Body and Soul

Few writers have even approached Harvey’s grasp of atmosphere which, mingled with some sharpish social comment and utterly believable characters, makes them a must read

Crime Review

An expertly plotted and moving final act for an old-school investigator of the best sort, from a true master of the genre

Guardian Books of the Month

Harvey is very good at the small nuances of people's everyday behaviour; alongside the tension of suspense comes the equally compelling tension of their lives. Body and Soul indeed; just listen to the song.

Michael Carlson, Irresistible Targets

Harvey’s beautifully pared back writing, tight plot and careful characterisation raise Body and Soulabove the bar of what’s merely good crime fiction … It is great British crime fiction – and when that’s great, well, is there really anything better?

The Literary Shed

What can you say about one of the masters of British crime writing? … Few writers have even approached Harvey’s grasp of atmosphere which, mingled with some sharpish social comment and utterly believable characters, makes them a must read … Resnick and Elder both gone ... It’ll be hard for those of us who prefer our crime real and brutal, our characters realistic, and our plots the stuff of everyday police work, to replace them.

Crime Review

Extremely compelling stuff. Loved it.

Jen Med’s Book Reviews

I feel quite sad that this is the last book, but at least I can go and read the earlier books in the series. John Harvey is an author who I will happily read again.

Steph’s Book Blog

Sadly, this is Harvey’s last book after a 40-year crime writing masterclass.

Peterborough Telegraph

The 79-year-old Harvey has made it clear that Body & Soul is his last novel, and what an excellent farewell it is …. Elder and Resnick are both greats of British crime fiction.

The Times, Book of the Month

Body and Soul is an elegy on everlasting themes that have seared the hearts of great writers down the years. It is about death; it is about regret and longing; it is about duty, loyalty and people who do what they think to be right despite a chorus of lesser mortals who are chanting, "leave it – forget it – don’t get involved … we can only thank John Harvey for his matchless legacy."

Fully Booked

The story builds brilliantly as one would expect from John Harvey, but concludes in a way which is totally unexpected. It will be interesting to see if John will now generate a new vehicle for any further ventures in crime fiction. Some possibilities surface among the new characters introduced in Body and Soul. I very much hope so. While I am prepared to let John Harvey dispense with his main characters I am not prepared to see him disappear from crime fiction bookshelves.

Shots

Body and Soul is a clever thriller … that will leave you stunned and staring at the page in disbelief.

Evening Standard

This is wonderfully atmospheric crime writing – a tribute to Harvey’s exceptional talent.

Daily Mail

If you only pack one

Mail on Sunday, Event – Summer Reads

A masterpiece from a master of the genre

Mark Billingham

John Harvey is one of the all-time greats and remains one of my favourite writers.

Ian Rankin