Out on 22 October 2026
Synopsis
The exciting new cosy mystery featuring the former head of MI6's Q Branch, Major Boothroyd, from the James Bond universe.
'A FIVE-STAR BONDVERSE MYSTERY' JANICE HALLETT
'COMPELLING, TIMELY AND LAUGH-OUT-LOUD FUNNY' CLARE MACKINTOSH
Dismissed from MI6's Q Branch where he developed weapons and field technology, Q has found a new lease of life as an amateur detective in his sleepy hometown of Wickstone-on-Water.
Fresh from successfully solving the murder of his childhood friend, Q is now hired as a civilian contractor by the police to re-examine the unsolved murder of Lawrence Noble, a tech millionaire turned online antique dealer.
Why was Noble tortured before his death? What is the significance of the circular golden object inscribed with mysterious runes found by his body?
As Q investigates, danger stalks those around him, and he soon finds himself dragged into a chilling conspiracy where past and present meet in a way he could not possibly have imagined . . .
'SMART AND STYLISH ... WILL DELIGHT BOND AND CHRISTIE FANS ALIKE' TOM HINDLE
'PAY ATTENTION, THRILLER FANS ... HUGELY ENTERTAINING' SARAH HILARY
'A FIVE-STAR BONDVERSE MYSTERY' JANICE HALLETT
'COMPELLING, TIMELY AND LAUGH-OUT-LOUD FUNNY' CLARE MACKINTOSH
Dismissed from MI6's Q Branch where he developed weapons and field technology, Q has found a new lease of life as an amateur detective in his sleepy hometown of Wickstone-on-Water.
Fresh from successfully solving the murder of his childhood friend, Q is now hired as a civilian contractor by the police to re-examine the unsolved murder of Lawrence Noble, a tech millionaire turned online antique dealer.
Why was Noble tortured before his death? What is the significance of the circular golden object inscribed with mysterious runes found by his body?
As Q investigates, danger stalks those around him, and he soon finds himself dragged into a chilling conspiracy where past and present meet in a way he could not possibly have imagined . . .
'SMART AND STYLISH ... WILL DELIGHT BOND AND CHRISTIE FANS ALIKE' TOM HINDLE
'PAY ATTENTION, THRILLER FANS ... HUGELY ENTERTAINING' SARAH HILARY
Details
22 October 2026
352 pages
9781804188699
Imprint: Zaffre
Reviews
“Compelling, timely and laugh-out-loud funny; this is an unmissable series for Bond fans old and new. I can't wait to read the next one”Clare Mackintosh, Clare Mackintosh
“Vaseem Khan is on fire with this enchanting series of Bondverse adventures. The charismatic, if somewhat curmudgeonly, MI6 inventor Q is back and in searing form. The Man with the Golden Compass is a lively, sharply observed small-town murder mystery, in which Q finds himself working alongside his ex, and the result is a breathless romp where past and present collide in the most delicious of ways! Five golden stars!”Janice Hallett, Janice Hallett
“Tremendous fun! Smart and stylish, with all the wit and ingenuity you'd expect from Q Branch. The Q Mysteries will delight Bond and Christie fans alike”Tom Hindle, Tom Hindle
“Pay attention, thriller fans. Vaseem Khan has delivered another hugely entertaining tale of Q's adventures beyond MI6. A dastardly plot involving evil treasure hunters is the engine that powers the story but the stars are Q, his endearing oddball family, and his arsenal of devices, not least of which is his own utterly disarming charm”Sarah Hilary, Sarah Hilary
