Dark Heart

NEIL LANCASTER is the No. 1 digital bestselling author of both the Tom Novak and Max Craigie series. His first Craigie novel, Dead Man’s Grave, was longlisted for the 2021 McIlvanney Prize for Best Scottish Crime Book of the Year. The second Craigie novel, The Blood Tide, topped several ebook and audio charts. It was also longlisted for the 2022 McIlvanney Prize and shortlisted for Best New Series at the Dead Good Reader Awards.Neil’s authentic crime writing style stems from his police background. He served as a military policeman and worked for the Metropolitan Police as a detective, investigating serious crimes in the capital and beyond. As a covert policing specialist, he used all manner of techniques to investigate and disrupt major crime and criminals. He now lives in the Scottish Highlands, writes crime and thriller novels and works as a broadcaster and commentator on true crime documentaries. He is an expert on two Sky Crime TV series, Meet, Marry, Murder and Made for Murder.

Praise for The Dark Heart:'Action-packed and totally thrilling, there is also an emotional depth to Lancaster’s writing often missing from high octane dramatic stories. A terrific read' Liz NugentPraise for Neil Lancaster:'Non-stop action, breakneck pace, deliciously suspenseful… When Shadows Fall was my first DS Max Craigie book and won’t be my last – I loved it.' Andrea Mara'Superb reading. Neil is the master of the crime mystery. His serial killer "pusher" is the creepiest villain I think I've met this century…' Jeremy Vine'Bone-chilling and full of so many twists' The Sun'A good old police procedural… I was pleasantly terrified' The Guardian‘As hard as it is to believe, these books just get better and better’ Tony Kent‘A wickedly clever and riveting thriller’ Graham Bartlett‘Neil Lancaster just gets better and better. This is a gripping read that feels entirely authentic, seasoned with lovely flashes of humour' Cass Green‘Smashed through it, top work!’ Callum McSorley‘Neil Lancaster is one of the most exciting, innovative crime writers in the UK right now… One of the best police procedurals I’ve read in a long time. Consider me a fan’ M. W. Craven‘Action-packed & lightning-paced with some of the best dialogue I’ve read. I’m a huge fan of Lancaster and he’s a true rising star in crime fiction. Explosive & compelling’ Helen Fields‘When Shadows Fall is searing in its pace and achingly good in everything else. The imagery, the story, the characters… It’s rare that a book is such a joy to read, particularly one mid-series when – as a reader – you are behind the eight-ball, but Neil has absolutely smashed it out of the ball park. It’s so, so good.’ G. D. Wright'A spine-chilling concept, despicable villains, a propulsive narrative. As satisfying as crime fiction gets.' Paul Finch