The Dark Heart

· DS Max Craigie Scottish Crime Thrillers Book 7 · HQ Digital · Narrated by Angus King
Audiobook
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This book will become available on March 12, 2026. You will not be charged until it is released.

About this audiobook

Don't miss Neil Lancaster's brand-new espionage thriller series! No Mercy available to buy now.

'Action-packed and totally thrilling, there is also an emotional depth to Lancaster’s writing often missing from high octane dramatic stories. A terrific read' Liz Nugent

A DEADLY BOMBING

When renowned author Dr. Daniel Solomon is killed in a devastating explosion in York, authorities quickly attribute the attack to Islamic extremists. But as the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that all is not as it seems.

A DARK CONSPIRACY

DS Max Craigie uncovers a chilling connection between a series of brutal murders, each victim linked by a secret that someone is determined to protect.

A DANGEROUS GAME

With the number of victims growing and an elusive figure known as The Cashier operating in the shadows, Max must navigate a web of corruption and hatred. Can he unravel the truth before more lives are lost?

Praise for The Dark Heart:

'Lancaster has once again put himself in the top echelons of modern crime writers. This series must never end’ Graham Bartlett

'Neil Lancaster is a natural born storyteller... The Dark Heart is a cracker of a tale — and the best Craigie yet’ John Sutherland

'From the policing to the Scots accents, the authenticity is second to none, and the dialogue is fast and fun. Tense and thrilling’ Sam Holland

'It’s gripping, suspenseful, terrifying, intelligent and engrossing. The storyline has heartbreak but it’s written so empathetically it’s impossible not to feel something’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Just brilliant!! Superb plot, hooked early on, reeled in and kept dangling right till the end’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Tense, scary, topical and at times brutal. Brilliant.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'This is my 7th Max Craigie novel and each one has been utterly standout in its execution and delivery. The quality of Neil’s writing and the way in which he allows each story to carefully unfold is just masterful’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'The Dark Heart is a crime thriller that grips you from the start with a masterful plot line, suspense and some breathtaking moments’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'If you’re drawn to thrillers that combine procedural precision with emotional depth think Line of Duty meets Broadchurch The Dark Heart will leave you breathless’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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About the author

NEIL LANCASTER is the No. 1 digital bestselling author of both the Tom Novak and Max Craigie series. His first Craigie novel, Dead Man’s Grave, was longlisted for the 2021 McIlvanney Prize for Best Scottish Crime Book of the Year. The second Craigie novel, The Blood Tide, topped several ebook and audio charts. It was also longlisted for the 2022 McIlvanney Prize and shortlisted for Best New Series at the Dead Good Reader Awards.

Neil’s authentic crime writing style stems from his police background. He served as a military policeman and worked for the Metropolitan Police as a detective, investigating serious crimes in the capital and beyond. As a covert policing specialist, he used all manner of techniques to investigate and disrupt major crime and criminals. He now lives in the Scottish Highlands, writes crime and thriller novels and works as a broadcaster and commentator on true crime documentaries. He is an expert on two Sky Crime TV series, Meet, Marry, Murder and Made for Murder.

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