Thought for the Day - Softcover

Armstrong, David

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0006510353 ISBN 13: 9780006510352

Publisher: HarperCollins, 1998

Synopsis

‘Armstrong breaks fresh ground with each new novel. None of his contemporaries seem more sure-footed... British crime writing is on a roll at the moment and this is about as good as it gets’ Literary Review

Detective Frank Kavanagh has been transferred to London following a nervous breakdown. A complex man traumatised by his recent hunt for a serial killer and his own private grief at the desertion of his wife, he is regarded with suspicion by his new chiefs. So when he is assigned to a case of abduction, Kavanagh knows his reputation is on the line.

The kidnapping, though, takes a sinister and confusing turn. Is it an inside job? The act of a lone madman as opposed to professionals? Kavanagh’s unorthodox ideas get him into trouble with his colleagues, but a macabre discovery in the remote Staffordshire countryside seems to bear him out. His pursuit eventually builds to a heart-stopping climax on the shores of Lake Como, and to a no-less shattering personal revelation for Kavanagh himself.

David Armstrong’s powerful new novel has all the dark passion and wrought intensity of a classic film-noir, and will further establish his reputation as one of our most original and powerful contemporary crime writers.

About this title

Review

‘Quite brilliant’
Sunday Times

‘A tale of crime and punishment that Zola wouldn’t disown’
Literary Review

From the Back Cover

Traumatised by his confrontation with a serial killer and subsequent nervous breakdown, Detective Inspector Kavanagh hopes to leave his demons behind him by transferring to London. But when he is assigned the case of kidnapped advertising supremo Martin Foyle, Kavanagh knows he will come under scrutiny that is too close for comfort from his bosses in the Met.

The kidnapping is anything but predictable, and sinister turns leave the experts baffled. Then a macabre discovery in the Welsh Marches adds an even greater urgency to the hunt. The pressure on Kavanagh for a result is stepped up, but he is evolving a theory of his own – one which brings him smack up against his superiors, and threatens to put his job on the line.

"Armstrong's fourth novel displays a pungent, original talent which puts on muscle with each book."
PHILIP OAKES, 'Literary Review'

"A fine novel."
DONNA LEON, 'Sunday Times'

About this edition

• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0006510353
• ISBN 13: 9780006510352
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 192