The American Boy

`Hugely entertaining. Its beguiling story and atmospheric evocation of Regency London and the winter landscapes of Gloucestershire cry out for a wingback chair by a blazing fire.' Observer

'In the end, the myriad mysteries of The American Boy are all neatly accounted for, as one would expect from a thriller writer such as Taylor. But he has transcended any limitations of genre in this novel, for it is a wonderful book, richly composed and beautifully written, an enthralling read from start to finish.' The Times

'Creates an atmosphere close to Sarah Waters' Fingersmith in the convincing depiction of a sadistic underworld. Taylor's deeply absorbing and beautifully written book is a fitting tribute to the founding father of crime fiction.' Independent

'A most artful and delightful book, that will both amuse and chill, and it will have you desperate to search out a quiet corner to continue your acquaintance with it.' Daily Telegraph

'It is as if Taylor has used the great master of the bizarre as both starting and finishing point, but in between created a period piece with its own unique voice. The result should satisfy those drawn to the fictions of the 19th century, or Poe, or indeed to crime-writing at its most creative.' Spectator

Andrew Taylor is the award-winning author of a number of crime novels, including the Dougal series, the Lydmouth books and the Roth Trilogy, which was adapted into the acclaimed ITV drama `Fallen Angel'. `The American Boy' was a 2005 Richard & Judy Book Club choice.

He has won many awards, including the CWA John Creasey Award, an Edgar Scroll from the Mystery Writers of America and the CWA Ellis Peters Historical Daggers (the only author to win it twice). He and his wife live with their children in the Forest of Dean.