Author Description

''The Dictionary of Crime is now the first book I reach for when beginning a new novel. An essential resource, it''s packed with explanations, insider information, contemporary and historical slang, as well as some downright bizarre laws and practices. It''s funny, fascinating and a damn good read'' M. W CRAVEN, winner of the 2019 Crime Writers Association Gold Dagger for best crime novel of the year for The Puppet Show ''A really good idea... executed neatly to come up with the perfect gift for crime lovers'' MAT COWARD, Morning Star ''I found myself rolling around in it for hours, like a gangster''s moll on a bed full of money. Sheer delight!'' CATRIONA McPHERSON ''Where was this book when I started writing? From Aconite to the Zodiac Killer is the essential companion for any serious reader or writer of crime'' LEYE ADENLE, author of When Trouble Sleeps ''A fascinating compendium of crime facts which should be on the shelves of every crime writer - and every crime reader'' SIMON BRETT ''This is a dangerous book in so many ways, chock full of ways of killing people, from undetectable poisons to various types of guns. It contains riveting accounts of notorious murderers, is crammed with fascinating details of slang, and precise particulars of police procedures. The perfect gift for any true crime enthusiast and an indispensable guide for all crime fiction writers.'' S. W. WILLIAMS, author of Small Deaths and How to Write Crime Fiction ''A remarkable achievement. At once elucidating and compelling, indispensable and unputdownable. It reads like a page-turning thriller. Whether a crime writer who needs to distinguish a blood agent from a bum beef or a reader with an interest in queer coal makers, this lexicon will keep you hooked, and leave you sublimely informed.'' GARY DONNELL