The first in a new series of fast-paced, twisty thrillers set in 1930s London.

‘A true master of British crime writing’ RICHARD OSMAN 'Combines all the things I love most about crime fiction: atmospheric settings, twisty plots, intriguing characters and an unforgettable protagonist' ELLY GRIFFITHS A superb Golden Age mystery packed with twists, from the winner of the Diamond Dagger 2020 LONDON, 1930 The night is sooty, sulphurous, and malign. A spate of violent deaths has horrified the capital and the smog-bound streets are deserted. No woman should be out on a night like this. But Rachel Savernake is no ordinary woman. To Scotland Yard's embarrassment, she solved the Chorus Girl Murder, and now – along with journalist Jacob Flint – she's on the trail of another killer. Savernake and Flint's pursuit of the truth will mire them ever-deeper into a labyrinth of deception and corruption. Murder-by-murder, they will be swept ever-closer to that ancient place of execution, where it all began and where it will finally end: Gallows Court. DISCOVER THE REST OF THIS INCREDIBLE SERIES #1 GALLOWS COURT #2 MORTMAIN HALL #3 BLACKSTONE FELL #4 SEPULCHRE STREET #5 HEMLOCK BAY Reviews for Gallows Court 'Superb – a pitch-perfect blend of Golden Age charm and sinister modern suspense, with a main character to die for. This is the book Edwards was born to write' Lee Child 'Packed with evocative period detail, twists and turns and a fascinatingly enigmatic anti-heroine' Financial Times 'Edwards has managed, brilliantly, to combine a Golden Age setting with a pace that is bang up-to-date. A great sense of the era observed through a cut-throat-sharp eye, every page dripping with brilliant period authenticity' Peter James 'A ripping tale of retribution and rough justice, set against a finely realised 1930s London. It reads as if Ruth Rendell were channelling Edgar Wallace' Mick Herron 'Liberally spiced with mystery, suspense and action... A thoroughly gripping read' Peter Robinson 'The brilliant Savernake is a fascinatingly enigmatic character.' Washington Post Praise for Martin Edwards 'Crime fiction is blessed to have Martin Edwards.' The New York Times 'If you haven’t yet discovered Martin Edwards’ books, you are in for a treat. His books are wonderful, filled with compelling characters, smart plots, great writing.' Louise Penny

"Martin Edwards brings the Golden Age of crime fiction back, with a unique twist, in this superbly crafted mystery set in the 1930s. A rare treat!" - Ragnar Jonasson

"Ingenious and pacey, Gallows Court keeps you guessing right to the end" - The Times

"Far more unconventional and psychologically disturbing than most crime fiction of the period, this novel brings that low, dishonest decade to life with mesmerising skill" - Sunday Express

"Historical crime can sometimes suffer from a sentimental view of the period in which it's set. Edwards deftly avoids this cliché, depicting London as dark, grimy and cowering in the face of killings... I'm sure Edwards' existing fans will love this change of tone but he should also garner new readers for his excellent fiction'" - CrimePieces

"Packed with evocative period detail, twists and turns and a fascinatingly enigmatic anti-heroine" - Financial Times

"A varied cast of characters ranging from the glamorous and romantic to the decidedly shady... A fast-moving patchwork puzzle that will satisfy both traditional crime readers and more modern ones who enjoy a drop of moral complexity and darkness in their brew'" - Crime Time

"The plot is complex but satisfying... Brings the 1930s to life and looks at that restless, inter-war decade in a new and fascinating way. It is a book well worth reading and which I would recommend'" - Mystery People

"A fabulous melodrama, atmospheric and entertaining" - Morning Star

"Edwards crafts vivid descriptions of both character and setting that embed the reader into the scene in a way few writers can achieve" - NY Journal of Books

"Martin Edwards has recreated the period beautifully in this gripping and bloodthirsty thriller... It is compulsive reading: a truly satisfying crime novel'" - The Press