Dark, intense and utterly compelling, 'Black Dog' was an extraordinary first novel from a writer who has rapidly become the most promising crime author to emerge in the genre in years. / Dramatic first novel introducing the characters of Detectives Fry and Cooper. / The only crime series to bring dramatically to life the haunting landscape of the Peak District. / Steve's sales have grown year on year and he now has a large and extremely loyal fan base across the world. / Competition: Barbara Vine, Minette Walters, Reginald Hill

Stephen Booth was born in the Lancashire mill town of Burnley and has remained rooted to the Pennines during his career as a newspaper journalist. He lives with his wife Lesley in a former Georgian Dower house in Nottinghamshire and his interests include folklore, the Internet and walking in the hills of the Peak District. 'Black Dog' is his first novel.