Claire Askew Libri

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The poems in Claire Askew's electrifying second collection concern witches, outsiders, and women who don't fit into society. The settings range from London buses and Edinburgh alleyways to the streets of Salem, Massachusetts. Also a novelist, Askew is known for her award-winning DI Birch Scottish crime series published by Hodder.

Robertson Bennet returns to Edinburgh after a 25-year absence in search of his parents and his inheritance. But both have disappeared. A quick, routine police check should be enough - and Detective Inspector Helen Birch has enough on her plate trying to help her brother, Charlie, after an assault in prison. But all her instincts tell her not to let this case go. And so she digs. George and Phamie Bennet were together for a long time. No one can ever really know the secrets kept between husband and wife. But as Birch slowly begins to unravel the truth, terrible crimes start to rise to the surface

A beautifully written and plotted police procedural from a rising star in the genre who has delivered a game-changing fourth book: 'Claire Askew takes us away from the obvious plot and asks us tantalising questions ... an absorbing, thought-provoking entry into crime fiction' - The Times

A beautifully written and plotted police procedural from a rising star and award-winning voice in the crime genre. 'Claire Askew takes us away from the obvious plot and asks us tantalising questions ... an absorbing, thought-provoking entry into crime fiction' - The Times

Dedicated cop Helen Birch faces a terrible choice - family or justice? - in the gripping second novel from the author of All The Hidden Truths

**NAMED THE 2019 MCILVANNEY PRIZE SCOTTISH CRIME BOOK OF THE YEAR** SHORTLISTED FOR THE CWA GOLD DAGGER AND CWA JOHN CREASEY (NEW BLOOD) AWARDS '(a) meticulous and compelling novel about the aftermath of a major crime and its effect on the affected families and investigating officers both.' Ian Rankin *** In the aftermath of a tragedy, the world needs an explanation. In Edinburgh, after the Three Rivers College shooting, some things are clear. They know who. They know when. No one can say why. For three women the lack of answers is unbearable: DI Helen Birch, the detective charged with solving the case. Ishbel, the mother of the first victim, struggling to cope with her grief. And Moira, mother of the killer, who needs to understand what happened to her son. But as people search for someone to blame, the truth seems to vanish... From a prizewinning poet, ALL THE HIDDEN TRUTHS is a searing, compelling and powerful debut. 'As scarily plausible as it is utterly captivating, this is an absorbing and unforgettable debut.' Heat 'Raw, powerful, compassionate and deeply moving, with page-turning tension to the end. A stunning debut.' Karen Robinson, Sunday Times Crime Club 'You'll be gripped by the unexpected truths that emerge. Compelling.' Marie Claire

This changes things is Claire Askew's first full collection, coming after years of work in Scotland's flourishing poetry and spoken word scene.