The Appearance of Murder

Crime writer David Knight is dragged back into a past in which it seems he might have fathered a child or even committed murder. Neither possibility is going to be popular with his wife Kate. The trouble is that David hasn’t a clue about what actually happened…

‘The most teasingly pleasurable crime mystery novel I’ve come across this year is The Appearance of Murder. The plot is cunningly set up around a novelist writing a crime mystery novel which then dissolves into the real thing. Or perhaps not. The play of appearance and reality is maintained to a satisfying denouement.’

JOHN SUTHERLAND

The Times, Books of the Year 2015

‘I’ve asked for it to be placed in my Christmas stocking.’

IAN RANKIN

‘In this witty and entertaining story…there is a good deal to relish.’

JESSICA MANN

Literary Review

‘Tom Sharpe meets P. G. Wodehouse meets The Good Life - fantastic stuff!’

LISA TAYLOR

Blowfish Books

‘Uber-clever crime fiction.’

ASKMEN UK

10 best books of 2015

‘It's a brilliant crime novel full of typically British characters, from the slightly unhinged middle-life-crisis neighbour who is always 'testing' military combat gear in his back garden; the slightly sinister ever-watchful tech entrepreneur; the romantic and fragile rock star; the washed-up kids' TV presenter with his badger sidekick and the charming crime-writer narrator who despite his best efforts is never quite in control. If you like Tom Sharpe you'll love this book. It's intelligent, quietly sexy and beautifully written. A real gem.’

GOODREADS REVIEW

‘..the final result is a cleverly plotted, suspenseful and genuinely original mystery which is unlike anything else I’ve read from the genre.’

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