April in Spain

Review Superb and shocking . . . more than a touch of genius. ― The Times This is crime writing of the finest quality, elegant, distinctive and utterly absorbing. Banville never lets the tension flag as it builds to a heart-breaking, poignant finale. ― Daily Mail An elegant, enjoyable and often surprisingly funny read, with a plot full of secrets, lies, cover-ups and treachery in high places. ― Guardian Banville's sly observations about his characters are a joy to read. ― Sunday Times Intoxicating. ― Sunday Business Post A subtle and atmospheric thriller. ― Mail on Sunday The ultimate page-turner, expertly paced and beautifully written. ― Irish Independent An impeccably executed novel . . . Fans of [Benjamin] Black and Banville alike should be heartened to hear that Snow and April in Spain are only the first instalments of the new Strafford series, which promises to elevate the crime novel to new artistic heights. ― Financial Times [A] masterly book . . . Each scene holds the attention, invites question. The precision of the writing is a delight . . . In his eighth decade Banville is writing as well as ever - perhaps even better. ― Scotsman Deeply atmospheric; forensically psychological. -- Mick Herron The narrative . . . is well constructed and full of excellent descriptions, but the book's most striking features are its characterisations and the psychological acuity of the writing. ― Literary Review A delight . . . a social and political novel . . . concerned with the arrogance of power. ― i Paper There is no clear distinction to be made between John Banville's crime novels and his other fiction. There is the same elegant pacing, crafted prose and detailed examination of relationships - personal, social and political - that won him the Booker Prize. ― Irish Sunday Independent Superb. ― The Gloss [A] gem of a novel . . . the writing is so incredibly beautiful and considered; each word is carefully chosen. Wonderful. ― Belfast Telegraph Product Description THE LOCK-UP - A THRILLING NEW STRAFFORD AND QUIRKE MYSTERY - IS AVAILABLE NOW FOR PRE-ORDER The sumptuous, propulsive, sun-kissed follow up to the bestselling Snow, from the Booker Prize winning author 'He wanted to know who she was, and why he was convinced he had some unremembered connection with her. It was as simple as that. But he knew it wasn't. It wasn't simple at all.' When Dublin pathologist Quirke glimpses a familiar face while on holiday with his wife, it's hard, at first, to tell whether his imagination is just running away with him. Could she really be who he thinks she is, and have a connection with a crime that nearly brought ruin to an Irish political dynasty? Unable to ignore his instincts, Quirke makes a call back home and Detective St John Strafford is soon dispatched to Spain. But he's not the only one on route: as a terrifying hitman hunts down his prey, they are all set for a brutal showdown. Praise for Snow: 'Superb ... crime fiction for the connoisseur.' The Times 'Outstanding.' Irish Independent 'Exquisite.' Daily Mail 'Hypnotic.' Financial Times 'Compelling.' Sunday Times 'Superb to the last drop.' Independent Book Description The sumptuous, propulsive, sun-kissed follow up to the bestselling Snow, from the Booker Prize winning author. About the Author JOHN BANVILLE was born in Wexford, Ireland, in 1945. He is the author of many novels, including The Book of Evidence, The Sea, winner of the 2005 Man Booker Prize, and, more recently, the bestselling crime novels, Snow and April in Spain, both of which were shortlisted for the CWA Historical Dagger.