Buried Above Ground (Main)

Mike Ripley

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Book cover for Buried Above Ground (Main)
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Book cover for Buried Above Ground (Main)
Image for variant 9781448318513

Buried Above Ground (Main)

Buried Above Ground (Main)

Mike Ripley

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Description

An original spin on the crime novel in which the race to gain the rights to an author's backlist proves to be more head-scratching - and deadly! - than the plots in his books.

"Another absolutely brilliant book from Ripley" - Booklist Starred Review

The Librarian

It's been two decades since mystery writer Duncan Torrens was last published. I should know, I was his editor. So why a blogger would turn up asking questions about the rights to his books is beyond me . . .

The Reader

That librarian Roly is a bit odd. You'd think he'd be happy with my blog's research into a largely forgotten author, but he's . . . resistant. If I can get into Duncan's home - and his mysterious garden shed - I know I'll find what I'm looking for . . .

The Publisher

Torrens' books are crying out for a revival. I just need that blogger, Jacon, to work out who holds the rights to his backlist. Then I can acquire them before Duncan's old publishing house realises they've missed a trick!

The Editor

I never worked directly with Duncan before he died, but if someone is sniffing round, there must be money involved. I just need to find out what's happened to the rights before they do . . .

The Writer

After twenty years, will the sudden interest in this author's forgotten mysteries reveal a dark - and deadly - twist?

Told from the point of view of five unreliable narrators, none of whom can be trusted - The Librarian, The Reader, The Publisher, The Editor and The Writer - this amusing and darkly intriguing novel is a refreshingly fun, subversive take on the crime fiction genre.

Critical Reviews

Five unreliable narrators and Ripley's trademark wit ensure the reader will not look at classic crime in quite the same way again-- "The FInancial Times"

A labyrinthine tale of envy, greed, lust, and murder most foul, seasoned with touches of acerbic humor. Another absolutely brilliant book from Ripley-- "Booklist Starred Review"

Ripley's best book: a wickedly funny sendup of the clichés behind all those classic mysteries and their successors-- "Kirkus Reviews Starred Review"

This is catnip for Anthony Horowitz fans-- "Publishers Weekly"

Ripley uses his well-honed sardonic wit to skewer crime fiction publishers . . . A thoroughly enjoyable read-- "Deadly Pleasures Mystery Magazine"

A refreshingly surprise-packed entry in an always excellent series-- "Publishers Weekly Starred Review of Mr Campion's Christmas"

Outstanding . . . A joy to read-- "Booklist on Mr Campion's Christmas"

[A] lively adventure-- "Kirkus Reviews on Mr Campion's Christmas"

Clever, witty, and packed with intriguing characters, period ambiance, and unexpected twists-- "Booklist on Mr Campion's Memory"

Excellent . . . This dead-on pastiche will satisfy newcomers and series devotees alike-- "Publishers Weekly on Mr Campion's Memory"

Publishing Information

Publisher: Severn House
Pub date: 2026-03-24
Length: 272 pages

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