Published in the US as She’s Leaving Home
FREE LOVE. DEADLY PRICE.
‘A first-rate police thriller set amidst the seamy underside of the swinging sixties’ C. J. Sansom
‘A gripping story, impeccably researched’ Guardian
The Runaway
A nameless young woman is found naked and strangled in an alley on Abbey Road.
The Reject
DS Cathal Breen, an outcast in the Marylebone CID, struggles to make sense of the case.
The Rookie
Until new recruit WPC Helen Tozer – the first woman to join the team – makes a breakthrough.
And as hippies slam doors in their face, and locals suspect the new African neighbours, Breen and Tozer tread down a perilous path, closing in on a cruel conspiracy that goes far beyond class, colour and creed.
“A gripping story, impeccably researched” The Guardian
“Shaw skilfully recreates an era of social turmoil and class conflict” The Sunday Times
Best Crime of 2013 The Evening Standard
“Excellent debut” The Mail on Sunday, paperback of the week
“Missed the sixties? Then grab a copy of William Shaw’s superb A Song from Dead Lips. This is a terrific mystery novel that moves at the speed of a sixties three minute single. Has the best female character this side of Salander in many a year You can literally hear the Beatles as this andrenalined narrative jets along. The most startling, original crime of the year.” Ken Bruen
“This outstanding novel is a reminder of the multiple joys of [a] police procedural with quirky characters, crisp dialog, and, in this case, a healthy dose of period detail. . . . Spread the word so that this satisfying debut will end up in the right hands.”Library Journal (starred)
“Slick, stylish and suspenseful – read it now!” Essentials
“Convincing atmosphere, lively dialogue and a fun cop duo unites Beatlemania, English racism and the Biafran war. ” The Times
“London-set police thriller William Shaw’s powerful debut novel is searing suspense and a haunting look at the 60’s. Murder, politics, international intrigue – the brutal death of a young woman set against the dark background of Abbey Road. The dialogue is razor-sharp and the London scene is brilliantly authentic. A Song From Dead Lips is thriller-writing at its best.” Linda Fairstein
“Over the course of a thrilling plot, William Shaw succeeds in recreating all the political tension and cultural upheaval of an explosive time .” Le Figaro
“All is impeccably researched. Shaw has imbued his London and its people: natives, incomers, transients, with the crude and frenetic aura of a decade, a time when pop culture was only the face of revolt, when, behind the façade, the old guard attempted to shore up the barricades, and people died violently… We have a new detective to join Brunetti and Sergeant Chee, and a debut to celebrate.” Shots Magazine
“Entertaining and thought-provoking in equal measure, with its wonderful description of sixties London.” Raven Crime
“The ending is action packed… a neat take on an over-examined decade. A sort of Magical Murder Mystery Tour.” Daily Express
Shortlisted for the Barry Award.