Author:Mike Phillips,Bernardine Evaristo
A sensational, original thriller that examines the powerful link between identity, sacrifice and possession, and questions our compulsive need to chase after ambitions that leave devastation in their wake
University lecturer Gus knows that stealing the priceless Benin mask, The Dancing Face, from a museum at the heart of the British establishment will gain an avalanche of attention.
Which is exactly what he wants.
But such a risky theft will also inevitably capture the attention of characters with more money, more power, and fewer morals.
Naively entangling his loved ones in his increasingly dangerous pursuit of righteous reparation, is Gus prepared for what it will cost him?
'This book is brutal, deep, cunning and unbearably beautiful' Independent
Selected by Booker Prize-winning author Bernardine Evaristo, this series rediscovers and celebrates pioneering books depicting black Britain that remap the nation.
The Dancing Face has the page-turning quality of all good crime novels . . . The characters in The Dancing Face, as well as the relationships that link them, are extremely well fleshed-out . . . The ability to expose the many different aspects of political issues in a digestible way is one of the beauties of fiction, and Phillips makes use of it masterfully in The Dancing Face
—— Bad FormMike Phillips could be placed between David Caute and Jeffrey Archer as a skilled creator of street-level relationships that revolve around crime
—— IndependentHimes wrote spectacularly successful entertainments, filled with gems of descriptive writing, plots that barely sidestep chaos, characters surreal, grotesque, comic, hip, Harlem recollected as a place that can make you laugh, cry, shudder.
—— John Edgar WidemanChester Himes is one of the towering figures of the black literary tradition. His command of nuances of character and dynamics of plot is preeminent among writers of crime fiction. He is a master craftsman.
—— Henry Louis Gates, Jr.A fine crime writer of Chandlerian subtlety though in a vein of sheer toughness very much his own
—— The TimesChester Himes is the great lost crime writer, as well a great American dissident novelist per se, and an essential witness to his times. Every one of his beyond-cool Harlem novels is cherished by every reader who finds it.
—— Jonathan LethamHieronymus Bosch meets Miles Davis
—— The New York TimesHe belongs with those great demented realists ... whose writing pitilessly exposes the ridiculousness of the human condition
—— Will SelfA tense and claustrophobic rollercoaster
—— Nina Manning, author of The Daughter in LawAn unforgettable debut with a truly chilling opening chapter that hooks you in and doesn't let go. Clever, compelling, pacy and powerful
—— Diane Jeffrey, author of The Silent FriendHad me hooked from the first page ... a gripping and twisty story of grief, fear and the fierce bond of motherhood
—— Claire Allan, author of Her Name Was RoseA brave and suspenseful debut that had me turning pages deep into the early hours. Truly superb
—— Katie Lowe, author of The FuriesIt's been a long time since I've stayed up late to finish a book. When They Find Her is not only utterly gripping but also a sensitive and moving portrayal of parental love. Middleton's astute writing made me feel as though I was there was Naomi in her every moment of tension
—— Neema Shah, author of Kololo HillUtterly gripping . . . I could not put it down
—— Fíona Scarlett, author of Boys Don't CryNail-biting ... some truly fabulous unexpected turns make this an altogether gripping and provocative read
—— Rebecca Kelly, author of Monstrous SoulsClaustrophobic, intense, unsettling and drags you into the story ... Unbelievably exciting
—— Roxie Cooper, author of The Day We Met'Nightmarish, dark and twisty, I galloped to end. A domestic psychological drama with polish'
—— Sophie Draper, author of CuckooA really gripping read that will make you stay up late to finish it
—— HeatFull of suspense
—— Yours MagazineA historical episode artfully adapted in a tale that offers glimmers of hope for women discarded by society
—— KirkusWonderful, evocative, moving and suspenseful
—— Marika Cobbold , author of On Hampstead HeathA vivid, cleverly-crafted mystery that will keep the reader turning the pages
—— Erica James , bestselling author of Letters from the PastIt's a fantastically exciting story, and a wonderful novel. There is so much more going on, on the Rajah, in this unity of women, than a simple love story
—— Antonia HoneywellTransforms an actual 19th-century sea voyage of female convicts into a striking drama. The ship's young matron chooses a group to sew a presentation quilt, but near their destination, someone stabs one of the quilters. Evocative sketches of those on board reveal the realities of poor women's lives - readers will be rewarded
—— Publisher's WeeklyA murder mystery with a great twist at the end . . . Gripping
—— iDangerous Women is a successful blend of two genres: a historical novel, inspired by real events, and a murder mystery with a great twist at the end. By the time I was halfway through I was completely gripped, and couldn't put it down
—— Wendy CopeAn enthralling narrative . . . lays bare the painful lives of these women, far from their homes and loved ones, and feeling the brutal weight of the law
—— Northern Life MagazineThis atmospheric narrative excels in its depiction of the relationship between female prisoners - largely petty criminals - and the tragic backstories that have brought them together
—— Mail on SundayPacked with atmosphere . . . a terrific read
—— Choice Magazine 'Book of the Month'A very fine novel - and, like the quilt it celebrates, a work of love
—— Mick HerronUtterly compelling and as finely wrought as the patchwork quilt that inspired the story
—— Minette Walters , author of the bestselling The Last HoursFascinating. Gives women without one a voice - a storming read
—— Helena PielichatyA compelling, immersive book that deftly weaves its beauty and pathos. I'm still thinking about it
—— Hilary McKayAn enthralling story, inspired by true events
—— BestA secret murder on a convict ship transporting women to Australia in 1841 . . . this is an intriguing story, with its root embedded in facts
—— Andrew TaylorIntriguing . . . [Hope Adams] can stitch a great story
—— Jewish ChronicleIn vivid detail, Hope Adams illuminates life in convict quarters on a stinking, storm-soaked ship, and delves into the lives of individual women and the small tragedies that have condemned them to be sent far away, with little hope of return
—— Jewish ChronicleA well-paced page-turner illuminating a forgotten story that reminds us how far we have come
—— Jewish ChroniclePulls you into the heart of its story, while celebrating redemption, rehabilitation and the good in people. All set to the backdrop of a truly fascinating slice of history
—— Phase Eight Book ClubHistorical events and characters are cleverly blended into a thought-provoking tale
—— CandisAdams disguises a social-history lesson on women's rights as a gripping period drama
—— Cosmopolitan