Alice Bell‘s third novel, THE GRAPPLES OF WRATH is out in three weeks! Due to be published by Corvus on January 1st, 2026, it once again features Claire Hendricks, the star of the author’s first two acclaimed supernatural mysteries — GRAVE EXPECTATION and DISPLEASURE ISLAND. Here’s the synopsis for the new novel…

THIS MYSTERY HAS THEM IN A CHOKEHOLD…

Medium turned private investigator Claire Hendricks is excited to embark on her first official case.

Pro-wrestling manager Ken King is convinced that his late father, Eddie, is haunting the gym and show venue in Brighton. Ken hires Claire to help, unaware that her ghost best friend, Sophie, comes as part of the package.

But Eddie is adamant he did not die of natural causes, and tasks Claire and Sophie with bringing his killer to justice.

In the world of pro-wrestling, can they work out what’s real, who’s faking and unmask the killer once and for all?

Here are just a few of the great early responses THE GRAPPLES OF WRATH has received…

‘So much fun! Tight, funny and a well-woven mystery. This is what the world needs right now!’ — Kitty Murphy

‘About as good as modern murder mystery gets. Warm, very funny and absolutely fizzing with wit and originality.’ — Ian Moore, author of Death and Croissants

‘A rollicking, hilarious, breakneck caper that reunites readers with my absolute favourite mismatched and ghostly sleuths. This book will blast away the cobwebs and make you laugh out loud. Perhaps best put in the words of one of her deader characters, Alice Bell is an absolute tonic!’ — Sam Blake

‘I adore Alice Bell’s biting wit, fabulous characters, and the creative set-up of her murder mysteries. THE GRAPPLES OF WRATH is another cracking addition to the series, with the added flair of some unforgettable pro-wrestling characters and a wonderful Brighton backdrop. Come for the spooky humour, stay for the satisfying twists and turns. An absolute delight from start to finish.’ — Kiersten Perrin

‘Just so much fun. I raced through Alice Bell’s third book – characters you can’t help but root for and lots of sneaky twists and turns. I loved it.’ — Heather Darwent

‘Hilarious, outrageous, and mysterious. The spooky ABC team strikes again, and Alice Bell continues to deliver with every book in this wonderful series.’ — Antony Johnson

‘THE GRAPPLES OF WRATH is a witty murder mystery that made me laugh out loud in places. Claire and her ghostly friend Sophie make an entertaining duo as they set about solving the murder of Eddie King with the help of a cast of vivid characters. The novel is as vivacious, lively and fun as its pro-wrestling setting.’ — Fiona Gartland

The first two novels are out now, published by Corvus in the UK and Vintage in North America.