All The Rage by my ultra-talented friend Cara Hunter is out now from Penguin Books – the fourth in her Oxford-set Fawley series and every bit as gripping as its predecessors. This time a teenage girl has escaped after being abducted, a plastic bag taped over head and being taken to a remote location. But when Fawley’s team questions her, she doesn’t want to press charges – despite seeming to know who was responsible.

The police are under pressure amid fears that the attacker may strike again, and as the plot twists and turns, with the author’s usual dazzling brilliance, the book also reveals more about Fawley’s own back story – and it’s equally intriguing.

Suspicious characters [aka friends of Cara] gather in Lincoln College, Oxford for the launch of All The Rage

Close to Home was nominated for the Crime Book of the Year in the 2019 British Book Awards. Next came In The Dark, which narrowly remains my favourite so far, and then No Way Out [featuring a character named after me!] which was listed by the Sunday Times among the best 100 crime novels since 1945 [without being unduly modest, I don’t think the inclusion of PC Andy Weltch was a factor].

With Cara Hunter at the launch

It’s a phenomenal record of achievement in such a short time, and there’s more to come: the fifth novel The Whole Truth is due out in winter 2020.

The launch party was again hugely enjoyable – a chance to meet some fascinating people who have been involved in the books in various ways. Some, like me, have been on the early reading panel; others are expert advisers, helping to ensure accuracy in various aspects of the books; and some involved in the publishing and marketing of the titles to ensure they reach their eager public.

You can order All The Rage here. And you really should!

That’s the honour bestowed upon me by my dear friend, the mind-bogglingly talented author of the best-selling Adam Fawley novels.

For there, on page 227 of the brand new Penguin paperback, we are introduced to ‘PC Andy Weltch’. It’s a small, but (I like to think) important role; and, I haven’t been as thrilled to see my name in print since my first byline as a young reporter on the Western Times and Gazette back in the days of steam-powered typewriters.

So, for me, the launch of the third Fawley thriller [on April 3rd 2019] was even more special than those for Close to Home and In the Dark. I was also on the early reading panel for this one, so felt some justification for again basking in some of the reflected glory.

And what glory there is! Cara’s books have now sold more than half a million copies worldwide, Close to Home has been shortlisted for the British Book Awards, and publisher Penguin has even launched a Cara Hunter newsletter for her growing army of fans!

This launch event was in the stunning surrroundings of Lincoln College, Oxford, which earlier in the day hosted an entertaining and informative Q&A session with Cara, hosted by novelist and critic Peter Guttridge.

Peter Guttridge interviews Cara as part of the FT Weekend Oxford Literary Festival

It was another wonderful evening of fizz, food and chat with some of the fascinating people in Cara’s world. They include those who’ve become friends, like No Way Out‘s dedicatee (and the event’s unofficial photographer), Sarah Wall, and new faces, including the latest recruit to her team of expert advisors. Steve Johns of Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is a lovely chap who helped ensure accuracy in Cara’s description of the fire and its investigation.

And fire is very important in this story – a large house in an affluent part of Oxford is virtually destroyed in a blaze. Two children are recovered – a toddler who has died, and his older brother who is dangerously injured.

The first puzzle for Fawley and his team is ‘where are their parents?’ But then there’s another challenge – the fire wasn’t an accident. Someone wanted this family dead.

PC Andy Weltch going undercover at the launch, with Cara Hunter (“she’ll never recognise me in this scarf”)

Once again, the plot twists and turns, and Cara uses clever and varied ways to tell the story: interview transcripts, emails, online news stories, and fire scene plans all help to drive the story forward at a dizzying pace.

To be more accurate – and this illustrates just how flipping clever she is – it goes forwards and backwards. Because, while the investigation progresses (yes, forwards), we get insights into the family who own the house, taking us further and further back in time.

As an officer of the law in Cara’s fictional world, I strongly advise you to read this. I know I’m biased, but see for yourself.