Publisher Description

A WOMAN UNLUCKY TO BE ALIVE. Alison Willetts has survived a stroke, deliberately induced by a skilful manipulation of pressure points on the head and neck. She can see, hear and feel but she is completely unable to move or communicate. In leaving Alison Willetts alive, the police believe the killer's made his first mistake.



A KILLER UNLIKE ANY OTHER. Then DI Tom Thorne discovers the horrifying truth: it isn't Alison who is the mistake, it's the three women already dead.



A COP'S WORST NIGHTMARE. Thorne must find a killer whose agenda is disturbingly unique and Alison, the one person who holds the key to the killer's identity, is unable to say anything...

Author Biography

Mark Billingham is the author of eleven bestselling novels and the creator of the Thorne series. He has twice won the Theakston's Old Peculier prize for best novel of the year. He lives in North London with his family.

Review

A terrifically stylish debut novel Independent on Sunday Extremely capable and unsettling Literary Review A cunning variation on the serial-murder theme Sunday Telegraph Mark Billingham is one of my favourite new authors. Highly recommended -- Harlan Coben

Long Description

A WOMAN UNLUCKY TO BE ALIVE. Alison Willetts has survived a stroke, deliberately induced by a skilful manipulation of pressure points on the head and neck. She can see, hear and feel but she is completely unable to move or communicate. In leaving Alison Willetts alive, the police believe the killer's made his first mistake.A KILLER UNLIKE ANY OTHER. Then DI Tom Thorne discovers the horrifying truth: it isn't Alison who is the mistake, it's the three women already dead.A COP'S WORST NIGHTMARE. Thorne must find a killer whose agenda is disturbingly unique and Alison, the one person who holds the key to the killer's identity, is unable to say anything...

Review Quote

Mark Billingham is one of my favourite new authors. Highly recommended

Promotional "Headline"

Sleepyhead introduces 'the next superstar detective', Tom Thorne, and is a disturbing and unforgettable classic.

Details