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  • Published: 1 August 2011
  • ISBN: 9781409027928
  • Imprint: Vintage Digital
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 544

Sympathy for the Devil




The first in a major new series of crime novels from the incomparable Howard Marks. When DS Catrin Price's ex-lover is found dead, she discovers that he was investigating the suicide of a cult rock star some years before. But is this connected to the serial rapist Rhys put behind bars, the same serial rapist Cat is convinced is stalking her?

When Detective Catrin Price returns to Cardiff after 12 years of self-imposed exile she is determined to lay to rest the ghosts of her unhappy past. Then her ex-boyfriend Rhys, once a promising young policeman but now a washed-up junkie, is found dead on one of her first nights on patrol. The official verdict is an accidental overdose, but Cat is convinced that there is something more to his death, something that will explain why the man who saved her life was so unwilling to save his own.

Rhys had always been haunted by the mysterious disappearance of Owen Face, the troubled lead singer of rock band Seerland, who was last seen at a notorious suicide spot. No body was ever found and when Cat joins forces with one of Rhys' former colleagues, now a wealthy business man obsessed with all things Seerland-related, they begin to wonder whether the rumours that Face is still alive may be true. But when Cat is stalked by a meancing figure with a striking resemblance to a serial rapist Rhys famously put away, she begins to realise her life may also be in danger.

  • Published: 1 August 2011
  • ISBN: 9781409027928
  • Imprint: Vintage Digital
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 544

About the author

Howard Marks

Howard Marks (1945–2016) wrote the international bestseller Mr Nice, which describes his years as one of the world's most wanted drug barons. It has sold over one million copies worldwide and was adapted into a major film. He also garnered critical and popular acclaim for The Howard Marks Book of Dope Stories, Senor Nice and a series of crime novels.

Also by Howard Marks

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Praise for Sympathy for the Devil

A dark and compelling read from a writer who knows his world from the inside out - a very impressive debut. I can't wait for Marks's next

M. R. Hall

A sublime piece of crime writing... Sympathy for Devil is a breathtaking debut. It is perfectly plotted, often eerie, always evocative, and utterly thrilling throughout

Bookgeeks.co.uk

A thrilling debut novel - Catrin Price is an engaging heroine

Kate Ellis

Britain's best loved retired dope dealer shows unexpected talents in this debut thriller.

The Independent

Complex thriller

Jane Jackman, Independent

Howard Marks has squatter's rights in the world of crime. And it shows

Graham Hurley

I really enjoyed it and loved the central character of Detective Catrin Price and closed the book wanting to read more of her in future books.

Books and Writers blog

Pacey and exhilarating

Laura Wilson, Guardian

The narrative has a convincing air when dealing with Cardiff, the forensic background, rock music and, above all, pharmacological details.

Andrew Taylor, Spectator