ROOTED IN DISHONOUR

 

Christina James

 

The fifth novel in the DI Yates series

 

Eighteen-year-old Ayesha Verma disappears from her home in Spalding just a few days after her parents have introduced her to the cousin they’ve arranged for her to marry. There has been a nation-wide police campaign to raise awareness of ‘honour killings’. Conditioned by this, DI Tim Yates and Superintendent Thornton are convinced that Ayesha has been murdered for refusing the arranged marriage. Tim throws himself enthusiastically into preparations for a trip to India to interview the cousin. He first travels to London to visit his rather louche old friend, DI Derry Hacker, at the Met. Hacker introduces Tim to DC Nancy Chappell, an unconventional expert on honour killings.

 

When Tim arrives at King’s Cross he thinks that he hears the voice of Peter Prance, a confidence trickster whom he last encountered when he was investigating the murder of Kathryn Sheppard several years before. He’s unable to follow the man because he’s suddenly taken ill.

 

Praise for In the Family

 

‘It has the feel of a literary novel with the constant disquiet of a sinister undercurrent. In the Family is a book that I would read again, not only because of the rich tapestry of images, dialogue and internal landscapes, but also the thoughtful use of the written word. I can’t wait to read the next Tim Yates novel.’

—Elaine Aldred

 

‘The first thing you notice about the book is how well written it is. It has the feel of literary fiction.’

—Sarah Ward, Crime Pieces

 

‘The slow-reveal of the Atkins’ history is reminiscent of Ruth Rendell/Barbara Vine, forming a counterpoint to the brisk detective work of the police. The two stories – and two styles – are successfully brought together in the final chapters.’

—Rich Westwood, Euro Crime

 

‘An atmospheric and compelling psychological crime thriller set in the South Lincolnshire Fens. A “cold case” from 30 years ago is re-opened after the discovery of the skeleton of a young woman but even after all this time it is clear the family are hiding something. We think this is a really exciting addition to the UK crime writing scene and look forward to reading DI Tim Yates’ next case.’

—Lovereading

 

Praise for Almost Love

 

‘A book that I would read again, not only because of the rich tapestry of images, dialogue and internal landscapes, but also the thoughtful use of the written word. I can’t wait to read the next Tim Yates novel.’

—Elaine Aldred

 

‘Christina James has given me back my taste for good, gripping crime fiction.’

—Valerie Poore

 

‘A compelling read, holding the suspension and intrigue all the way through . . .’

—Mark Majurey

 

‘With a well-written and cleverly plotted story and, above all, rich characterisation, this new piece of crime fiction is both believable and addictive from the start.’

—Blandine Bastie

 

Praise for Sausage Hall

 

‘If you’re after a complex plot with some political and illegal undertones, plenty of suspicious circumstances and some interesting historical content, then give this a try.’

—Mean Streets

 

‘James specialises in mixing suspense-flavoured first-person and historical narratives in with the police-procedural. In Sausage Hall she uses Kevan’s voice to narrate events from the point of view of a troubled family man. This time, the tireless Juliet gets a richly-deserved romantic sub-plot.’

—Rich Westwood, Euro Crime

 

★★★★✩ ‘A police procedural with a depth and some mischievous twists that go beyond the average procedural. Yes, DI Tim Yates is back in a third outing, investigating skeletons in the cellar and a body in the woods; great stuff that just gets better.’

—Ani Johnson, The Bookbag

 

‘I love the unfolding of a good mystery and Sausage Hall is certainly one.’ —Diane Challenor, Artuccion

 

★★★★ ‘Had me fairly engrossed at all times . . . Serious issues are touched upon regarding people trafficking, prostitution and exploitation.’ —Crimespace

 

Praise for The Crossing

 

★★★★★ ‘A seemingly straightforward case upends a termites’ nest for DI Tim Yates. Riveting, thrilling and with that trademark Christina James shock at the end. Cracking crime writing at its best.’

—Ani Johnson, The Bookbag

 

‘It’s not the accident itself however that is the focus of the novel, but the events that it sparks off, as the wreckage is checked and the families of those involved contacted. More and more characters join the jigsaw which grows increasingly dark as the deeper and creepier element of the plot begins to emerge.’

—Shots Crime and Thriller eZine