Looking for a classic murder mystery from an acclaimed crime writer?

Discover Eric Ward, policeman turned lawyer. This tautly told story, from a time before smart phones and DNA testing, will have you gripped from start to finish.

Please note this book was first published as A NECESSARY DEALING.

A WOMAN FOUND DEAD IN A FANCY LONDON APARTMENT

“Lewis writes with passion and intellect, whether explaining the intricacies of merchant banking or the terror of a car chase on a Spanish mountainside” Houston Chronicle

DARK DEALINGS IN THE BOARDROOM AND ON THE STREETS

Eileen O’Hara isn’t used to hearing ‘no’. She’s the stunning chairman of Broadlands construction. But now she is facing a management takeover, with rivals bidding for control of her company.

BOTH ARE CROOKED WITH OLD SCORES TO SETTLE. WHO WILL SHE CHOOSE?

She calls on lawyer and financier Eric Ward for advice. Eric’s head is turned, much to his wife’s chagrin.

His conscience tells him he can’t walk away — whatever the implications for his marriage. Aided by Anne, he begins digging into the murky pasts of both bidders.

They expected to uncover corruption — BUT NEVER MURDER.

In the fight for control of Broadlands, these men will stop at nothing. And Eric is becoming ever more entangled in their lethal web of lies.

THEY’VE ALREADY KILLED ONCE. Could Eric or Anne be next?

Eric finds his separate roles intertwining. Can he expose the dark side of London’s financial heart in time to save his marriage?

A GRIPPING, WELL-CRAFTED MYSTERY THAT WILL HAVE YOU COMPLETELY ABSORBED

Perfect for fans of Peter James, Ruth Rendell, P.D. James and Peter Robinson.

THE DETECTIVE
Eric Ward is forced to retire from the police when he discovers he suffers from glaucoma but qualifies as a solicitor (lawyer) and sets up his practice on the Quayside in Newcastle, where he deals with the seamier side of the law. When he marries a wealthy young woman she attempts to persuade him to settle in Northumberland and work with wealthier clients but he stubbornly refuses to give up his criminal practice in Newcastle. Although she draws him into the world of high finance he still insists on continuing at the Quayside — which causes tensions within his marriage, and lead to unintended consequences.

This fast-paced mystery will have you enthralled from the start. Set in England in the 1980s, this is the eighth book to feature Eric Ward. More coming soon.

DISCOVER YOUR NEXT FAVOURITE MYSTERY WRITER

Roy Lewis is one of the most critically acclaimed crime writers of his generation.

“Roy Lewis is a writer who believes in keeping his readers on their toes with plenty of twists and surprises. He writes well, too with an admirable sense of character and place.” Daily Telegraph

“Good on atmosphere.” Newcastle Journal

“A wrenching and compassionately handled tragedy that transcends the conventional mystery form.” Chicago Sun-Times

“Tightly written, well-paced and relentlessly accurate.” Oxford Times

ERIC WARD BOOKS
Book 1: THE SEDLEIGH HALL MURDER
Book 2: THE FARMING MURDER
Book 3: THE QUAYSIDE MURDER
Book 4: THE DIAMOND MURDER
Book 5: THE GEORDIE MURDER
Book 6: THE SHIPPING MURDER
Book 7: THE CITY OF LONDON MURDER
Book 8: THE APARTMENT MURDER

INSPECTOR CROW BOOKS
Book 1: A LOVER TOO MANY
Book 2: ERROR OF JUDGMENT
Book 3: THE WOODS MURDER
Book 4: MURDER FOR MONEY
Book 5: MURDER IN THE MINE
Book 6: A COTSWOLDS MURDER
Book 7: A FOX HUNTING MURDER
Book 8: A DARTMOOR MURDER

More Roy Lewis mysteries coming soon! Join the Joffe Books mailing to hear about them.