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An original spin on the crime novel in which the race to gain the rights to an author's backlist proves to be more head-scratching - and deadly! - than the plots in his books.
"Another absolutely brilliant book from Ripley" - Booklist Starred Review The Librarian
It's been two decades since mystery writer Duncan Torrens was last published. I should know, I was his editor. So why a blogger would turn up asking questions about the rights to his books is beyond me . . .
The Reader That librarian Roly is a bit odd. You'd think he'd be happy with my blog's research into a largely forgotten author, but he's . . . resistant. If I can get into Duncan's home - and his mysterious garden shed - I know I'll find what I'm looking for . . .
The Publisher Torrens' books are crying out for a revival. I just need that blogger, Jacon, to work out who holds the rights to his backlist. Then I can acquire them before Duncan's old publishing house realises they've missed a trick!
The Editor I never worked directly with Duncan before he died, but if someone is sniffing round, there must be money involved. I just need to find out what's happened to the rights before they do . . .
The Writer After twenty years, will the sudden interest in this author's forgotten mysteries reveal a dark - and deadly - twist?
Told from the point of view of five unreliable narrators, none of whom can be trusted - The Librarian, The Reader, The Publisher, The Editor and The Writer - this amusing and darkly intriguing novel is a refreshingly fun, subversive take on the crime fiction genre.
About the author
Mike Ripley is the author of the award-winning 'Angel' series of comedy thrillers which have twice won the CWA Last Laugh Award. Described as 'England's funniest crime writer' (The Times), he is also a respected critic of crime fiction, writing for the Guardian, Daily Telegraph, The Times and Shots Magazine.
Ripley first learned of the final unfinished Campion novel when he was a guest speaker at the Margery Allingham Society's annual convention. He offered - and received the Margery Allingham Society's blessing - to complete the manuscript on the adventures of Albert Campion, who Ripley describes as 'one of the brightest stars in the rich firmament of British crime writing'.
