The Last Dance - (Detective Miller Novels) by Mark Billingham

About the Book

"Maverick sleuth Declan Miller is back at work following the murder of his wife (and amateur ballroom dancing partner), Alex. Working with new partner and heavy metal enthusiast DS Sara Xiu, he is tasked with investigating the double killing of gangland family scion Adrian Cutler and IT consultant Barry Shepherd at the Sands Hotel. Initial evidence suggests a hired gun and a botched job. The search for the hitman begins and Miller begins to reconnect with his old network-his ballroom dancing friends, homeless informant Finn, and even the ghost of his wife who keeps showing up in his kitchen. The fact that Alex had been investigating the Cutler family prior to her death complicates things, and as Miller gets closer to the truth, he realizes the danger is walking right up to his doorstep."--

Book Synopsis

The first new series in two decades from multi-award-winning international bestseller Mark Billingham that introduces Detective Miller: a man who's unique, unconventional, and criminally underestimated.

Maverick sleuth Declan Miller is back at work following the murder of his wife (and amateur ballroom dancing partner) Alex. Working with new partner and heavy metal enthusiast DS Sara Xiu, he is tasked with investigating the double killing of gangland family scion Adrian Cutler and IT consultant Barry Shepherd at the Sands Hotel. Initial evidence suggests a hired gun and a botched job. The search for the hitman begins and Miller begins to reconnect with his old network--his ballroom dancing friends, homeless informant Finn, and even the ghost of his wife who keeps showing up in his kitchen. The fact Alex had been investigating the Cutler family prior to her death complicates things, and as Miller gets closer to the truth, he realizes the danger is walking right up to his doorstep...

Review Quotes

Praise for The Last Dance:

"Billingham's Tom Thorne series set the bar very high indeed, but The Last Dance is well up to standard--funny, moving and expertly plotted."--The Guardian

"Billingham has plotted the book brilliantly and will keep even the most astute mystery reader baffled until the finale. . . There are plot twists galore here, and at least one of the cases will remain unsolved, leaving the door wide open for additional entries in the series. I just love Declan Miller and cannot wait to spend more time with him."--Bookreporter

"[T]he launch of an intriguing series that melds humor with a hard-edged police procedural--and that also explores grief's vagaries. Billingham's brisk plotting and in-depth character studies elevate The Last Dance. Declan's grief over his wife is palpable, and he uses humor as his way to manage his emotions. . . Declan and Sara make a formidable team, despite their differences, especially in music. Readers will be eager to welcome Declan back."--Shelf Awareness

"Billingham launches a cracking new mystery series featuring the charming, sarcastic British Det. Sgt. Declan Miller. . . Billingham imbues Miller with a brilliant sense of humor and populates the margins of this well-paced mystery with lovable, fully fleshed characters whom readers will adore. This is the author at his best."--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Detective Sergeant Miller personifies the duality of comedy and tragedy within, all delivered with a cynical wit. . . VERDICT: Exuberant, apposite, and very amusing, Miller's wit and his observations about modern life and policing will delight new fans."--Library Journal

"A gritty, engaging novel that balances light with dark, offering wit and wisdom in equal measure. Billingham's new lead detective, DS Miller, may not be able to dance, but he never misses a step when it comes to solving crime. "--Nita Prose, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Maid

"Readers rejoice! A captivating new series from Mark Billingham--the very best in the business."--Richard Osman, #1 bestselling author of The Thursday Murder Club

"Brimming with wit, expertly paced, and wholly enjoyable--The Last Dance is a showcase of Billingham's exceptionally gifted storytelling. Mark Billingham is at his best!" --Karin Slaughter, New York Times bestselling author of the Will Trent series

"Hard-headed yet big-hearted, DS Declan Miller will have you on the edge of your seat--screaming with laughter one moment and surprise the next. Billingham blends caustic humor, raw emotion and rollercoaster thrills. His new series is bursting with wit, charm and intriguing, complex characters. Save The Last Dance for when you want a fast, fresh and totally absorbing read."--Janice Hallett, bestselling author of The Appeal

"Funny, moving, and full of surprises, The Last Dance will delight Mark Billingham's old readers, and have new ones flocking to him in droves. An absolute treat."--Mick Herron, #1 bestselling author of Slow Horses

Praise for Mark Billingham:

"Mark Billingham has brought a rare and welcome blend of humanity, dimension, and excitement to the genre." --George Pelecanos

"Mark Billingham is one of my favorite new writers." --Harlan Coben

"Billingham is a world-class writer and Thom Thorne is a wonderful creation. Rush to read these books." --Karin Slaughter

"Billingham is one of the best crime novelists working today." --Laura Lippman

"Morse, Rebus, and now Thorne. The next superstar detective is already with us--don't miss him." --Lee Child

"With each of his books, Mark Billingham gets better and better. These are stories and characters you don't want to leave." --Michael Connelly

"Mark Billingham's Detective Inspector Tom Thorne books are consistently excellent: easily some of the best police procedurals in print, with a complicated lead sleuth at their heart."--BookPage

About the Author

Mark Billingham has twice won the Theakston's Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award and also won the Sherlock Award for Best Detective Created by a British Author. His books, which include the critically acclaimed Tom Thorne series, have been translated into twenty-five languages and have sold over four million copies. He lives in London.