writing, Ms Wilkinson has nailed this one! I’d give it 10 stars if I could.’ J A Baker‘A beautifully written thriller where even the clues are out to get you!’ Gemma Rogers‘A fast paced, edge of the seat thriller that’s extremely well executed. I was gripped from the very first page!’ L. H. StaceyPreviously published as The Six Guests
Right Behind You
A heart-stopping thriller from Diana Wilkinson, author of the Number One bestseller The Girl in Seat 2AI have no idea why they think I had anything to do with Danielle’s accident. My only crime was being there when she fell down the stairs.My therapist, Justine, thinks I'm hiding something. She's quite the character, but I know what she wants to hear. She's the least of my problems.Because, yes. Maybe I am hiding something. But it's not what she thinks. And if people found out, it wouldn't be just my own life in danger...From the bestselling author of The Girl in Seat 2A comes a dark and twisty thriller, with an anti-hero you can't help but love, perfect for fans of Freida McFaddenPraise for Diana Wilkinson:'A beautifully written thriller where even the clues are out to get you!' Gemma Rogers'A fast paced, edge of the seat thriller that's extremely well executed. I was gripped from the very first page!' L H Stacey'...this didn't disappoint. Clues upon clues upon clues kept me glued to the story. What a very clever book ... not a read for the faint-hearted!' Valerie Keogh'With a unique plot and superb writing, Ms Wilkinson has nailed this one! I'd give it 10 stars if I could' J A Baker‘I loved this book! ... This was totally up my street - creepy, dark, atmospheric and chilling.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review‘This book was a gift. Very different and gripping plot, and a very twisty ending that I didn’t see coming.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader ReviewPreviously published as The Girl Who Turned A Blind Eye
The Girl in Seat 2A
THE NUMBER ONE BESTSELLERFunny how one lie can spiral...One thing about me: I HATE flying. That’s why I book seat 2A every time.Since my big win, I’ve been booking 2B and 2C as well. They’re my comfort seats, and at last I can afford them.I am now determined to live the life of luxury. I deserve it, after all.And if anyone learns my secret, they better watch their back. Because I will stop at nothing to get what's mine...A pulse-raising thriller that keeps you guessing until the very last page, perfect for fans of Freida McFadden and The Holiday by T M Logan‘I have to say that it is one of the best psychological thrillers that I have read ... It was hard to take my eyes away from the pages.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review‘Heart pounding thriller that left me on the edge of my seat... Definitely one of the best books this year.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review‘It’s a wild ride of lies, deceit and control that has twists and turns and a great finale.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader ReviewPraise for Diana Wilkinson‘Clues upon clues upon clues kept me glued to the story. What a very clever book ... not a read for the faint-hearted!’ Valerie Keogh‘With a unique plot and superb writing, Ms Wilkinson has nailed this one! I’d give it 10 stars if I could.’ J A Baker‘A beautifully written thriller where even the clues are out to get you!’ Gemma Rogers‘A fast paced, edge of the seat thriller that’s extremely well executed. I was gripped from the very first page!’ L. H. Stacey‘Wilkinson delivers with this gripping and original thriller’ Keri Beevis
The Couple in Apartment C
A twisty unputdownable thriller from Diana Wilkinson, author of the Number One bestseller The Girl in Seat 2A I’m not being paranoid. It’s all there in the crossword clues...in black and white. There’s no doubt the threat is real. Today, the answers spell out my murder.Is Nathan, my estranged husband, really planning to kill me? Or is it someone closer to home?I check the door is bolted, slither to the ground, and count down the seconds to noon. There’s nothing left to do, and no one I can call. Who’d believe me anyway? The lady on the ground floor has already left the building, and my new boyfriend is on holiday. Or is he?A tread of footsteps. A rap at the door, and I close my eyes, hold my breath...A smart and unsettling psychological thriller, perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, Shari Lapena and Claire DouglasPraise for Diane Wilkinson:'A fast paced, edge of the seat thriller that's extremely well executed. I was gripped from the very first page!' L H Stacey'A beautifully written thriller where even the clues are out to get you!' Gemma Rogers'Wilkinson delivers with this gripping and original thriller' Keri Beevis'...this didn't disappoint. Clues upon clues upon clues kept me glued to the story. What a very clever book ... not a read for the faint-hearted!' Valerie Keogh'With a unique plot and superb writing, Ms Wilkinson has nailed this one! I'd give it 10 stars if I could' J A Baker‘I read this book in less than 24 hours - I was gripped!’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review‘A brilliant read, with plenty of teasers to keep you guessing & turning the pages. I would recommend... pure, unadulterated escapism’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader ReviewPreviously published as One Down
The River Murders
In these thrilling stories, Mitchum investigates three dangerous cases -- and learns that chasing the truth means going to the point of no return.Hidden: After being rejected from the Navy SEALs, Mitchum becomes his small town's unofficial private eye. But his investigation skills are put to the test when he must find his missing teenage cousin -- and uncovers a government conspiracy in the process.Malicious: Mitchum is back. His brother's been charged with murder. Nathaniel swears he didn't kill anyone, but word on the street is that he was involved with the victim's wife. Now, Navy SEAL dropout Mitchum will break every rule to expose the truth -- even if it destroys the people he loves.Malevolent: Mitchum has never been more desperate. One by one his loved ones have become victims of carefully staged attacks. There's only one way to stop the ruthless mastermind intent on destroying everyone around him -- to go on the most dangerous hunt of his life.
The Drowning (Patrik Hedstrom and Erica Falck, Book 6)
Swedish crime sensation and No. 1 international bestseller, Camilla Lackberg’s new psychological thriller – for fans of Stieg Larsson and Jo Nesbo Christian Thydell’s dream has come true: his debut novel, The Mermaid, is published to rave reviews. So why is he as distant and unhappy as ever? When crime writer Erica Falck discovers that Christian has been receiving anonymous threats, she investigates not just the messages but also the author’s mysterious past... Meanwhile, one of Christian’s closest friends is missing. Erica’s husband, Detective Patrik Hedström, has his worst suspicions confirmed as the mind-games aimed at Christian and those around him become a disturbing reality. But, with the victims themselves concealing evidence, the investigation is going nowhere. Is their silence driven by fear or guilt? And what is the secret they would rather die to protect than live to see revealed?
The Ice Child (Patrik Hedstrom and Erica Falck, Book 9)
No. 1 international bestseller and Swedish crime sensation Camilla Lackberg’s new psychological thriller featuring Detective Patrick Hedstrom and Erica Falck – irresistible for fans of Stieg Larsson and Jo Nesbo. SEE NO EVILIt’s January in the peaceful seaside resort of Fjällbacka. A semi-naked girl wanders through the woods in freezing cold weather. When she finally reaches the road, a car comes out of nowhere. It doesn’t manage to stop. HEAR NO EVILThe victim, a girl who went missing four months ago, has been subjected to unimaginably brutal treatment – and Detective Patrik Hedström suspects this is just the start. SPEAK NO EVILThe police soon discover that three other girls are missing from nearby towns, but there are no fresh leads. And when Patrik’s wife stumbles across a link to an old murder case, the detective is forced to see his investigation in a whole new light.
Murder in the British Quarter
When a young Chinese woman is murdered within the British Quarter of the foreign legation, Inspector Gong is ordered by the Imperial Court to solve the crime before the incident escalates into war between China and the foreign powers. The only problem? Inspector Gong doesn’t speak English. And he is hardly the type of man to be accepted by the British elite living in Peking.Once again, he must turn to the one woman who can help him. The woman he can’t stop thinking about.Lady Li is trying to forget about Inspector Gong. He’s a danger to herself, her position, and her children’s future. But when he comes once again knocking on her door and asking for her assistance in solving a case, she can’t resist, despite her better judgment.Lady Li’s language and diplomatic abilities allow her to freely enter the world of the Western visitors, but tensions between the foreigners and local people are increasing by the hour.Will Lady Li and Inspector Gong be able to solve the crime without the answer leading China to war? Keywords: historical mystery, female sleuths, amateur sleuth, procedural, detective mystery, historical fiction, historical Chinese fiction, Mystery & Detective, International Crime & Mystery, traditional mystery, historical romance, mystery romance, historical mystery romance, mystery books best sellers, mystery books, mystery novels, Victoria Thompson, Anne Perry, Anna Lee Huber, Rhys Bowen, C. S. Harris, Tasha Alexander, Lisa See, Amy Tan, 2023
Murder in the Forbidden City
The first novel in a riveting historical mystery series set in the opulent Forbidden City introduces readers to Inspector Gong and Lady Li as they navigate secrets, lies, and romance in Qing Dynasty China. Peking, 1867When one of the Empress’s ladies-in-waiting is killed in the Forbidden City, she orders Inspector Gong to find the killer. Unfortunately, as a man, he is forbidden from entering the Inner Court. How is he supposed to solve a murder when he cannot visit the scene of the crime or talk to the women in the victim’s life? He won’t be able to solve this crime alone.The widowed Lady Li is devastated when she finds out about the murder of her sister-in-law, who was serving as the Empress’s lady-in-waiting. She is determined to discover who killed her, even if it means assisting the rude and obnoxious Inspector Gong and going undercover in the Forbidden City.Together, will Lady Li and Inspector Gong be able to find the murderer before he – or she – strikes again?Readers who enjoy historical mysteries by authors such as Victoria Thompson, Deanna Raybourn, and Anne Perry are sure to love this exciting start to a new series by USA Today bestselling author Amanda Roberts.Keywords: historical mystery, female sleuths, amateur sleuth, procedural, detective mystery, historical fiction, historical Chinese fiction, Mystery & Detective, International Crime & Mystery, traditional mystery, historical romance, mystery romance, historical mystery romance, mystery books best sellers, mystery books, mystery novels, Victoria Thompson, Anne Perry, Anna Lee Huber, Rhys Bowen, C. S. Harris, Tasha Alexander, Lisa See, Amy Tan, 2023