Buried Above Ground - by Mike Ripley

Book Synopsis

An original spin on the crime novel in which the race to gain the rights to an author's backlist proves to be more head-scratching - and deadly! - than the plots in his books.

"Another absolutely brilliant book from Ripley" - Booklist Starred Review

The Librarian

It's been two decades since mystery writer Duncan Torrens was last published. I should know, I was his editor. So why a blogger would turn up asking questions about the rights to his books is beyond me . . .

The Reader

That librarian Roly is a bit odd. You'd think he'd be happy with my blog's research into a largely forgotten author, but he's . . . resistant. If I can get into Duncan's home - and his mysterious garden shed - I know I'll find what I'm looking for . . .

The Publisher

Torrens' books are crying out for a revival. I just need that blogger, Jacon, to work out who holds the rights to his backlist. Then I can acquire them before Duncan's old publishing house realises they've missed a trick!

The Editor

I never worked directly with Duncan before he died, but if someone is sniffing round, there must be money involved. I just need to find out what's happened to the rights before they do . . .

The Writer

After twenty years, will the sudden interest in this author's forgotten mysteries reveal a dark - and deadly - twist?

Told from the point of view of five unreliable narrators, none of whom can be trusted - The Librarian, The Reader, The Publisher, The Editor and The Writer - this amusing and darkly intriguing novel is a refreshingly fun, subversive take on the crime fiction genre.

Review Quotes

[A] lively adventure-- "Kirkus Reviews on Mr Campion's Christmas"

A labyrinthine tale of envy, greed, lust, and murder most foul, seasoned with touches of acerbic humor. Another absolutely brilliant book from Ripley-- "Booklist Starred Review"

A refreshingly surprise-packed entry in an always excellent series-- "Publishers Weekly Starred Review of Mr Campion's Christmas"

Clever, witty, and packed with intriguing characters, period ambiance, and unexpected twists-- "Booklist on Mr Campion's Memory"

Excellent . . . This dead-on pastiche will satisfy newcomers and series devotees alike-- "Publishers Weekly on Mr Campion's Memory"

Five unreliable narrators and Ripley's trademark wit ensure the reader will not look at classic crime in quite the same way again-- "The FInancial Times"

Outstanding . . . A joy to read-- "Booklist on Mr Campion's Christmas"

Ripley uses his well-honed sardonic wit to skewer crime fiction publishers . . . A thoroughly enjoyable read-- "Deadly Pleasures Mystery Magazine"

Ripley's best book: a wickedly funny sendup of the clichés behind all those classic mysteries and their successors-- "Kirkus Reviews Starred Review"

This is catnip for Anthony Horowitz fans-- "Publishers Weekly"