A Killing in November: The Sunday Times Crime Book of the Month

A Killing in November is a crime novel by Mick Herron that follows the unlikely duo of Ryan Wilkins and DI Ray Wilkins as they investigate a murder at Barnabas Hall, an Oxford college. The novel is full of surprises, well-plotted, and funny, with a TV series written all over it.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 20 January 2022
Publisher: Quercus Publishing

Ryan Wilkins, a young Detective Inspector, grew up in a trailer park, considered part of the criminal classes. Despite his disdain for privileged elites and objectionable manners, he possesses a keen eye for detail. His professional partner, DI Ray Wilkins, comes from an affluent Nigerian-London background and possesses impeccable grooming and smooth-talking skills. Their contrasting personalities create tension, as they are forced to work together when a young woman is found strangled at Barnabas Hall.

Oxford, a world unfamiliar to Ryan, proves to be a challenging environment. The irascible Provost of St. Barnabas does not appreciate Ryan's direct questioning style. However, the investigation takes an unexpected turn when they discover the dead woman in the Provost's study. It raises questions about her presence on the night of her murder, coinciding with the arrival of Sheik al-Medina, a Gulf state ruler linked to human rights abuses and acts of atrocity.

As tensions escalate, Ray falls into despair, while Ryan faces disciplinary measures. However, their diligent investigation gradually unravels the connections between a Syrian refugee lawyer working in the college kitchens, a priceless copy of the Koran in the college collection, and the identity of the deceased woman.

A Killing in November introduces an unlikely duo, Ryan and Ray, from different social backgrounds in Oxford. The story is meticulously plotted, filled with dangerous twists, troubled pasts, and unconventional detective work. The characters are well-developed, and their interactions and discoveries keep the reader engaged and guessing until the final resolution.

This moody, atmospheric novel has received critical acclaim, including being named Crime Book of the Month by the Sunday Times. It has also been praised for its humor, with the Sun describing it as "well plotted and very funny." The Daily Mail has suggested that the novel has the potential for a TV series, highlighting its intriguing plot and compelling characters.

In conclusion, A Killing in November is a terrific crime novel by Mick Herron that offers a captivating blend of mystery, suspense, and humor. The unlikely partnership between Ryan and Ray, along with the intricate plot and well-developed characters, make this a must-read for fans of the genre. Whether you're drawn to the atmospheric setting of Oxford or the intriguing investigation, this novel will keep you engaged and entertained from start to finish.

Weight: 638g
Dimension: 165 x 244 x 40 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529415674