When a sudden crime wave hits several small midwestern towns, the U.S. Attorney for the region calls on Harry Duncan to investigate. An ex-cop known for his unorthodox methods, Duncan is reluctant to go up against a widespread criminal organization - but the attorney in question is Ellen Leicester, the wife who left him fifteen years earlier, and to her, he can't say no.

Initially brought in as a consultant to determine if the racketeering is severe enough to require an all-out investigation by the FBI, Duncan quickly finds himself in conflict with a syndicate far more violent than first suspected. As the investigation develops, he begins compiling a 'murder book,' the notebook in which a detective keeps records, interviews, photos - everything he needs to build his case. But his scrutiny of the gang soon makes Duncan a target. And Ellen, too.

A thrilling and suspenseful tour of crime-addled midwestern towns, Murder Book is signature Thomas Perry, with characters you won't soon forget, crisply-described action sequences and breathlessly tense plotting that will keep you racing through the pages.

"Murder Book offers a master class in the craft of suspense" - New York Times

"Perry's characters come to life with a single sentence...He's one of the greatest living writers of suspense fiction" - New York Sun

"Harry is a thinking person's action hero, and Perry is the ultimate thinking person's thriller writer" - Booklist (starred review)

"The pages melt away as the story maintains a breathless pace throughout. This is further proof that Perry is a dominating force in the world of contemporary suspense thrillers" - Publishers Weekly

"A first class stand-alone...a fast-moving read and never less than supremely entertaining and rewarding" - Crime Time

"Top-drawer thrills from an author whose hard-nosed hero is as professional as he is" - Kirkus

"A master of nail-biting suspense" - LA Times