ABBEY'S BOOKSELLER PICK --- Detective Declan Miller is the sort of bloke who talks to his rats (the four-legged kind) argues with the radio and discusses the day with his wife, also a detective. He's not exactly politically correct, or understood by his colleagues, most of which he holds in high disdain, if not active dislike. He also loves ballroom dancing, and his best friends are the weird assortment of fellow dance club members, who turn out to be useful in unexpected ways. Miller is also one of the best detectives in Blackpool, so when there's a double murder in a local hotel involving a random guest and a member of Blackpool's criminal underground, he's on the case. It's going to get very messy before he cleans it all up… A thoroughly engaging and enjoyable novel because of the brilliantly quirky main character and his supporting cast, with a few surprises tucked away to add depth to the narrative. - Lindy
THE FIRST NEW SERIES FROM #1 BESTSELLER MARK BILLINGHAM IN 20 YEARS.
'Readers rejoice! A captivating new series from Mark Billingham, the very best in the business' --- RICHARD OSMAN
Meet Detective Miller: unique, unconventional, and criminally underestimated...
He's a detective, a dancer, he has no respect for authority
- and he's the best hope Blackpool has for keeping criminals off the streets. Meet Detective Declan Miller.
A double murder in a seaside hotel sees a grieving Miller return to work to solve what appears to be a case of mistaken identity. Just why were two completely unconnected men taken out?
Despite a somewhat dubious relationship with both reality and his new partner, can the eccentric, offbeat Miller find answers where his colleagues have found only an impossible puzzle?
'Funny, moving, and full of surprises . . . an absolute treat' --- MICK HERRON
'Billingham blends caustic humour, raw emotion and rollercoaster thrills. His new series is bursting with wit, charm and intriguing, complex characters' --- JANICE HALLETT
Mark Billingham has twice won the Theakston's Old Peculier Award for Crime Novel of the Year, and has also won a Sherlock Award for the Best Detective created by a British writer. Each of the novels featuring Detective Inspector Tom Thorne has been a Sunday Times bestseller. Sleepyhead and Scaredy Cat were made into a hit TV series on Sky 1 starring David Morrissey as Thorne, and a series based on the novels In the Dark and Time of Death was broadcast on BBC1. Mark lives in north London with his wife and two children.
Readers rejoice! A captivating new series from Mark Billingham, the very best in the business * Richard Osman * Funny, moving, and full of surprises, The Last Dance will delight Mark Billingham's old readers, and have new ones flocking to him in droves. An absolute treat. * Mick Herron * Hard-headed yet big-hearted, DS Declan Miller will have you on the edge of your seat - screaming with laughter one moment and surprise the next. Billingham blends caustic humour, raw emotion and rollercoaster thrills. His new series is bursting with wit, charm and intriguing, complex characters. Save The Last Dance for when you want a fast, fresh and totally absorbing read. * Janice Hallett * Brimming with wit, expertly paced, and wholly enjoyable - The Last Dance is a showcase of Billingham's exceptionally gifted storytelling. Mark Billingham is at his best! * Karin Slaughter * A gritty, engaging novel that balances light with dark, offering wit and wisdom in equal measure. Billingham's new lead detective, DS Miller, never misses a step when it comes to solving crime. * Nita Prose, author of The Maid * Fresh, funny, fantastic, this is the sickeningly talented Billingham at his best. * Abir Mukherjee *