Cry Baby - (Di Tom Thorne) by Mark Billingham (Paperback)

About the Book

The latest thriller from internationally bestselling author Mark Billingham takes us back to the origins of Tom Thorne.

Book Synopsis

The latest thriller from internationally bestselling author Mark Billingham takes us back to the origins of Tom Thorne.

In the summer of 1996, two boys run from a playground into the adjoining woods, but only one comes out. DS Tom Thorne takes on a case that quickly spirals out of control when two people connected with the missing boy are murdered. As London prepares to host the European Soccer Championships, Thorne fights to keep on top of a baffling investigation while also dealing with the ugly fallout of his broken marriage.

A prequel to Billingham's acclaimed debut Sleepyhead--which the Times voted "one of the 100 books that had shaped the decade"--this compelling novel highlights the case that shaped the career of one of British crime fiction's most iconic characters.

Review Quotes

Praise for Cry Baby:

"Superb . . . Billingham adds tantalizing red herrings throughout. The book's masterly ending features a heart-stopping chase to apprehend Kieron's surprising kidnapper. Established fans and newcomers alike will be thrilled."--Publishers Weekly, starred review

"How much tighter can Billingham turn the screws before his climactic twist? . . . Expertly grueling."--Kirkus Reviews

"Cry Baby is the perfect prequel to send us back to revel in Tom Thorne's twenty years. As if we needed reminding how good Mark Billingham is."--Val McDermid

"Tom Thorne is one of the most credible and engaging heroes in contemporary crime fiction. Mark Billingham is a master of psychology, plotting and the contemporary scene-making the Thorne novels the complete package. Twenty years in and better than ever."--Ian Rankin

Praise for Mark Billingham and the Tom Thorne novels:

"A fantastic thriller, combining a gripping plot and lead characters of remarkable depth...Readers who grab this one but aren't familiar with its predecessors will be seeking them out. A series to savor." --Booklist (starred review), on Their Little Secret

"The twisted plot unfolds gradually, with a maximum of suspense. Billingham never strains credulity in this thoughtful page-turner."--Publishers Weekly (starred review), on Their Little Secret

"Morse, Rebus, and now Thorne. The next superstar detective is already with us--don't miss him."--Lee Child

"Billingham is a world-class writer and Tom Thorne is a wonderful creation. Rush to read these books."--Karin Slaughter

"With each of his books, Mark Billingham gets better and better. These are stories and characters you don't want to leave."--Michael Connelly

"Mark Billingham has brought a rare and welcome blend of humanity, dimension, and excitement to the genre."--George Pelecanos

About the Author

Mark Billingham has twice won the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award and has also won the Sherlock Award for Best Detective Novel Created by a British Author. His books, which include the critically acclaimed Tom Thorne series, have been translated into twenty-five languages and have sold over six million copies. He lives in London.