In Deadly Company: The gripping Victorian-era historical crime mystery set in Oxford

The Dreaming Spires, 1885. Dark secrets come to light...

The Easter vacation theatre season brings a dramatic clash to the university city. Two competing theatre companies are vying for residency at the new theatre. While one boasts a flawless reputation, the other – run by husband and wife Maxim and Daphne Cargill – is new, radical and bound to stir up controversy.

When rumours circulate that Max Cargill murdered his own brother, Jesus College don and the University’s resident investigator Basil Rice is called to uncover the truth. Meanwhile, Oxford Mirror chief reporter Non Vaughan is assigned to cover the theatrical rivalry’s fireworks.

But then opening night culminates in a brutal murder in the dressing rooms. With protests escalating over the radical performances and a star actress on the run, Non and Basil must unite once more to unmask a killer – putting their own demons to rest along the way – before the final curtain falls.

Another gripping historical mystery from the author of CWA Historical Dagger shortlisted A Bitter Remedy.

Praise for the Oxford Mysteries series

'An excellent historical mystery dripping with atmosphere that exposes the chauvinism, misogyny and bigotry of late Victorian England' The Times

'Real figures from history rub shoulders with those invented by Hawkins and her inventiveness is prodigal' Financial Times

'Fearlessly tackles taboo attitudes of the era, taking aim at misogyny, homophobia, and sexual politics. An excellent addition to the historical mystery canon. Marvellous!' Vaseem Khan

'Brilliantly researched, rich in atmosphere and with two likeable and intriguing protagonists at the centre' Philip Gwynne Jones