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The Deadly Spark

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What to expect

'Perfect holiday reading' Clare Mackintosh

'A gripping story' Jane Casey

Once secrets catch, they spread.

Deadly fires are lighting up Brighton, and the latest case is alarmingly close to home for DC Eve Starling. The blaze was deliberately set, and a mother and daughter didn’t make it out of the smoke.

Eve’s investigation takes her deep into her own uncomfortable past. When her key witness disappears, and with the killer always one step ahead, Eve is desperate to solve the case – whatever the cost.

But Eve has no idea how close she is to the flames, and playing with fire can get you burned…

Perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, Jane Casey and Clare Mackintosh!

'An original, compelling and heart-pounding thriller' Nadine Matheson

'An amazing debut novel' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Fantastic storyline with a brilliant twist' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I loved this' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Critics Review

'A real page-turner' The Sun

'Suspenseful and gripping' Heat

'Brings a real fresh feel to the police procedural genre. An absolute cracking read. Highly recommended.' Robert Rutherford, author of Seven Days

'A brilliantly compelling page-turner, and a highly original combination of police-procedural and psychological thriller. Full of twists and turns, secrets and lies, I raced through it!' Russ Thomas, author of Firewatching

'An astonishing debut and twisty tale with engaging characters, plenty of secrets, and I didn't see the end coming. This writer is one to watch.' Tina Baker, author of Call Me Mummy

'I raced through this gripping debut; DC Eve Starling is feisty, fearless and so relatable.' Louise Jensen, author of The Fall

'With The Deadly Spark, Roxie Key boldly sears her name into the crime fiction conversation. An enthralling mystery run through with trauma and redemption, carrying real freshness, sensitivity, surprises, and potency.' Rob Parker, author of The Thirty Miles Trilogy

'WHAT A DEBUT! An incredible book with so many layers and an explosive ending!' Jen Faulkner, author of What Goes Around

'This accomplished debut delivers psychological tension as taut as any piano wire, and the twists and turns of a great procedural. An essential read for crime fiction fans.' Adam Hamdy, author of The Other Side of Night

'A brilliant book, with first-class characterisation. The Deadly Spark is twisty, heart-breaking and compelling.' Claire Allan, author of In the Dark

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