“The McAvoy series pulls off the double whammy of cracking characters and cunning plots. The big detective Aector McAvoy is so real and so loveable you want to have a pint with him, and the legendary Trish Pharaoh proves that a man can create an utterly compelling female character.”

“Mark’s rich, distinctive prose style and damaged characters compel you to keep reading… shaping up to be an essential crime series.”

“David Mark takes McAvoy to the US on a rollercoaster ride into darkness. Brilliantly written and compelling.”

“In McAvoy, David Mark has created a big hero with a huge heart. His skill at weaving threads of light through the darkest fabric has rightly won him a legion of fans who like their crime fiction to be real and compassionate.”

“McAvoy must be one of the most fascinating fictional detectives out there – a true original. This is an intoxicating brew – Catholicism, travellers, underground fight scenes, the mob – and rumbling through it all like a bear with a blush is DS Aector McAvoy. Superb writing. A truly fantastic read.”

“As with previous books, there are plenty of grim events to balance the warmth which surrounds the leading character.”

“Truly exhilarating and inventive. Mark is a wonderfully descriptive writer and an exciting young talent.”

“The exceptional McAvoy series just got better. Dead Pretty is a gripping thriller . . . proof that David Mark is up there with the best.” Mari Hannah, author of the Kate Daniels series

“Breathtaking. Mark writes bad beautifully.”

“Highly entertaining.”

“Aficionados of the grittiest, most trenchant fare love Mark’s copper Aector McAvoy, who customarily moves in a darkly realised Hull.”

“A brilliant read.”

“Dark, compelling crime writing of the highest order.”