NEIL LANCASTER chats to Paul about his new police thriller The Dark Heart, DS Max Cragie, Scottish crime fiction, Max Connor, a love of spies, James Herriot and useful idiots. THE DARK HEART: A DEADLY BOMBING - When renowned author Dr. Daniel Solomon is killed in a devastating explosion in York, authorities quickly attribute the attack to Islamic extremists. But as the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that all is not as it seems. A DARK CONSPIRACY - DS Max Craigie uncovers a chilling connection between a series of brutal murders, each victim linked by a secret that someone is determined to protect. A DANGEROUS GAME - With the number of victims growing and an elusive figure known as The Cashier operating in the shadows, Max must navigate a web of corruption and hatred. Can he unravel the truth before more lives are lost? NEIL LANCASTER is the No. 1 digital bestselling author of both the Tom Novak and Max Craigie series. His first Craigie novel, Dead Man’s Grave, was longlisted for the 2021 McIlvanney Prize for Best Scottish Crime Book of the Year. The second Craigie novel, The Blood Tide, topped several ebook and audio charts. It was also longlisted for the 2022 McIlvanney Prize and shortlisted for Best New Series at the Dead Good Reader Awards. Neil’s authentic crime writing style stems from his police background. He served as a military policeman and worked for the Metropolitan Police as a detective, investigating serious crimes in the capital and beyond. As a covert policing specialist, he used all manner of techniques to investigate and disrupt major crime and criminals. He now lives in the Scottish Highlands, writes crime and thriller novels and works as a broadcaster and commentator on true crime documentaries. He is an expert on two Sky Crime TV series, Meet, Marry, Murder and Made for Murder. Neil is also writing a new series under the pseudonym Max Connor. The first, No Mercy, is available now, and the follow up, No Way Out will be released in 2026 Recommended: John Niven Kill Your Friends and The Fathers, Desmond Bagley Running Blind, Liz Nugent The Truth about Ruby Cooper, Liam Thomas The Buyer, A Policeman's Progress Harry Cole, Callum McSorley Rat Race (pub. May). Paul Burke is the editor of Aspects of Crime and Crime Time FM, his first book Spies on Screen: From Silent to Streaming is published in September. Produced by Junkyard Dog Crime Time Crime Time FM is the official podcast of Gwyl Crime Cymru Festival 2023 & 2025 CrimeFest 2023 CWA Daggers 2023-2026 & National Crime Reading Month & Newcastle Noir 2023 and 2024 2024 Slaughterfest,
