Eight Perfect Murders

by Peter Swanson

William Morrow
January 10, 2023

A tantalizing novel bound to delight crime fiction aficionados.  A bookseller finds himself in danger when a killer starts using his list of fiction’s most ingenious murders as a blueprint for violence.

Years ago, bookseller and mystery aficionado Malcolm Kershaw compiled a list of literary murders that are almost impossible to crack, chosen from among the best of the best, including Agatha Christie’s A. B. C. Murders, Patricia Highsmith’s Strangers on a Train, and Ira Levin’s Death Trap.

No one is more surprised than Mal when an FBI agent comes knocking on his door one snowy day in February. She’s looking for information about a series of baffling murders that look eerily similar to the killings on Mal’s old list—and the FBI agent isn’t the only one interested in this bookseller who spends almost every night at home reading. There’s a killer out there, watching his every move, and he knows too much about Mal’s personal history, especially the secrets he’s never told anyone.

To protect himself, Mal begins looking into possible suspects . . . and sees a killer in everyone around him.  Unexpectedly, his investigation leaves a trail of death in its wake and the noose around Mal’s neck grows so tight he may never escape.

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Praise for Eight Perfect Murders:

“This outstanding fair-play crime novel...will keep most readers
guessing until the end. Classic whodunit fans will be in heaven.”
Publisher’s Weekly, Starred Review

“A devilish premise combined with jaw-dropping execution...Swanson hits
every note in this homage to the old-school crime novel, and the turnabout
ending will leave readers reeling in delight.”
Booklist, Starred Review

“The pleasures of following, and trying to anticipate, a narrator who's
constantly second- and third-guessing himself and everyone around
him are authentic and intense...You wish the mounting complications,
like a magician's showiest routine, could go on forever.”
Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

“...eerily cool narration, together with trust-no-one twists and garish
murders, will satisfy thriller readers...you'll stay to the finish of this one.”  
Library Journal, Starred Review