{"title":"Books by Heather Critchlow","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"9781804362587","title":"Unsolved","description":"Shortlisted for Bloody Scotland Scottish Crime Debut of the Year 2023\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'A remarkable suspense debut exciting and unsettling.' A. J. Finn, author of \u003ci\u003eThe Woman in the Window\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHe won't rest until he finds out the truth\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCal Lovett is obsessed with finding justice for the families of missing people. His true crime podcast is his way of helping others, even if he can't help himself.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHis sister, Margot, disappeared when he was a child. Only one man seems to know something. But he's behind bars and can't be trusted.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSo when the family of a missing Scottish woman begs for his help, he heads to Aberdeenshire in search of the truth.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDoes Cal have what it takes to unearth the secrets hiding in the hills? And what if he finds something that leads him back to the heart of his own family's past?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eA gripping crime thriller by a brilliant debut novelist, perfect for fans of Jane Casey, Fiona Barton and Loreth Anne White.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePraise for \u003ci\u003eUnsolved\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'\u003cb\u003eOne to watch\u003c\/b\u003e' \u003ci\u003eThe Critic\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'\u003cb\u003eEvocative, with immersive descriptions of the Highlands setting\u003c\/b\u003e tightly plotted, well written and nicely characterised with \u003cb\u003ea compelling mystery\u003c\/b\u003e at its heart.' Harriet Tyce, author of \u003ci\u003eIt Ends at Midnight\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'\u003cb\u003eAn assured and compelling debut\u003c\/b\u003e. Elegant, reflective cold case mystery with a thriller's pace, \u003cb\u003ebeautifully written\u003c\/b\u003e to boot.' Dominic Nolan, author of \u003ci\u003eVine Street\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'Gripping and taut, \u003cb\u003eHeather Critchlow's prose is as beautiful as it is exciting A confident debut\u003c\/b\u003e.' Sam Holland, author of \u003ci\u003eThe Echo Man\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'\u003cb\u003eA gripping, chiller of a debut\u003c\/b\u003e. A darkly twisted tale with a touch of grace.' Rachael Blok, author of \u003ci\u003eThe Fall\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'I loved \u003ci\u003eUnsolved\u003c\/i\u003e. It is \u003cb\u003eboth compelling and assured with a wonderful sense of time and place\u003c\/b\u003e. The whole thing sang to me.' James Delargy, author of \u003ci\u003eVanished\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'\u003cb\u003eA nimble plot\u003c\/b\u003e showcases Critchlow's keen observation of human nature and the dark motivations of ordinary people \u003cb\u003eit got right under my skin\u003c\/b\u003e!' Jo Furniss, author of \u003ci\u003eAll the Little Children\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'\u003cb\u003eWhip-smart and razor-sharp\u003c\/b\u003e had me turning the pages into the small hours.' Alison Belsham, author of \u003ci\u003eDeath in Helmand\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'\u003cb\u003eAll the nuance of a Booker winner, all the pace of a bestselling thriller\u003c\/b\u003e, this spectacular mystery will keep you reading long after you should have turned out the light.' Kate Simants, author of \u003ci\u003eFreeze\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'A \u003cb\u003ebeautifully written, perfectly plotted\u003c\/b\u003e novel that's a cracking start to an exciting new crime series.' Sheila Bugler, author of \u003ci\u003eBlack Valley Farm\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'\u003cb\u003eCompletely enthralling\u003c\/b\u003e. Critchlow has perfectly built suspense and tension for the reader. \u003cb\u003eA must for the TBR\u003c\/b\u003e.'  Reader review\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eUnsolved\u003c\/i\u003e had me hooked right from the beginning\u003c\/b\u003e. The characters were all well-developed. Kept me guessing right up to the very end.'  Reader review\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'\u003cb\u003eA brilliant crime thriller\u003c\/b\u003e. Critchlow does a fantastic job of capturing the reader and building empathy for Cal's situation. \u003cb\u003eThe pace of storytelling is excellent, the narrative is skilfully plotted, and the characters come alive in the reader's imagination\u003c\/b\u003e.'  Reader review\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'\u003cb\u003eAn exceptionally assured debut from a writer who is surely one to watch\u003c\/b\u003e. This crime novel is \u003cb\u003echaracter-led and beautifully written\u003c\/b\u003e, with the added tension of a twisty plot and the gorgeous backdrop of Scotland.'  Reader review\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43071128273074,"sku":"9781804362587","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781804362587_6cdd6ef3-c84b-43ce-a9fe-c86401d325b5.jpg?v=1786026940"},{"product_id":"9781835981009","title":"Unknown","description":"\u003cp\u003eA woman with no name, a reckoning with the past, a present fraught with danger.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the most remote spot of the hills surrounding Loch Tay, a woman's remains were found. She had lay there a while, but any evidence of who she was had long gone or never existed. Crime podcaster Cal Lovett seeks to put 'Hillside Jane' to rest, but is he merely running from his own troubles? With the wife of his sister's alleged killer missing and a sense that any chance he had of getting justice for Margot is slipping from his grasp, Cal is at a crossroads. Perhaps peace for Hillside Jane will soothe his own fears.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBut events in the village don't bring the results anyone expected. Is Cal so stuck in the past that he won't spot the risk he faces in the here and now?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA gripping instalment of the bestselling Scottish crime series from Bloody Scotland Debut Prize for Scottish Crime-shortlisted author Heather Critchlow. Perfect for fans of Jane Casey, Claire Douglas and Neil Lancaster.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePraise for Heather Critchlow\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'One to watch' The Critic\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'Evocative, immersive, well written' Harriet Tyce\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'Exceptionally good' A. J. Finn\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'Assured and compelling' Dominic Nolan\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'Gripping and taut' Sam Holland\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'A darkly twisted tale' Rachael Blok\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'A tense and gripping tale that explores the complexities of motherhood' Heather Darwent\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'Heart-racing storytelling with very-real characters' James Delargy\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'Will keep you reading long after you should have turned out the light' Kate SimantsWhat readers are saying about Unknown 'A heart-pounding case, spanning past and present. Absolutely brilliant' Sam Holland\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'This series goes from strength to strength... the evocative setting is a blast of fresh Highlands air. A must-read for Scottish crime fiction fans' Jo Furniss\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'The perfect true-crime thriller. It was suspenseful and kept me turning the pages until the end' Reader review\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'Heather Critchlow's storytelling is superb. She weaves threads and timelines together seamlessly and keeps up the page-turning suspense. An outstanding crime series' Reader review\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'My goodness what a story! With such exquisite writing and plot twists you won't see coming, you really will be up all night! An absolute must-read' Reader review\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'As always Heather has written a truly immersive world. I was immediately hooked until the very end. I can't wait for the next one (already)' Reader review\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'An excellent series. Cal is a complex believable character and his relationships and the world he inhabits feel real to the reader' Reader review\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'A brilliant read with a well-thought-out, interesting plot that kept you engaged' Reader review\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'I absolutely flew through this Another very enjoyable instalment in the Cal Lovett series I don't think I will ever get enough!' Reader review\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'An excellent book. Multiple threads are woven into the story with great dexterity, and are tied together at the end with even more skill' Reader review\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'Well-plotted and atmospheric' Reader review\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'What I like most about this series is the character development so realistic and so compelling' Reader review\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'Excellent, twisty storyline. Keeps you guessing right to the end. Thoroughly enjoyable' Reader review\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'Critchlow has really hit the jackpot with this series Highly recommended to all' Reader review\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56307378618741,"sku":"9781835981009","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781835981009_c58cbc12-e8e8-4fa7-b77d-370ad9b9f130.jpg?v=1786028277"},{"product_id":"9781804362624","title":"Unsound","description":"Longlisted for the McIlvanney Prize for Scottish Crime Book of the Year\u003cp\u003eHe left for university and never came back\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eArran went missing in Edinburgh fourteen years ago. The last time his parents saw him he was withdrawn and on edge where he'd once been happy and carefree. Still searching for their son, they turn to their last hope, true crime podcaster Cal Lovett.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCal begins looking for answers, but is distracted by his sister's murder trial. He's so close to getting the justice Margot deserves. Can he finally leave the past  and Margot  behind?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs Cal unearths disturbing evidence about Arran's fate, he suspects the young man's close-knit group of university friends are keeping secrets to protect each other. It seems old loyalties don't die easily. But they can't all stay silent forever\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAn unputdownable crime thriller perfect for fans of Jane Casey, Cara Hunter and Neil Lancaster.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePraise for Heather Critchlow\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'One to watch' \u003ci\u003eThe Critic\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'Evocative, immersive, well written' Harriet Tyce\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'Exceptionally good' A. J. Finn\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'Assured and compelling' Dominic Nolan\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'Gripping and taut' Sam Holland\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'A darkly twisted tale' Rachael Blok\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'A tense and gripping tale that explores the complexities of motherhood' Heather Darwent\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'Heart-racing storytelling with very-real characters' James Delargy\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'Will keep you reading long after you should have turned out the light' Kate Simants\u003c\/p\u003eWhat readers are saying about \u003ci\u003eUnsound\u003c\/i\u003e \u003cp\u003e'\u003cb\u003eBeautifully written\u003c\/b\u003e, full of empathy and understanding, and at times, \u003cb\u003eutterly devastating\u003c\/b\u003e' Louisa Scarr, author of \u003ci\u003eGallows Wood\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'Darkly compelling... I couldn't put it down. Heather Critchlow writes \u003cb\u003echaracters so real I'm still thinking of them now\u003c\/b\u003e' Rachel Wolf, author of \u003ci\u003eFive Nights\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'\u003ci\u003eUnsound\u003c\/i\u003e is a genuinely moving experience... it captured me. \u003cb\u003eI loved it\u003c\/b\u003e' Dominic Nolan, author of \u003ci\u003eWhite City\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'\u003cb\u003eHeather Critchlow's writing is razor-sharp\u003c\/b\u003e' Robert Rutherford, author of \u003ci\u003eSeven Days\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'\u003cb\u003eWow, wow, wow. A gripping thriller that left me heartbroken at times\u003c\/b\u003e. I can't say that about many books. This was a great read'  Reader review\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'\u003cb\u003eI devoured this\u003c\/b\u003e! have really enjoyed reading these three novels back to back and look forward to the next one'  Reader review\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'I loved this book! It had a great premise, a \u003cb\u003egorgeous setting with beautifully written, absorbing descriptions\u003c\/b\u003e, and good twists'  Reader review\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'\u003cb\u003eI am a big fan of the Cal Lovett Files and it just keeps getting better and better\u003c\/b\u003e! Tense, dark and gritty, this book completely captivated me and I read it in one day'  Reader review\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'I really enjoyed reading it and \u003cb\u003edidn't want to put it down\u003c\/b\u003e'  Reader review\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'\u003cb\u003eHER BEST BOOK YET!\u003c\/b\u003e I loved the storyline, the characters, the atmospheric setting and the emotions that came with it I honestly \u003cb\u003ecannot recommend this series enough\u003c\/b\u003e and I cannot wait for book four!'  Reader review\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56307451003253,"sku":"9781804362624","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781804362624_1bc80836-e1e1-44d9-993c-684362dafca4.jpg?v=1786026942"},{"product_id":"9781804362600","title":"Unburied","description":"\u003cp\u003e'\u003ci\u003eThe police. They're digging in the scrapyard\u003c\/i\u003e.'\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCal Lovett has spent half his life telling other people's stories on his true crime podcast. But the police are close to solving the mystery of his sister's disappearance  now he might finally get to tell Margot's story.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eA desperate relative begs for his help.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCal seeks respite on a holiday in the Scottish Highlands, but is dragged into a new cold case: an unsolved murder that shattered a family fourteen years ago.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAn isolated community wary of outsiders.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEyes follow Cal everywhere. And someone makes it very clear that they don't want him snooping around\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHow far will he go to find justice? And how far is far enough?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe second thrilling instalment in the Cal Lovett Files, perfect for fans of Helen Fields, Jane Casey and Claire Douglas.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003ePraise for \u003ci\u003eUnburied\u003c\/i\u003e \u003cp\u003e'\u003cb\u003eMoody and broody and grandly atmospheric\u003c\/b\u003e, blending the remote-community disquiet of \u003ci\u003eThe Wicker Man\u003c\/i\u003e with the pace and edge of something altogether modern. Exceptionally good' A. J. Finn, author of \u003ci\u003eThe Woman in the Window\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'A \u003cb\u003etense and gripping\u003c\/b\u003e tale that explores the complexities of motherhood' Heather Darwent, author of \u003ci\u003eThe Things We Do For Our Friends\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'\u003cb\u003eExquisite prose, an exhilarating case and expertly crafted\u003c\/b\u003e. A perfect follow up to a brilliant debut' Sam Holland, author of \u003ci\u003eThe Twenty\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'A palpably intense yet tender novel... Flawlessly crafted, with one mystery nestled within another. \u003cb\u003eAn exquisite series\u003c\/b\u003e' Dominic Nolan, author of \u003ci\u003eVine Street\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'\u003cb\u003eFlawless plotting\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003ean atmospheric sense of place\u003c\/b\u003e and a deep dive into the characters' lives' Emma Styles, author of \u003ci\u003eNo Country For Girls\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'\u003cb\u003eA cleverly constructed thriller\u003c\/b\u003e... \u003cb\u003eI adored everything about this book\u003c\/b\u003e from the remote highland setting to the small town malice that seeps through the pages and across the years' Robert Scragg, author of \u003ci\u003eEnd of the Line\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'\u003cb\u003eRiveting... heart-racing storytelling\u003c\/b\u003e with very-real characters' James Delargy, author of \u003ci\u003eInto the Flames\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'Wow what a book \u003cb\u003eI could not put it down\u003c\/b\u003e.'  Reader review\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'A brilliant story that is \u003cb\u003egripping from start to end\u003c\/b\u003e. This will keep you on the edge of your seat with some great surprises along the way.'  Reader review\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'This was so good. The characters are well rounded and likeable \u003cb\u003eI can't wait for more Cal\u003c\/b\u003e!'  Reader review\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'What a ride!! That book \u003cb\u003ekept me guessing until the very end\u003c\/b\u003e. I loved the pace and the speed of the book. \u003cb\u003eI can't wait to read more by this extremely talented author\u003c\/b\u003e!'  Reader review\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'Gripping. I was hooked from the first chapter  \u003cb\u003eso well written, perfectly paced and detailed\u003c\/b\u003e, I was totally immersed in this world. \u003cb\u003eIf you like mystery, suspense and whodunnits this book is definitely for you\u003c\/b\u003e!  Reader review\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56307480101237,"sku":"9781804362600","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781804362600_e24d70e6-a8c6-487b-ab10-da755d29f03b.jpg?v=1786026941"},{"product_id":"9781835981023","title":"Unseen","description":"\u003cp\u003e‘VIVID, TAUT, EVOCATIVE AND POWERFUL’ RACHEL WOLF\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCan a true crime podcaster track down a killer hiding in plain sight?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBella Davies is cooking dinner for her family when she hears a voice she hasn't heard in a long time. She collapses in shock. The man being interviewed on the television murdered her mother and sisters.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe crime shocked the nation thirty-seven years ago. Back then, a man confessed and pleaded guilty to the crime, leaving Bella and her father to move on with their lives as best they could. But now Bella knows: they got the wrong guy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePodcaster Cal Lovett is trying to move on from his own demons, putting the past behind him and focusing on building a new life. But then Bella shows up on his doorstep and he knows he can never truly move on...\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eA dark and thrilling crime fiction novel set in Scotland. Perfect for fans of Jane Casey, Claire Douglas and Neil Lancaster.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePRAISE FOR \u003ci\u003eUNSEEN\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e‘A very satisfying conclusion to Cal’s story’ NJ Mackay\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e‘Justice has many faces, and this book doesn’t shy away from exploring a variety. A triumph’ Rachel Wolf\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e‘Skilful and compelling, I’ve enjoyed every instalment of Cal’s adventures through an immersive Highland landscape. A crime series to savour’ Jo Furniss\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e‘I will miss Cal but I can’t wait to read what Heather writes next. A perfect end to a beautiful series’ Louisa Scarr\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e‘Nobody composes the melancholy tones of loss and grief better, the devastating and restorative effects of the passage of time’ Dominic Nolan\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e‘This book was the best kind of addition to the series, and it made it all the better for being so close to Cal and what he’s been through’ Reader review.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e‘Another phenomenal instalment in this series’ Reader review.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e‘There is never a dull moment! So much happens between the pages of this one. There’s drama, suspense, suspicion but at the heart, love, care and compassion’ Reader review.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e‘To say I enjoyed this book is an understatement. It will stay with me for a long time. A very worthy 5\/5 stars from me’ Reader review.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e‘Heather Critchlow creates memorable characters and an immersive setting… A wonderful blend of mystery and character-driven storytelling. Plot twist after plot twist and just wonderfully written. I cannot recommend this series enough! Huge 5 stars from me’ Reader review.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e‘This is the beautifully written conclusion to a series that has been consistently insightful, gripping, and above all, immensely human. Highly recommend’ Reader review.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56369269703029,"sku":"9781835981023","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781835981023_cc3862b6-edd4-401e-953a-0388f12befd9.jpg?v=1786034421"}],"url":"https:\/\/backstory.london\/collections\/author-heather-critchlow.oembed","provider":"Backstory","version":"1.0","type":"link"}