Varhaiset kirja-arvostelijatMurray Bailey

"It only takes a second to sin," Father Thomas said. He believes in saving souls, but Charles Balcombe is beyond saving. His control over his killer instinct appears to be weakening. BlackJack has killed again and more questions are being asked of Detective Inspector Munro. He is under increasing pressure to solve the murders, especially when he picks up more cases from Kowloon rather than solving his own.

As Balcombe battles with his demon, a friend asks him to investigate the death of a young woman called Margaret. Was it an accident or did she kill herself? Is the church saving souls by insisting deaths aren't suicide? At first Balcombe thinks it's straightforward but as he digs, other cases reveal an evil in Hong Kong. One that could consume them all.

Chinese New Year 1952.

No one knows where, or when, or who but someone is planning an attack in Singapore.

British Ex-Special Investigator, Ash Carter is told to make sure it doesn’t happen. With pressure from politicians and the army and with Chinese Secret Societies watching his every move, he has other plans. He is more interested in finding out who killed his friend.

Ash Carter and Bill Wolfe are in Israel hunting a group of British Army deserters known as the Killing Crew. Some people think they were a myth, others believe they were the most hated of British soldiers. In the newly formed state that’s at war with the Arab nations, hated by Jews and despised by Arabs, the two SIB officers think they face an uncomfortable task. But when they become targets they realise this is more than just a job. It’s life or death. Although book 2 of the series, The Killing Crew can be read as a standalone.

Cyprus 1948 and special investigator Ash Carter receives a photograph asking for help. Is the woman part of the notorious Kiss Gang? Is she a victim or killer? As the case becomes personal, Carter must find the truth before it's too late. This is the first book of the Near East MYSTERY-THRILLER series set prior to the Ash Carter Singapore series.

A cry for help, but are they the words of a victim or thriller. It’s 1948 and military investigator Ash Carter has arrived in Cyprus. A gang has been operating for two years, leaving a mark known to police as the kiss of death. Is a mysterious message something to do with them? And why ask him for help? he soon realizes it's personal and in a race against time, Carter must work out the connection between the gang, the missing woman and another murder before it’s too late. This is book one of a new series.

Help Me! Those were the words on the back of a woman’s photograph - and she vanished six months ago. It’s 1948 and military investigator Ash Carter has arrived in Cyprus. A gang has been operating for two years, leaving a mark known to police as the kiss of death. Is this something to do with them? And why ask him for help?

The final crime-thriller of the Singapore series and can be read as a stand-alone. "Guaranteed to thrill, excite and shock in equal measures" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Roger A Price, author of Badge and Pen thriller series She wants to escape He wants to save her But nothing is what it seems Singapore 1954 and once again, private investigator, Ash Carter is caught between the government and the criminal gangs. It's time for Carter to choose. Escape now or stand and fight? "A cracker of a thriller. Rich, powerful and really quite brilliant" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ AlexJBooks blog

Help Me! Those were the words on the back of a woman’s photograph. And she vanished six months ago. It’s 1948 and military investigator Ash Carter has arrived in Cyprus. A gang has been operating for two years, leaving a mark known to police as the kiss of death. Is this something to do with them? And why ask him for help? After a murder, Carter begins to realise this is personal. In a race against time, Carter must work out the connection between the gang, the missing woman and the murder before it’s too late.

New Year 1954. The endgame. Private investigator Ash Carter is tasked to find evidence against the Chinese secret society. But his girlfriend is inextricably linked to the gang's boss. Once again caught between the government and the criminal gangs, it’s time for Carter to choose. Escape now or stand and fight? Note: although this is book 6, it can be read as a stand-alone. Please also note that there are references to child sexual abuse which some readers may not enjoy. Kirkus Review of Singapore Killer: "A likeable hero headlines this engrossing murder mystery" Singapore Fire readers' comments: "Gobsmacked!" "Gave me goosebumps" "Entertaining action adventure" "What a surprise ending!"

A helicopter crash and burned bodies. A faceless corpse. A mysterious town. It's September 1953 and Ash Carter is drawn into a dark case from which there seems no escape. Blackjack is a brilliant character and the twists had me thinking about the story for days afterwards. - Lauren Brabrook The best thriller I've read this year. - DCI Surjit Parekh Quite the thrillingest thriller I’ve read in a good while” - Kay on Goodreads

A helicopter crash and burned bodies. A faceless corpse. A mysterious town. Carter is drawn into a dark case from which there seems no escape. It is 1953 and Book 5 in the series about ex-British military investigator, Ash Carter. It can be read as a stand-alone crime-mystery.

BCE 1318. Yanhamu is now Lord Khety, magistrate of Egypt’s ninth nome. Invited to sit as a judge on a High Court case he finds himself out of his depth and knows that justice has not been done. A meeting with the emissary of the High Priest of Amun leads to Khety’s arrest for treason. Accused of conspiracy and thrown into prison he must prove his innocence. The Two Lands are on the brink of civil war. Khety may hold the key, but he must battle his own demons before he can save his country. Note: This is a stand alone crime-mystery that sits between the historical sequences from Map of the Dead and Secrets of the Dead.

A mystery thriller set in the present with flashbacks to ancient Egypt and the time of the "Heretic Pharaoh". After Alex MacLure's friend dies in suspicious circumstances, he decides to follow clues that she has discovered that may lead to ancient gold or something else entirely...

Love Jack Reacher? Discover Ash Carter Ex-MP Ash Carter is in Penang on a job that seems beneath him: babysit a newspaper reporter. She’s investigating ghost stories at the barracks but it’s Carter’s past that is back to haunt him. Returning to Singapore he finds himself caught up with a Chinese Secret Society. It’s not Andrew Yipp’s and Carter finds himself beholden to the leader, Chen Guan Xi. Chen wants to remove his big rival without a turf war and he wants Carter to do it for him. However Yipp and Carter have so far had a good relationship. But when investigations on behalf of the gorgeous Su Ling uncover Yipp’s wicked actions, Carter’s attitude changes. Stuck between the two criminal organisations, Ash Carter must find a solution and put the ghosts to rest. This is the 4th Ash Carter crime-thriller and is set in the 1950s during the Malayan Emergency Note: formats MOBI and PDF available

One night, Jade Bridger takes a dead-end path by a Cornish creek, and vanishes. Did she run away, was she kidnapped or, as the police suspect, murdered? After the case against Dan Searle collapses, he returns to Cornwall to rebuild his life. Quickly drawn back into the case, he discovers a dark and violent mystery; one that involved another girl years before. As the lies begin to unravel, Dan uncovers startling truths about his family and the past. With dangerous people trying to keep their secrets safe, he must save those he loves - before time runs out... "Gripping and fast-paced" - The Times "Suspenseful" - CCRMagazine “Suspense all the way. Excellent Read!” – Amazon Reviewer

Atlanta, Georgia When a body dump is found, FBI Special Agent Charlie Rebb, thinks a serial killer has resurfaced. Called the Surgeon by the media, his tell-tale technique has everyone wondering why. But then the murders seem to stop again. Cairo, Egypt Alex MacLure is contacted by a student who thinks he’s uncovered a conspiracy involving the pyramids. He asks for Alex’s help to piece together a message using new discoveries from the Amarna Letters. But the student disappears and Alex is arrested for a murder. Meanwhile the special agent sees a sign that the Surgeon is now in Egypt. MacLure links up with Special Agent Reed to track down the killer. As he decrypts an ancient story MacLure realizes this is a race against time. The Surgeon must be stopped before he completes his terrible and startling mission. This is Book 2 of a series but can be read as stand alone. What people said about book 1: "Up there with the best of Wilbur Smith. A gripping read from modern day to ancient Egypt" - Jet Uppal, BNP "A page turner, blending historical accuracy with thrilling and imaginative plot twist and turns" - Maggie Pagano, The Times "One of the best books I've read" - JR Books

Some Secrets Should Stay Buried When Alex MacLure’s friend and colleague dies he is determined to carry on her research. He finds she has left him a coded message and, as he tries to make sense of it all, he discovers she was murdered. And now the murderer needs to silence him. With only a few clues and a mysterious object Alex follows a trail from London to Cairo. He must crack the code and expose a shocking and inconceivable truth before the secret is buried for ever.

1953 Malaya. ex military investigator, Ash Carter goes undercover with a private militia providing protection against the Chinese terrorists. But the job isn't what he thinks and he's soon drawn into a murder investigation in a world of intrigue, disputes and deception. The 3rd book in the Ash Carter series, likened to Jack Reacher meets James Bond in the 1950s.

Atlanta, Georgia When a body dump is found, FBI Special Agent Charlie Rebb, thinks a serial killer has resurfaced. Called the Surgeon by the media, his tell-tale technique has everyone wondering why. But then the murders seem to stop again. Cairo, Egypt Alex MacLure is contacted by a student who thinks he’s uncovered a conspiracy involving the pyramids. He asks for Alex’s help to piece together a message using new discoveries from the Amarna Letters. But the student disappears and Alex is arrested for a murder. Meanwhile the special agent sees a sign that the Surgeon is now in Egypt. MacLure links up with Special Agent Reed to track down the killer. As he decrypts an ancient story MacLure realizes this is a race against time. The Surgeon must be stopped before he completes his terrible and startling mission. This is Book 2 of a series but can be read as stand alone. What people said about book 1: "Up there with the best of Wilbur Smith. A gripping read from modern day to ancient Egypt" - Jet Uppal, BNP "A page turner, blending historical accuracy with thrilling and imaginative plot twist and turns" - Maggie Pagano, The Times "One of the best books I've read" - JR Books

Intrigue, deceit and deception Ex- British Military Police detective Ash Carter goes undercover joining a private protection force. He's there to find a missing man but something else is bothering the local doctor. Someone is poisoning the water and people are sick and dying. Set in 1953 this is the 3rd Ash Carter thriller. What reviewers are saying about the Ash Carter series: "Expect the unexpected” “Full of action and atmosphere” “Kept me guessing” “Perfect for an on-screen thriller” “Intriguing page-turner” “Twists and turns to keep you entertained”

The 2nd Kate Blakemore Thriller "A thrilling sequel - it kept me guessing right till the end" where do you go when there’s no way out? THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX A teenage girl disappears from her locked bedroom. With no way out, and a trace of blood, the police conclude the worst. As Kate Blakemore investigates the strange case, she finds her own life threatened. She goes into hiding only to find herself drawn into another mysterious case. On the Dorset coast, a young man has vanished without trace. Except for a cryptic message he seems to have intended for Kate. Accompanied by her friend, Andrew and a British Detective, Kate follows the clues that take her from England to Paris, France. As the puzzle unfolds, Kate questions what she believes and whom she can trust. She has to work out what is really going on – or die trying.

"Simply gripping!" Alex Morgan, Sky News A grisly discovery A headless body, found on a causeway between Singapore and Malaya, gets assigned to ex-military investigator Ash Carter. Now working for the government, he needs to find out if this is just another drug-war punishment or something more. His search for answers takes him through Malaya as far as Penang. But with children going missing, he starts to uncover connections to the establishment. He knows he’s getting close to the truth. Too close… The investigation gets shut down. But he knows it’s not over. And it’s not in his nature to quit.

The 2nd Kate Blakemore Thriller "A thrilling sequel - it kept me guessing right till the end" Where do you go when there’s no way out? A teenage girl disappears from her locked bedroom. With no way out, and a trace of blood, the police conclude the worst. As Kate Blakemore investigates the strange case, she finds her own life threatened. She goes into hiding only to find herself drawn into another mysterious case. On the Dorset coast, a young man has vanished without trace. Except for a cryptic message he seems to have intended for Kate. Accompanied by her friend, Andrew and a British Detective, Kate follows the clues that take her from England to Paris, France. As the puzzle unfolds, Kate questions what she believes and whom she can trust. She has to work out what is really going on – or die trying.

Chinese New Year 1952 Ash Carter had to leave the Middle East in a hurry. But when he arrives in Singapore he finds himself in the middle of a much bigger problem. No one knows where, or when, or who but someone is planning an attack. Carter is told to make sure it doesn’t happen. With pressure from politicians and the army and with Chinese Secret Societies watching his every move, he has other plans. He is more interested in finding out who killed his friend.

One night, Jade Bridger takes a dead-end path by the creek, and vanishes. Eighteen months after being wrongly accused of her murder, Dan Searle returns to Cornwall to rebuild his life and forget. But others won’t let him forget. He is quickly drawn back into the case and a dark and violent mystery; one that involved another girl years before. As the lies begin to unravel, Dan uncovers startling truths about his family and the past. With dangerous people trying to keep their secrets safe, he must save those he loves – before time runs out…

KEEP NO SECRETS When Alex MacLure’s friend and colleague dies he is determined to carry on her research. He finds she has left him a coded message and, as he tries to make sense of it all, he discovers she was murdered. And now the murder needs to silence him. TELL NO LIES With only a few clues and a mysterious object Alex follows a trail from London to Cairo. He must crack the code and expose a shocking and inconceivable truth. JUST STAY ALIVE

Why was Kate enigmatic American boyfriend snatched off the sheet? Pressured by her family to forget him, a year later she finds a photograph that suggests he wasn’t what they said he was. As she investigates people start to die and Kate is left wondering who to trust. She follows clues from England to the Czech Republic and finally to the US, all the while with the killer on her tail. Her boyfriend said: "Don't believe what you read. Don't believe what they say. Trust me. I dare you." Kate wants the truth but is the truth worth dying for? Available as .pdf

Why was Kate enigmatic American boyfriend snatched off the sheet? Pressured by her family to forget him, a year later she finds a photograph that suggests he wasn’t what they said he was. As she investigates people start to die and Kate is left wondering who to trust. She follows clues from England to the Czech Republic and finally to the US, all the while with the killer on her tail. Her boyfriend said: "Don't believe what you read. Don't believe what they say. Trust me. I dare you." Kate wants the truth but is the truth worth dying for?

The New Kingdom of ancient Egypt was a time of great turmoil and intrigue. Pharaohs were erased from history, beliefs were questioned and secret messages told the truth about this dark period in history. Within days of solving a 3,000 year old puzzle, a researcher dies in suspicious circumstances. Her friend and colleague, Alex MacLure is determined to find the truth; a story of blood and betrayal, honour and lies. With only a few clues and a mysterious object Alex must crack the code and expose a shocking and inconceivable truth. It is a deception that the Brotherhood are avowed to keep secret. Available as .pdf