The Wrong Hands - (Detective Miller Novels) by Mark Billingham (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Unconventional Detective Declan Miller has a problem. Still desperate to solve the murder of his wife, a young man has just appeared on his doorstep with a briefcase . . . containing a pair of severed hands. Miller knows this case is proof of a contract killing commissioned by local ne'er-do-well Wayne Cutler-a man he suspects might also be responsible for his wife's death. Now Miller has leverage, but unfortunately, he also has something that both Cutler and a villainous fast-food kingpin are desperate to get hold of. Chuck in a Midsomer Murders-obsessed hitman, a psychotic welder, and a woman driven over the edge by a wayward Cráeme Egg, and Miller is in a mess that even he might not be able to dance his way out of"--

Book Synopsis

Amazon Editors' Pick in Best Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Deadly Pleasures Mystery Magazine's Best Mystery/Crime Novels of 2024
The Financial Times Best Crime Books of Summer

This is one case Detective Miller won't want to open . . .

The second rip-roaring mystery from multi-award-winning international bestseller Mark Billingham starring Detective Miller: unique, unconventional, and criminally underestimated...

Unconventional Detective Declan Miller has a problem. Well, two problems. First, there's his dead wife and her yet-to-be-solved murder. He really should stop talking to her ghosts...

Second, and most pressing, a young man has just appeared on his doorstep with a briefcase . . . containing a pair of severed hands. Miller knows this case is proof of a contract killing commissioned by local ne'er do well Wayne Cutler--a man he suspects might also be responsible for his wife's death. Now Miller has leverage, but unfortunately, he also has something that both Cutler and a villainous fast-food kingpin are desperate to get hold of.

Sprinkle in a Midsomer Murders-obsessed hitman, a psychotic welder, and a woman driven over the edge by a wayward Crème Egg, and Miller is in a mess that even he might not be able to dance his way out of.

Review Quotes

Praise for The Wrong Hands:

Amazon Editors' Pick in Best Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Deadly Pleasures Mystery Magazine's Best Mystery/Crime Novels of 2024
The Financial Times Best Crime Books of Summer

"[The] electrifying sequel to The Last Dance . . . Declan remains a dashing, sharp-witted protagonist . . . Throw in a delightfully madcap plot and breakneck pacing, and readers are left with a caper they won't soon forget."--​Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

"Wryly comic, fast-paced, and sharply observed, this excellent sequel to The Last Dance will be welcomed by the author's fans."--Library Journal

"Although the tone of these nonstop shenanigans is never exactly lighthearted, their frantic pace, the ineptness of both cops and robbers, and the constant habit of many characters of sizing up their self-performative personas make it never less than madcap."--Kirkus Reviews

"How about two severed hands, a hitman obsessed with the British crime show Midsomer Murders and a detective who can really dance? Welcome to Mark Billingham's second mystery starring Detective Declan Miller, a man haunted by his dead wife (literally!) with a flair for ballroom dancing."​--​Michael Glitz, Parade

"[A] solidly crafted thriller and a bawdily funny caper . . . The outsize talent of Billingham . . . can be measured by the ease with which he balances this series' humor with its central tragedy."--​Nell Beram, Shelf Awareness

"A novel from Mark Billingham is always a big deal for me as he is one of the best in the world at what he does . . . There are so many quirky aspects of this novel that make the plot just hum . . . What I love most about The Wrong Hands is the consistently snappy dialogue. Declan Miller is such a unique protagonist, and his quick wit makes the series sing and zip along smartly. It is such a contrast to Mark Billingham's brilliant Tom Thorne mysteries, which is why readers keep coming back for more."--​Ray Palen, Bookreporter​

Praise for the Detective Miller Series:

"Edge-of-your-seat tension, wit and heart--fantastic." --Lisa Jewell. #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Family Upstairs

"A gritty, engaging novel that balances light with dark, offering wit and wisdom in equal measure. Billingham's new lead detective, DS Miller, may not be able to dance, but he never misses a step when it comes to solving crime."--Nita Prose, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Maid

"Readers rejoice! A captivating new series from Mark Billingham--the very best in the business."--Richard Osman, #1 bestselling author of The Thursday Murder Club

"Brimming with wit, expertly paced, and wholly enjoyable--The Last Dance is a showcase of Billingham's exceptionally gifted storytelling. Mark Billingham is at his best!"--Karin Slaughter, New York Times bestselling author of the Will Trent series

"Hard-headed yet big-hearted, DS Declan Miller will have you on the edge of your seat--screaming with laughter one moment and surprise the next. Billingham blends caustic humor, raw emotion, and rollercoaster thrills. His new series is bursting with wit, charm and intriguing, complex characters. Save The Last Dance for when you want a fast, fresh, and totally absorbing read."--Janice Hallett, bestselling author of The Appeal

"Funny, moving, and full of surprises, The Last Dance will delight Mark Billingham's old readers, and have new ones flocking to him in droves. An absolute treat."--Mick Herron, #1 bestselling author of Slow Horses

About the Author

Mark Billingham has twice won the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award, the Sherlock Award for the best detective created by a British writer, and in 2026, he was awarded the Crime Writers' Association Diamond Dagger for an outstanding lifetime contribution to the genre. His books, which include the critically acclaimed Tom Thorne series, have been translated into twenty-five languages and have sold more than six million copies. He lives in London.