Mask of shadows (Penguin Books)

The new novel from Oscar de Muriel, out now!1889. The Scottish Play is coming home.But before the darling couple of London theatre, Henry Irving & Ellen Terry, take their acclaimed Macbeth to the Edinburgh stage terror treads the boards.A grisly message found smeared across the cobbles in blood, foretelling someone's demise.As the bloody prophecies continue to appear Edinburgh's own beloved pair - Detective 'Nine-Nails' McGray & Inspector Ian Frey - enter the scene.

Frey scoffs at this blatant publicity stunt, while McGray is convinced of supernatural affairs.As they scrutinise the key players, they discover that Terry, Irving, and his peculiar, preoccupied assistant (one Bram Stoker) all have reasons to kill, or be killed...But one thing is clear.

By occult curse or human hand, death will take bow the night the curtain rises. Praise for the Frey & McGray series: 'I enjoyed this - properly creepy and Gothic' Ian Rankin'A hugely entertaining Victorian mystery' New York Times'This is wonderful.

A brilliant, moving, clever, lyrical book - I loved it. Oscar de Muriel is going to be a name to watch' Manda Scott'Fun to read and a fast page-turner. Love and murder - they go together like strawberries and cream' Independent'A brilliant mix of horror, history, and humour.

Genuinely riveting with plenty of twists, this will keep you turning the pages. It's clever, occasionally frightening and superbly written... Everything you need in a mystery thriller' Crime Review'Fast-paced, well-researched and thoroughly spellbinding.

The mismatched pair is as entertaining as Holmes and Watson at their best' Historical Novel Society