'Think Sherlock Holmes is the only detective working in Victorian London? Meet William Arrowood, the hero of Mick Finlay's series of absorbing novels' The Times

London Society takes their problems to Sherlock Holmes. Everyone else goes to Arrowood.

1896: Sherlock Holmes has once again hit the headlines, solving mysteries for the cream of London society. But among the workhouses and pudding shops of the city, private detective William Arrowood is presented with far grittier, more violent, and considerably less well-paid cases.

Arrowood is in no doubt who is the better detective, and when Mr and Mrs Barclay engage him to trace their estranged daughter Birdie, he's sure it won't be long before he and his assistant Barnett have tracked her down.

But this seemingly simple missing person case soon turns into a murder investigation. Far from the comfort of Baker Street, Arrowood's London is a city of unrelenting cruelty, where evil is waiting to be uncovered . . .

PRAISE FOR THE MURDER PIT:

'Another brilliant read from Mick Finlay . . . even better than [Arrowood]' B.A. Paris

'Gripping' Daily Telegraph

'Astounding ... If you crave Victorian age murder mystery, love darkly gothic atmospheres and want your detective rather tattered and torn at the edges Arrowood is your man.' SHOTS

'Enthralling' Publishers Weekly (starred review)

'A gripping novel with an adept sense of place as well as a clear-eyed examination of the dark exigencies of human behaviour' Crime Time

A gripping escapist historical crime fiction thriller for fans of Andrew Taylor

About the Author

Mick was born in Glasgow but left as a young boy, living in Canada and then England. Before becoming an academic, he ran a market stall on Portobello Road, and has worked as a tent-hand in a travelling circus, a butcher's boy, a hotel porter, and in various jobs in the NHS and social services. He teaches in a Psychology Department, and has published research on political violence and persuasion, verbal and non-verbal communication, and disability. He now lives in Brighton with his family.

Reviews

PRAISE FOR THE MURDER PIT:

'Another brilliant read from Mick Finlay . . . even better than [Arrowood]' B.A. Paris

'gripping' Daily Telegraph

'astounding ... If you crave Victorian age murder mystery, love darkly gothic atmospheres and want your detective rather tattered and torn at the edges Arrowood is your man.' SHOTS

'Enthralling' Publishers Weekly (starred review)

'A gripping novel with an adept sense of place as well as a clear-eyed examination of the dark exigencies of human behaviour' Crime Time

PRAISE FOR MICK FINLAY:

'Arrowood is a flawed but engaging hero and the plot spins from peril to twist and back with real panache' The Times

'A fantastic creation' The Spectator

'Richly inventive' Daily Telegraph

'Compelling' Seattle Times

'Strongly reminiscent of Robert Galbraith's Cormoran Strike novels...a memorable detective who can stand among the best' Harrow Times

'Arrowood feels... like he's always existed, we're only now being treated to an introduction. Mick Finlay's atmospheric, detailed, singular London is a terrifying place I hope to return to again and again.' Ross Armstrong, bestselling author of The Watcher

'If you ever thought the Sherlock Holmes stories might benefit from being steeped in gin, caked in grime and then left unwashed for weeks...Mick Finlay's 1895-set detective debut is for you.' Crime Scene

'A book with enough warmth, charm, humour, and intrigue to signal the start of an excellent new series.' Vaseem Khan, author of The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra

'Stunningly dark and atmospheric crime debut. This is a story that packs a powerful punch. With murder, intrigue, dark humour, compelling characters and an extraordinary backdrop, it's to be hoped that Arrowood is just the opener for a thrilling and original new series.' Lancashire Evening Post

Book Information
ISBN 9780008214791
Author Mick Finlay
Format Paperback
Page Count 448
Imprint HQ
Publisher HarperCollins Publishers
Weight(grams) 310g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 29mm