Sam Williams Series by Joel Hames

Two dead cops and a suspect who won’t talk.“intelligent, intricately woven" - S.E. Lynes“It's going to leave me with a thriller hangover for some time.” - John Marrs“a white-knuckle, breathlessly-paced read that also has heart.” - Louise Beech“A pacy thriller, rich in voice and with gratifying degree of complexity... moreTwo dead cops and a suspect who won’t talk.“intelligent, intricately woven" - S.E. Lynes“It's going to leave me with a thriller hangover for some time.” - John Marrs“a white-knuckle, breathlessly-paced read that also has heart.” - Louise Beech“A pacy thriller, rich in voice and with gratifying degree of complexity.” - John BowenOnce the brightest star in the legal firmament, Sam Williams has hit rock bottom, with barely a client to his name and a short-term cash problem that's looking longer by the minute. So when he's summoned to Manchester to help a friend crack a case involving the murder of two unarmed police officers and a suspect who won't say a word, he jumps at the chance to resurrect his career. In Manchester he'll struggle against resentful locals, an enigmatic defence lawyer who thinks he's stepping on her toes, beatings, corrupt cops and people who'll do anything to protect their secrets. On its streets, he’ll see people die. But it's in the hills and valleys further north that Sam will face the biggest challenge of learning who he really is and facing down the ghosts of his past.He’s working someone else’s case and he’s in way over his head. But sometimes you need the wrong man in the right place.Praise for DEAD NORTH“In Dead North, Hames’ lawyer turned accidental sleuth, Sam Williams, finds himself far from home and neck deep in Manchester’s seamy gangster scene. But what stands out in this intelligent, intricately woven crime procedural - with a plot to make your brain hurt - is the undercurrent of slick and highly enjoyable humour reminiscent of Raymond Chandler, updated for the twenty-first century. Loved it.” S.E. Lynes, author of Mother, Valentina and The Pact“I really enjoyed it. The characters spring off the page with such natural ease. I was gripped by the story – I love a book that takes turns where you least expect. It's going to leave me with a thriller hangover for some time.” John Marrs, author of The One, The Good Samaritan and When You Disappeared“Hames is such a talent that he has created a white-knuckle, breathlessly-paced read that also has heart. Beautifully written and thrilling, Dead North deserves to go to the top of any chart.” Louise Beech, author of I Am Dust, How To Be Brave and Call Me Star Girl“A pacy thriller, rich in voice and with gratifying degree of complexity. Hames knows how to deliver.” John Bowen, author of Where the Dead Walk, Vessel and Death Stalks Kettle Street less

Four murders Four messages One chance to catch a killer. Renowned human rights lawyer Elizabeth Maurier lies dead, her body mutilated, her killer unknown. For DI Olivia Martins and her team, it’s a mystery. For the victim’s daughter Lizzy, a poet and academic with a shaky grasp on reality, it’s a tragedy. But for Sam Williams, the man Elizabeth fired a decade ago and hasn’t spoken to since, it’s a whole new world of pain. Elizabeth’s death has stirred a sleeping past back to life... moreFour murders Four messages One chance to catch a killer. Renowned human rights lawyer Elizabeth Maurier lies dead, her body mutilated, her killer unknown. For DI Olivia Martins and her team, it’s a mystery. For the victim’s daughter Lizzy, a poet and academic with a shaky grasp on reality, it’s a tragedy. But for Sam Williams, the man Elizabeth fired a decade ago and hasn’t spoken to since, it’s a whole new world of pain. Elizabeth’s death has stirred a sleeping past back to life. Former clients are darkening Sam’s door, old enemies returning, ancient cases reopening. It doesn’t help that DI Martins is on his case, the press are dogging his every step, and his girlfriend’s behaviour is increasingly erratic. But Elizabeth’s murder is just the start. As Sam reluctantly digs his way back into the past, more truths will crumble into lies. More certainties will shade to doubt. And more innocent people will die. Praise for JOEL HAMES “In Dead North, Hames’ lawyer turned accidental sleuth, Sam Williams, finds himself far from home and neck deep in Manchester’s seamy gangster scene. But what stands out in this intelligent, intricately woven crime procedural - with a plot to make your brain hurt - is the undercurrent of slick and highly enjoyable humour reminiscent of Raymond Chandler, updated for the twenty-first century. Loved it.” S.E. Lynes, author of Mother, Valentina and The Pact “I really enjoyed it. The characters spring of the page with such natural ease. I was gripped by the story – I love a book that takes turns where you least expect. It's going to leave me with a thriller hangover for some time.” John Marrs, author of The One, The Good Samaritan and When You Disappeared “Hames is such a talent that he has created a white-knuckle, breathlessly-paced read that also has heart. Beautifully written and thrilling, Dead North deserves to go to the top of any chart.” Louise Beech, author of Maria in the Moon, How To Be Brave and The Mountain in my Shoe “A pacy thriller, rich in voice and with gratifying degree of complexity. Hames knows how to deliver.” John Bowen, author of Where the Dead Walk, Vessel and Death Stalks Kettle Street less