Needless Alley: The critically acclaimed noir crime debut

"Needless Alley" is an FT Best Summer Thriller 2023 that creates an atmosphere of mounting menace and conjures up a vivid backdrop of 1930s Birmingham. It follows the story of William Garrett, a private enquiry agent who facilitates divorces for the city's male elite, and his best friend, Ronnie Edgerton, who sets up honey traps. When William falls in love with a client's wife, he finds himself entangled in a dangerous obsession. The book is drenched in evocative period atmosphere and features an unforgettable cast of characters. It has been praised for its seamy glitter and cynical grime, and is considered a herald of a new genre: Midlands Noir.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 09 November 2023
Publisher: John Murray Press

"Needless Alley" is a thrilling novel that has been recognized as one of the best summer thrillers of 2023. The book creates an atmosphere of mounting menace and suspense, drawing the reader into a world of intrigue and danger.

The Times praises the author for conjuring up a backdrop so vivid that it feels like the reader can taste the smoke in the air. The setting of 1930s Birmingham is brought to life with rich detail and historical accuracy, adding to the immersive experience of the story.

Private enquiry agent William Garrett is the protagonist of the novel. He facilitates divorces for the city's male elite, using honey traps to catch his clients in compromising situations. However, photographing unsuspecting women in flagrante plagues his conscience, and he struggles with remorse after every job.

William's life takes a turn when he meets the beautiful Clara Morton, who is the wife of a client. Little does he know that she is the wife of a leading fascist with a dangerous obsession. As the story unfolds, what should have been another straightforward job turns into something far more deadly.

The novel is drenched in evocative period atmosphere, taking the reader from seedy canal-side pubs to crumbling Warwickshire manor houses and into the hidden spaces of Birmingham's Queer, bohemian society. The author has done an excellent job of capturing the seamy glitter and cynical grime of the genre, making "Needless Alley" a gripping read that any Peaky Blinder fan is sure to love.

Alan Parks, the author of "Bloody January," also praises the book, describing it as "Midlands Noir." He notes that the protagonist, Marlow, may herald the birth of a new genre, combining the atmospheric elements of classic crime fiction with the gritty realism of the Midlands.

Susan Stokes-Chapman, the author of "Pandora," also commends "Needless Alley" for its gripping read. She describes the novel as a "thrilling and atmospheric tale" that transports the reader back to the 1930s and immerses them in the dark glory of Birmingham.

In conclusion, "Needless Alley" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys thrilling novels with a historical setting. The book's vivid portrayal of 1930s Birmingham, its engaging protagonist, and its gripping plot make it a standout in the genre. Whether you are a fan of Peaky Blinders or crime fiction in general, "Needless Alley" is sure to captivate and entertain you.

Weight: 246g
Dimension: 128 x 198 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399801812