Barry Maitland crafts acclaimed mystery novels that delve into the intricate histories and motivations behind criminal acts, earning them the description of 'whydunits' as much as 'whodunits.' Drawing from his background in architecture, his work is distinguished by ingeniously constructed plots and richly atmospheric settings. Each story unfolds in a unique and intriguing corner of London, reflecting his keen eye for structure and detail. Maitland masterfully blends compelling narrative with a deep exploration of character.
Skeletons are discovered in a wasteland behind Cockpit Lane in south London, and DCI David Brock and DS Kathy Kolla of Scotland Yard's Serious Crimes Branch are called in to investigate. The discovery that the victims died during the Brixton riots, over 20 years before, lead Brock and Kolla on a dark and dangerous journey.
The investigation centers on a murder linked to the unique setting of houseboats along London's canals, where DCI David Brock and DI Kathy Kolla navigate a web of intrigue. As they delve deeper into the case, they uncover secrets that challenge their skills and partnership, revealing the complexities of human relationships against a backdrop of urban life. The story intertwines suspense with rich character development, making for a compelling detective narrative.
The murder of Professor Max Springer, a controversial figure known for his opposition to Islamic extremism, sets the stage for a complex investigation. Detective Sergeant Kathy Kolla, recovering from a traumatic experience, finds herself drawn back into the field when the case emerges. As she and her partner David Brock navigate sensitive themes like Arab fundamentalism and genetic engineering, they unravel a mystery that challenges their skills and beliefs, forcing Kolla to confront her past and the dangers of her profession.
Homicide detective Harry Belltree wouldn’t usually be looking too hard at an elderly couple’s suicide pact. Especially now, when his brother-in-law Greg has just been stabbed to death. But it seems Greg and the old couple had ties to the same man, a bent moneylender with friends in high places—and low. Harry can’t get officially involved in Greg’s murder, but he suspects a link with two other mysterious deaths: his parents’. And when he goes off-grid to investigate, that’s when things start to get dangerous. Set in Sydney, this dark, morally ambiguous and adrenaline-charged new series is a triumphant change of direction for Barry Maitland.
Detective Sergeant Harry Belltree, back on the job after a near-fatal confrontation with corrupt colleagues, has become a departmental embarrassment. The solution is a posting away from Sydney and a quiet life in Newcastle. Or maybe not so quiet. A body’s been found buried just offshore on Ash Island; there may be more. There's also Harry's unfinished business. The car crash that killed his parents and blinded his wife happened not far from Newcastle. And Harry knows it was no accident. The other unfinished business is Jenny's longed-for pregnancy. Which means that now the stakes are higher than ever.
In this, the final book of the Belltree Trilogy, DS Harry Belltree has gone bush. His obsessive pursuit of justice has cost him everything—his job, his marriage and his newborn child—but then his estranged wife disappears, leaving their baby daughter behind, and he is dragged back to Sydney. The police think Jenny has murdered a man. Harry thinks she’s in danger. When body parts are found maimed and strewn around a suburban park, his former colleagues are distracted by this apparently unrelated case. Harry is left to track Jenny down on his own—and to lay bare, at last, the extraordinary conspiracy that led to his parents’ murder. Barry Maitland was born in Scotland, studied architecture at Cambridge University and went on to work as an architect and urban design expert. In 1984 he moved to Australia to head the architecture school at the University of Newcastle in New South Wales. In 1994 The Marx Sisters, the first in his Brock and Kolla crime series, was published. Barry now writes fiction full time. He is published throughout the English-speaking world and in translation in a number of other countries, including Germany, Italy, France and Japan. He lives in the Hunter Valley.
Brock and Kolla return in an enthralling new mystery from a master of the genre.
The investigation into Marion Summers' sudden death reveals a web of intrigue surrounding her life. Initially thought to be a tragic seizure, her demise is traced back to acute arsenic poisoning. Detective Inspector Kathy Kolla and her superior, DCI David Brock, delve into the complexities of her recent activities, uncovering unusual circumstances that suggest foul play. As they unravel the mystery, they confront a challenging case that tests their skills and determination, revealing deeper layers of deception and danger.
D.S. Kathy Kolla takes on a crucial role at New Scotland Yard, working under D.C.I. David Brock in the Serious Crime Division. This installment of the critically acclaimed series, previously unpublished in the U.S., promises to delve into gripping investigations and complex characters, showcasing the intricacies of crime-solving in a high-stakes environment.
Brock and Kolla are back in this thrilling installment of a highly acclaimed series, praised for its engaging storytelling and rich character development. The duo embarks on a gripping investigation, blending suspense with intricate plot twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats. With sharp dialogue and a vivid setting, this book promises to captivate fans of the genre and newcomers alike, showcasing the authors' skill in crafting a compelling narrative.