Review
‘Marshall is a cracker at writing tense, rich scenes’ Observer
‘The writing is assured and the plot carefully calibrated’ Guardian
‘Just when you think there’s nothing new under the sun in the world of the suspense novel, along comes one hell of a nasty spider called The Straw Men. It’s brilliantly written and scary as hell. Be the first on your block to stay up all night with this one; it’s a masterpiece, reminding us that even paranoids really do have enemies.’ STEPHEN KING
'A staggering, suspenseful journey through the darkness of American crime … succeeds in revitalising the serial killer novel with assured gusto… A new beginning for a major British writer, whose crime debut instantly moves him into the Thomas Harris division' Guardian
‘Brilliantly plotted, stunningly written … I read this in one go … if this isn't a hit, I am a monkey's uncle. And I don't think I am’. Independent on Sunday
Guardian
The Independent on Sunday
Book Description
There’s a killer in all of us
Product Description
Tense and suspense-filled thriller from the author of THE STRAW MEN and THE LONELY DEAD.
Ward Hopkins' past come backs to haunt him with a vengeance when an ex-CIA colleague tracks him down, desperate for help in solving a bizarre series of events.
Meanwhile Ward's brother, the serial killer known as the Upright Man, has escaped from prison – where he was awaiting trial for murders beyond number. And Hopkins' erstwhile ally, former homicide cop John Zandt, is still on the trail of the organization which killed his daughter and Ward's parents. The further John investigates, the more extraordinary the secrets he uncovers.
The shadows are gathering, and across America sinister forces are stirring. Only Ward, John and FBI agent Nina Baynam stand against this tide, and against the Upright Man – who now has a grudge against just about everyone in the world. It's only a question of where the next killings will start … and whether they will ever stop.
From the Back Cover
There’s a killer in all of us
The tense, suspense-packed follow up to the internationally bestselling thrillers The Straw Men and The Lonely Dead.
Ward Hopkins' past come backs to haunt him with a vengeance when an ex-CIA colleague tracks him down, desperate for help in solving a bizarre series of events.
Meanwhile Ward's brother, the serial killer known as the Upright Man, has escaped from prison - where he was awaiting trial for murders beyond number. And Hopkins' erstwhile ally, former homicide cop John Zandt, is still on the trail of the organization which killed his daughter and Ward's parents. The further John investigates, the more extraordinary the secrets he uncovers.
The shadows are gathering, and across America sinister forces are stirring. Only Ward, John and FBI agent Nina Baynam stand against this tide, and against the Upright Man - who now has a grudge against just about everyone in the world. It's only a question of where the next killings will start … and whether they will ever stop.
About the Author
Michael Marshall is a full-time writer. His novels include The Straw Men and Only Forward, and he also writes short stories and screenplays. Two of his earlier novels written under the name of Michael Marshall Smith, Spares and One of Us, have been optioned by major Hollywood studios. He lives in North London with his wife.
