The Last Dance: 1 (Detective Miller Novels)

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In the beginning, I was a little frustrated at Miller’s jokiness, that often seemed out of place (and was), but as I got to know him, I appreciated him and – dare I say it? – his professionalism. There is nothing slapdash about his attitude to crime. He’s a cop for the right reasons. I enjoyed the people and the story. I’ve never read Billingham before, but as this is obviously #1 in a new series, and as the author has left scope for continuing with these characters, I will be standing by for Miller’s next outing. OK, that was a bit of a stab in the dark… let me have one more guess. Is it the fact that the man who invented Pringles had his ashes buried in a Pringles can? Original flavour, if you want to be precise.’ p162

Author Mark Billingham has been involved in many creative endeavors over the years. In his early days, he worked as an actor and as a stand-up comedian. These days he is known primarily for his successful DI Tom Thorne series along with standalones like Rabbit Hole. In his spare time, Billingham is a member of the Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers, a band composed of several crime authors performing classics like ‘I Fought the Law’ by The Clash. These varied activities appear to have influenced The Last Dance, first in his proposed new series about Detective Sergeant Declan Miller. With a distinctly loose relationship with reality and a new partner to deal with, can eccentric, offbeat Miller find answers where more traditional police have found only an impossible puzzle? Bob Mortimer wins 2023 Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize for Comic Fiction with The Satsuma Complex

About Mark Billingham

Xiu seemed pleased; bemused, but pleased. ‘Anyway, nothing to get excited about as far as Massey is concerned but I did find out one very interesting thing.’ Readers rejoice! A captivating new series from Mark Billingham, the very best in the business' --- RICHARD OSMAN A captivating combination of humour, emotion, mystery and tension, The Last Dance is everything you could wish for in a new detective series. Sharp and funny, with hidden layers, just like Detective Declan Miller himself. * Andrea Mara *

Not just a new, totally different, protagonist from Mark Billingham but also a massive change in writing style. The book is littered with constant corny, yet clever, jokes; some are laugh out loud funny. So very different from the Tom Thorne series.Brimming with wit, expertly paced, and wholly enjoyable — The Last Dance is a showcase of Billingham’s exceptionally gifted storytelling. Mark Billingham is at his best!”— Karin Slaughter, New York Times bestselling author of the Will Trent series The cases themselves are interesting but the treat here is Miller – predominantly through the piquant prose penned by Billingham. It reminded me of slightly-darker Ted Lasso… that verbal diarrhoea that could be annoying but is endearing… Despite a somewhat dubious relationship with both reality and his new partner, can the eccentric, offbeat Miller find answers where his colleagues have found only an impossible puzzle? [ My Review ] To be honest I didn’t much warm to this new character of Marks. I love the Tom Thorne books so much that it will take a lot for another character to live up to him. A big part of it was the silly jokey nature of Miller. It is one of the reasons I gave up on Stuart MacBride as do people really talk and behave like that 24/7.

Dystopian Fiction Books Everyone Should Read: Explore The Darker Side of Possible Worlds and Alternative Futures Hard-headed yet big-hearted, DS Declan Miller will have you on the edge of your seat—screaming with laughter one moment and surprise the next. Billingham blends caustic humor, raw emotion, and rollercoaster thrills. His new series is bursting with wit, charm and intriguing, complex characters. Save The Last Dance for when you want a fast, fresh, and totally absorbing read.”— Janice Hallett, bestselling author of The Appeal Miller uses sarcasm and wit as a tool of his trade but underneath this humorous front is a man grieving and looking for justice. In parallel with his current case, he starts to unravel a few bits about his wife’s untimely death, leaving the series very much open for book 2. The Last Dance by Mark Billingham will be published in Australia by Hachette and available in late May 2023. Take a Look at Our Summary of November Highlights, Whether You're Looking for the Latest Releases or Gift Inspiration

Mark Billingham has come up with a particularly interesting, off-beat, not what you might expect kind of character in The Last Dance, the first of what appears to be a new series. This is a police procedural murder mystery that is greatly enhanced by the flip nature of the protagonist DS Declan Miller. Miller’s exchanges with everyone he encounters, his new partner Sara, the criminals he investigates and eventually questions, are imbued with sarcasm (testament to Billingham’s stint as a stand-up comic). And yet there’s a scene with Finn which broke my heart, for both of them. Equally masterful are Miller’s conversations with his wife’s ghost, conjured out of loneliness and heartache. Yet they’re witty and fun. How does he do that? This whiplash alternating between pathos and bathos makes Billingham’s novel memorable. Does it skirt tasteless? Not for this reader, who adores British comedy shows and humour. But for others? I don’t think so: Miller’s grief reads genuine; his moral core, believable.