CATHERINE AIRD

Twenty-two brand new short stories which are guaranteed to delight fans and win the author many more. The indefatigable detective Inspector Sloan reappears in many of these stories with his sidekick Crosby. But there are also new characters to be met, such as the mysterious Malcolm Venables of the Secret Service. Full of delicious twists and turns, Last Writes is a collection to curl up with and savour.

The dramatic theft of an 18th Century painting is discovered just moments before the old manor house uniquely depicted in the background of the portrait is set alight; coincidence? Does the reputation of the Baronet, the subject of the painting, as a hell-raiser and member of the Crustacean club have any connection to the fire? Events become decidedly more complex as a grisly spectacle is sighted in the blazing inferno moments before the roof collapses. The pile of bones spotted in the burning room only deepens the mystery which Detective Inspector Sloan and Detective Constable Crosby have to piece together, a puzzle which has its roots deep in Bereburys history. Although Tolmie Park has had a somewhat chequered and mysterious past there are those in the community who would fight to preserve it. There are also a number of factions within the area who have differing plans to develop the property, shrouding the blaze in further suspicion. It is up to the team to sift through this assortment of characters and illuminate the truth; in this close knit village of Berebury somebody must have answers.

When Mike Wakefields business partner absconds with their printing firms money, Detective Inspector Sloan is tasked with what appears to be a cut-and-dry case of embezzlement. However, unsettling events - tyres slashed, bricks through windows - make it clear that someone is really gunning for Mike.There is just one print job to put to bed in time for a lavish launch party at Ornum House. All goes according to plan until one of Mikes employees is found dead . And he wasnt the only casualty. DI Sloan and DC Crosby have a tangled set of motives and some devious chicanery to unpick to discover a killer.

Janet Wakefield is shocked by a call from the Berebury Nursing Home, informing her that her husbands estranged great-aunt, Josephine Short, has passed away. Janet is sure that her husband Bill was the last of Josephines close family, so she is taken aback when a handsome young man introduces himself at the funeral as Josephines grandson. Meanwhile Detectives Sloan and Crosby find themselves assigned two rather puzzling cases. First, theres the young womans body which has been discovered in the River Alm. And then theres the mysterious break-in at Berebury Nursing Home. To be precise, its Josephine Shorts room at the Nursing Home thats been entered, although nothing seems to be missing. What could the intruder have been after? It becomes apparent to Sloan and Crosby that the two cases are connected ...but who can the killer be?

When flirtatious golfing beginner Helen Sewell, goes in search for her wayward golf ball in the dreaded Hells Bells bunker, she is not prepared for the horrible surprise that lies buried under the soft sand. When a body is discovered by two lady golfers buried in the steepest bunker on the course Detective Inspector Sloan and Detective Constable Crosby are called in to solve a murder mystery, with more twists and turns than a golf course. This is a gentle and finely constructed murder mystery, set on Berebury golf course in the fictional county of Calleshire. "The Sloan and Crosby" series have been beloved by fans and lauded by critics for their wonderful comic touch, intricate plotting and literate charm.

When Jack Haines reports a break-in at his greenhouse, the motive of the intruder is unclear. Other than the destruction of some expensive orchids, no damage has been done and nothing seems to be missing. But Detectives Sloan and Crosby sense something sinister, and soon their suspicions are confirmed. Similar reports are multiplying and sabotage is the word on everyones lips. The pair are drawn into an equally perplexing case when the mysterious Miss Enid Maude Osgathorp goes missing. It soon becomes clear that the cases are linked, but will this provide the clues necessary to solve the mystery? Detectives Sloan and Crosby aim to find out . . .

Much-loved Calleshire research chemist Derek Tridgell has been ill for some time. On his deathbed, his incessant, but unintelligible mutterings culminate in a very clear cry of foul murder. Detective Inspector Sloan and Detective Constable Crosby are brought in to investigate whether these are just the ramblings of a man at deaths door, or a real confession at the final hour. Their enquiries uncover three tragic deaths that may or may not be linked to the deceaseds last words: an accidental drowning at a rival chemist manufacturer; an old friend of Dereks killed in a caving expedition whose body was never retrieved; Dereks son Paul walking away unscathed from a fatal car accident that killed one and left others irrevocably injured. With a tight-lipped Paul knowing more than hes letting on, Sloan and Crosby have their work cut out if theyre going to untangle this complex case . . .

Four strangers arrive at the solicitors office of Puckle, Puckle, and Nunnery. They have never met, and have no idea why they have been invited. But they - along with a missing man - are descendants of the late Algernon George Culver Mayton, the inventor of "Maytons Marvellous Mixture" and each entitled to a portion of the Mayton Fortune. But before they can split the money, the missing man must be found. They begin their search, but then Detective Sloan receives a call that one of the legatees had died following an attack of food poisoning. Now detectives Sloan and Crosby must determine whether the deceased merely ingested a noxious substance by accident, or if the legatees are being picked off one-by-one. And when matters of money and family rivalry are involved, there is almost certainly foul play afoot.

Four strangers learn that they - along with a missing man - are descendants of an inventor and each entitled to part of his fortune. But first, the missing man must be found. They begin their search, but then Detective Sloan receives a call that one of the legatees had died. Was it really food poisoning, or is something more sinister afoot?

It s deep winter and time to light the fire pull up a blanket and curl up with your cat But has it occurred to you that your feline companion might be licking blood from its paws Slink through shadows and brush with death in these three classic cat themed mystery tales from beloved crime authors Catherine Aird Edmund Crispin Patricia Highsmith and Ellis Peters A Case of the Claws brings a thrilling winter chill to the festive season and asks are these furry friends the guardians of our secrets or omens of misfortune