MURDER IN LOVERS LANE

MEET DETECTIVE LOLA HARRIS, A TOUGH WOMAN WITH A GOOD HEART, SOLVING CRIMES IN GRITTY GLASGOW.

Detective Lola Harris is turning over a new leaf. She’s determined to get into shape. Her new personal trainer is merciless when it comes to fitness. Thankfully, he’s also charming and exceptionally good-looking, which helps on a cold early morning run.

But turning a corner in peaceful Pollok park, Lola glimpses something that shouldn’t be there: a high-end BMW. Doors gaping. And a man and a woman, roped together.

The man is stiff, cold. There’s a bullet wound above one open, staring eye. The woman is unconscious — but alive. Lola tells Johnny to call an ambulance.

Lola’s early morning run is now into crime scene.

The young woman is Fiona Balfour. She and the dead man were due to be married next month.

Fiona says she can’t remember what happened to her. But Lola’s not sure she believes her.

Then Lola uncovers strange similarities with case in Liverpool from five years before. Her victim may be alive, but she’s in very real danger.

Lola’s now in a race against time to stop the killer before they return to finish what they started.

Fans of Matt Brolly, Nadine Matheson, Alex Gray, Ian Rankin, Caro Ramsay and Denise Mina will devour this page-turning crime thriller.

PRAISE FOR THE DETECTIVE LOLA HARRIS BOOKS:

‘An absolutely gripping murder mystery with a fabulous, strong female detective. The plot twists took my breath away. I’m hooked!’ Victoria Dowd, bestselling author of the Smart Woman’s Mystery series

‘A truly compelling crime novel from an author to watch, which has not only a gutsy and believable central character, but enough twists and surprises to satisfy even the most hardened crime reader. Highly recommended.’ Matthew Booth, author of the Everett Carr mysteries

‘From its disturbing gothic opening to the final twist, Murder in the Gallowgate had me hooked!’ Margaret Murphy, Dagger-winning author of Before He Kills Again

‘A spine-tinglingly tense and gripping novel, with a lovably flawed main detective and host of complex and intriguing characters, Murder in the Gallowgate kept me turning pages late into the night!’ G.R. Halliday, author of the Monica Kennedy series

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A fantastic read, couldn’t put it down.’ Hannelore C.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I was captivated by the story!’ Elaine T.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A good mystery and I would recommend the read.’ Stacy G.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I had never read this author before but boy what a great one to start out with.’ Susan C.

MEET THE DETECTIVES

Lola Harris, a former hairdresser, is able to get people to trust her at their most vulnerable. She can pierce the toughest facade, asking questions that get to the heart of the matter. But she knows she can play it “mumsy” when she needs to. She drinks too much coffee, and likes a Bacardi and Coke, though she tries not to drink because it makes her maudlin about her useless ex, Joe.

Lola’s main rival in the force is Detective Sergeant Aidan Pierce, who seems hell-bent on sabotaging the case — and her career with it. He thinks he’s the next big thing, and is intensely frustrated that she got ‘his’ promotion. Carefully dressed in expensive Italian suits, he’s a snob, very good looking and vain with it. He’s his own worst enemy, and his manipulative and toxic behaviour has been getting worse. At some point, Lola will have to confront him.

Luckily, Lola has Detective Constable Kirstie Campbell to back her up. Kirstie is committed, focused (too focused?) and feels most secure when playing things by the book.

THE SETTING

Glasgow is a city of many different faces, from gritty and unsettling, to modern and slick. It rains a lot: clouds make a lid over the city, and citizens hunch as they hurry about their business. Still, people are very friendly and like a good time.