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Books

Chasing the Dragon (2023)

A Novel 

The much-awaited follow up to Waking the Tiger, shortlisted for the 2022 Crime Writers’ Association John Creasey (New Blood) Dagger, the 2021 Scottish Crime Debut of the Year, and the 2022 Ngaio Marsh Best First Novel Prize.

‘A superbly written, intriguing and beautifully paced literary thriller that transported me flawlessly to 1940s Singapore. I was hooked from the very first page.’ Megan Davis, award-winning author of The Messenger

‘A classy, and future classic, historical crime novel with all the nuance and intelligence of the best of the genre.’ Natalie Marlow, author of critically acclaimed Needless Alley

‘Wow. One of the best books I have read in a long time.’ Antony Dunford, author of Born the Same and CWA New Blood Dagger longlisted novel Hunted

Singapore, 1940

A local fisherman finds the body of a missing American archaeologist


Detective Inspector Betancourt of the Singapore Marine Police is first on the scene. Something doesn't quite add up. He finds out that the archaeologist, Richard Fulbright, was close to deciphering the previously-untranslatable script on a pre-colonial relic known as the Singapore Stone. This was no accidental drowning.

Is there more to this case than archaeological rivalries?

 

Betancourt also discovers that Fulbright had been having an affair. He is sure he is onto something bigger than just academic infighting.

A government opium factory draws criminal interest

 

In his investigations into the death, Betancourt finds his own life in danger, and now he has also put himself on the wrong side of British Military Intelligence, and he is unsure which set of opponents he fears the most...

Coming 12 September 2023
NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER

Waking the Tiger (2021)  

A Novel 

Singapore, 1939

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A young Japanese woman is found dead on the dockside, her throat slashed

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Inspector Maximo Betancourt is working a new beat, one he didn't ask for. Following the disappearance of his wife, his life and career have fallen apart.

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A distinctive tiger tattoo is the only clue to her identity

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Once a rising star of Singapore CID, Betancourt has been relegated to the Marine Division, with tedious dockyard disputes and goods inspections among his new duties.

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Who is she? And why are the authorities turning a blind eye?

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But when a beautiful, unidentified Japanese woman is found murdered in the shadow of a warehouse owned by one of Singapore's most powerful families, Betancourt defies orders and pursues those responsible. What he discovers will bring him into conflict with powerful enemies, and force him to face his personal demons.

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