The Faces of the Dead
by Chris Nickson

Sergeant Cathy Marsden investigates the death of a local gangster in WWII Leeds.

Leeds, 1944. Cathy Marsden’s happiness at her boyfriend Tom’s brief leave from the army and marriage proposal is short-lived as she embarks on a new case in the Special Investigation Branch.

Eric Carr, a local gangster, is dead after crashing his car on the outskirts of Leeds. Not only that, but an alarming discovery is made in the boot: weapons, including guns, stolen from a US military base, to be sold on the black market.

Was the crash simply an accident, or something more sinister? One thing’s for sure – Eric’s death has set a chain of murder and gangland chaos in motion. As the number of people disappearing increases, and men start dying, Cathy must work out who is pulling the strings, and why.

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

Reviews

“A brave, plucky, likable heroine, a twist-a-minute plot, and heart-wrenching details about the effects of war”

Booklist on No Precious Truth

“Meticulous period detail and tender character development”

Publishers Weekly on No Precious Truth

“A rousing wartime drama”

Kirkus Reviews on No Precious Truth

“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 of 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

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.

View author page

Editions

The Faces of the Dead by Chris Nickson is available in the following formats

Hardback97814483163047th April 2026144 X 222mm256$29.99
Hardback97814483163047th April 2026144 X 222mm256£21.99
Ebook97814483169157th April 2026N/A256£12.99
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