It couldn't have been the freak accident it first appeared -- Penny's
death was an exact replica of the murder method in her forthcoming
book. Apart from Penny, only three people knew the plot: her literary
agent, her editor and her ex-girlfriend Meredith.
In tribute to her friendship with Penny, Lindsay Gordon agrees
to investigate. Reluctantly she leaves her Californian haven for
the fraught world of London book publishing. And as her investigation
reveals an incendiary mixture of soured relationships and seething
rivalries, Lindsay must face the frightening truth. Someone in Penny's
literary or love life must have been driven to murder...
Reviews:
Times Literary Supplement
'The writing is tough and colourful, the scene setting excellent.'
Tribune
'Has the reader gripped from the first page, both moody and hilarious
and thoroughly unpredictable.'
Herald
'Compulsive reading'
Daily
Telegraph
'Funny and scary by turns, always sharp.'
Manchester Evening News
'The macho world of the whodunnit has never seen a sleuth like
Lindsay Gordon.'
The Washington Post
'There's a vividness and energy to this tale that makes it satisfying
and convincing.'
Sunday Telegraph
'McDermid not only keeps you guessing but keeps you interested.'
The Independent
'There are wisecracks galore and the whole ends on a high note.
This is terrific fun.'
The Times
'Tough, exciting, moody and unpredictable.'
The Scotsman
'An ultra-cunning denouement.'
Crime
Time
'Full marks for plot, atmosphere, character, dialogue, politics,
humour Oh hell, full marks for just about everything. I don't
know how Val does it, but I'm bloody glad she does.'
Evening Standard
'Fun at all levels.'
Publisher's Weekly
'You don't have to be a feminist to enjoy this well-crafted caper.'
Romantic Times
'McDermid excels at describing a world of jealousies and backbiting.'
