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Reviews and Awards

Waking the Tiger

  • Shortlisted for the Crime Writers' Association John Creasey (New Blood) Dagger 2022

  • Finalist for the Ngaio Marsh Awards Best First Novel 2022

  • Shortlisted for the Scottish Crime Debut of the Year 2021

  • Longlisted for the McIlvanney Prize for Scottish Crime Book of the Year 2021

'Intricately plotted, thoroughly authentic and in Betancourt, a world-weary but witty and appealing protagonist, Waking the Tiger is a wonderfully accomplished debut. I felt transported back to the Singapore of the 1940s and I can't wait for the next one. Wightman is a writer we can expect great things of.' Abir Mukherjee

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A splendidly evoked 1930s Singapore, a determined and engaging detective and a dark and twisting tale - Waking the Tiger is historical crime fiction at its best.' William Ryan

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5* I absolutely loved this book. An intriguing story with well-rounded characters. The evocation of pre-war Singapore was so well done! I can’t wait for the next Betancourt novel. Goodreads Reviewer

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5* If you really only one book make it this one. Goodreads Reviewer

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5* A beautifully evocative crime novel set in Singapore 1939, Waking the Tiger is filled with complex characters, sinister subplots and a great lead in the crime tradition. Goodreads

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5* A spectacular debut. Goodreads Reviewer


5* Marvellous story in a deeply atmospheric setting. I absolutely loved this book. An intriguing story with well-rounded characters. The evocation of pre-war Singapore was so well done! I can’t wait for the next Betancourt novel. Amazon Reviewer

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5* Mark Wightman knows how to keep a reader hooked. Hope to read more by this author. Great story. Sorry it came to an end. Amazon Reviewer

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5* Exceptional. A true thriller, excellent detective work, story beautifully woven and completed. The kaleidoscope of characters set in sultry Singapore British colonial era. Amazon Reviewer

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5* What an exceptional mystery! I do hope that Mr. Wightman has plans for more Detective Betancourt mysteries. A blend of mystery and the history of Singapore in 1939. In fact the city of Singapore is so deftly crafted by the author that it deserves a place on the list of characters. More, more, more! The story of Max Betancourt can’t possibly end with just one mystery!!! Amazon Reviewer

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