A quiet town. A horrible incident. Things that don't add up. - The highly-anticipated latest instalment of the DS McAvoy series from the Sunday Times best-selling, Kindle chart-topping author. "McAvoy is a true original" Mick Herron An unexpected invite to his estranged mother's surprise birthday party at a fancy Durham hotel gives DI Aector McAvoy and his wife Roisin a chance for a well-deserved holiday. Off-duty, and still recovering from his previous injuries, McAvoy is determined to take advantage of the all-expenses-paid break, despite the old grudges and thick tension between himself and his step-family. However, what should have been a relaxing, if awkward, getaway weekend turns out to be a full-on nightmare, when McAvoy finds himself in the middle of a town drama that involves the tragic demise of Ishmael Piper, a rock star's millionaire son . . . and best friend of McAvoy's charming, bullying step-brother. With dark secrets slowly unravelling, McAvoy needs to put his personal issues aside to unmask the evil forces behind Ishmael's mysterious death before he becomes a victim of them himself . . . Dark settings, dark crimes and even darker souls - the critically acclaimed DS McAvoy police procedural series is a perfect pick for fans of Denise Mina, Val McDermid and Peter Robinson. [A] dark, creepy, twisted mystery that will keep readers awake far into the night ― Booklist Starred Review An irresistibly charming detective cracks another colorful case ― Kirkus Reviews An involving, nail-biting police procedural from a masterful storyteller ― Kirkus Reviews on Flesh and Blood A hair-raising procedural [that] highlights unselfish love, sacrifice, and man's inhumanity to man ― Kirkus Reviews on Blind Justice [Delivers] the kind of grisly torture and murder scenes that have rightly linked his work with that of Val McDermid ― Booklist on Blind Justice Polished prose, lovable recurring characters, and a stunning revelation make this a mystery to savor ― Kirkus Reviews Starred Review of Past Life A fine police procedural . . . Ian Rankin fans will be pleased ― Publishers Weekly on Past Life [Mark is] on the level of Scottish and English contemporaries such as Denise Mina , Val McDermid , and Peter Robinson ― Library Journal Starred Review of Cruel Mercy To call Mark's novels police procedurals is like calling the Mona Lisa a pretty painting ― Kirkus Reviews Starred Review of Cruel Mercy Strong prose, intriguing characters, and high tension make this a standout ― Publishers Weekly Starred Review of Dead Pretty David Mark spent seven years as crime reporter for the Yorkshire Post and now writes full-time. The first novel in his DS McAvoy series, Dark Winter, was selected for the Harrogate New Blood panel (where he was Reader in Residence) and was a Richard & Judy pick and a Sunday Times bestseller. Dead Pretty was longlisted for the Crime Writers Association Gold Dagger in 2016. He is also the author of the Sal Delaney police procedurals and a number of standalone thrillers. He lives in Northumberland with his family.