A modern-day Oliver Twist that gives a steer to the future of the crime novel

Gareth Creer is a rising star in British fiction. Doffing his cap to James Ellroy, in Big Sky he infuses his brutal vision with a Dickensian love for his characters. Jimmy's turf is a stretch of North-East English coast where he and his ramshackle crew live comfortably on ill-gotten gains. But the time has come for them to leave these shores and seek anonymity in Spain; only there's a price. A good man who has to do bad things, Jimmy sings his dirty story like an angel. And why wouldn't he? He is mute.

Cradle to Grave: 'Provides some of the best descriptions of drug- driven hedonism presently in circulation. But the novells real strength lies not in its concession to the underworld conventions of the urban narrative, but in what it brings to the domestic one.' Ra Page, The Times

Colin is in many ways an ideal citizen. A responsible job for the council, visits to his aged mother Norah, and cooking and shopping for her. But no-one knows about his other - much more secret - life that involves a garden shed, a circus acrobat, and a much-adored three-year-old charmer.

The stunning new novel by the author of Stickleback and Paper

'Moving country: a cinch. Avoiding the law: a breeze. Getting a job: a doddle. Assuming a new identity: now, that was the real problem. That is, until I met you. Your skin would fit just fine. I'm no parasite, though, and what I take I also give back in return. Whether you like it or not.'

John McCabe's new novel is about two people who meet 37,000 feet above the Atlantic and bring each other down to earth. A fast, funny and gripping read that demonstrates what can happen if you drag an innocent bystander into the mess that is your life.

Stickleback:
'Original, entertaining and compelling.' The Times
Witty and incisive.' Observer