Originally published in 2006 in Cleave's native New Zealand, where it was a finalist for the prestigious Ned Kelly Award for Best Fiction, The Cleaner is a chilling and darkly funny thriller that will leave you clamoring for his next.
Cleaner Series
This series delves into the life of a chillingly methodical protagonist who operates with a disturbing duality. By day, he maintains a low profile as a cleaner, but by night, he orchestrates intricate and violent acts with a peculiar sense of justice. The narratives explore the dark corners of his psyche, examining his twisted logic and meticulous planning. Readers seeking gritty psychological thrillers with morally ambiguous characters will find themselves captivated by the suspense and unsettling tone.
Recommended Reading Order
- 1
- 2
The internationally bestselling author of The Laughterhouse returns with a gripping psycho-thriller featuring the notorious Christchurch Carver as the target. Joe Middleton, arrested for a series of murders he claims to have no memory of, has spent the past year in jail awaiting trial. His challenge is to convince psychiatrists that he wasn’t of sound mind during the crimes. However, his situation is dire, as numerous individuals, including some inmates, want him dead. Outside prison, Melissa, Joe's accomplice in one murder, is plotting to kill him before he can testify. To escape this perilous predicament, Joe devises a desperate plan involving a disgraced ex-detective and a money-hungry television psychic. Time is of the essence, as New Zealand is considering reinstating the death penalty, with Joe as the prime example. Renowned for his blend of action, dark humor, and clever plot twists, Paul Cleave delivers a masterful crime thriller that showcases his talent and has earned him acclaim from critics and readers alike. This novel is a thrilling exploration of survival and deception in a world where the stakes couldn't be higher.