Synopsis
When a celebrity author is murdered at a crime writing festival, a Scandinavian writer of Nordic noir and an English 'crim-ance' novelist form an unlikely team to catch the killer of a man they both love to hate. Perfect for fans of Anthony Horowitz's Magpie Murders and Benjamin Stevenson
Crime writer Aggie Catchlove can never forget how celebrity author Kit Stirling stole her famous 'twist'. When fellow novelist Jakob Hök learns Kit's next book is a rip-off of his long-running series at the Crème de la Crime festival, he and Aggie furiously plot the perfect murder of a man who is killing their careers. But when Kit Stirling is found dead for real, fingers point at Aggie and Jakob.
They decide the only way to clear their names is to investigate. As the police lock down the event, Aggie and Jakob split up to double their efforts, but paranoia is a third wheel that destabilises their alliance. Both writers want to tell the story, not be the story. And, when push comes to shove, they'll do anything to be the voice of the final chapter.
Crime writer Aggie Catchlove can never forget how celebrity author Kit Stirling stole her famous 'twist'. When fellow novelist Jakob Hök learns Kit's next book is a rip-off of his long-running series at the Crème de la Crime festival, he and Aggie furiously plot the perfect murder of a man who is killing their careers. But when Kit Stirling is found dead for real, fingers point at Aggie and Jakob.
They decide the only way to clear their names is to investigate. As the police lock down the event, Aggie and Jakob split up to double their efforts, but paranoia is a third wheel that destabilises their alliance. Both writers want to tell the story, not be the story. And, when push comes to shove, they'll do anything to be the voice of the final chapter.
Details
27 August 2026
9781804183915Imprint: Zaffre
Reviews
Jo Furniss always delivers. Killer Twist holds up the mirror to the world of crime publishing with twists, turns, and masterful wit. A locked room mystery with a cast of unforgettable characters whose names will be on everybody's lips at all of the major crime writing festivals this summer.
A piercingly funny and at times spookily accurate thriller set in the heady world of crime fiction festivals. Killer Twist boasts a quirky cast of literary characters, an impossible murder and a twisty plot. Witty, smart and gripping.
Laugh-out-loud funny, this tightly plotted, pacey crime novel is a perfect locked door mystery and also a thoroughly entertaining deep dive into the crime writing world. With two edgy protagonists leading the investigation, Killer Twist is packed with jealousy, simmering sexual tension, intrigue and humour. I loved it!
A mystery thick with satisfying misdirection and bamboozlement, made all the thornier by its slippery characters and devilish humour. Consistently laugh-out-loud funny, it shrewdly and mercilessly skewers crime publishing, and will be the talk of group chats and Facebook clans as authors, editorial and publicity recognise themselves in the papercut sharp portraits. Prepare to be filleted.
