No Precious Truth
by Chris Nickson

The first in a brand-new WWII historical thriller series introduces Sergeant Cathy Marsden – a female police officer working for the Special Investigation Branch – who risks her life to protect the city of Leeds from an escaped German spy!

Leeds, 1941. As the war rages across Europe, Police Sergeant Cathy Marsden’s life since she was seconded to the Special Investigation Branch has remained focused on deserters and home-front crimes. Until now.

Things take a chilling turn when Cathy’s civil servant brother, Dan, arrives from London with a dark secret: he is working for the XX Committee – a special MI5 unit set up to turn German spies into double agents. But one of these agents has escaped and is heading for Leeds, sent to destroy targets key to the war effort. Suddenly Cathy and the squad are plunged into an unfamiliar world of espionage and subterfuge.

With the fate of the country and the war in the balance, failure is not an option, and Cathy must risk everything, including her own life, to stop a spy.

This fast-paced World War II thriller is perfect for fans of Kate Quinn, Rhys Bowen and Kelly Rimmer!

Genre: Espionage and spy thriller

Reviews

“Brimming with Nickson’s trademark period details, memorable characters, . . . but also filled with frightening twists, bloody violence, suspense, and danger”

Booklist on Them Without Pain

“Well-drawn characters, plentiful historical details, and a real feeling for Leeds in all its gritty glory”

Kirkus Reviews on Them Without Pain

“A dark and complex mystery”

Kirkus Reviews Starred Review on The Scream of Sins

“A dark, gritty page-turner . . . Multiple twists combined with realistic period ambience and vivid characters make this a riveting read”

Booklist on The Scream of Sins

“This gritty and surprise-filled mystery will enthrall both newcomers and series fans”

Publishers Weekly Starred Review of The Dead Will Rise

“Nickson’s richly authentic descriptions . . . combine with a grisly plot and characters who jump off the page”

Booklist on The Dead Will Rise

“An action-packed mystery that provides interesting historical details about despicable crimes”

Kirkus Reviews on The Dead Will Rise

“Nickson does a superb job using the grim living and working conditions for the city’s poor as a backdrop for a memorable and affecting plot. James Ellroy fans will be enthralled”

Publishers Weekly Starred Review of The Blood Covenant

“A fine choice for fans of British historical mysteries”

Booklist on The Blood Covenant

“A gritty tale of perseverance, cruelty, rage, and redemption not for the faint of heart”

Kirkus Reviews on The Blood Covenant

Chris Nickson

Chris Nickson is the author of eleven Tom Harper mysteries, seven highly acclaimed novels in the Richard Nottingham series, and five Simon Westow books. Born and raised in Leeds, he moved back there some years ago.

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Editions

No Precious Truth by Chris Nickson is available in the following formats

Hardback97814483144541st April 2025144 X 222mm240$29.99
Hardback97814483144541st April 2025144 X 222mm240£21.99
Ebook97814483161131st April 2025N/A240$14.99
Ebook97814483161131st April 2025N/A240£12.99
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