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The Dark Heart

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What to expect

Don't miss Neil Lancaster's brand-new espionage thriller series! No Mercy available now.

'Ridiculously compelling. Devastatingly plotted. Timely, witty – basically everything you could want’ The Secret Barrister

'Another stonking page-turner. Literally too good to miss’ Daily Express

'Action-packed and totally thrilling, there is also an emotional depth to Lancaster’s writing often missing from high octane dramatic stories. A terrific read' Liz Nugent

'A relentless, beautifully constructed thriller … Lancaster doesn’t just tell the story; he makes you feel it’ T. G. Reid

A DEADLY BOMBING

When renowned author Dr. Daniel Solomon is killed in a devastating explosion in York, authorities quickly attribute the attack to Islamic extremists. But as the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that all is not as it seems.

A DARK CONSPIRACY

DS Max Craigie uncovers a chilling connection between a series of brutal murders, each victim linked by a secret that someone is determined to protect.

A DANGEROUS GAME

With the number of victims growing and an elusive figure known as The Cashier operating in the shadows, Max must navigate a web of corruption and hatred. Can he unravel the truth before more lives are lost?

Praise for The Dark Heart:

‘The body count of this typically twisty yarn is satisfyingly high’ The Times

'Pacy, intricate and terrifyingly good – first class thriller writing’ Marion Todd

'This is one of the best series around’ Morning Star

'Lancaster has once again put himself in the top echelons of modern crime writers. This series must never end’ Graham Bartlett

'Neil Lancaster is a natural born storyteller… The Dark Heart is a cracker of a tale — and the best Craigie yet’ John Sutherland

'From the policing to the Scots accents, the authenticity is second to none, and the dialogue is fast and fun. Tense and thrilling’ Sam Holland

'This is topical, timely and eye-opening … Neil is a true master of his trade’ G. D. Wright

'I love the insider touch that Neil brings to this story… I wish I'd found his books sooner’ Alex Gray

'Another ripper from the Lancaster Bomber’ Callum McSorley

‘Chilling’ Crime Monthly

'It’s gripping, suspenseful, terrifying, intelligent and engrossing. The storyline has heartbreak but it’s written so empathetically it’s impossible not to feel something’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Just brilliant!! Superb plot, hooked early on, reeled in and kept dangling right till the end’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Tense, scary, topical and at times brutal. Brilliant.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'This is my 7th Max Craigie novel and each one has been utterly standout in its execution and delivery. The quality of Neil’s writing and the way in which he allows each story to carefully unfold is just masterful’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'The Dark Heart is a crime thriller that grips you from the start with a masterful plot line, suspense and some breathtaking moments’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'If you’re drawn to thrillers that combine procedural precision with emotional depth think Line of Duty meets Broadchurch The Dark Heart will leave you breathless’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

User Reviews

Book 5.0
Narration 4.0
5.0
4.0
I do really like Angus King as a narrator, and the number of different characters here, not to mention accents, no doubt makes this a challenge of a book to narrate! He does really well.

As for the story, another heart-stopping rollercoaster from Neil! Love this series, and it doesn’t disappoint.
lottiefb 21/03/2026

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