The problem with telling tales is that you might get caught out by the twist: pre-order the most original literary thriller of 2024, from the author of the sensational Eight Detectives

A group of friends gather in a country house for a birthday party.

At their host’s request, they each write a short mystery. They draw names from a hat: in each story, one of the group is the killer, and another the victim.

Of course, when given such a task, it’s only natural to use what you know. Secrets. Grudges. Illicit love.

It’s just that once you put it in a story, the secret is out.

Oh, and just one more thing: this is a story that ends with a murder…

Praise for Alex Pavesi's sensational bestseller, Eight Detectives…

‘One of the year's most entertaining crime novels’ Sunday Times Crime Book of the Month

‘So, so clever . . . Agatha Christie would take her hat off to this one - bravo!’ Sarah Pinborough

‘A wonderfully tricksy debut and a loving tribute to the golden age of crime fiction’ Mail on Sunday

‘A box of delights . . . Pavesi's revelations are completely unexpected, right up to the end’ New York Times