A Sock Full of Bones by B J Mears

A Sock Full of Bones by B J Mears is a glorious mix of Victorian detective investigators, tangled web of plot, characters both nasty and do-good, and a spine-chilling dose of the supernatural. Banyard and Mingle’s relationship is a complex mix of well-meant intentions, completely ridiculous ideas, serious detecting skills and a beautiful, mutual friendship that brings a warm touch to every interaction. The supporting characters including the gawpers are vivid, and the settings that surround them are evocatively eerie. The story itself is both fun and serious, with social ideals and interactions mixed into the investigation of fraud, deceit and murder. If you like your Sherlock Holmes with a heap more supernatural, a dash more social conscience and a Watson who proposes the worst ideas, this is the book for you. – Kate Coe, Writing & Coe, fantasy author and editor

Mears has done for post-apocalyptic fiction what C J Sansom’s Shardlake did for historical fiction. It is an intriguing mystery, set against a backdrop every bit as convincing and mysterious as Robert Harris Second Sleep. The storytelling is compelling, and the characters draw the reader into the story which builds to a climax that is both satisfying and leaving you wanting more. I am already eagerly awaiting the next instalment. – Rev Dr Simon woodman, author of The Book of Revelation

Although we are transported to a highly imaginative and intriguing world, this is still a classic thriller with a hero born from the finest traditions of doing whatever it takes to solve the case. Whatever your preferences are in a murder mystery or fantasy novel, Ben Mears delivers it, and you suspect this is just the tip of the iceberg for Banyard and Mingle. I for one can t wait for the next adventure. – Simon Lupton, Executive Producer (Red Dwarf, Henry IX, Marley's Ghosts, Zapped – and many more)