The Crime Writer

He plots perfect murders. Did he commit one?

Award-winning author Diane Jeffrey returns with this blistering, dark thriller.

2019. 34 year-old Leona Walsh vanishes on a bitter afternoon while jogging on Exmoor. It’s a mystery which captures public interest and ignites wild speculation. The police have a prime suspect: Leona’s husband, Matthew, a renowned crime writer. He can plot the perfect crime. But is he capable of committing the perfect murder?

Despite extensive searches, the police find no trace of Leona. As public interest dwindles, Matthew returns to raising their daughters, aware the cloud of suspicion is never far away.

2024. Some human bones are discovered in a garden. Could they be Leona’s remains? And if so, is there enough evidence to find out what really happened five years ago?

Journalist Gabriela Conti covered the news story back in 2019. The police may have stopped watching Matthew, but Gabriela hasn’t forgotten him. And she is determined this case will define her career… even if that means getting close to a murderer.

*****

'The Crime Writer bursts with suspense and intrigue with lots of thrilling twists' Jane Corry

'Such a clever premise and so brilliantly executed, The Crime Writer brims with authenticity and atmosphere – I was completely immersed in what it feels like to be at the heart of a high profile missing person case. Tense and twisty’ T. Orr Munro

'An engrossing, enthralling, intriguing thriller' Liz Nugent

‘Compelling storytelling’ Daily Mail

*****

Readers give The Crime Writer five stars! :

'Mysterious, gripping and a real page turner'

'A really intelligent thriller'

'An effortless read … flawless'

'It’s impossible to put down – cancel all your plans for the day!'

'Diane Jeffrey has a way of instantly drawing you in'

'Pacey and brilliantly gripping'

'Definitely one I recommend to psychological thriller fans'

'Keeps you guessing right to the end'

Reviews

Praise for Diane Jeffrey

‘Deliciously dark and suspenseful… A tour-de-force’ Alex Michaelides

‘Gripping, thought-provoking and scarily believable … just when you think you know where the story is going, another twist comes round the corner’ T.M. Logan

‘Stayed up late finishing this, just had to know what happened, brilliant final twist! Gripping page-turner with great characters’ B A Paris

‘Had me on the edge of my seat’ Lisa Hall

‘A compelling, addictive thriller’ Samantha Downing

‘Dark, gripping and suspenseful’ Lesley Kara

‘[A] powerhouse of a thriller’ Louise Mumford

'The writing is accomplished and the story works very well’ The Critic Magazine

About the author

Diane Jeffrey grew up in North Devon, in the United Kingdom. She now lives in Lyon, France with her husband and their three children, Labrador, cat and kitten.

Diane is an English teacher. When she's not working or writing, she likes swimming, running and reading. She loves chocolate, beer and holidays. Above all, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Readers can follow Diane on X @dianefjeffrey

or on Facebook.com/dianejeffreyauthor