DISCOVER THE GRIPPING 2024 BRITISH CRIME NOVEL EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT:

'A remarkable debut. It is funny, creepy, gory and moving.' THE TIMES
'Utterly mesmerising' - PETER JAMES
'A crime novel I wish I had written' - LYNDA LA PLANTE
'Marie's writing is beautiful' - BELINDA BAUER
'Exceptional in every way' - CHRIS WHITAKER
'A dark glittering gem of a book' - LISA GRAY
'Gloriously dark, deadly and deathly' - C. J. SKUSE
'An incredible debut. Damn near perfect' - SUSI HOLLIDAY
'Tierney is a name to watch' - SAM HOLLAND
'A masterpiece' - WILLIAM HUSSEY

Thirteen-year-old Ava Bonney possesses an unusual intellect far beyond her years. While her friends play, Ava's fascination lies in the intricate process of animal decomposition, studying roadkill found in the streets around her home.

But, one night, Ava's secret nocturnal routine takes a chilling turn when she stumbles upon the lifeless body of fellow schoolmate, Mickey Grant.

As Detective Seth Delahaye takes charge of the perplexing case, Ava refuses to sit idle. Determined and resourceful, she embarks on a daring quest to unveil the truth behind the string of chilling deaths plaguing her community.

Armed with her unique skills and unrivalled local knowledge, Ava becomes an unlikely force in the race to apprehend the elusive killer before more lives are claimed.

'Deadly Animals is a shockingly beautiful, rare and heartbreaking gem. I really can't recommend it highly enough' - CHRIS WHITAKER

A thirteen-year-old girl with a dark obsession is on the hunt for a serial killer in this mesmerising British crime debut.

About the Author
MARIE TIERNEY was a finalist in the Daily Mail First Novel competition and her debut crime novel, Deadly Animals, was selected by bestselling crime writer Peter James as his winner. She cites Richard Adams, Margaret Atwood and Stephen King among her literary influences and, when she is isn't researching criminal history, she writes plays, poetry and creates art in different mediums. Born and raised in Birmingham, Marie held various jobs across four counties and dedicated almost twenty years to working in education before becoming a full-time writer. She now lives in The Fens with her husband and son.

Reviews
A remarkable debut. It is funny, creepy, gory and moving * The Times *
A crime novel I wish I had written * LYNDA LA PLANTE *
Utterly mesmerising . . . This writer has huge talent * PETER JAMES *
Marie's writing is beautiful * BELINDA BAUER *
Exceptional in every way, Deadly Animals is a shockingly beautiful, rare and heartbreaking gem. A story both harrowing and exquisitely told. I really can't recommend it highly enough. * CHRIS WHITAKER *
An incredible debut - original, epically dark and with such a strong voice. Damn near perfect. * SUSI HOLLIDAY *
With writing as sharp as a canine's claw and an unforgettable protagonist, this is a dark glittering gem of a book * LISA GRAY *
Gloriously dark, deadly and deathly . . . Gobbled it up - and it was absolutely delicious * C. J. SKUSE *
A masterpiece. Bold, daring, beautifully written and utterly chilling. * WILLIAM HUSSEY, author of KILLING JERICHO *
Feisty Ava and her sidekick John are just the heroes we need as they track down a serial killer in eighties Birmingham. Original, and as fascinating as it is macabre, Tierney is a name to watch. * SAM HOLLAND, author of The Echo Man *
As beautiful as it is chilling. The characters are flawlessly believable and the sense of time and place is wonderful. It's a devastating, all-consuming thriller with an unexpectedly kick-ass protagonist, and I thought it was amazing * HELEN FIELDS *
Wonderfully imagined * SAINSBURY'S MAGAZINE *



Book Information
ISBN 9781804181874
Author Marie Tierney
Format Hardback
Page Count 400
Imprint Zaffre
Publisher Bonnier Books Ltd
Weight(grams) 629g
Dimensions(mm) 240mm * 162mm * 36mm