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The Deadly Spark

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The Deadly Spark

By: Roxie Key
Narrated by: Imogen Wilde
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About this listen

'Perfect holiday reading' Clare Mackintosh

'A gripping story' Jane Casey

Once secrets catch, they spread.

Deadly fires are lighting up Brighton, and the latest case is alarmingly close to home for DC Eve Starling. The blaze was deliberately set, and a mother and daughter didn’t make it out of the smoke.

Eve’s investigation takes her deep into her own uncomfortable past. When her key witness disappears, and with the killer always one step ahead, Eve is desperate to solve the case – whatever the cost.

But Eve has no idea how close she is to the flames, and playing with fire can get you burned…

Perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, Jane Casey and Clare Mackintosh!

©2024 Roxie Key (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers
Crime Fiction Police Procedurals Psychological Suspense Women Sleuths
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Critic reviews

'A real page-turner' The Sun

'Suspenseful and gripping' Heat

'Brings a real fresh feel to the police procedural genre. An absolute cracking read. Highly recommended.' Robert Rutherford, author of Seven Days

'A brilliantly compelling page-turner, and a highly original combination of police-procedural and psychological thriller. Full of twists and turns, secrets and lies, I raced through it!' Russ Thomas, author of Firewatching

‘An astonishing debut and twisty tale with engaging characters, plenty of secrets, and I didn’t see the end coming. This writer is one to watch.’ Tina Baker, author of Call Me Mummy

'I raced through this gripping debut; DC Eve Starling is feisty, fearless and so relatable.' Louise Jensen, author of The Fall

‘With The Deadly Spark, Roxie Key boldly sears her name into the crime fiction conversation. An enthralling mystery run through with trauma and redemption, carrying real freshness, sensitivity, surprises, and potency.’ Rob Parker, author of The Thirty Miles Trilogy

'WHAT A DEBUT! An incredible book with so many layers and an explosive ending!' Jen Faulkner, author of What Goes Around

'This accomplished debut delivers psychological tension as taut as any piano wire, and the twists and turns of a great procedural. An essential read for crime fiction fans.' Adam Hamdy, author of The Other Side of Night

'A brilliant book, with first-class characterisation. The Deadly Spark is twisty, heart-breaking and compelling.' Claire Allan, author of In the Dark

What listeners say about The Deadly Spark

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Excellent debut police procedural

I always enjoy discovering new authors, and I loved this cracking debut novel which I raced through, always wanting just one more chapter before sleep! The Deadly Spark is a police procedural set in Brighton and which centres around the murder, by arson, of a mother and her young daughter. The storyline was great and well plotted and the characters are well written and credible. I especially liked DC Eve Starling, whose own tragic past is gradually uncovered. I also liked the dual timeline and dual POVs which kept the book interesting. I really hope that this will become a series!

I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed Imogen Wilde's narration.

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Great original story

Nice to see a LGBTQ+ story where this is not made a big deal of it's just there as part of the story. I really liked this book. I found the narration a bit confusing at times as I was listening on audible but will buy the next one as a paperback. I liked Eve who was a young detective trying to come to terms with a troubled past. i got annoyed with a lot of Anya's decisions but I get that this was intentional. The twist at the end is believable and worth waiting for.

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Beautiful twists

Such an engaging debut from Roxie Key, this was a delight to enjoy, and at times very hard to tear myself away from. Detailed and endearing characters, thrilling plot and familiar settings; I can’t wait for the sequel!

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Gripping

This book had me gripped immediately. The characters are interesting and well developed with great back stories. I liked the changes between timelines and the narrative from different characters. A very well written book and highly recommended.

Imogen Wilde’s narration was spot on.

What a brilliant debut novel, I can’t wait for the sequel!

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Brilliant debut novel

Great characters, love the multiple voices, well read.... oh and the twist at the end. looking forward to the follow up novel!

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Great book

loved the book. great story. brilliant twist leaves you wanting more. hope there is a sequel

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