The Mayfly

As Chilling as M. J. Arlidge

James Hazel author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Zaffre

Published:15th Jun '17

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

The Mayfly cover

The Mayfly is a high-octane thriller from an exhilarating new voice, perfect for fans of Jeffery Deaver, The Silence of the Lambs and MJ Arlidge.



When his attacker is found murdered the next day, Priest becomes a suspect and the only way to clear his name is to find out about the mysterious House of Mayfly - a secret society that people will kill for.

With the suspense of JEFFERY DEAVER, the tension of THOMAS HARRIS and the gruesomeness of M. J. ARLIDGE, The Mayfly is a breathtaking debut that will have you leaving your lights on all night.

A mutilated body discovered in the woods.
A murderous plan conceived in the past.
A reckoning seventy years in the making . . .

When lawyer Charlie Priest is attacked in his own home by a man searching for information he claims Priest has, he is drawn into a web of corruption that has its roots in the last desperate days of World War Two.

When his attacker is found murdered the next day, Priest becomes a suspect and the only way to clear his name is to find out about the mysterious House of Mayfly - a secret society that people will kill for.

As Priest races to uncover the truth, can he prevent history from repeating itself?

An impressive debut . . . Hazel has a gift for a gripping plot, an abundantly more-ish, aphoristic prose style, and a quirky humour underlying the most viole­nt and excessive set pieces, of which there are many in this clever debut. He's suitably handy with neat character description, and also with one disturbing revelation following another in quick succession, without seeming to be completely implausible. The Mayfly is what Fleming would have called an "unashamed thriller", with Hazel adept at giving the reader those heightened feelings of suspense, excitement and anxiety. It is a nice hybrid of mystery and horror: monsters, terror and peril inhabit Priest's world * The Australian *
Occasionally horrifically shiver inducing, never less than irresistible, The Mayfly is really top notch. Intelligently constructed, characters to die for and a truly sterling opening to what I hope will be a long running series. Charlie Priest. Remember the name * Liz Loves Books *
A compelling mystery that has you tearing through the pages. Charlie Priest is a genius creation. He's brilliant and border-line dysfunctional but you can't help liking him. Highly recommended * James Carol, author of the Jefferson Winter series *
Addictive. There is something wonderfully macabre about Hazel's debut thriller. It may well be the motley crew that surrounds Priest, (who isn't exactly without his own difficulties), who entranced me . . . With this marvellous cast, Hazel's thriller certainly keeps rolling along at a cracking pace . . . I can honestly say that I haven't completed a book in such double quick time as I did The Mayfly. Having been reviewing for over twelve years now, I can sense a good thriller. You will be guaranteed to be on to a winner with The Mayfly * CrimeSquad *
A compulsive and engaging read. I liked the characters, and the plot was interesting . . . A little gory, and with plenty to keep the reader guessing! * Bibliophile Book Club *
This is a heart thumping page turner with a difference. It has depth. The characters are brilliantly portrayed and the narrative is beautifully paced and written with intelligence and heart. * Bookish Outsider *
This book is frankly stunning. Hazel's writing style is fantastic, keeping the reader engaged throughout with his fast-paced and gritty narrative. * The Book Club Cafe *
The Mayfly is a cleverly written and compelling story that has been brilliantly plotted. * If In Doubt, Read *

ISBN: 9781785763007

Dimensions: 234mm x 153mm x 29mm

Weight: 537g

416 pages