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.

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.

Author: Mike Ripley
Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Severn House
Published: 09/02/2025
Pages: 272
Weight: 0.9lbs
Size: 8.50h x 5.40w x 1.10d
ISBN: 9781448315611
Main Edition


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 07/21/2025
Kirkus Reviews 08/15/2025