Darkness & Light - (Frank Elder Mysteries) by John Harvey (Paperback)

About the Book

Former cop Frank Elder is drawn out of retirement by a request from his ex-wife to look into the disappearance of Claire, her friend's older, widowed sister. When Claire is found dead at home--unmarked and carefully dressed--Elder is surprised by the similarities to an old case.

Book Synopsis

Former cop Frank Elder is drawn out of retirement when his ex-wife asks him to look into the disappearance of her friend Jennie's sister Claire in Nottingham. Elder reluctantly returns to the city where his family disintegrated.

Elder uncovers sexual secrets of Claire's that take Jennie by surprise. But when Claire is found dead at home--unmarked and carefully dressed--it is Elder who is surprised by the similarities to an old case. To solve this riddle, Elder will have to repartner with Detective Inspector Maureen Prior and delve into several suspects' traumatic histories.

In a case in which neither memories, confessions, nor instincts can be trusted, Elder struggles with the weight of the past and Harvey delivers another psychologically trenchant page-turner.

From the Back Cover

The latest in Harvey s emotionally acute, often heartbreaking new series. The Seattle Times
Former cop Frank Elder reluctantly returns to Nottingham, the city where his family disintegrated, when his ex-wife asks him to look into the disappearance of her friend Jennie s sister, Claire. Elder uncovers sexual secrets of Claire s that take Jennie by surprise. But when Claire is found dead at home unmarked and carefully dressed it is Elder who is surprised by the similarities to an old case. Repartnered with Detective Inspector Maureen Prior in an investigation in which neither memories, confessions, nor instincts can be trusted, Elder struggles with the weight of the past and Harvey delivers another psychologically trenchant page-turner.
It s such a joy to kick back and savor the latest effort by one of the true masters of the genre . . . Elder . . . proves to be an affecting and memorable protagonist once more. The Baltimore Sun
Once the multiple criminal mysteries have been solved or resolved, the puzzle remains of what s to become of the solitary Elder. It s a tribute to Mr. Harvey s skill that we look forward to finding out. The Wall Street Journal
JOHN HARVEY is the author of ten Charlie Resnick novels and the recipient of the Cartier Diamond Dagger for lifetime achievement. His novels featuring Frank Elder include Flesh & Blood, which won the Silver Dagger Award and a Barry Award, and Ash & Bone, which was nominated for a Los Angeles Times Book Award. Harvey lives in Great Britain.
An Otto Penzler Book"

Review Quotes

UK PRAISE FOR ASH & BONE
"One of the best crime books you're likely to read this year."
-THE TIMES (London)

"Harvey's book is fast, fluent and exciting, with a pace and assurance that never lets up. It's like hearing a fine jazz musician hitting the right tune, in the right key and at the right tempo."
-THE LITERARY REVIEW