The Midnight Killing

Sharon Dempsey

Feb 2022 · Sold by HarperCollins UK

About this ebook

She’d cycled this way hundreds of times before, every twist and turn familiar. She didn’t know this would be the last.

When the body of architect James McCallum is found hanging in the grounds of his former school one cold night, DI Danny Stowe and forensic psychologist Rose Lainey suspect foul play behind his apparent suicide.

To their astonishment, the trail leads to a 20-year-old cold case of a missing girl, and a teenage party. But what was James’ fascination with the case and how is it linked to his death?

Secrets don’t stay buried forever – but the real killer will stop at nothing to hide theirs...

An absolutely gripping and totally unputdownable crime thriller that will keep you up all night! Perfect for fans of Patricia Gibney, Val McDermid and Rachel Caine.

Readers are gripped by The Midnight Killing:

‘Taut and intense... had me on the edge of my seat.’ Angela Marsons

'I started The Midnight Killing last night and seriously couldn't put it down until I'd finished... Gripping, dark and highly charged. I absolutely loved it!' Carol Wyer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Left my heart in my mouth... fresh, tense and exhilarating.’ Carla Kovach ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Another fantastic read from rising star Sharon Dempsey. I was on the edge of my seat, you will be too.’ Adrian McKinty

‘An absolute page turner. Just when you think you have it figured something comes along and you are back to figuring out who, what, when, where and why!’ Rubie_reads ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I love this... I couldn’t wait till the end to find out what happened. What a winner!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Wow! What a story!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I was intrigued from the very beginning and stayed hooked all the way through.’ The Sleepy Reader Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘From the beginning it kept you hooked... made me want to go on reading deep into the night.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Dark, twisty, and atmospheric... The Midnight Killing's Danny Stowe and Rose Lainey are a dynamic team...!’ Bestselling author Sam Blake

Ratings and reviews

‘The Midnight Killing’ had me haunted from the first couple of chapters and that’s down to the creepy and atmospheric setting. That horse chestnut at dawn - whoa! (You’ll have to read if if you want to know what I’m on about - hehe). I love a story where the investigators have something personal going on and main characters, Danny and Rose, added many layers. Rose’s past was compelling whereas Danny brought a huge level of emotion to the table. Both had issues to resolve and I really enjoyed the dynamics between them. A DI and a forensic psychologist working together; what’s not to be thrilled about? The actual investigation left my heart in my mouth and it touched me emotionally too. The weaving of the child who disappeared in the past and the hanged man of present, was clever. This book took me on a journey that felt fresh, tense and exhilarating. It’s perfect for those who love a crime investigation with a historical element and I’d thoroughly recommend it!

About the author

Sharon Dempsey is a PhD candidate at Queen’s University, exploring class and gender in crime fiction. She was a journalist and health writer before turning to writing crime fiction and has written for a variety of publications and newspapers, including the Irish Times. Sharon also facilitates creative writing classes for people affected by cancer and other health challenges.