Standalone

The Library Murders

Alyssa Clark is about to find out that reading really can be murder.

She thought her new job in Thornhill Library would be safe and uneventful. Boring, even. But on her first day at work, a masked gunman storms into the building and blows away every member of staff on duty. Alyssa barely escapes with her life.

The police are satisfied they’ve got their man, but Davy, Alyssa’s colleague and the only other survivor of the massacre, is convinced the real killer is still at large. Alyssa – trying to move on with her life while dealing with traumatic flashbacks and the unwanted advances of an obsessive ex – is sceptical. However, when she stumbles across damning evidence of a cover-up, she agrees to join forces with Davy to help track down the real culprit.

But in her pursuit of the truth, will she find the closure she desperately craves… or provoke the wrath of a killer with unfinished business on his mind?

If you like twists, turns and compelling, conflicted characters, you’ll love this gripping new mystery from the McIlvanney Prize-nominated author of In the Silence.

Crime Time

Featured in Crime Time's Best of the Year 2020 list



Bonus Goodies

Extract

Read the first two chapters of The Library Murders.

Alyssa Q&A

Read an exclusive interview with the novel's protagonist at Suze Reviews.

Free Tie-in Novella

Free Tie-in Novella

Read to the end of the book for your link to the exclusive prequel, The Library Murders: Origin.

Deleted Epilogue

Read the deleted epilogue featuring DCI Claire Metcalfe.


Reviews

The Library Murders may sound like some cosy whodunnit – but don’t be fooled – it’s an immersive slow burn of a tale, peppered with disquieting fire-crackers of revelation.”

— Morgan Cry, author of Thirty-One Bones

“While the characters here are strikingly drawn... the real pleasure... lies in the clever and fragmented plotting, which keeps the reader pleasurably off balance.”

— Barry Forshaw, Financial Times

A thrilling, intriguing crime thriller... with plenty of twists and revelations to keep you hooked through to an unexpected showdown conclusion.”

— Noel Megahey, The Digital Fix

A page-turner of dark delight... full of graphic and grisly detail, rich character observation and dark humour.”

— Mark Cunliffe, The Geek Show

"A novel that takes unexpected turns and constantly changes form is always welcome... The motive will sock you in the teeth. Mackenzie has come up with something that defies easy definition and is truly original."

— Paul Burke, NB Magazine

A brilliantly paced thriller spiced with nerve-twisting tension, spine-tingling chills and intelligent wit that will keep readers on the edge of their seats throughout.”

Bookish Jottings

A riveting tale that will entertain, thrill and delight you.”

Books Behind the Title

“From start to finish this was a great read.”

Cheekypee Reads and Reviews

"The attention to detail through this book felt like a work of art. It flowed constantly and kept you on your toes."

Literacy Indulgence

"This book is as much a study of human interactions with others and the repercussions as well as a deftly plotted murder mystery."

Avonna Loves Genres

"A joy to read -- an intelligent, often humorous, well crafted crime thriller which will keep you turning the pages."

Suze Reviews