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

A Killing in November is a crime novel by Mick Herron that was shortlisted for the CWA Gold Dagger 2023. It follows the story of Ryan Wilkins, a young Detective Inspector from a trailer park, and DI Ray Wilkins, a privileged graduate of Balliol College, Oxford. When a young woman is found strangled at Barnabas Hall, they are forced to work together to investigate the murder. The novel is full of surprises, well-plotted, and funny, and has a TV series written all over it. The investigation gradually disentangles the links between a Syrian refugee lawyer, a priceless copy of the Koran, and the identity of the dead woman.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 27 October 2022
Publisher: Quercus Publishing

Ryan Wilkins, a young Detective Inspector, grew up in a trailer park and was a member of what many people would call the criminal classes. Despite his disgust with privileged elites and objectionable manners, he notices things and has a keen eye for detail. His professional partner, DI Ray Wilkins, is an impeccably groomed, smooth-talking graduate of Balliol College, Oxford, with a wealthy Nigerian-London heritage. Despite their differences, they are forced to work together when a young woman is found strangled at Barnabas Hall.

Rich Oxford is not Ryan's natural habitat, and St. Barnabas' irascible Provost does not appreciate his forceful line of questioning. However, when the dead woman is discovered in the Provost's study, questions arise about her presence there and the connection to Sheik al-Medina, a Gulf state ruler linked to human-rights abuses and acts of atrocity in other countries. As tensions rise, Ray is in despair, and Ryan is facing disciplinary measures.

However, their investigation gradually uncovers the links between a Syrian refugee lawyer now working in the college kitchens, a priceless copy of the Koran in the college collection, and the identity of the dead woman. A Killing in November introduces an unlikely duo from different sides of the tracks in Oxford in a deftly plotted murder story full of dangerous turns.

The novel is praised for its atmospheric writing, well-plotted story, and engaging characters. It has received numerous awards and nominations, including the CWA Gold Dagger 2023, which recognizes the best crime novel of the year. The Sunday Times (Crime Book of the Month) described the novel as "a terrific crime novel" and praised its moody atmosphere and surprising twists. The Sun (****) praised the novel for its well-plotted story and humor, stating that it had a TV series written all over it. The Daily Mail also praised the novel, stating that it was "well plotted and very funny."

Overall, A Killing in November is a compelling crime novel that delves into the complexities of human relationships, social inequality, and the consequences of our actions. It is a must-read for fans of crime fiction and anyone who enjoys a well-crafted story with intricate plotlines and memorable characters.

Weight: 292g
Dimension: 129 x 199 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529415704