Under An Evil Star

by Jane Holland

First in a new series of cozy mysteries set in Cornwall, from bestselling thriller writer Jane Holland. "Addictive, horrifying and brilliant!" - 5 stars, Rachel Gilbey from Rachel's Random Reads, on THE HIVE, also by Jane HollandWhen a man's severed head is found, Detective Sergeant Jack Church struggles to identify the victim. Until a vicar's estranged daughter reports her father missing. Stella Penhaligon hadn't spoken to her father in years. But she's at a loss to understand why anyone would have murdered him - and in such an horrific way. Determined to bring his killer to justice, she knows that finding her father's remains could hold the key.An expert in the ancient art of horary astrology, traditionally used to answer queries and locate missing items, Stella employs her skills with uncanny results. Only DS Church doesn't believe in astrology, and suspicion soon falls on Stella instead. It seems she'll need to identify and locate the killer too, if she wants justice for her father.But the deeper she digs, the more of the reverend's dark secrets she uncovers ... Did Stella really know her father at all?Jane Holland's bestselling thrillers have sold more than 220,000 paid downloads across several continents, and she loves finding brave new readers! PRAISE for Jane Holland's previous psychological 'This began as psychological suspense, moved through thriller territory and, with a left-field twist, culminated in grand guignol. For fans of spine-chillers, THE HIVE is a five star must read.''I really cannot get enough of this fabulous author ... highly recommend any of her thrillers.''A fab read!!!''The Hive is an emotional tour de force that will scare, delight, terrify and enthral thriller readers everywhere.''Gripping story, keeps you on the edge of your seat.''As scared as I was at times, I couldn't take my eyes off the page and found my eyes trying to sneakily jump ahead as my brain wasn't reading fast enough.''I couldn't put out the light until I'd finished reading this.''Didn't guess the ending ... well-written, cleverly interwoven.''I read the book almost in one sitting and felt unfeasibly annoyed when I had to put it down.''Brilliant ending!''A thriller with a capital T and perfect for anyone that likes horror.''A very creepy storyline.''A fast paced and twisty novel with a satisfying ending ...'‘A read which wraps you in a blanket of mistrust and unease, taking you to a thrilling end.’ —Sue Fortin, author of USA Today bestselling thriller The Girl Who Lied, and Sister Sister'A very different read, brilliantly done.'‘Utterly believable, scary as hell. Simply compelling.’ —Andy Martin, Cambridge academic and expert on crime writing 'An amazing 5-star read!' This is a crime novella. Perfect for the commute!

Genres: Fiction

236 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 27, 2020

About the author

Jane Holland is an award-winning British poet and novelist, and proud mum of five amazing kids. The middle child of romance legend Charlotte Lamb, she grew up in Essex and the Isle of Man, but now lives in Cornwall. As Jane Holland, she writes poetry, thrillers, historical suspense and some romance. She also writes commercial women's fiction as Betty Walker, best known for her Cornish Girls wartime sagas. ALSO, try her popular contemporary romance and romcoms as Beth Good! (She also writes as Victoria Lamb, Elizabeth Moss, and Hannah Coates, among other names.)

Photograph credit: Anand Chhabra

Reviews

[Samantha Henthorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gruesome crime is solved by Detective Jack Church, but not without the help of the victim's daughter, Stella. A suspect at first, as she knows things she shouldn't know. I do like a thriller every now and then, so one with a special ingredient is superb. Open your mind to a mystery way of solving crimes. The story reminded me a little (but not entirely) of the British drama series 'Cracker', what I mean by that is if you enjoy that kind of programme, you will definitely enjoy this. The setting brings interest when remains are found in Tintagel castle, so ancient legends, folklore and the supernatural were at the back of my mind when I read it. A few leftover points of interest for the second in series, without being an annoying cliffhanger!

[Maggie Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read.

I really enjoyed this story. This is the first book I've read from this author and it certainly won't be the last. I've just pre ordered Book 2.
5 stars from this happy reader.

[Brenda C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under An Evil Star

I enjoyed this story because I like to know other peoples ways of life. Astrology is amazing it goes on as we do. People tend to ignore things they can't see. The Earth feeds us The Sun warms us the planet's rule us.😊

[Stargazer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Astrology used was sound but otherwise there was more of it.would read another and hope for more astrology in it.

[diana hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under an Evil Star

Jane Holland has written another excellent mystery in Under An Evil Star , full of unexpected twists and intriguing turns

[Summer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can’t wait to read the rest of this series.. murder solved by astrology is right up my street. Standard for a Scorpio rising (with Pluto and north node in 1st house, conjunct ascendant..)