Out this month: NO ONE HEARS THE LAST SHOT by Lavie Tidhar


This month, PS Publishing releases a new collection from Lavie TidharNO ONE HEARS THE LAST SHOT! Bringing a number of the author’s acclaimed noir and crime stories into a single volume, here’s the synopsis…

A middle-aged hitwoman goes on the run from the Israeli mob; a boy on a South Pacific island searches for a missing cat and uncovers dark secrets; an ageing bagman has to recover a package across one violent night, no matter the cost; an informer must uncover the heist of a lifetime on the fringes of the Roman Empire, and Sherlock Holmes is faced with a confounding botanical mystery; while a pair of hapless actors are forced into a seedy mystery in Golden Age Hollywood.

Moving from the genteel English countryside to the mean streets of L.A. and from the islands of Vanuatu to the dark alleyways of Tel Aviv, this wide-ranging collection gathers together the best crime and noir stories of master storyteller Lavie Tidhar, including the CWA Dagger Award nominated “Bag Man” and much more besides.

Welcome to a world of gangsters and hired killers, of lost romantics and deadly women, of good times and low lifes. Where it’s always the wrong part of town, and where whatever you do, there are no good choices.

Because when it comes, no one hears the last shot…

The book is available in two editions: a signed hardcover (limited to 200), and a trade paperback.

ICYMI: Ben Aaronovitch’s STONE & SKY, out in July!


STONE & SKY, Ben Aaronovitch‘s tenth Rivers of London novel now has a cover! Unveiled yesterday by Gollancz/Orion, here’s the synopsis…

‘This isn’t London. The rules are different up here, and so are the allegiances.’

Detective Sergeant Peter Grant takes a much-needed holiday up in Scotland. And he’ll need one when this is over…

If more’s the merrier, then it’s ecstatic as his partner Beverley, their young twins, his mum, dad, his dad’s band and their dodgy manager all tag along. Even his boss, DCI Thomas Nightingale, takes in the coastal airs as he trains Peter’s cousin Abigail in the arcane arts.

And they’ll need them too, because Scotland’s Granite City has more than its fair share of history and mystery, myth… and murder.

When a body is found in a bus stop, fresh from the sea, the case smells fishy from the off.

Something may be stirring beyond the bay – but there’s something far stranger in the sky…

To be published on July 3rd, in the UK, the novel will be available in hardcover, eBook, and as an audiobook — read once again by the ever-excellent Kobna Holdbrook-Smith! The novel is also due to be published in North America, by DAW Books, on July 8th.

ICYMI: Two New RIVERS OF LONDON RPG Modules Out Now!


In case you missed it, Chaosium has published two more modules for their Rivers of London roleplaying game! Based on the series by Ben Aaronovitch, THE FONT OF ALL EVIL and JIMMY’S LAST DANCE are out now!

Here’s the synopsis for THE FONT OF ALL EVIL, written by Paul Baldowski and Lynne Hardy…

Thursday 19th May, 2016: you have been called in to investigate a gruesome murder scene in Ealing, West London.

The local police were so concerned by the odd nature of the victim’s injuries that they called in the Folly to investigate. But how did the victim die? Why does their home look like a hoarder’s nest? Most importantly: why would somebody want them dead?

… and for JIMMY’S LAST DANCE, written by Adam Gauntlett, Paul Fricker, Lynne Hardy

Summer, 2016: you have been called in to investigate a violent assault at an address in Putney, Southwest London.

The person of interest was described by an eyewitness as “something straight out of one of those pirate films.”

Can the investigators track him down before he strikes again?

The Rivers of London novels and novellas are published in the UK by Gollancz. The novels are published in North America by JABberwocky (1-3), and DAW Books (4-), and the novellas are published by Subterranean Press.

The next book in the series is the eleventh novel, STONE AND SKY, due to be published by Orion and DAW Books, in July 2025 (cover reveal soon!).

ICYMI: Ben Aaronovitch Interviewed on the FollyCast


Today, we wanted to share an interview with Ben Aaronovitch from a little while ago — it was published shortly before the release of THE MASQUERADES OF SPRING. In the interview, Ben and the hosts ‘discuss the origins of the series, cover the novels, novellas and graphic novels and look to the future’.

THE MASQUERADES OF SPRING is out now, published by Gollancz/Orion in the UK, Subterranean Press in North America, and DTV in Germany. Here’s the synopsis…

New York City, New York.

Meet Augustus Berrycloth-Young – fop, flaneur, and Englishman abroad – as he chronicles the Jazz Age from his perch atop the city that never sleeps.

That is, until his old friend Thomas Nightingale arrives, pursuing a rather mysterious affair concerning an old saxophone – which will take Gussie from his warm bed, to the cold shores of Long Island, and down to the jazz clubs where music, magic, and madness haunt the shadows…

The next book in the series is STONE AND SKY, due out in July 2025.

Alice Bell’s DISPLEASURE ISLAND is On Sale in the UK!


Just a quick note to draw your attention to the fact that DISPLEASURE ISLAND by Alice Bell is on sale at the moment in the UK: for the rest of the year, the Kindle edition is dicounted to £2.19! A must for fans of mysteries with a supernatural edge, it’s published by Corvus Books. Here’s the synopsis…

Group holidays are always murder…

An unfinished wellness retreat was not Claire’s first choice of holiday destination, but it turns out that amateur murder investigation pays even less well than professional mediumship.

So Claire, her oldest friend Sophie (a 17-year-old ghost) and their new friends, Basher and Alex, head for Spike Island (off the coast of Ireland) for some R&R.

But when one of the other guests turns up dead, Claire finds herself the chief suspect.

Can she solve the murder, clear her name and escape the group holiday from hell before it becomes permanent incarceration?

The first book in the series, GRAVE EXPECTATIONS, is also available via Corvus Books in the UK.

Both books are published in North America by Vintage Books, and out now.

Simon R. Green’s STONE CERTAINTY is out in Three Weeks!


The second novel in the ‘funny, scary and thoroughly entertaining’ Holy Terrors series by Simon R. Green is out in three weeks! Due to be published by Severn House, on February 4th, here’s the synopsis for STONE CERTAINTY

Dare you enter the stone circle…? The world’s most unlikely ghost-busting duo – actress Diana and handsome young bishop Alistair – are back in this spine-tingling paranormal mystery from New York Times bestselling British fantasy author

There are stories about the dilapidated stone circle at Chipping Amesbury, going back centuries. Of people going missing, never to be seen again. Of people found dead inside the circle. Of monsters, and of demons. The villagers may tell the tales with relish to visiting tourists, but a careful observer will notice that there is no transport to the stones, no tours on offer, and the locals stay well away.

Alistair Kincaid, the youngest ever bishop of All Souls Hollow, is an expert in Britain’s ancient stone circles. That’s why, when landowner Sir Neville Chumley announces his plans to restore the circle to its ancient glory, he agrees to take part in a documentary about the project.

Well – that, plus talented actress Diana Hunt is on board. Ever since their last encounter, when the pair of them hunted ghosts and solved a murder, the tabloids have dubbed them the Holy Terrors, and Alistair can’t wait to see her again.

But soon after filming begins, Alistair and Diana are plunged into a terrifying mystery. For the repositioning of the final stone unleashes a series of blood-chilling events that threaten to make them both believe in demons – if, that is, they make it out of the stone circle alive.

HOLY TERRORS, the first book in the series, is out now. Severn House also publishes Green’s Ishmael Jones and Gideon Sable series.

‘A sleek and appealing […] homage to vintage whodunits.’ — Kirkus Reviews

‘Perceptive and witty… Great fun’ — Booklist

THE HOLY TERRORS is a great haunted house type story…I was immersed in the scenes so much, it hooked me in… It’s enjoyable. It’s fun. Great characters and very fast paced.’ — The Honest Book Reviewer

‘Although the Bishop and the Actress certainly are [charming], and their increasing charm with each other does help carry readers along.’ — Reading Reality

Zeno represents Simon R. Green in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.

The Vinyl Detective returns in April, in UNDERSCORE!


This April, Titan Books are due to publish UNDERSCORE, the highly-anticipated eighth Vinyl Detective novel by Andrew Cartmel! Here’s the synopsis…

Some of the greatest (and grooviest) music ever committed to vinyl has come out of Italy.

And some of the greatest music to come out of Italy can be found on the soundtracks composed for its lurid, gruesome and some might say nonsensical thrillers known as gialli. The maestros who composed for these include Ennio Morricone, Piero Piccioni, Armand Trovajoli…

… And Loretto Loconsole.

No one disputes that Loconsole was a genius, but was he also a murderer?

The composer’s mistress was killed in 1969 while the pair were on location in Cool Britannia for the shoot of lurid giallo Murder in London – also known as Bikini of Blood and sometimes even The Black Dog Murders (don’t ask). There wasn’t enough evidence to lead to a prosecution, but the stink of scandal never went away. Loconsole’s career never recovered, the mastertapes of his work were destroyed and he died with a dark stain on his legacy.

Now, his granddaughter Chloe has come to England to hire the Vinyl Detective. Not only does she want him to find immaculate vinyl copies of all her grandpa’s soundtracks for a series of reissues she’s putting together to resurrect his musical reputation, but she wants him to clear his name too.

Can the Vinyl Detective and the usual gang – Nevada, Tinkler and Agatha – find out the truth of what happened in Swinging London more than half a century ago? Or might there be someone out there who’d prefer the events of the past to be left well alone, and is prepared to kill to keep their secrets safely in the Sixties?

Titan Books also publishes the first seven novels in the series, in the UK and North America: WRITTEN IN DEAD WAX, THE RUN-OUT GROOVE, VICTORY DISC, FLIP BACK, LOW ACTION, ATTACK AND DECAY, and NOISE FLOOR.

Here are just a few of the great reviews the series has received so far…

‘This charming mystery feels as companionable as a leisurely afternoon trawling the vintage shops with a good friend.’ — Kirkus on WRITTEN IN DEAD WAX

‘… fast-paced, lighthearted adventure… marvelously inventive and endlessly fascinating…’ — Publishers Weekly on WRITTEN IN DEAD WAX

‘Author Cartmel has combined the tropes of the several genres into a surprising, refreshing story centered around old-fashioned records… the story delivers multiple chuckles per chapter… Based on this volume, the series will be a hit.’ — New York Journal of Books on WRITTEN IN DEAD WAX

‘… entertaining second record-spinning mystery… Cartmel treats music and records seriously, plays his strange characters for laughs, and provides a bit of danger and some unexpected twists in this affectionate nod to the vagaries of rock stardom.’ — Publishers Weekly on THE RUN-OUT GROOVE

THE RUN-OUT GROOVE does a fantastic job of making its fictional history of music so fascinating and authentic that you’ll forget it isn’t all true… This a follow-up every bit the equal of its highly memorable predecessor, presenting a mystery you’ll be eager to solve and characters whose company you won’t want to leave. Written with infectious charm, the Vinyl Detective has more than proven he’s no one-hit-wonder.’ (9/10) — Alternative Magazine Online on THE RUN-OUT GROOVE

‘Cartmel at his best… an exciting and atmospheric mystery and a good addition to the Vinyl Detective’s casebook.’ — Blue Book Balloon on VICTORY DISC

‘This book was such a blast! It was a great addition to this hilarious series and I’m so impressed at how entertaining these books are.’ — Divine World of Books on VICTORY DISC

‘… an interesting and intriguing history for the series’ latest MacGuffin… the writing is sharp, funny and engaging throughout, and the main characters have never been more likeable… it’s wonderful; it’s a book filled with warmth and good humour – despite a touch of murder – that often feels like reacquainting yourself with old friends… The latest Vinyl Detective novel continues the series’ fine tradition of telling fictional stories that seem entirely plausible. There hasn’t been a dud note in the Vinyl Detective’s oeuvre to date and FLIP BACK is no exception; in fact, it might just be his greatest whodunnit yet.’ 9/10 — Alternative Magazine Online on FLIP BACK

DISPLEASURE ISLAND UK paperback out today!


The new paperback edition of Alice Bell‘s acclaimed second novel, DISPLEASURE ISLAND is out today! Published by Corvus, here’s the synopsis…

Group holidays are always murder…

An unfinished wellness retreat was not Claire’s first choice of holiday destination, but it turns out that amateur murder investigation pays even less well than professional mediumship.

So Claire, her oldest friend Sophie (a 17-year-old ghost) and their new friends, Basher and Alex, head for Spike Island (off the coast of Ireland) for some R&R.

But when one of the other guests turns up dead, Claire finds herself the chief suspect.

Can she solve the murder, clear her name and escape the group holiday from hell before it becomes permanent incarceration?

DISPLEASURE ISLAND is the sequel to Bell’s acclaimed debut novel, GRAVE EXPECTATIONS, which is also published by Corvus Books. Both novels are available in North America, published by Vintage Books.

Here are just a few of the great reviews the series has received so far…

‘Read this fabulous book — you will not regret it!’ — Ben Aaronovitch on GRAVE EXPECTATIONS

‘Fast, funny and furious, this book has bags of humour, bags of heart and a proper murder mystery at its core’ — Janice Hallett  on GRAVE EXPECTATIONS

‘A delicious mashup of grisly murder, country house and semi-helpful ghosts – imagine a really cockeyed game of Cluedo heavily seasoned with whimsy … it’s a lot of fun’ — Stuart MacBride  on GRAVE EXPECTATIONS

‘Knives Out vibes with added ghosts. Fresh, funny and hugely enjoyable.’ — Catherine Ryan Howard  on GRAVE EXPECTATIONS

‘A great read, with great characters, lots of humour, some misty-eyed moments and lots of swearing. Utterly delightful – like the BBC show Ghosts mixed with Cluedo’ — Simon Toyne on GRAVE EXPECTATIONS

‘In Bell’s winning second supernatural whodunit featuring Claire Hendricks (after Grave Expectations), the British medium and her ghost companion investigate shady happenings off the coast of Ireland… With the stakes suitably raised, and Sophie distracted by her pursuit of a handsome and potentially sinister pirate ghost, Bell puts a clever spin on a time-tested conceit. It’s a fast and funny romp.’ — Publishers Weekly on DISPLEASURE ISLAND

‘End summer with a treat: this cozy paranormal mystery has all the Saturday-afternoon comforts of a Scooby-Doo rerun, but Bell’s writing shakes you awake with its bracing humor.’ — Conner Reed, Publishers Weekly (mystery and memoir reviews editor) on DISPLEASURE ISLAND

‘What a cracking romp of a read! A bunch of self entitled millennials, a troop of pirate ghosts, a treasure hoard, a whole slew of secrets and at its heart an engaging and satisfying murder mystery – Agatha Christie meets Ghosts came to mind! I loved the way Alice Bell effortlessly dealt with the problems that beset mystery writers today. i.e. blanket technology- the results was a sort of ‘locked island’ mystery. As before I love the main protagonist chaotic Claire, and her sardonic sidekick (who just happens to have been dead for some fifteen years) It was great to see them both back in action again.’ — J. M. Hall on DISPLEASURE ISLAND

‘Contrary to its title, Alice Bell’s second novel is a complete pleasure to read, full of witty writing, loveable characters and page-turning twists.’ — Culturefly (“Spring Reads: 14 of the best new books to read this month”) on DISPLEASURE ISLAND

Lavie Tidhar’s MAROR is a Best of 2024 in Germany!


We’re very happy to report that the German edition of Lavie Tidhar‘s internationally-acclaimed MAROR has been selected as “Der beste Krimi des Jahres” by Deutschlandfunk Kultur! The stand-alone novel is published in Germany by Suhrkamp, and was translated by Conny Lösch. Here’s the synopsis…

Eine Autobombe in den Seitenstraßen von Tel Aviv. Ein Diamantenraub in Haifa. Bürgerkrieg im Libanon. Rebellenkämpfer im kolumbianischen Dschungel. Ein Doppelmord in Los Angeles.

Wie hängt all dies zusammen? Das weiß nur Cohen, ein Mann, der sein Land liebt. Ein vernünftiger Mann für unvernünftige Zeiten.

Maror ist die Geschichte eines Krieges um die Seele eines Landes ‒ es ist eine wahre Geschichte. All diese Dinge sind passiert.

The novel is published in the UK and North America by Apollo/Head of Zeus. Here’s the English-language synopsis…

How do you build a nation?

It takes statesmen and soldiers, farmers and factory workers, of course. But it also takes thieves, prostitutes and policemen.

Nation-building demands sacrifice. And one man knows exactly where those bodies are buried: Cohen, a man who loves his country. A reasonable man for unreasonable times.

A car bomb in the back streets of Tel Aviv. A diamond robbery in Haifa. Civil war in Lebanon. Rebel fighters in the Colombian jungle. A double murder in Los Angeles.

How do they all connect? Only Cohen knows.

Maror is the story of a war for a country’s soul – a dazzling spread of narrative gunshots across four decades and three continents.

It is a true story. All of these things happened.

Rivers of London STRAY CAT BLUES Out Now!


The collected paperback (and eBook) edition of the latest Rivers of London comic series, STRAY CAT BLUES, is out now! Written by Andrew Cartmel and Ben Aaronovitch, it’s the 12th story arc in the series, and is published by Titan Comics. Here’s the synopsis…

Old frenemies become allies in the latest Rivers of London adventure when a mysterious cat-woman comes to The Folly looking for help to free her sisters from a notorious chimera brothel run by London gangster Monty and his sinister magically endowed mother, Mrs. Napier. 

Now, Romeo, together with Abigail, Kitty Butchart aka Hoodette, Reynard Fossman, and Gina Penlaw must rescue the three imprisoned women before the Faceless Man can get his hands on them…

Collecting together the critically acclaimed original four-issue mini-series.

With exclusive bonus material, included a script to art comparison, covers gallery and a collection of the backup articles from the four comics.

The continuing comic-book adaptation of Ben Aaronovitch’s hugely successful and award-winning 10-book novel series first published in 2011.

An all-new original adventure starring the Peter Grant the wizard-in-training hero of the first Rivers of London Novel, ‘Rivers of London’, also known as Midnight Riot in the US.

Artwork for the series is once again by the always-excellent José María Beroy. The collection’s cover is by Vv Glass.

The Rivers of London comics are, of course, set in the same world as Ben’s Rivers of London/Peter  Grant series of novels and novellas. The most recent book is the instant-bestseller THE MASQUERADES OF SPRING, a novella, which is out now — published by Gollancz in the UK and Subterranean Press in North America.

Andrew Cartmel is also the author of the acclaimed Vinyl Detective and Paperback Sleuth mystery series — published by Titan Books in the UK and North America.

Simon R. Green’s STONE CERTAINTY Out in February 2025!


On February 4th, 2025, Severn House are due to published the next Holy Terrors novel by Simon R. Green! STONE CERTAINTY is the second novel in this ‘funny, scary and thoroughly entertaining’ new series; perfect for fans of ‘American Horror Story, The Haunting of Hill House, horror novels, and murder mysteries with a supernatural twist.’ Here’s the synopsis…

Dare you enter the stone circle…? The world’s most unlikely ghost-busting duo – actress Diana and handsome young bishop Alistair – are back in this spine-tingling paranormal mystery from New York Times bestselling British fantasy author

There are stories about the dilapidated stone circle at Chipping Amesbury, going back centuries. Of people going missing, never to be seen again. Of people found dead inside the circle. Of monsters, and of demons. The villagers may tell the tales with relish to visiting tourists, but a careful observer will notice that there is no transport to the stones, no tours on offer, and the locals stay well away.

Alistair Kincaid, the youngest ever bishop of All Souls Hollow, is an expert in Britain’s ancient stone circles. That’s why, when landowner Sir Neville Chumley announces his plans to restore the circle to its ancient glory, he agrees to take part in a documentary about the project.

Well – that, plus talented actress Diana Hunt is on board. Ever since their last encounter, when the pair of them hunted ghosts and solved a murder, the tabloids have dubbed them the Holy Terrors, and Alistair can’t wait to see her again.

But soon after filming begins, Alistair and Diana are plunged into a terrifying mystery. For the repositioning of the final stone unleashes a series of blood-chilling events that threaten to make them both believe in demons – if, that is, they make it out of the stone circle alive.

HOLY TERRORS, the first book in the series, is out now. Severn House also publishes Green’s Ishmael Jones and Gideon Sable series.

‘A sleek and appealing […] homage to vintage whodunits.’ — Kirkus Reviews

‘Perceptive and witty… Great fun’ — Booklist

THE HOLY TERRORS is a great haunted house type story…I was immersed in the scenes so much, it hooked me in… It’s enjoyable. It’s fun. Great characters and very fast paced.’ — The Honest Book Reviewer

‘Although the Bishop and the Actress certainly are [charming], and their increasing charm with each other does help carry readers along.’ — Reading Reality

Zeno represents Simon R. Green in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.

ICYMI: Ben Aaronovitch’s next novel is STONE AND SKY!


Last week, Orion/Gollancz announced the next (tenth) novel in Ben Aaronovitch‘s internationally-bestselling and acclaimed Rivers of London series: STONE AND SKY! Due to be published un July 2025, it sees Peter Grant travelling to Scotland, where ‘a relaxing holiday … proves to be just the beginning of another rollercoaster of a case’

‘This isn’t London. The rules are different up here…’

All Detective Constable Peter Grant wanted was a nice holiday up in Scotland.
He’ll need one once this is over…

Sea: check.
Sand: some.
Sun: sort of – but that’s not the only thing in the sky…

The novel will be available in the UK in hardcover, eBook, audiobook, and Waterstones special, signed editions.

We’ll share more details as they become available (including cover, international editions, and more.).

STRAY CAT BLUES Collected Edition out in Two Weeks!


The collected paperback (and eBook) edition of the latest Rivers of London comic series, STRAY CAT BLUES, is out in two weeks! Written by Andrew Cartmel and Ben Aaronovitch, it’s the 12th story arc in the series, and it’s due to be published by Titan Comics on December 3rd. Here’s the synopsis…

Old frenemies become allies in the latest Rivers of London adventure when a mysterious cat-woman comes to The Folly looking for help to free her sisters from a notorious chimera brothel run by London gangster Monty and his sinister magically endowed mother, Mrs. Napier. 

Now, Romeo, together with Abigail, Kitty Butchart aka Hoodette, Reynard Fossman, and Gina Penlaw must rescue the three imprisoned women before the Faceless Man can get his hands on them…

Collecting together the critically acclaimed original four-issue mini-series.

With exclusive bonus material, included a script to art comparison, covers gallery and a collection of the backup articles from the four comics.

The continuing comic-book adaptation of Ben Aaronovitch’s hugely successful and award-winning 10-book novel series first published in 2011.

An all-new original adventure starring the Peter Grant the wizard-in-training hero of the first Rivers of London Novel, ‘Rivers of London’, also known as Midnight Riot in the US.

Artwork for the series is once again by the always-excellent José María Beroy. The collection’s cover is by Vv Glass (who also did some of the individual issue covers).

The Rivers of London comics are, of course, set in the same world as Ben’s Rivers of London/Peter  Grant series of novels and novellas. The most recent book is the instant-bestseller THE MASQUERADES OF SPRING, a novella, which is out now — published by Gollancz in the UK and Subterranean Press in North America.

Andrew Cartmel is also the author of the acclaimed Vinyl Detective and Paperback Sleuth mystery series — published by Titan Books in the UK and North America.

Ben Aaronovitch’s MASQUERADES OF SPRING Out Now in North America!


Today is the official release date of THE MASQUERADES OF SPRING, the latest Rivers of London novella from Ben Aaronovitch! Published by Subterranean Press, it’s available in two limited editions and also eBook. Here’s the synopsis…

With this long new novella, bestselling author Ben Aaronovitch has crafted yet another wickedly funny and surprisingly affecting chapter in his beloved Rivers of London series. 

The Subterranean Press edition of The Masquerades of Spring includes a wraparound dust jacket, illustrated endsheets, and six original black-and-white interior illustrations.

Meet Augustus Berrycloth-Young—fop, flaneur, and Englishman abroad—as he chronicles the Jazz Age from his perch atop the city that never sleeps.

That is, until his old friend Thomas Nightingale arrives, pursuing a rather mysterious affair concerning an old saxophone—which will take Gussie from his warm bed, to the cold shores of Long Island, and down to the jazz clubs where music, magic, and madness haunt the shadows…

There are 26 lettered editions available, housed in a custom tray-case; and 1,500 signed and numbered hardcovers.

THE MASQUERADES OF SPRING was published in the UK on September 5th by Gollancz/Orion (with the same cover), and was an instant Sunday Times Bestseller. The book is also available in Germany, published by DTV as EINE NACHTIGALL IN NEW YORK.

Coming Soon: UK Paperback Edition DISPLEASURE ISLAND by Alice Bell


In case you missed it, Corvus has unveiled the new cover for the paperback edition of DISPLEASURE ISLAND by Alice Bell! Due to be published in the UK on January 2nd, 2025, here’s the synopsis…

Group holidays are always murder…

An unfinished wellness retreat was not Claire’s first choice of holiday destination, but it turns out that amateur murder investigation pays even less well than professional mediumship.

So Claire, her oldest friend Sophie (a 17-year-old ghost) and their new friends, Basher and Alex, head for Spike Island (off the coast of Ireland) for some R&R.

But when one of the other guests turns up dead, Claire finds herself the chief suspect.

Can she solve the murder, clear her name and escape the group holiday from hell before it becomes permanent incarceration?

DISPLEASURE ISLAND is the sequel to Bell’s acclaimed debut novel, GRAVE EXPECTATIONS, which is also published by Corvus Books. Both novels are available in North America, published by Vintage Books.

Here are just a few of the great reviews the series has received so far…

‘Read this fabulous book — you will not regret it!’ — Ben Aaronovitch on GRAVE EXPECTATIONS

‘Fast, funny and furious, this book has bags of humour, bags of heart and a proper murder mystery at its core’ — Janice Hallett  on GRAVE EXPECTATIONS

‘A delicious mashup of grisly murder, country house and semi-helpful ghosts – imagine a really cockeyed game of Cluedo heavily seasoned with whimsy … it’s a lot of fun’ — Stuart MacBride  on GRAVE EXPECTATIONS

‘Knives Out vibes with added ghosts. Fresh, funny and hugely enjoyable.’ — Catherine Ryan Howard  on GRAVE EXPECTATIONS

‘A great read, with great characters, lots of humour, some misty-eyed moments and lots of swearing. Utterly delightful – like the BBC show Ghosts mixed with Cluedo’ — Simon Toyne on GRAVE EXPECTATIONS

‘In Bell’s winning second supernatural whodunit featuring Claire Hendricks (after Grave Expectations), the British medium and her ghost companion investigate shady happenings off the coast of Ireland… With the stakes suitably raised, and Sophie distracted by her pursuit of a handsome and potentially sinister pirate ghost, Bell puts a clever spin on a time-tested conceit. It’s a fast and funny romp.’ — Publishers Weekly on DISPLEASURE ISLAND

‘End summer with a treat: this cozy paranormal mystery has all the Saturday-afternoon comforts of a Scooby-Doo rerun, but Bell’s writing shakes you awake with its bracing humor.’ — Conner Reed, Publishers Weekly (mystery and memoir reviews editor) on DISPLEASURE ISLAND

‘What a cracking romp of a read! A bunch of self entitled millennials, a troop of pirate ghosts, a treasure hoard, a whole slew of secrets and at its heart an engaging and satisfying murder mystery – Agatha Christie meets Ghosts came to mind! I loved the way Alice Bell effortlessly dealt with the problems that beset mystery writers today. i.e. blanket technology- the results was a sort of ‘locked island’ mystery. As before I love the main protagonist chaotic Claire, and her sardonic sidekick (who just happens to have been dead for some fifteen years) It was great to see them both back in action again.’ — J. M. Hall on DISPLEASURE ISLAND

‘Contrary to its title, Alice Bell’s second novel is a complete pleasure to read, full of witty writing, loveable characters and page-turning twists.’ — Culturefly (“Spring Reads: 14 of the best new books to read this month”) on DISPLEASURE ISLAND