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Vendor
Liepman Literary Agency
Marc Koralnik
Original language
English

DEATH NOTES

Sarah Rayne

A Phineas Fox Mystery (Book 1)

Introducing professional researcher Phineas Fox in the first of a brand-new series of chilling mysteries.
Phineas Fox has mixed feelings when he's asked to research the infamous 19th-century violinist Roman Volf for a TV documentary. Hanged for his part in the assassination of Tsar Alexander II in 1881, Volf was a notorious criminal and womaniser, whose glittering talent was undermined by his scandalous private life. However, on uncovering evidence which suggests that Volf could not have been involved in the Tsar's murder, Phin's investigations lead him to the west coast of Ireland – and a series of intriguing, interlocking mysteries reaching from 1881 to the present day.

Was Roman Volf executed for something he didn't do? And what is his connection with the reclusive Maxim Volf now living in County Galway? Phin's enquiries will unearth a number of dark secrets which lurk below the surface of the quiet Irish village of Kilcarne.

Sarah Rayne's first novel was published in 1982, and for several years she juggled writing books with working in property, pounding an elderly typewriter into the small hours in order to meet deadlines.

Much of the inspiration for her dark psychological thrillers comes from the histories and atmospheres of old buildings, a fact that is strongly apparent in many of her settings - Mortmain House in A Dark Dividing, Twygrist Mill in Spider Light, and the Tarleton Theatre in Ghost Song.

She has written more than 25 books to date, and her work has met with considerable acclaim, with Tower of Silence being long-listed for the 2005 Theakston's Award. Her books are also published in America, Germany, Holland, Russia and Turkey.

In 2011 she published the first of a series of ghost-themed books, featuring the Oxford don, Michael Flint, and the antiques dealer, Nell West, who made their debut in Property of a Lady.

Several years ago Sarah also wrote six contemporary horror books, originally under the pen-name of Frances Gordon and recently re-issued in e-Book format. Her much-loved 'Wolfking' fantasy quartet is also being re-issued in e-Book format.
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Published 2017-01-01 by Severn House

Comments

“Fans of erudite mysteries with a musical slant are in for a treat” Publishers Weekly on Song of the Damned

“ various narrative threads converge in the shadow of a menacing castle in the remote German countryside Will keep the reader guessing to the end.” Publishers Weekly on Chord of Evil

“ masterfully draws out the suspense by progressively revealing the underlying truths.” Kirkus on Chord of Evil

"Rayne, is launching a new series here, and if future installments are as gripping and intricately plotted as this one, it could have a long run" Booklist on Death Notes

“Enjoyable contemporary series launch . The narrative bounces between Fox's research and excerpts from Quince's endearingly funny diary By turns jaunty and thrilling ” Publishers' Weekly on Death Notes