About the Book

Val McDermid is an award-winning, crime-writing powerhouse, and now she returns to her explosive, thrilling series featuring psychological profiler Tony Hill and ex-DCI Carol Jordan in her latest How The Dead Speak

With Tony behind bars and Carol finally out of road as a cop, he’s finding unexpected outlets for his talents in jail and she’s joined forces with a small informal group of lawyers and forensics experts looking into suspected miscarriages of justice. But they’re doing it without each other; being in the same room at visiting hour is too painful to contemplate. Meanwhile, construction is suddenly halted on the redevelopment of an orphanage after dozens of skeletons are found buried in the grounds. Forensic examination reveals they date from between twenty and forty years ago, when the nuns were running their repressive regime. But then a different set of skeletons are discovered in a far corner, young men from as recent as ten years ago.

When newly promoted DI Paula McIntyre discovers that one of the male skeletons is that of a killer who is supposedly alive and behind bars—and the subject of one of Carol’s miscarriage investigations—it brings Tony and Carol irresistibly into each other’s orbit once again. A shocking, masterfully plotted novel that will leave readers breathless, How The Dead Speak is McDermid at her best and a can’t-miss read for long-time fans and new readers alike.

Praise for Insidious Intent

“Here McDermid is at her finest . . . Insidious Intent is a bold gamble that has the potential to shake long-cherished characters from their emotional complacency and advance the series into uncharted territory.”—Los Angeles Times

“One of crime fiction’s most eminent writers returns with another intricately plotted thriller.”— Entertainment Weekly “Best New Books”

“A highlight of novels written by Val McDermid is the tight control she maintains over her complex plots that are enhanced by believable and complicated characters . . . McDermid brings something special to the table as she shows in her latest novel . . . The intense plot moves briskly. McDermid keeps each twist believable . . . The author’s expert exploration of the human experience has never been better.”—Washington Post

“The 424 pages just flew by to a very shocking conclusion . . . You mustn’t skip this one. When you read it, you’ll understand.”—Deadly Pleasures

“McDermid puts both her characters and the reader through the emotional wringer with Insidious Intent . . . It’s both a terrific individual read and a culmination of ongoing character arcs throughout the books. McDermid is a maestro still at the top of her game, and adroitly balances shock and inevitability as events for beloved characters take a dark turn.”—Mystery Scene

“The narcissistic, controlled killer is engaging quarry and McDermid’s procedural details are as on point as ever . . . The final twist is both shocking and fitting, a must-read for series fans.”—Booklist (starred review)

“DCI Carol Jordan is tested to the max by the Wedding Killer . . . McDermid . . . rais[es] the heat in agonizingly tiny increments, until she’s ready for a finale guaranteed to leave you reeling.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Thoroughly pleasing, engaging, indeed compelling, a very fine piece of craftsmanship.”—Scotsman (UK)

“Val McDermid, known as the queen of psychological thrillers, surpasses herself here, delivering one of the most surprising twists you’ll read this year. Outstanding.”—Irish Independent (UK)