Andrew Cartmel was born in London and grew up in midwestern Canada where, among other things, he learned the meaning of the words "wind chill factor." The fine public libraries of his childhood provided a rich feast (Ray Bradbury, Robert Heinlein, the Oz books) and Andrew never wanted to be anything except a writer. On returning to London to study at university, his game plan was to support himself writing for television while getting established as a novelist. This led him into a detour -- and down a rabbit hole -- which included a distinguished sojourn script editing Doctor Who for three years (search "Cartmel masterplan"). At the same time, he began writing for comics and today he co-writes the Rivers of London graphic novels. A playwright and crime novelist, Andrew created the Vinyl Detective while listening to a lot of music, most of it good. Most of it very good. Andrew Cartmel lives in London with too many books, too many records and just enough cats.

"Tightly plotted and hugely enjoyable. I raced to the end to find out whodunnit."
Nev Fountain, author of The Fan Who Knew Too Much

An intriguing mystery with an amoral protagonist. Who knew the world of paperback books could be so deadly? - Ben Aaronovitch, author of Rivers of London

Andrew Cartmel introduces a new kind of heroine, entirely immoral, somewhat venal and slightly foxed. - David Quantick, Emmy award-winning producer of VEEP

A quirky crime yarn bound to hit the sweet spot for mystery lovers. - Kirkus Reviews

Cartmel has never been better than in this darkly funny series kickoff... Fans of Lynne Truss's Constable Twitten novels will find much to love. - Publishers Weekly Starred Review

Devilishly clever... richly suspenseful ... readers will be primed for more. - Booklist

Publisher: Titan Books (UK)

Pub date: 2024-06-25

Length: 336 pages