Buried Above Ground - by Mike Ripley

About the Book

"[T]he race to gain the rights to an author's backlist proves to be more head-scratching and deadly! than the plots in his books" --

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.

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

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"

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"

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

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

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

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

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

Charming, clever, and witty . . . Another delightful entry-- "Booklist on Mr Campion's Mosaic"

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"

Like the others in this addictive series, Mr Campion's Mosaic is a cunning mix of silliness and wit-- "The Times on Mr Campion's Mosaic"

One of Campion's most waggish adventures-- "Kirkus Reviews on Mr Campion's Mosaic"

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

Ripley's brilliant inventiveness demonstrates that golden age characters and tropes can still work for contemporary fair-play fans-- "Publishers Weekly Starred Review of Mr Campion's Mosaic"

The plot thickens in utterly unexpected ways-- "Kirkus Reviews on Mr Campion's Memory"