Independent UK publisher JOFFE BOOKS has just released the thirteenth title in a popular, original crime fiction series by Yorkshire born author Ray Clark.
Bones on the Yorkshire Moors published on 26th January, sees Detective Inspector Stewart Gardener back from a long absence, trying to clear Yorkshire of its most dangerous criminals. Northern Crimes often stands apart from its counterparts because of a devilish streak of horror that runs through what might otherwise be straightforward police procedural fiction.
Ray’s wicked sense of humour, often provided by Gardener’s sidekick, Irish detective Sean Reilly, interacts perfectly with the gravity of the crimes.
Delving into the darker side of the genre has become something of a speciality of the author, often probing areas that other authors might fear to tread.
Ray said today, “Perhaps the most frightening aspect of the new Gardener/Reilly story is the fact that this time, it’s personal. I needed something different to take the series forward, and threatening Gardener’s safety came high on the list. It’s been a real pleasure working with the new house and the team and I believe it has been well worth the wait to deliver what is said to be possibly my darkest book in the series.”
Joffe Books have also completely re-branded the Northern Crimes series (now, Yorkshire Murders), with a different style of cover and title, which everyone believes will pay large dividends in today’s competitive market.
The Northern Crimes series set off with a real bang in book one, IMPURITY, which saw Gardener himself as a victim of crime. His wife is killed by gunfire when the detective intervenes in a street brawl on a night out. Far from discouraging him from continuing in his profession, it furthers his resolve to hunt down the bad guys and make life safer for others.
A spokesman for the publisher said today, “We were delighted to have acquired Ray as part of the takeover of The Book Folks, and look forward to working with him in the future.”
Many of the author’s murder mysteries have taken the #1 spot in the British Horror charts on Amazon.co.uk.
Ray Clark has been an author for a number of years, dividing his time alongside live gigs on the music scene, and his charity work for the OPA. He is available for interviews to talk about his work, with contact details on his website. www.northerncrimes.net
Review copies of Ray’s latest book and the stunning cover image are available on request from, office@joffebooks.com.
A human skull. A message carved into bone. A killer intent on bringing a gruesome secret to light.
A woman’s skull is discovered mounted on a spear in a quiet garden just outside Leeds. Etched into the bone is a cryptic five-by-five grid of Latin words.
Detective Inspector Stewart Gardener has never faced a case like this before. The skull is fresh, but it’s almost impossible to identify the victim. The murderer has meticulously stripped away all the hair and skin — and there’s no sign of the rest of the body . . .
As Gardener and his team investigate, the DI is unsettled by connections to a past case. But worse is to come.
More disembodied skulls. Each carefully arranged for Gardener and his team to discover. And every murder links back to one of his previous cases.
Soon, Gardener is forced to wonder if he’s not just hunting a deranged serial killer, who’s desperate for his attention — but if the next skull the team find will be his.
Someone is determined to make sure the past is remembered — whatever it takes.
raised £757.50 for OPA
The show on Saturday 18th October at The Charter Club in Goole raised £757.50 and featured local performers including Paula Ryan, 16-year-old Jack Dadswell, Jessica Sharp, and Stagefright — Ray’s band returning after two years. Magician and comedian William Knight hosted the night.
The OPA is close to Ray’s heart through a past family connection and a recent conversation with Emmerdale’s Fiona Wade. After years performing at others’ events, Ray decided it was time to take the lead and run a show that directly supported the charity.
Photo of Ray and Stagefright Band
Four more bestselling crime mysteries in one super-value box set.
Reappearing out of the rain and fog of Yorkshire, Detective Inspector Stewart Gardener returns to tackle new cases, dealing with crime often as macabre as it is serious. With a chip on his shoulder, and a nose for a killer, he’s the police’s best bet. But these are some of the most baffling mysteries he has yet faced.
IMPOSITION (Book 5) | A woman’s murder links to past crimes, revealing a hidden killer. The police must catch him before a vigilante does.
IMPOSTURE (Book 6) | A hit-and-run is deliberate. DI Gardener races to solve it as a vigilante targets suspects first.
IMPASSIVE (Book 7) | A publisher’s death in a Yorkshire abbey leads DI Gardener to a hypnotist.
IMPIOUS (Book 8) | Gardener and Reilly face a disturbing case: a body made from different victims and a killer’s cryptic message and chess piece challenge.
Blog Tour
Impunity is currently on a Blog Tour and receiving great reviews. Please view just some of the recent comments below….
“The inspiration for Impaled, was basically down to the number of articles I have come across in recent times, connected to theft, and disputes between family members, and the lengths some will go to for justice, or to get what they believe is theirs, and in some cases, their just desserts.”
Competetion WInner
GET IN TOUCH
Please feel free to contact us via social media, email or filling out the contact form.
We would love to hear from you…
Competition Time
To celebrate the release of book 13, Bones on the Yorkshire Moors, Ray is giving someone the chance to win a signed copy. (UK Entries ONLY)
D.I. Gardener has a new love in his life, Vanessa Chambers. To what profession does she belong? Is it: