An atmospheric crime series set in the Channel Islands, that will appeal to fans of Ann Cleeves, Peter May and Elly Griffiths
An atmospheric new crime series set in the Channel Islands, for readers of Ann Cleeves, Peter May and Elly Griffiths.
Jennifer Dorey thinks she is safe.
Following a traumatic incident in London, Jennifer has returned to her childhood home in Guernsey, taking a job as a reporter at the local newspaper.
After the discovery of a drowned woman on a beach, she uncovers a pattern of similar deaths that have taken place over the past fifty years.
Together with DCI Michael Gilbert, an officer on the verge of retirement, they follow a dark trail of island myths and folklore to 'Fritz', the illegitimate son of a Nazi soldier. His work, painstakingly executed, has so far gone undetected.
But with his identity about to be uncovered, the killer now has Jennifer in his sights.
And home is the last place she should be.
The Devil's Claw introduces readers to returning characters journalist Jennifer Dorey and DCI Michael Gilbert.
About the Author
Lara Dearman grew up on the island of Guernsey, where she spent a good part of her childhood exploring abandoned Nazi bunkers, listening to her dad's stories about local witches' covens and haunted houses and reading - anything she could get her hands on, but preferably The Famous Five. She moved to 'the Mainland' to study International Relations and French at Sussex University before briefly pursuing a career in finance in London. Long days spent crunching numbers were followed by long nights curled up with a good book - invariably an atmospheric murder mystery or crime thriller.
Having put her career on hold to care for her family, Lara found herself living on a very different island when her husband's job took them to Singapore for three years. It was here, at the edge of the jungle, thousands of miles away from home and looking after two young children, that Lara began to think, rather longingly, of Guernsey. And that is when she began to write. On her return to London she enrolled on the MA in Creative Writing at St Mary's University and, as part of her studies, wrote The Devil's Claw.
She graduated with a distinction in 2016. Lara now lives in New York with her husband and three children. She still misses Guernsey.
Industry Reviews
Dark, haunting and full of twists * Chris Whitaker, author of ALL THE WICKED GIRLS *
A twisty thriller set in Guernsey and populated with great characters. * Olivia Kiernan, author of TOO CLOSE TO BREATHE *
A gripping thriller set in Guernsey. I loved it! * Karen Hamilton, author of THE PERFECT GIRLFRIEND *
darkly atmospheric, nail-bitingly tense, intrigue-packed - a real crime fiction must read! * Stephanie Marland, author of MY LITTLE EYE *
Atmospheric and tense. Superb! * Isabel Ashdown, author of LITTLE SISTER *
Enthralling, compelling, mysterious * Lisa Hall, author of TELL ME NO LIES *
A gripping thriller set in Guernsey, tremendous sense of place & characters I really cared about * Laura Marshall, author of FRIEND REQUEST *
Lara Dearman's The Devil's Claw is a powerful debut. With smooth prose and engaging characters, Dearman draws her readers into a tangled web of secrets. Layer upon layer of lies and unexpected connections will keep readers guessing until the very end. * Karen Dionne, author THE MARSH KING'S DAUGHTER *
There is darkness even within the most beautiful of landscapes, and Lara Dearman writes on this with stunning effect in her debut page-turner The Devil's Claw. Set in Guernsey and steeped in island folklore, this novel explores a fifty-year-old mystery, and marks the arrival of a fantastic new talent.' * Fiona Cummins, author of RATTLE *
The Devil's Claw is a great read and I absolutely loved it. I've never been to Guernsey but now feel like I know it! * Patricia Gibney, author of THE STOLEN GIRLS *
A dark, thrilling murder mystery in a richly-realised setting - the best debut I've read this year. * Mason Cross *
The first in a new series set in the Channel Islands. Jennifer Dorey returns to her childhood home in Guernsey and start work on the local paper. When a drowned woman washes up on the beach, Jennifer uncovers several similar deaths that have taken place over the past fifty years. Jennifer and veteran DCI, Michael Gilbert, follow the clues that lead them to 'Fritz', the illegitimate son of a Nazi soldier. But with his identity about to be revealed, the killer now has Jennifer in his sights. Fans of Elly Griffiths and Ann Cleeves will love this. * Red Magazine *
Fans of Elly Griffiths and Ann Cleeves will love this * Red Magazine *
Well-developed characters ensure that the readers will want to see more of Jennifer and company. * PUBLISHERS WEEKLY *
A very exciting new talent, and an amazing setting. Looking forward to reading more! * Ragnar Jonasson *
'There is darkness even within the most beautiful of landscapes, and Lara Dearman writes on this with stunning effect in her debut page-turner THE DEVIL'S CLAW. Set in Guernsey and steeped in island folklore, this novel explores a fifty-year-old mystery, and marks the arrival of a fantastic new talent.' * Fiona Cummins, author of RATTLE *
