As Wexford’s investigation gathers pace, we experience the conflicts and contradictions of the Sixties when the social fabric was turned inside-out . . . a classic mystery, as true to life now as it was half a century ago.

Gladys Mitchell can always be relied upon for a packed and meaty novel, and an intelligent one too

Mrs Bradley is easily one of the most memorable personalities

The marvel is that although Miss Mitchell has been so prolific, she has also been so good

Miss Mitchell began her career in the golden age of detective fiction and maintained her highly individual talent through all the genre's vicissitudes

This is my surprise hit of the year so far, and I can’t recommend it highly enough

Urban has conjured up an engaging tale of what might have been

Plan D is a highly accomplished debut, ambitious, complex and written with great flair

It has everything you could wish for in a good thriller

A gripping debut ... D.I. Helen Grace is a flawed but winning heroine ... and, boy, the pages fly by

A fast-paced, twisting police procedural and thriller that's sure to become another bestseller

Pearl's scholarly background is evident in the erudite detail he weaves into his fictional narrative, adding texture and complexity

A brilliant literary novel which manages to be academic without being dull, combining as it does scholarly density with page-turning suspense

Matthew Pearl is the new shining star of literary fiction - a heady, inventive, and immensely gifted author. With intricate plots, classical themes, and erudite characters...what's not to love?

Startlingly inventive

Striking early scenes show why Henderson has his illustrious admirers.

A worthy contender for the title of a great American novel. With its magisterial scope and emotionally rich storytelling, this literary tour-de-force captivated and, at few points, grounded me to dust with its sheer brilliance. It is one of the books that will always keep bouncing around my head and one around which many readers will redefine their life. I can't recommend it enough.

A triumphant thriller worthy of Bond’s creator Ian Fleming.

I found myself wondering if Boyd had outdone Fleming.

[Boyd is] an ideal writer of James Bond novels, and this one, his first, is very good

Perfectly judged homage

A brand new James Bond adventure combining all the glamour and excitement of Fleming’s original novels with the masterful storytelling of William Boyd

A very good piece of literary ventriloquism, with a great baddie

Fleming’s James Bond lives again in this perfectly judged homage