A shocking act of violence at the Palace of Westminster draws Edinburgh''s toughest cop into a complex new case...

Skinner is plunged into a web of politics and enemies in STATE SECRETS, another compelling and utterly addictive mystery from bestselling author, Quintin Jardine. Not to be missed by readers of Ian Rankin and Peter May.

Praise for Quintin Jardine''s gritty novels: ''Well constructed, fast-paced...many an ingenious twist and turn'' Observer

Former Chief Constable Bob Skinner is long out of the police force but trouble has a habit of following him around. So it is that he finds himself in the Palace of Westminster as a shocking act befalls the nation.

Hours before the Prime Minister is due to make a controversial statement, she is discovered in her office with a letter opener driven through her skull.

Is the act political? Personal? Or even one of terror?

Skinner is swiftly enlisted by the Security Service to lead the investigation. Reunited with Met Police Commander Neil McIlhenney, he has forty-eight hours to crack the case - before the press unleash their wrath.

There are many in the tangled web of government with cause to act. But the outcome will be one that not even Skinner himself could predict...

What readers are saying about STATE SECRETS:

''From start to finishit is a brilliant story written by a person of pure literary genius''

''Gripping, complex and seemingly impossible to resolve until the carefully-crafted finale''

''Twists and turns abound in this Skinner tome. You will not be disappointed as Bob continues to investigate and intimidate in his usual style''