If you're looking for a gripping new crime series, you'll love Aline Templeton. Featuring DI Marjory Fleming - 'Big Marge' - and set in Galloway. If you enjoy novels by Ann Cleeves, Faith Martin, Val McDermid and LJ Ross, try The Darkness and the Deep.

'The crime czar of the Scottish small town!' Val McDermid

The wreck of the Knockhaven lifeboat with the loss of all three of its crew is a hard blow for the small Scottish town. But it's harder still when DS Tam MacNee discovers that it isn't simply a tragic accident.

Was it just the act of vandals, bored in a fishing port stricken with unemployment? Could it be linked to the drugs trade which has taken root in the locality? Or is there someone who, in their determination to kill one person, is callous enough to take two innocent lives? And if so, who is the intended victim?

As DI Marjory Fleming and her team investigate multiple murders, with a whole community hungry for justice, the pressure - professional and personal - is on.

Reader reviews:

'I almost feel DI Marjory Fleming is part of my family'

'This has everything I ask of a book; well written with an absorbing plot, believable characters that give a real sense of a community. And all set in beautiful Scotland'

'Another great book in the Marjory Fleming series, highly recommended, they just get better'

'Aline Templeton has demonstrated that, just when we thought Scotland was saturated with detectives, a strong woman can elbow her way in and find a unique niche' Scotsman

About the Author
Aline Templeton lives in Edinburgh with her husband, in a house with a balcony built by an astronomer to observe the stars over the beautiful city skyline. She has worked in education and broadcasting and has written numerous articles and stories for newspapers and magazines. Her books have been published in translation in several European countries as well as in the United States.

Reviews
A fascinating cast of possible villains is explored in this skilfully plotted and well-paced novel, each vividly described, entirely believable and never sliding into the usual parodies of country folk. But its real strength is DI Marjory Fleming, both tough and vulnerable as she struggles to track down the killer . . . Templeton moves easily between laughter and tragedy . . . This book is a delight, from its leisurely start to the moving and unexpected finish. Even better, it's the second in a series, so there's more pleasure to come * Guardian *
A fascinating cast of possible villains is explored in this skilfully plotted and well-paced novel, each vividly described, entirely believable and never sliding into the usual parodies of country folk. But its real strength is DI Marjory Fleming, both tough and vulnerable as she struggles to track down the killer . . . Templeton moves easily between laughter and tragedy . . . This book is a delight, from its leisurely start to the moving and unexpected finish. Even better, it's the second in a series, so there's more pleasure to come * Guardian *
This is a book for a long train journey or a wet weekend with no other demands, the better to immerse oneself in the strongly-delineated characters, complex plotting and rich allegory: a really satisfactory read * Mystery Women *
This is a book for a long train journey or a wet weekend with no other demands, the better to immerse oneself in the strongly-delineated characters, complex plotting and rich allegory: a really satisfactory read * Mystery Women *
It is always a pleasure to read Aline Templeton, but THE DARKNESS AND THE DEEP must surely be her best book to date. Aline's characters are so beautifully drawn * J Wallis Martin *
It is always a pleasure to read Aline Templeton, but THE DARKNESS AND THE DEEP must surely be her best book to date. Aline's characters are so beautifully drawn * J Wallis Martin *
'It is always a pleasure to read Aline Templeton, but THE DARKNESS AND THE DEEP must surely be her best book to date. Aline's characters are so beautifully drawn . . .' * J Wallis Martin *
[An] absorbing hat-trick of intrigue, originality and skill * Yorkshire Post *
[An] absorbing hat-trick of intrigue, originality and skill * Yorkshire Post *
'This is a book for a long train journey or a wet weekend with no other demands, the better to immerse oneself in the strongly-delineated characters, complex plotting and rich allegory: a really satisfactory read.' * Mystery Women *
'Loved it. She has become the crime czar of the Scottish small town!' * Val McDermid *
'In fictional terms the combination of domesticity and detection is very appealing, especially when it comes with a detailed, vivid portrayal of a complete society . . . an interesting, atmospheric and - I predict - televisual series.' * Literary Review *
'Loved it' * Val McDermid *
'It is always a pleasure to read Aline Templeton, but THE DARKNESS AND THE DEEP must surely be her best book to date. Aline's characters are so beautifully drawn that turning the final page is almost like bidding old friends farewell. However, I am sure I will meet the residents of Knockhaven again, and hopefully, that will be in the not-too-distant future.' * J Wallis Martin *
'In fictional terms the combination of domesticity and detection is very appealing, especially when it comes with a detailed, vivid portrayal of a complete society . . . an interesting, atmospheric and - I predict - televisual series.' * Literary Review *
An unalloyed pleasure - an intelligent, character-driven crime novel. * Andrew Taylor on COLD IN THE EARTH *
'A fascinating cast of possible villains is explored in this skilfully plotted and well-paced novel, each vividly described, entirely believable and never sliding into the usual parodies of country folk. But its real strength is DI Marjory Fleming, both tough and vulnerable as she struggles to track down the killer . . . Templeton moves easily between laughter and tragedy . . . This book is a delight, from its leisurely start to the moving and unexpected finish. Even better, it's the second in a series, so there's more pleasure to come.' * Guardian *
Aline Templeton has been producing quietly intelligent, carefully plotted thrillers for years. Templeton creates a tight, convincing band of characters and has the ability to spin her story beyond immediate events to paint a picture of a small rural community in crisis. She is good at managing her plot and revealing details slowly. She has demonstrated that, just when we thought Scotland was saturated with detectives, a strong woman can elbow her way in and find a unique niche. * Scotsman on COLD IN THE EARTH *
A compelling read. * Margaret Yorke on COLD IN THE EARTH *
Templeton crafts a nifty plot amid the dour and inward-looking denizens of a Fenland village * Scotsman on LAST ACT OF ALL *
Templeton has wit, a strong narrative sense and a dab hand with atmospherics * Literary Review on LAST ACT OF ALL *
Aline Templeton has a wondrously deft, unpretentiously beautiful style, full of good things * Hampstead & Highgate Express on THE TRUMPET *
This astringent tale of psychological suspense set in a remote Welsh valley uses the landscape with an almost visionary splendour * The Times on NIGHT AND SILENCE *



Book Information
ISBN 9780340838570
Author Aline Templeton
Format Paperback
Page Count 400
Imprint Hodder Paperback
Publisher Hodder & Stoughton
Weight(grams) 280g
Dimensions(mm) 177mm * 117mm * 26mm