Spider Trap - (Brock and Kolla Mysteries) by Barry Maitland (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

When human bones are discovered in Cockpit Lane, a poor area of inner south London, D.C.I. David Brock and D.S. Kathy Kolla of Scotland Yard are called in to investigate. The first twist in the case comes when Brock and Kolla learn that the victims died over twenty years ago, during the Brixton riots, information that leads the two of them on a dangerous journey into the heart of the West Indian community in London. Making matters worse, a formidable old antagonist, Spider Roach, returns, weaving together past and present in an intricate web of deception and intrigue. Now the two have to uncover the truth of those long ago deaths, and be able to prove it with a crucial piece of evidence, in order to prevent the violence of the past from revisiting itself on them.

Review Quotes

"Gripping and complex ... the intricate plot, spot-on dialogue and vivid descriptions will keep readers turning the pages." --Publishers Weekly on Spider Trap

"Gripping...Maitland brings the particular world he depicts unforgettably alive. No one who reads this haunting, unnerving work will ever again think about contemporary artists the same way." --Publishers Weekly on No Trace

"A craft and well-crafted showpiece of the genre...Altogether an intricate and maze-like tale well told and well worth the telling." --Los Angeles Times Book Review on The Chalon Heads

"Maitland, perhaps the most underrated writer in the field, puts it all together - a memorably twisty plot, cut-and-thrust investigation, unsparing forensics, psychological penetration - in the complete mystery package." --Kirkus Reviews (starred review) on No Trace

"As a procedural, it is first-rate; as a crime thriller, it is compelling; and as a reflection of of contemporary life, it is fascinating." --Dallas Morning News on Silvermeadow

"In what may be his best book yet, Maitland starkly contrasts the modern art worldview of life as art/art as life with the police attitude that life is not a game." --Library Journal on No Trace

About the Author

Barry Maitland is the author of several previous novels featuring D.C.I David Brock and Det. Sgt. Kathy Kolla. Born in Scotland and raised in London, Maitland lives in Australia. His work has been a finalist for the Barry Award, the John Creasey Award, and the winner of the Ned Kelley Award.