Derek Raymond Knihy

Raymond's nameless detective leave London for a remote village called Thornhill, where he's meant to be looking into the disappearance of a local doctor's wife.

A man's corpse is discovered in a Rotherhithe warehouse, chopped up, boiled to avoid identification, and bundled into five Waitrose carrier bags. Our nameless narrator from A14 - the 'Unexplained Deaths' division of the Met - is put on the case. Operating, as usual, the narrator's investigations uncover much more than the murderer.

An axe-wielding psychopath carves young Dora Suarez into pieces and smashes the head of Suarez's friend, an elderly woman. The unnamed narrator, a sergeant in the Metropolitan Police's Unexplained Deaths division, develops a fixation on the young woman whose murder he investigates and discovers that Suarez's death is more bizarre than suspected.

It is the 1960s. England has become a dictatorship, governed by a sly, ruthless politician called Jobling. All non-whites have been deported, The English Times is the only newspaper, and ordinary people live in dread of nightly curfews and secret police. Richard Watt used all his journalistic talents to expose Jobling before he came to power.

When a middle-aged alcoholic is found brutally battered to death on a roadside in West London, the case is assigned to a nameless detective sergeant, a tough-talking cynic and fearless loner from the Department of Unexplained Deaths at the Factory police station.

This reprint brings back a classic in the crime genre, offering readers a chance to explore its enduring themes and intricate plot. Known for its compelling characters and suspenseful narrative, this book delves into the complexities of crime and morality, making it a must-read for fans of detective fiction. The timeless nature of the story ensures that both new readers and those familiar with the genre can appreciate its impact on crime literature.

The final work of Raymond, published posthumously, offers a profound exploration of his signature themes. It delves into the complexities of human relationships and the intricacies of personal identity. The narrative weaves together rich character development and philosophical musings, providing readers with a deep, reflective experience. This unpublished manuscript showcases Raymond's unique voice and style, inviting both long-time fans and new readers to engage with his literary legacy.