Before becoming a writer, Michael Ridpath used to work as a bond trader in the City of London. After writing eight financial thrillers, which were published in over 30 languages, he began the Magnus Iceland Mystery series, featuring the Icelandic detective Magnus Jonson. He has also written two spy novels set at the beginning of World War II and three stand-alone thrillers: "Amnesia", "Launch Code" and "The Diplomat's Wife". He lives in London and Massachusetts. Find out more at his website michaelridpath.com .
Where the Shadows Lie By: Michael Ridpath Narrated by: Seán Barrett Series: Magnus Iceland Mysteries, Book 1 Length: 10 hrs and 50 mins Unabridged Audiobook Release date: 21-01-11
Summary One thousand years ago: An Icelandic warrior returns from battle, bearing a ring cut from the right hand of his foe. Seventy years ago: An Oxford professor, working from a secret source, creates the 20th century’s most pervasive legend. The professor’s name? John Ronald Reuel Tolkien. Six hours ago: An expert on Old Icelandic literature, Agnar Haraldsson, is murdered. Everything is connected, but to discover how, Detective Magnus Jonson must venture where the shadows lie…
Great story... with fantastic narration is a brilliant introduction to Michael Ridpath's marvelous Icelandic detective series. Highly recommended for fans of Michael Ridpath's other novels, and anyone who enjoys Scandinavian and Icelandic noir... Can't recommend it strongly enough. Wonderful !
Good fun whodunnit with Icelandic twist US cop ends up in Iceland solving a mystery linked to sagas and to Tolkien. This is a good listen and for me has the right balance of light and enough dark to make it interesting. A good listen for driving to work and a lot less upsetting than Jo Nesbo!
If you can accept that a Boston cop, in hiding as a major crime witness, would be "hidden" in Iceland, then this is a very enjoyable listen.
There are links to sagas, icelandic superstitions and to Tolkien's major opus... and there is a ring too!
Narration is excellent, the plot moves along at a brisk pace - not too much gore despite plenty of deaths. This is a highly recommended book for those who like Nordic novels. Certainly makes a case to visit Iceland! Was this review helpful for you?
Interesting and Enjoyable Insight in to the Icelandic culture with historical perspective on Sagas and Tolkein. Plot holds interest with the standard, emotionally disfunctional detective.
Fabulous! Icelandic landscape, sagas, Tolkien, a detective story - a wonderful combination of ingredients which form the recipe of a thoroughly engrossing and enjoyable book. I loved it.
Whale Fjord A Magnus Iceland Mystery, Book 7 By: Michael Ridpath Narrated by: Seán Barrett Series: Magnus Iceland Mysteries, Book 7 Length: 6 hrs and 43 mins Unabridged Audiobook Release date: 01-04-24
Summary Iceland 1940. Britain invades Iceland. Lieutenant Tom Marks is a British officer tasked with defending Whale Fjord. He meets Kristín, a young widow from a nearby farm, who has a small son. Tom is smitten.
Iceland 2023. Inspector Magnus Ragnarsson is called to the shores of Whale Fjord where the skeletons of a man and a woman have been discovered, both shot with British wartime bullets. Magnus uncovers a web of anger and revenge that stretches back 80 years and forward to a shocking murder in Reykjavík.
The Blame By: Charlotte Langley Narrated by: Tamsin Kennard Length: 8 hrs and 57 mins Unabridged Audiobook Release date: 02-05-24
Summary A psychological thriller in which two detectives begin a love affair, only for one of them to become a prime suspect in a chilling murder....
Detective Erin Crane is assigned to the investigation into sixteen-year-old Sophie Madson's murder along with her partner, detective Tom Radley. Over the years they've formed a close professional bond built on mutual trust and a shared contempt for the unscrupulous head of the anti-corruption team, Walker. This case will prove a bigger test of their relationship than either of them could ever have imagined.
During the investigation, Tom discovers Erin's biggest secret: that she put a man in prison under false evidence. But to her surprise, far from driving them apart, the revelation brings them closer together, and Tom and Erin embark on a love affair–despite the risk to their careers and the case.
Then Erin discovers dashcam footage from a van driver, showing Sophie Madson getting into Tom's car barely an hour before she died. Tom becomes the prime suspect in the murder case, and everything Erin thought she could trust begins to crumble....
Meltwater By: Michael Ridpath Narrated by: Seán Barrett Series: Magnus Iceland Mysteries, Book 3 Length: 9 hrs and 51 mins Unabridged Audiobook Release date: 13-09-12
Summary FreeFlow is a group of activists dedicated to freedom of information. They have evidence of a military atrocity in the Middle East and are preparing to unleash it. On the glacial rim of an erupting volcano, they christen their endeavour Operation Meltwater. Minutes later, one of them is murdered. Magnus Jonson has a long list of suspects but he’s getting little help - for a group dedicated to transparency, they’re a secretive bunch. But they are not the only ones with secrets. Asta, a newly qualified priest, has contacted FreeFlow with damning information about the former Bishop of Iceland. And with the return of Magnus’s brother Ollie to Iceland, the feud that has haunted their family for three generations is about to reignite....
A good read The second book I have read in the Fire and Ice series. It's a huge pity that the first of the three is not available on audible. Ridpath holds your attention throughout with the added interest of the Icelandic landscape. The author writes as if he came from Iceland himself, including enough details and ancient stories to give added interest. The books leave you wanting to know more about the country itself.
Narration is excellent as we have come to expect by Sean Barrett; I really don't know how he manages so many accents with such ease and authenticity.
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Overall 5 out of 5 stars Performance 5 out of 5 stars Story 5 out of 5 stars
mollyeyre 25-10-17 Well written, though complicated This was yet another unputdownable novel by Michael Ridpath, my only quibble is that we are left on a cliffhanger. I wish I had re-read the first few books in the series as there are quite a few references to the events that had happened earlier. nevertheless it was well worth reading. Sean Barrett, as ever - Brilliant
Overall 5 out of 5 stars Performance 5 out of 5 stars Story 5 out of 5 stars
01-02-22 Love the Icelandic stories Find these stories totally engaging, not 100% why? Descriptions of Iceland are a lovely addition to the story lines. Sean Barrett a terrific narrator for these stories. Give one a go - either it'll grab you or it won't - bit Marmitey.
Performance 5 out of 5 stars
Big Mig 14-03-23 Plenty of twists and turns Kept I suspense till the end plants of possible outcome to keep interest Excellent naration
Meltwater Freeflow, a group of journalists, have video proof of an Israeli army atrocity in the Middle East and is all set to let the world know all about it. But, there are powers just as determined to keep that atrocity secret and are more than willing to murder to keep Israels reputation intact. The action moves to Ireland where suspicion falls on a former bishop. The story is pacey with good characters and plenty of twists.
Sea of Stone By: Michael Ridpath Narrated by: Seán Barrett Series: Magnus Iceland Mysteries, Book 4 Length: 10 hrs and 13 mins Unabridged Audiobook Release date: 01-08-14
Summary Oli and Magnus Jonson have spent decades trying to escape from the shadows of their past. Raised by their grandparents in Bjarnarhofn, a remote farmstead in Iceland, both brothers had to endure brutal violence at the hands of their grandfather.
When Constable Pall Gylfason is called to investigate a suspected homicide in a remote farmstead, he is surprised to find Detective Magnus Jonson is already there. Magnus identifies the dead man as his estranged grandfather. Before long, Magnus is arrested for the murder of his grandfather. When it emerges that his younger brother, Oli, is in Iceland after two decades in America, Pall begins to think that Magnus may not be the only family member in the frame for murder.
The Wanderer By: Michael Ridpath Narrated by: Seán Barrett Series: Magnus Iceland Mysteries, Book 5 Length: 9 hrs and 36 mins Unabridged Audiobook Release date: 01-10-18
Summary Iceland, 2017: When a young Italian tourist is found brutally murdered at a sacred church in northern Iceland, Magnus Jonson, newly returned to the Reykjavík police force, is called in to investigate. At the scene, he finds a stunned TV crew, there to film a documentary on the life of the legendary Viking Gudrid the Wanderer.
Magnus quickly begins to suspect that there may be more links to the murdered woman than anyone in the film crew will acknowledge. As jealousies come to the surface, new tensions replace old friendships and history begins to rewrite itself, a shocking second murder leads Magnus to question everything he thought he knew....
Good whodunnit and excellent reading Murders and some dodgy archeological discoveries... a good solid detective drama that I listen to while driving and doing housework. This part of the series steps away from Magnus’s personal backstory and resumes ‘murder of the week’ mode which is probably better. Some nice tensions and plausible motives to keep you guessing. Great reading by Sean Barratt.
Enjoyed this. Good story, I've really enjoyed all of this author's books. Great narration (as always) from Sean Barrett. Was this review helpful for you?
I want Sean Barratt to read everything! Love the narration, which really brings the characters and sorry to life. A good detective story well told. What more do you want?!?
Excellent Story telling Another classic from Mr Ridpath. I love Sean Barrett's voice. Can't wait to start the next one.
the Wanderer fantastic story line, well drawn l, oved characters, location descriptions are spellbinding and with the incomparable voice and skills of the amazing Sean Barrett. Was this review helpful for you?
Great story I really enjoyed this book, great story, great characters and excellent narration by Sean Barratt. I love the setting in Iceland and one gets a taste of it without the descriptions being overdone.
Enjoyed this - different background and setting. Interesting story, set in Iceland with Viking background made it different. Good story. Brilliantly performed, as always by Sean Barrett, my favourite narrator.
Reliable Narration is wonderful, the best. Simple storey line, easy to follow. In a year or two will be ok to listen again.
The Wanderer By: Michael Ridpath Narrated by: Seán Barrett Series: Magnus Iceland Mysteries, Book 5 Length: 9 hrs and 36 mins Unabridged Audiobook Release date: 01-10-18
Summary Iceland, 2017: When a young Italian tourist is found brutally murdered at a sacred church in northern Iceland, Magnus Jonson, newly returned to the Reykjavík police force, is called in to investigate. At the scene, he finds a stunned TV crew, there to film a documentary on the life of the legendary Viking Gudrid the Wanderer.
Magnus quickly begins to suspect that there may be more links to the murdered woman than anyone in the film crew will acknowledge. As jealousies come to the surface, new tensions replace old friendships and history begins to rewrite itself, a shocking second murder leads Magnus to question everything he thought he knew....
Central Park West By: James Comey Narrated by: Laurel Lefkow Length: 10 hrs and 27 mins Unabridged Audiobook Release date: 15-06-23
Summary The debut audiobook by former Director of the FBI, James Comey. A federal prosecutor's case against the Mob is blown wide open with a shocking revelation.
The trial of the century. One chance to crack the case. A million ways to lose.
Federal prosecutor Nora Carleton has spent years building a case against a powerful New York mobster. She finally has a star witness: an insider whose testimony will lock the defendant away for good.
But the courtroom can be an unpredictable place. While the killing of a disgraced former governor appears unconnected to the trial, the fallout from his death makes a guilty verdict hang in the balance.
Desperate to stop the mobster from walking free, Nora investigates the darker side of the city to understand how everything connects. The more she uncovers, the deeper the corruption runs.
There are dangerous people who will do anything to stop her from finding the truth. But Nora knows better than most that the truth is a fragile thing—especially in court.
“The plot goes like a train . . . vivid and compelling” IAN RANKIN
“A masterful blend of legal thriller, police procedural and psychological drama” JEFFERY DEAVER
“A gripping plot, and breathless pacing combine for a truly outstanding debut—one that announces a bold new talent in the mystery genre.” HARLAN COBEN
“Truly outstanding . . . Grabs the reader from the opening scene and doesn't let go” DOUGLAS PRESTON
Lawyer Nora Carleton left her high-pressure job in the US attorney’s office in New York for a quieter (and more highly-paid) life with a hedge fund in Westport, Connecticut. But when a canoe is found abandoned with the body of a woman in it, Nora finds herself as the chief suspect, and suddenly the lawyer is the one facing trial. This is the second novel by James Comey, former head of the FBI – and antagonist of Donald Trump – and it drips with authenticity (which you might expect) and quality writing (which you might not). A gripping read. TR
James Comey's second novel is 'a gripping read', our critics think - Bloomberg
Westport: the breathtaking must-read new thriller from the former director of the FBI by James Comey (Author) 4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 38 ratings
She's the lawyer. But now she's the one on trial.
A red canoe sits abandoned on Seymour Rock, right where the Saugatuck River meets Long Island Sound. The elegantly dressed corpse of a woman lies inside...
Nora Carleton left New York to become lead counsel at Saugatuck Associates, the world's largest hedge fund, where her life has become slower, more predictable. That is until her colleague and friend, Helen, is brutally murdered – and she becomes the prime suspect.
In the months leading up to Helen's death, she and Nora were investigating someone within the company who was using insider information to undercut Saugatuck's investments. Nora knows this is somehow linked to Helen's murder – if only she can see how.
Calling in old colleagues from the US Attorney's office, Mafia investigator Benny Dugan and attorney Carmen Garcia, Nora must find evidence to prove her innocence – or risk being put behind bars herself...
'This is a really good mystery, expertly told and filled with the sort of detail only an insider could provide, including intrigue at the world's largest hedge fund. Once I picked it up, I was hooked.' Joseph Finder
Reviews for James Comey
'A great read. Brimming with been-there-done-that authority.' Michael Connelly 'A masterful blend of legal thriller, police procedural and psychological drama.' Jeffery Deaver 'A bold new talent in the mystery genre.' Harlan Coben
Cath Staincliffe is a best-selling novelist, radio playwright and the creator of ITV's hit series, BLUE MURDER. Her debut LOOKING FOR TROUBLE launched private eye Sal, a single parent juggling work and home, onto Manchester’s mean streets. It was short listed for the CWA’s New Blood Dagger and serialised on BBC Radio 4. Cath has published a further seven Sal Kilkenny mysteries. THE LOST GIRLS OF ST ANN’S is a move away from crime. A family saga, rooted in Cath’s experience as an adoptee growing up in the 1960s, it captures the loss that remains for everyone at the heart of adoption. Cath’s own story, of being re-united with her Irish birth family and seven brothers and sisters, featured in the television documentary Finding Cath from RTE. Cath’s radio work includes the three-part thriller, UNDERCOVER, where a police officer masquerades as a nanny to find out the truth about a missing woman, and LEGACY, featuring brother and sister heir hunters. Cath was a writer on Danny Brocklehurst’s detective drama STONE. Cath’s stand-alone novels tell stories of ordinary families caught up in extraordinary events, giving a voice to victims, the bereaved, survivors and witnesses. Cath has been short listed (three times) for the CWA Dagger in the Library, and twice for the Short Story Dagger. In 2012 Cath was joint winner of the Short Story Dagger. LETTERS TO MY DAUGHTER’S KILLER was selected for Specsavers Crime Thriller Book Club in 2014 and featured on ITV3’s Crime Thriller Club. Cath was a joint winner of the WGGB Best Radio Drama Award 2019 for STONE S7. RUNNING OUT OF ROAD was short-listed for the eDunnit best novel Award at CrimeFest 2022. Cath is a founder member of Murder Squad, a virtual collective of northern crime writers. An avid reader, she likes hill-walking, messing about in the garden and dancing (with far more enthusiasm than grace).
They forgot that she wrote the Scott&Bailey series.
THE FELLS an absolutely gripping British crime thriller full of twists (Detectives Donovan & Young Book 1) by CATH STAINCLIFFE (Author) 4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 485 ratings Book 1 of 1: Detectives Donovan & Young #1 Best Seller in Mystery Action Fiction
‘It’s brilliant! Buy it!’ Ann Cleeves
Yorkshire Dales, Summer 1997. Vicky Mott slips out the door of her remote cottage, and into the pale dawn light. She scrawls a note for her friends.
Gone to see the sunrise. V xxx
That’s the last anyone ever hears from twenty-year-old music lover Vicky.
Another victim of the Fellside Strangler?
That would make Vicky the fourth young woman to lose her life this summer. Snatched by a mysterious killer who stalks the fells . . .
But Vicky’s body is never found.
2019. A skeleton is discovered in a twisty network of caves beneath the fells. Detectives Leo Donovan and Shan Young think they can finally give Vicky’s mother the closure she so desperately wants. After twenty long years of questions and anguish.
But the deeper they dig into the past, the less certain they become.
And nothing can prepare them for the shocking truth . . .
Discover a brand-new British crime thriller from a bestselling author, perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves, Angela Marsons, J.R. Ellis, Val McDermid and Caro Ramsay.
**Cath Staincliffe has been shortlisted six times for the prestigious CWA Dagger Awards.**
WHAT EVERYONE IS SAYING ABOUT CATH STAINCLIFFE:
‘A real knockout.’ Ian Rankin
‘One of the best police procedurals I’ve read this year.’ Ann Cleeves
‘A star in the firmament of British crime fiction.’ Big Issue
‘Mercilessly exciting.’ Daily Telegraph
‘Such a good writer.’ The Times
‘Powerful, complex and utterly gripping.’ Sunday Mirror
‘Ripped from the headlines and totally scary.’ Irish Independent
‘Real suspense.’ The Guardian
‘A swift, satisfying read.’ City Life
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘An absolutely cracking read, fast paced, absolutely believable, I loved this DCI and found myself rooting for her.’ Pinkmouse
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Good characters and a tangled story.’ Jack
THE DETECTIVES Detective Leo Donovan is a veteran of the Yorkshire force. A true empath, he’s happily married, but prone to low mood and bouts of arthritis. Compassion motivates him, and a need to see justice done in a flawed world that is seldom fair. Leo’s wayward son drives him to distraction, but working with his partner Shan is a breath of fresh air.
Detective Shan Young is a rising star of Leo’s team. She lands her first case as detective while pregnant. Not that she’s fazed by it. A salt-of-the-earth Yorkshire lass with Chinese heritage, she often feels caught between two cultures — something which makes her appreciate Leo all the more, as a mentor and a friend.
THE SETTING Welcome to the Yorkshire Dales, an untamed landscape of fells and valleys, waterfalls and ruined barns, deep, dark caves and windswept limestone pavements. Farming and mining have shaped these remote hills over the centuries. But what secrets lie buried beneath the spectacularly beautiful surface?
ALSO BY CATH STAINCLIFFE DETECTIVES DONOVAN & YOUNG Book 1: THE FELLS
DETECTIVE JANINE LEWIS MYSTERIES Book 1: BLUE MURDER Book 2: HIT AND RUN Book 3: MAKE BELIEVE Book 4: DESPERATE MEASURES
The Safe Man By: Michael Connelly, Terrill Lee Lankford Narrated by: Jack Quaid, Titus Welliver, full cast Podcast
The Safe Man - Episode 1 May 16 2024 A locksmith hired to open a mysterious safe becomes the prime suspect in the disappearance of a missing girl.
What listeners say about The Safe Man Average customer ratings Overall
4.5 out of 5 stars 4.6 out of 5.0 5 Stars 17 4 Stars 3 3 Stars 1 2 Stars 1 1 Stars 0 Performance
4.5 out of 5 stars 4.7 out of 5.0 5 Stars 18 4 Stars 3 3 Stars 0 2 Stars 1 1 Stars 0 Story
4.5 out of 5 stars 4.6 out of 5.0 5 Stars 18 4 Stars 2 3 Stars 0 2 Stars 2 1 Stars 0
Overall 5 out of 5 stars Performance 5 out of 5 stars Story 5 out of 5 stars Profile Image for Richie the Grot Richie the Grot 03-06-24 Fantastic Superb all round , great story and voice acting . I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.
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Helpful Report this Overall 5 out of 5 stars Performance 5 out of 5 stars Story 5 out of 5 stars Profile Image for Anonymous User Anonymous User 30-05-24 Great scary story! Great modern scary story with excellent narration from both actors. Very enjoyable. More of these please!
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Helpful Report this Overall 5 out of 5 stars Performance 5 out of 5 stars Story 5 out of 5 stars Profile Image for Sally G Sally G 22-05-24 Spooky ghost story with a great cast I loved this adaptation of Michael Connelly’s short story. The cast were brilliant and I only wish it was longer. Five stars
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Helpful Report this Overall 5 out of 5 stars Performance 5 out of 5 stars Story 5 out of 5 stars Profile Image for DorsetZombie DorsetZombie 19-05-24 Very enjoyable Good story with great characters. The performance from all of the cast was a joy to listen to.
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Helpful Report this Overall 5 out of 5 stars Performance 5 out of 5 stars Story 5 out of 5 stars Profile Image for Tom Porritt Tom Porritt 22-05-24 Absolutely cack your pants scary! I listened with headphones in over two nights. Very good old school ghost story. A break from the usual connelly stuff.
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Helpful Report this Overall 5 out of 5 stars Performance 5 out of 5 stars Story 5 out of 5 stars Profile Image for Lukas von Westerveld Lukas von Westerveld 19-05-24 Classic Connelly with a twist A great storyline with gripping performance and moments. Not classic Connelly which makes it even better. Goosebemps. Connelly masterclass
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Helpful Report this Overall 5 out of 5 stars Performance 5 out of 5 stars Story 5 out of 5 stars Profile Image for Alan O. Alan O. 26-05-24 Really good I was a bit skeptical as this is a bit more supernatural that crime, as I have listened to all of Michael Conellys Bosch/Haller/Ballard/McAvoy books, but I really enjoyed this an listened to nearly all of them back to back. Hope they make something similar like this again.
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Helpful Report this Overall 4 out of 5 stars Performance 5 out of 5 stars Story 5 out of 5 stars Profile Image for Anna Anna 25-05-24 Wonderful voice acting Amazing story, amazing voice acting. My only critique is that I would’ve preferred to have everything in one episode or book. (And if this story would’ve been like 4h longer because it is so good)
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Helpful Report this Overall 5 out of 5 stars Performance 5 out of 5 stars Story 5 out of 5 stars Profile Image for Amazon Customer Amazon Customer 01-06-24 Good listen - good story, well acted and well directed Good listen - good story, well acted and well directed. Not surprising as Titus Welliver is super talented and handles the source material from Michael Connelly very well
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Helpful Report this Overall 4 out of 5 stars Performance 4 out of 5 stars Story 4 out of 5 stars Profile Image for dk.bookworm dk.bookworm 26-05-24 Who would have thought!! Who would have thought that Michael Connelly would write a ghost story… a different take on this… but still entertaining… well narrated by multiple cast.
Summary Sam Little, the FBI’s most prolific serial killer roamed free for five decades, murdering women at will. But in 2012 he came to the attention of Detective Mitzi Roberts and everything changed. This opportunistic killer had long stayed below law enforcement’s radar because of the victims he chose: Women from the fringe — drug users and sex workers paid little attention to by society. Murder Book Season 2: The Women Who Stopped Sam Little follows this Los Angeles Police Department cold case investigator's relentless hunt for Little across the country to capture and convict him with the help of a group of equally fierce women that included a prosecutor, a writer and several women who survived brutal attacks from Little.
Summary In this documentary podcast, best-selling crime novelist Michael Connelly returns to his roots in journalism and examines the Wonderland Murders, an iconic and brutal mass murder in a city known for its murders. Named for the street in Laurel Canyon where the murders took place inside the house of a small-time drug gang, it’s a gruesome crime that reflected its time, disrupted a mythology and tells a broader story of Los Angeles, the American dream machine, and when justice does - and doesn’t - work. And for the first time, the podcast accesses never revealed records and exclusive interviews with investigators, prosecutors and a notorious, “missing” witness who puts all the pieces together.
Prima Facie By: Suzie Miller Narrated by: Jodie Comer Length: 9 hrs and 18 mins Unabridged Audiobook
Summary Brought to you by Penguin.
This audiobook is narrated by Jodie Comer (Killing Eve, The Last Duel, The End We Start From), who won Best Actress in both the Tony and Olivier awards for her performance in the theatre production of Prima Facie. Her performance in the play was lauded as "infusing breath-taking emotional drama into every word" (Guardian), with "tremendous skill and improbable stamina" (New York Times). Here she returns to Tessa in this intimate and skilful performance.
From the Olivier award-winning playwright of Prima Facie Suzie Miller comes her first novel, where power, patriarchy and morality diverge.
‘She played by the rules, but the rules are broken.'
Tessa Ensler is a brilliant barrister who's forged her career in criminal defence through sheer determination. Since her days at Cambridge, she’s carefully disguised her working class roots in a male-dominated world where who you know is just as important as what you know. Driven by her belief in the right to a fair trial and a taste for victory, there’s nothing Tessa loves more than the thrill of getting her clients acquitted.
It seems like Tessa has it made when she is approached for a new job and nominated for the most prestigious award in her field. But when a date with a charismatic colleague goes horribly wrong, Tessa finds that the rules she’s always played by might not protect her, forcing her to question everything she's ever believed in…
“It has been an absolute joy to return to Tessa’s story whilst recording this audiobook. My hope is that it will reach the widest number of people, perhaps who weren’t able to see the play. I’ve personally enjoyed delving into her story again and am excited for audiences to experience this further exploration gifted to us by the wonderful Suzie Miller.” Jodie Comer
'Enthralling and sharp-witted . . . Highly recommended' Karin Slaughter
'Bold, fearless, heartbreakingly timeless. Written with skill, humour, despair and hope, Prima Facie is a deeply rewarding, absolute must read' Chris Whitaker
Critic reviews 'Miller's star shines as brightly as a novelist as it does as a playwright. Prima Facie the novel gives us what novels do: the intimacy of interior life.' (Anna Funder, author of STASILAND)
David Ellis is a judge and an Edgar-award-winning author of nine novels of crime fiction, as well as five books co-authored with James Patterson. In December, 2014, Dave was sworn in as the youngest-serving Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court for the First District. Dave currently lives outside Chicago with his wife and three children.
Look Closer By: David Ellis Narrated by: Will Damron, Hillary Huber, Elizabeth Garrett, Steve West Length: 13 hrs Unabridged Audiobook Release date: 05-07-22
Summary “Wildly entertaining.”—New York Times Book Review
From the bestselling and award-winning author comes a wickedly clever and fast-paced novel of greed, revenge, obsession—and quite possibly the perfect murder.
Simon and Vicky couldn’t seem more normal: a wealthy Chicago couple, he a respected law professor, she an advocate for domestic violence victims. A stable, if unexciting marriage. But one thing’s for sure: absolutely nothing is what it seems. The pair are far from normal, and one of them just may be a killer.
When the body of a beautiful socialite is found hanging in a mansion in a nearby suburb, Simon and Vicky’s secrets begin to unravel. A secret whirlwind affair. A twenty-million-dollar trust fund about to come due. A decades-long grudge and obsession with revenge. These are just a few of the lies that make up the complex web... and they will have devastating consequences. And while both Vicky and Simon are liars, just who exactly is conning who? Part Gone Girl and part Strangers on a Train, Look Closer is a wild rollercoaster of a read that will have you questioning everything you think you know.
Critic reviews "I’ll tell you what—Look Closer is James Patterson’s Book Club selection. You won’t forget this novel, and these characters—good and bad—for a long time."—James Patterson
“Serpentine revelations will surprise even the cleverest mystery readers. This complex tale of triple-crossings and devious revenge should win Ellis new fans.”—Publishers Weekly
“Twisty, intricately plotted…. Even seasoned mystery readers won’t be able to predict all the knots in Simon and Vicky’s tangled web of deception. A roller-coaster ride full of unexpected twists and turns.”—Kirkus Reviews
Jørn Lier Horst is one of Norway’s most experienced police investigators, but also one of Scandinavia’s most successful crime writers. He writes engaging and intelligent crime novels that offer an uncommonly detailed and realistic insight into the way serious crimes are investigated, as well as how both police and press work. His literary awards include the Norwegian Booksellers’ Prize, the Riverton Prize (Golden Revolver), the Scandinavian Glass Key and the prestigious Martin Beck Award.
Summary Brought to you by Penguin.
Following weeks of heavy rain, the earth comes crumbling down on one of Larvik’s residential areas, burying a handful of houses.
Detective William Wisting is quick to join the rescue operation. Luckily, by sunrise the next day, it becomes clear that the landslide has claimed no victims.
And yet, just twenty-four hours later, a body is found – and the victim was killed before the landslide.
As Wisting opens an investigation into the mysterious murder, he soon discovers this death might have dangerous ties to a series of ongoing cases.
And the clues start leading Wisting not towards an enemy on the outside – but to a traitor in his own unit…
Victim Blix & Ramm, Book 4 By: Thomas Enger, Jørn Lier Horst, Megan Turney - translator Narrated by: James Lailey Series: Blix and Ramm, Book 4 Length: 10 hrs Unabridged Audiobook Release date: 10-10-24
Summary Two years ago, Alexander Blix was the lead investigator in a missing person's case where a young mother, Elisabeth Eie, had been kidnapped. The case came to a standstill when Blix's own daughter was killed and he was arrested for avenging her. Blix is a now free man again, but Elisabeth's kidnapper has found him, leaving evidence of her murder in Blix's mailbox.
The police are unwilling to accept Blix's help: Even if he was acquitted of his crime, his career in law enforcement is over. But Elisabeth's murderer continues to pursue him, leading Blix to his new victims, while making it clear that he knows details from Blix's private life that the former investigator has never shared with anyone...
Meanwhile, Emma Ramm has been contacted by a teenage girl, Carmen, whose stepfather has been arrested on suspicion of killing a childhood friend. But there is no body. Nor are there any other suspects...
Blix and Ramm can rely only on each other. And when Blix's fingerprints are found on a child's drawing at a crime scene, the present comes uncomfortably close to the past. A past where a victim has found their very own form of therapy. And it is clear that someone is watching…
David Ellis is a judge and an Edgar-award-winning author of nine novels of crime fiction, as well as five books co-authored with James Patterson. In December, 2014, Dave was sworn in as the youngest-serving Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court for the First District. Dave currently lives outside Chicago with his wife and three children.
Look Closer By: David Ellis Narrated by: Will Damron, Hillary Huber, Elizabeth Garrett, Steve West Length: 13 hrs Unabridged Audiobook Release date: 05-07-22
Summary “Wildly entertaining.”—New York Times Book Review
From the bestselling and award-winning author comes a wickedly clever and fast-paced novel of greed, revenge, obsession—and quite possibly the perfect murder.
Simon and Vicky couldn’t seem more normal: a wealthy Chicago couple, he a respected law professor, she an advocate for domestic violence victims. A stable, if unexciting marriage. But one thing’s for sure: absolutely nothing is what it seems. The pair are far from normal, and one of them just may be a killer.
When the body of a beautiful socialite is found hanging in a mansion in a nearby suburb, Simon and Vicky’s secrets begin to unravel. A secret whirlwind affair. A twenty-million-dollar trust fund about to come due. A decades-long grudge and obsession with revenge. These are just a few of the lies that make up the complex web... and they will have devastating consequences. And while both Vicky and Simon are liars, just who exactly is conning who? Part Gone Girl and part Strangers on a Train, Look Closer is a wild rollercoaster of a read that will have you questioning everything you think you know.
Critic reviews "I’ll tell you what—Look Closer is James Patterson’s Book Club selection. You won’t forget this novel, and these characters—good and bad—for a long time."—James Patterson
“Serpentine revelations will surprise even the cleverest mystery readers. This complex tale of triple-crossings and devious revenge should win Ellis new fans.”—Publishers Weekly
“Twisty, intricately plotted…. Even seasoned mystery readers won’t be able to predict all the knots in Simon and Vicky’s tangled web of deception. A roller-coaster ride full of unexpected twists and turns.”—Kirkus Reviews
About halfway through I thought I knew what was going on, but it wasnt very long before I realised that I didnt have a f..k.n clue.
The Safe Man By: Michael Connelly, Terrill Lee Lankford Narrated by: Jack Quaid, Titus Welliver, full cast Podcast
Neil Broadfoot
"Neil should be better known and more widely read. A true rising star of crime fiction." - Ian Rankin
Neil Broadfoot worked as a journalist for 15 years at both national and local newspapers, including The Scotsman, Scotland on Sunday and the Evening News, covering some of the biggest stories of the day. Falling Fast, which was shortlisted for the Dundee International Book Prize, is the first in the Edinburgh-set McGregor and Drummond series of thrillers. His Stirling-set series, which begins with No Man's Land and features close protection expert Connor Fraser, has been hailed as "tense, fast moving and ****" and "atmospheric, twisty and explosive" with a “complex cast of characters and a compelling hero”. No Man's Land was longlisted for the 2019 McIlvanney Award. Keep up to date with news on Neil's books by signing up to his mailing list at http://eepurl.com/gISGZr
No Man's Land A fast-paced thriller with a killer twist By: Neil Broadfoot Narrated by: Angus King Series: Connor Fraser, Book 1 Length: 11 hrs and 36 mins Unabridged Audiobook Release date: 03-09-20
Summary
'A true rising star of crime fiction' Ian Rankin
'Wonderfully grisly and grim, and a cracking pace' James Oswald
'A frantic, pacy read with a compelling hero' Steve Cavanagh
War is coming to No-Man's Land, and Connor Fraser will be ready.
A mutilated body is found dumped at Cowane's Hospital in the heart of historic Stirling. For DCI Malcolm Ford it's like nothing he's ever seen before, the savagery of the crime makes him want to catch the murderer before he strikes again. For reporter Donna Blake it's a shot at the big time, a chance to get her career back on track and prove all the doubters wrong. But for close protection specialist Connor Fraser it's merely a grisly distraction from the day job.
But then another bloodied and broken corpse is found, this time in the shadow of the Wallace Monument - and with it, a message. One Connor has received before, during his time as a police officer in Belfast.
With Ford facing mounting political and public pressure to make an arrest and quell fears the murders are somehow connected to heightened post-Brexit tensions, Connor is drawn into a race against time to stop another murder. But to do so, he must question old loyalties, confront his past and unravel a mystery that some would sacrifice anything - and anyone - to protect.
From Dundee International Book Prize and **** Scotland book of the year nominee Neil Broadfoot comes the first gripping thriller in the white-knuckle Connor Fraser crime series.
Comments
Michael Ridpath
Before becoming a writer, Michael Ridpath used to work as a bond trader in the City of London. After writing eight financial thrillers, which were published in over 30 languages, he began the Magnus Iceland Mystery series, featuring the Icelandic detective Magnus Jonson. He has also written two spy novels set at the beginning of World War II and three stand-alone thrillers: "Amnesia", "Launch Code" and "The Diplomat's Wife". He lives in London and Massachusetts. Find out more at his website michaelridpath.com .
Where the Shadows Lie
By: Michael Ridpath
Narrated by: Seán Barrett
Series: Magnus Iceland Mysteries, Book 1
Length: 10 hrs and 50 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 21-01-11
Summary
One thousand years ago: An Icelandic warrior returns from battle, bearing a ring cut from the right hand of his foe. Seventy years ago: An Oxford professor, working from a secret source, creates the 20th century’s most pervasive legend. The professor’s name? John Ronald Reuel Tolkien. Six hours ago: An expert on Old Icelandic literature, Agnar Haraldsson, is murdered. Everything is connected, but to discover how, Detective Magnus Jonson must venture where the shadows lie…
Great story...
with fantastic narration is a brilliant introduction to Michael Ridpath's marvelous Icelandic detective series. Highly recommended for fans of Michael Ridpath's other novels, and anyone who enjoys Scandinavian and Icelandic noir... Can't recommend it strongly enough. Wonderful !
Good fun whodunnit with Icelandic twist
US cop ends up in Iceland solving a mystery linked to sagas and to Tolkien. This is a good listen and for me has the right balance of light and enough dark to make it interesting. A good listen for driving to work and a lot less upsetting than Jo Nesbo!
If you can accept that a Boston cop, in hiding as a major crime witness, would be "hidden" in Iceland, then this is a very enjoyable listen.
There are links to sagas, icelandic superstitions and to Tolkien's major opus... and there is a ring too!
Narration is excellent, the plot moves along at a brisk pace - not too much gore despite plenty of deaths. This is a highly recommended book for those who like Nordic novels. Certainly makes a case to visit Iceland!
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Interesting and Enjoyable
Insight in to the Icelandic culture with historical perspective on Sagas and Tolkein. Plot holds interest with the standard, emotionally disfunctional detective.
Fabulous!
Icelandic landscape, sagas, Tolkien, a detective story - a wonderful combination of ingredients which form the recipe of a thoroughly engrossing and enjoyable book. I loved it.
The Blame
By: Charlotte Langley
Narrated by: Tamsin Kennard
Length: 8 hrs and 57 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 02-05-24
Summary
A psychological thriller in which two detectives begin a love affair, only for one of them to become a prime suspect in a chilling murder....
Detective Erin Crane is assigned to the investigation into sixteen-year-old Sophie Madson's murder along with her partner, detective Tom Radley. Over the years they've formed a close professional bond built on mutual trust and a shared contempt for the unscrupulous head of the anti-corruption team, Walker. This case will prove a bigger test of their relationship than either of them could ever have imagined.
During the investigation, Tom discovers Erin's biggest secret: that she put a man in prison under false evidence. But to her surprise, far from driving them apart, the revelation brings them closer together, and Tom and Erin embark on a love affair–despite the risk to their careers and the case.
Then Erin discovers dashcam footage from a van driver, showing Sophie Madson getting into Tom's car barely an hour before she died. Tom becomes the prime suspect in the murder case, and everything Erin thought she could trust begins to crumble....
Meltwater
By: Michael Ridpath
Narrated by: Seán Barrett
Series: Magnus Iceland Mysteries, Book 3
Length: 9 hrs and 51 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 13-09-12
Summary
FreeFlow is a group of activists dedicated to freedom of information. They have evidence of a military atrocity in the Middle East and are preparing to unleash it. On the glacial rim of an erupting volcano, they christen their endeavour Operation Meltwater. Minutes later, one of them is murdered. Magnus Jonson has a long list of suspects but he’s getting little help - for a group dedicated to transparency, they’re a secretive bunch. But they are not the only ones with secrets. Asta, a newly qualified priest, has contacted FreeFlow with damning information about the former Bishop of Iceland. And with the return of Magnus’s brother Ollie to Iceland, the feud that has haunted their family for three generations is about to reignite....
A good read
The second book I have read in the Fire and Ice series. It's a huge pity that the first of the three is not available on audible. Ridpath holds your attention throughout with the added interest of the Icelandic landscape. The author writes as if he came from Iceland himself, including enough details and ancient stories to give added interest. The books leave you wanting to know more about the country itself.
Narration is excellent as we have come to expect by Sean Barrett; I really don't know how he manages so many accents with such ease and authenticity.
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Overall 5 out of 5 stars
Performance 5 out of 5 stars
Story 5 out of 5 stars
mollyeyre
25-10-17
Well written, though complicated
This was yet another unputdownable novel by Michael Ridpath, my only quibble is that we are left on a cliffhanger. I wish I had re-read the first few books in the series as there are quite a few references to the events that had happened earlier. nevertheless it was well worth reading.
Sean Barrett, as ever - Brilliant
Overall 5 out of 5 stars
Performance 5 out of 5 stars
Story 5 out of 5 stars
01-02-22
Love the Icelandic stories
Find these stories totally engaging, not 100% why? Descriptions of Iceland are a lovely addition to the story lines. Sean Barrett a terrific narrator for these stories. Give one a go - either it'll grab you or it won't - bit Marmitey.
Performance 5 out of 5 stars
Big Mig
14-03-23
Plenty of twists and turns
Kept I suspense till the end plants of possible outcome to keep interest
Excellent naration
Meltwater
Freeflow, a group of journalists, have video proof of an Israeli army atrocity in the Middle East and is all set to let the world know all about it. But, there are powers just as determined to keep that atrocity secret and are more than willing to murder to keep Israels reputation intact. The action moves to Ireland where suspicion falls on a former bishop. The story is pacey with good characters and plenty of twists.
Sea of Stone
By: Michael Ridpath
Narrated by: Seán Barrett
Series: Magnus Iceland Mysteries, Book 4
Length: 10 hrs and 13 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 01-08-14
Summary
Oli and Magnus Jonson have spent decades trying to escape from the shadows of their past. Raised by their grandparents in Bjarnarhofn, a remote farmstead in Iceland, both brothers had to endure brutal violence at the hands of their grandfather.
When Constable Pall Gylfason is called to investigate a suspected homicide in a remote farmstead, he is surprised to find Detective Magnus Jonson is already there. Magnus identifies the dead man as his estranged grandfather. Before long, Magnus is arrested for the murder of his grandfather. When it emerges that his younger brother, Oli, is in Iceland after two decades in America, Pall begins to think that Magnus may not be the only family member in the frame for murder.
The Wanderer
By: Michael Ridpath
Narrated by: Seán Barrett
Series: Magnus Iceland Mysteries, Book 5
Length: 9 hrs and 36 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 01-10-18
Summary
Iceland, 2017: When a young Italian tourist is found brutally murdered at a sacred church in northern Iceland, Magnus Jonson, newly returned to the Reykjavík police force, is called in to investigate. At the scene, he finds a stunned TV crew, there to film a documentary on the life of the legendary Viking Gudrid the Wanderer.
Magnus quickly begins to suspect that there may be more links to the murdered woman than anyone in the film crew will acknowledge. As jealousies come to the surface, new tensions replace old friendships and history begins to rewrite itself, a shocking second murder leads Magnus to question everything he thought he knew....
Good whodunnit and excellent reading
Murders and some dodgy archeological discoveries... a good solid detective drama that I listen to while driving and doing housework. This part of the series steps away from Magnus’s personal backstory and resumes ‘murder of the week’ mode which is probably better. Some nice tensions and plausible motives to keep you guessing. Great reading by Sean Barratt.
Enjoyed this.
Good story, I've really enjoyed all of this author's books. Great narration (as always) from Sean Barrett.
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I want Sean Barratt to read everything!
Love the narration, which really brings the characters and sorry to life. A good detective story well told. What more do you want?!?
Excellent Story telling
Another classic from Mr Ridpath. I love Sean Barrett's voice. Can't wait to start the next one.
the Wanderer
fantastic story line, well drawn l, oved characters, location descriptions are spellbinding and with the incomparable voice and skills of the amazing Sean Barrett.
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Great story
I really enjoyed this book, great story, great characters and excellent narration by Sean Barratt. I love the setting in Iceland and one gets a taste of it without the descriptions being overdone.
Enjoyed this - different background and setting.
Interesting story, set in Iceland with Viking background made it different. Good story. Brilliantly performed, as always by Sean Barrett, my favourite narrator.
Reliable
Narration is wonderful, the best. Simple storey line, easy to follow. In a year or two will be ok to listen again.
The Wanderer
By: Michael Ridpath
Narrated by: Seán Barrett
Series: Magnus Iceland Mysteries, Book 5
Length: 9 hrs and 36 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 01-10-18
Summary
Iceland, 2017: When a young Italian tourist is found brutally murdered at a sacred church in northern Iceland, Magnus Jonson, newly returned to the Reykjavík police force, is called in to investigate. At the scene, he finds a stunned TV crew, there to film a documentary on the life of the legendary Viking Gudrid the Wanderer.
Magnus quickly begins to suspect that there may be more links to the murdered woman than anyone in the film crew will acknowledge. As jealousies come to the surface, new tensions replace old friendships and history begins to rewrite itself, a shocking second murder leads Magnus to question everything he thought he knew....
Central Park West
By: James Comey
Narrated by: Laurel Lefkow
Length: 10 hrs and 27 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 15-06-23
Summary
The debut audiobook by former Director of the FBI, James Comey. A federal prosecutor's case against the Mob is blown wide open with a shocking revelation.
The trial of the century. One chance to crack the case. A million ways to lose.
Federal prosecutor Nora Carleton has spent years building a case against a powerful New York mobster. She finally has a star witness: an insider whose testimony will lock the defendant away for good.
But the courtroom can be an unpredictable place. While the killing of a disgraced former governor appears unconnected to the trial, the fallout from his death makes a guilty verdict hang in the balance.
Desperate to stop the mobster from walking free, Nora investigates the darker side of the city to understand how everything connects. The more she uncovers, the deeper the corruption runs.
There are dangerous people who will do anything to stop her from finding the truth. But Nora knows better than most that the truth is a fragile thing—especially in court.
“The plot goes like a train . . . vivid and compelling” IAN RANKIN
“A masterful blend of legal thriller, police procedural and psychological drama” JEFFERY DEAVER
“A gripping plot, and breathless pacing combine for a truly outstanding debut—one that announces a bold new talent in the mystery genre.” HARLAN COBEN
“Truly outstanding . . . Grabs the reader from the opening scene and doesn't let go” DOUGLAS PRESTON
by James Comey
Head of Zeus, £20
Lawyer Nora Carleton left her high-pressure job in the US attorney’s office in New York for a quieter (and more highly-paid) life with a hedge fund in Westport, Connecticut. But when a canoe is found abandoned with the body of a woman in it, Nora finds herself as the chief suspect, and suddenly the lawyer is the one facing trial. This is the second novel by James Comey, former head of the FBI – and antagonist of Donald Trump – and it drips with authenticity (which you might expect) and quality writing (which you might not). A gripping read. TR
James Comey's second novel is 'a gripping read', our critics think - Bloomberg
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/entertainment/tv/the-20-best-new-crime-thrillers-to-read-this-summer/ar-BB1mLHHU?ocid=msedgntp&pc=NMTS&cvid=60ab3e22a6214a41ba0e88fc41b7b3b4&ei=77
Westport: the breathtaking must-read new thriller from the former director of the FBI
by James Comey (Author)
4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 38 ratings
She's the lawyer. But now she's the one on trial.
A red canoe sits abandoned on Seymour Rock, right where the Saugatuck River meets Long Island Sound. The elegantly dressed corpse of a woman lies inside...
Nora Carleton left New York to become lead counsel at Saugatuck Associates, the world's largest hedge fund, where her life has become slower, more predictable. That is until her colleague and friend, Helen, is brutally murdered – and she becomes the prime suspect.
In the months leading up to Helen's death, she and Nora were investigating someone within the company who was using insider information to undercut Saugatuck's investments. Nora knows this is somehow linked to Helen's murder – if only she can see how.
Calling in old colleagues from the US Attorney's office, Mafia investigator Benny Dugan and attorney Carmen Garcia, Nora must find evidence to prove her innocence – or risk being put behind bars herself...
'This is a really good mystery, expertly told and filled with the sort of detail only an insider could provide, including intrigue at the world's largest hedge fund. Once I picked it up, I was hooked.' Joseph Finder
Reviews for James Comey
'A great read. Brimming with been-there-done-that authority.' Michael Connelly
'A masterful blend of legal thriller, police procedural and psychological drama.' Jeffery Deaver
'A bold new talent in the mystery genre.' Harlan Coben
Cath Staincliffe is a best-selling novelist, radio playwright and the creator of ITV's hit series, BLUE MURDER. Her debut LOOKING FOR TROUBLE launched private eye Sal, a single parent juggling work and home, onto Manchester’s mean streets. It was short listed for the CWA’s New Blood Dagger and serialised on BBC Radio 4. Cath has published a further seven Sal Kilkenny mysteries. THE LOST GIRLS OF ST ANN’S is a move away from crime. A family saga, rooted in Cath’s experience as an adoptee growing up in the 1960s, it captures the loss that remains for everyone at the heart of adoption. Cath’s own story, of being re-united with her Irish birth family and seven brothers and sisters, featured in the television documentary Finding Cath from RTE. Cath’s radio work includes the three-part thriller, UNDERCOVER, where a police officer masquerades as a nanny to find out the truth about a missing woman, and LEGACY, featuring brother and sister heir hunters. Cath was a writer on Danny Brocklehurst’s detective drama STONE. Cath’s stand-alone novels tell stories of ordinary families caught up in extraordinary events, giving a voice to victims, the bereaved, survivors and witnesses. Cath has been short listed (three times) for the CWA Dagger in the Library, and twice for the Short Story Dagger. In 2012 Cath was joint winner of the Short Story Dagger. LETTERS TO MY DAUGHTER’S KILLER was selected for Specsavers Crime Thriller Book Club in 2014 and featured on ITV3’s Crime Thriller Club. Cath was a joint winner of the WGGB Best Radio Drama Award 2019 for STONE S7. RUNNING OUT OF ROAD was short-listed for the eDunnit best novel Award at CrimeFest 2022. Cath is a founder member of Murder Squad, a virtual collective of northern crime writers. An avid reader, she likes hill-walking, messing about in the garden and dancing (with far more enthusiasm than grace).
They forgot that she wrote the Scott&Bailey series.
THE FELLS an absolutely gripping British crime thriller full of twists (Detectives Donovan & Young Book 1)
by CATH STAINCLIFFE (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 485 ratings
Book 1 of 1: Detectives Donovan & Young
#1 Best Seller in Mystery Action Fiction
‘It’s brilliant! Buy it!’ Ann Cleeves
Yorkshire Dales, Summer 1997. Vicky Mott slips out the door of her remote cottage, and into the pale dawn light. She scrawls a note for her friends.
Gone to see the sunrise. V xxx
That’s the last anyone ever hears from twenty-year-old music lover Vicky.
Another victim of the Fellside Strangler?
That would make Vicky the fourth young woman to lose her life this summer. Snatched by a mysterious killer who stalks the fells . . .
But Vicky’s body is never found.
2019. A skeleton is discovered in a twisty network of caves beneath the fells. Detectives Leo Donovan and Shan Young think they can finally give Vicky’s mother the closure she so desperately wants. After twenty long years of questions and anguish.
But the deeper they dig into the past, the less certain they become.
And nothing can prepare them for the shocking truth . . .
Discover a brand-new British crime thriller from a bestselling author, perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves, Angela Marsons, J.R. Ellis, Val McDermid and Caro Ramsay.
**Cath Staincliffe has been shortlisted six times for the prestigious CWA Dagger Awards.**
WHAT EVERYONE IS SAYING ABOUT CATH STAINCLIFFE:
‘A real knockout.’ Ian Rankin
‘One of the best police procedurals I’ve read this year.’ Ann Cleeves
‘A star in the firmament of British crime fiction.’ Big Issue
‘Mercilessly exciting.’ Daily Telegraph
‘Such a good writer.’ The Times
‘Powerful, complex and utterly gripping.’ Sunday Mirror
‘Ripped from the headlines and totally scary.’ Irish Independent
‘Real suspense.’ The Guardian
‘A swift, satisfying read.’ City Life
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘An absolutely cracking read, fast paced, absolutely believable, I loved this DCI and found myself rooting for her.’ Pinkmouse
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Good characters and a tangled story.’ Jack
THE DETECTIVES
Detective Leo Donovan is a veteran of the Yorkshire force. A true empath, he’s happily married, but prone to low mood and bouts of arthritis. Compassion motivates him, and a need to see justice done in a flawed world that is seldom fair. Leo’s wayward son drives him to distraction, but working with his partner Shan is a breath of fresh air.
Detective Shan Young is a rising star of Leo’s team. She lands her first case as detective while pregnant. Not that she’s fazed by it. A salt-of-the-earth Yorkshire lass with Chinese heritage, she often feels caught between two cultures — something which makes her appreciate Leo all the more, as a mentor and a friend.
THE SETTING
Welcome to the Yorkshire Dales, an untamed landscape of fells and valleys, waterfalls and ruined barns, deep, dark caves and windswept limestone pavements. Farming and mining have shaped these remote hills over the centuries. But what secrets lie buried beneath the spectacularly beautiful surface?
ALSO BY CATH STAINCLIFFE
DETECTIVES DONOVAN & YOUNG
Book 1: THE FELLS
DETECTIVE JANINE LEWIS MYSTERIES
Book 1: BLUE MURDER
Book 2: HIT AND RUN
Book 3: MAKE BELIEVE
Book 4: DESPERATE MEASURES
STANDALONE
THE LOST GIRLS OF ST ANN’S
Free on Audible.
8 episodes.
The Safe Man
By: Michael Connelly, Terrill Lee Lankford
Narrated by: Jack Quaid, Titus Welliver, full cast
Podcast
The Safe Man - Episode 1
May 16 2024
A locksmith hired to open a mysterious safe becomes the prime suspect in the disappearance of a missing girl.
What listeners say about The Safe Man
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Richie the Grot
03-06-24
Fantastic
Superb all round , great story and voice acting . I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.
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Anonymous User
30-05-24
Great scary story!
Great modern scary story with excellent narration from both actors. Very enjoyable. More of these please!
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Overall 5 out of 5 stars
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Sally G
22-05-24
Spooky ghost story with a great cast
I loved this adaptation of Michael Connelly’s short story. The cast were brilliant and I only wish it was longer. Five stars
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DorsetZombie
19-05-24
Very enjoyable
Good story with great characters. The performance from all of the cast was a joy to listen to.
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Tom Porritt
22-05-24
Absolutely cack your pants scary!
I listened with headphones in over two nights. Very good old school ghost story. A break from the usual connelly stuff.
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Lukas von Westerveld
19-05-24
Classic Connelly with a twist
A great storyline with gripping performance and moments. Not classic Connelly which makes it even better. Goosebemps. Connelly masterclass
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Alan O.
26-05-24
Really good
I was a bit skeptical as this is a bit more supernatural that crime, as I have listened to all of Michael Conellys Bosch/Haller/Ballard/McAvoy books, but I really enjoyed this an listened to nearly all of them back to back. Hope they make something similar like this again.
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Anna
25-05-24
Wonderful voice acting
Amazing story, amazing voice acting. My only critique is that I would’ve preferred to have everything in one episode or book. (And if this story would’ve been like 4h longer because it is so good)
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Amazon Customer
01-06-24
Good listen - good story, well acted and well directed
Good listen - good story, well acted and well directed. Not surprising as Titus Welliver is super talented and handles the source material from Michael Connelly very well
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dk.bookworm
26-05-24
Who would have thought!!
Who would have thought that Michael Connelly would write a ghost story… a different take on this… but still entertaining… well narrated by multiple cast.
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You had me at Connelly and Welliver.
Summary
Sam Little, the FBI’s most prolific serial killer roamed free for five decades, murdering women at will. But in 2012 he came to the attention of Detective Mitzi Roberts and everything changed. This opportunistic killer had long stayed below law enforcement’s radar because of the victims he chose: Women from the fringe — drug users and sex workers paid little attention to by society. Murder Book Season 2: The Women Who Stopped Sam Little follows this Los Angeles Police Department cold case investigator's relentless hunt for Little across the country to capture and convict him with the help of a group of equally fierce women that included a prosecutor, a writer and several women who survived brutal attacks from Little.
Summary
In this documentary podcast, best-selling crime novelist Michael Connelly returns to his roots in journalism and examines the Wonderland Murders, an iconic and brutal mass murder in a city known for its murders. Named for the street in Laurel Canyon where the murders took place inside the house of a small-time drug gang, it’s a gruesome crime that reflected its time, disrupted a mythology and tells a broader story of Los Angeles, the American dream machine, and when justice does - and doesn’t - work. And for the first time, the podcast accesses never revealed records and exclusive interviews with investigators, prosecutors and a notorious, “missing” witness who puts all the pieces together.
Prima Facie
By: Suzie Miller
Narrated by: Jodie Comer
Length: 9 hrs and 18 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Summary
Brought to you by Penguin.
This audiobook is narrated by Jodie Comer (Killing Eve, The Last Duel, The End We Start From), who won Best Actress in both the Tony and Olivier awards for her performance in the theatre production of Prima Facie. Her performance in the play was lauded as "infusing breath-taking emotional drama into every word" (Guardian), with "tremendous skill and improbable stamina" (New York Times). Here she returns to Tessa in this intimate and skilful performance.
From the Olivier award-winning playwright of Prima Facie Suzie Miller comes her first novel, where power, patriarchy and morality diverge.
‘She played by the rules, but the rules are broken.'
Tessa Ensler is a brilliant barrister who's forged her career in criminal defence through sheer determination. Since her days at Cambridge, she’s carefully disguised her working class roots in a male-dominated world where who you know is just as important as what you know. Driven by her belief in the right to a fair trial and a taste for victory, there’s nothing Tessa loves more than the thrill of getting her clients acquitted.
It seems like Tessa has it made when she is approached for a new job and nominated for the most prestigious award in her field. But when a date with a charismatic colleague goes horribly wrong, Tessa finds that the rules she’s always played by might not protect her, forcing her to question everything she's ever believed in…
“It has been an absolute joy to return to Tessa’s story whilst recording this audiobook. My hope is that it will reach the widest number of people, perhaps who weren’t able to see the play. I’ve personally enjoyed delving into her story again and am excited for audiences to experience this further exploration gifted to us by the wonderful Suzie Miller.” Jodie Comer
'Enthralling and sharp-witted . . . Highly recommended' Karin Slaughter
'Bold, fearless, heartbreakingly timeless. Written with skill, humour, despair and hope, Prima Facie is a deeply rewarding, absolute must read' Chris Whitaker
Critic reviews
'Miller's star shines as brightly as a novelist as it does as a playwright. Prima Facie the novel gives us what novels do: the intimacy of interior life.' (Anna Funder, author of STASILAND)
David Ellis is a judge and an Edgar-award-winning author of nine novels of crime fiction, as well as five books co-authored with James Patterson. In December, 2014, Dave was sworn in as the youngest-serving Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court for the First District. Dave currently lives outside Chicago with his wife and three children.
Look Closer
By: David Ellis
Narrated by: Will Damron, Hillary Huber, Elizabeth Garrett, Steve West
Length: 13 hrs
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 05-07-22
Summary
“Wildly entertaining.”—New York Times Book Review
From the bestselling and award-winning author comes a wickedly clever and fast-paced novel of greed, revenge, obsession—and quite possibly the perfect murder.
Simon and Vicky couldn’t seem more normal: a wealthy Chicago couple, he a respected law professor, she an advocate for domestic violence victims. A stable, if unexciting marriage. But one thing’s for sure: absolutely nothing is what it seems. The pair are far from normal, and one of them just may be a killer.
When the body of a beautiful socialite is found hanging in a mansion in a nearby suburb, Simon and Vicky’s secrets begin to unravel. A secret whirlwind affair. A twenty-million-dollar trust fund about to come due. A decades-long grudge and obsession with revenge. These are just a few of the lies that make up the complex web... and they will have devastating consequences. And while both Vicky and Simon are liars, just who exactly is conning who? Part Gone Girl and part Strangers on a Train, Look Closer is a wild rollercoaster of a read that will have you questioning everything you think you know.
Critic reviews
"I’ll tell you what—Look Closer is James Patterson’s Book Club selection. You won’t forget this novel, and these characters—good and bad—for a long time."—James Patterson
“Serpentine revelations will surprise even the cleverest mystery readers. This complex tale of triple-crossings and devious revenge should win Ellis new fans.”—Publishers Weekly
“Twisty, intricately plotted…. Even seasoned mystery readers won’t be able to predict all the knots in Simon and Vicky’s tangled web of deception. A roller-coaster ride full of unexpected twists and turns.”—Kirkus Reviews
Jørn Lier Horst is one of Norway’s most experienced police investigators, but also one of Scandinavia’s most successful crime writers. He writes engaging and intelligent crime novels that offer an uncommonly detailed and realistic insight into the way serious crimes are investigated, as well as how both police and press work. His literary awards include the Norwegian Booksellers’ Prize, the Riverton Prize (Golden Revolver), the Scandinavian Glass Key and the prestigious Martin Beck Award.
Summary
Brought to you by Penguin.
Following weeks of heavy rain, the earth comes crumbling down on one of Larvik’s residential areas, burying a handful of houses.
Detective William Wisting is quick to join the rescue operation. Luckily, by sunrise the next day, it becomes clear that the landslide has claimed no victims.
And yet, just twenty-four hours later, a body is found – and the victim was killed before the landslide.
As Wisting opens an investigation into the mysterious murder, he soon discovers this death might have dangerous ties to a series of ongoing cases.
And the clues start leading Wisting not towards an enemy on the outside – but to a traitor in his own unit…
Victim
Blix & Ramm, Book 4
By: Thomas Enger, Jørn Lier Horst, Megan Turney - translator
Narrated by: James Lailey
Series: Blix and Ramm, Book 4
Length: 10 hrs
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 10-10-24
Summary
Two years ago, Alexander Blix was the lead investigator in a missing person's case where a young mother, Elisabeth Eie, had been kidnapped. The case came to a standstill when Blix's own daughter was killed and he was arrested for avenging her. Blix is a now free man again, but Elisabeth's kidnapper has found him, leaving evidence of her murder in Blix's mailbox.
The police are unwilling to accept Blix's help: Even if he was acquitted of his crime, his career in law enforcement is over. But Elisabeth's murderer continues to pursue him, leading Blix to his new victims, while making it clear that he knows details from Blix's private life that the former investigator has never shared with anyone...
Meanwhile, Emma Ramm has been contacted by a teenage girl, Carmen, whose stepfather has been arrested on suspicion of killing a childhood friend. But there is no body. Nor are there any other suspects...
Blix and Ramm can rely only on each other. And when Blix's fingerprints are found on a child's drawing at a crime scene, the present comes uncomfortably close to the past. A past where a victim has found their very own form of therapy. And it is clear that someone is watching…
Neil Broadfoot
"Neil should be better known and more widely read. A true rising star of crime fiction." - Ian Rankin
Neil Broadfoot worked as a journalist for 15 years at both national and local newspapers, including The Scotsman, Scotland on Sunday and the Evening News, covering some of the biggest stories of the day. Falling Fast, which was shortlisted for the Dundee International Book Prize, is the first in the Edinburgh-set McGregor and Drummond series of thrillers. His Stirling-set series, which begins with No Man's Land and features close protection expert Connor Fraser, has been hailed as "tense, fast moving and ****" and "atmospheric, twisty and explosive" with a “complex cast of characters and a compelling hero”. No Man's Land was longlisted for the 2019 McIlvanney Award. Keep up to date with news on Neil's books by signing up to his mailing list at http://eepurl.com/gISGZr
No Man's Land
A fast-paced thriller with a killer twist
By: Neil Broadfoot
Narrated by: Angus King
Series: Connor Fraser, Book 1
Length: 11 hrs and 36 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 03-09-20
Summary
'A true rising star of crime fiction' Ian Rankin
'Wonderfully grisly and grim, and a cracking pace' James Oswald
'A frantic, pacy read with a compelling hero' Steve Cavanagh
War is coming to No-Man's Land, and Connor Fraser will be ready.
A mutilated body is found dumped at Cowane's Hospital in the heart of historic Stirling. For DCI Malcolm Ford it's like nothing he's ever seen before, the savagery of the crime makes him want to catch the murderer before he strikes again. For reporter Donna Blake it's a shot at the big time, a chance to get her career back on track and prove all the doubters wrong. But for close protection specialist Connor Fraser it's merely a grisly distraction from the day job.
But then another bloodied and broken corpse is found, this time in the shadow of the Wallace Monument - and with it, a message. One Connor has received before, during his time as a police officer in Belfast.
With Ford facing mounting political and public pressure to make an arrest and quell fears the murders are somehow connected to heightened post-Brexit tensions, Connor is drawn into a race against time to stop another murder. But to do so, he must question old loyalties, confront his past and unravel a mystery that some would sacrifice anything - and anyone - to protect.
From Dundee International Book Prize and **** Scotland book of the year nominee Neil Broadfoot comes the first gripping thriller in the white-knuckle Connor Fraser crime series.