ILL MET BY MURDER​
** Shortlisted for the CWA Emerging Author Dagger 2026 **

A bored policeman. An ancient Mesopotamian goddess.

Human sacrifices in sleepy Oxford.

 

After archaeologist David Crossland translates an ancient prophecy foretelling five deaths before the summer solstice, bodies start piling up. This surprises the Oxford Murder Squad, who are rarely troubled by decaying corpses. DCI Alex Lovegrove and DS Fionnuala McGrath soon uncover human sacrifices, links to murders fifty years earlier, political connections that run to the top of government and a mysterious society dedicated to the goddess Ištar. The murderer, however, is always one step ahead.

 

Can Lovegrove and McGrath catch the killer before their investigation is shut down or is Oxford about to witness a murder spree that will make Old Testament carnage look like a walk in the University Parks?

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Runner up, Page 100 Competition​

Shortlisted, CWA Emerging Author Dagger 2026

Shortlisted, Opening Lines Competition​

Top Pick, Best Mystery, Claymore Award​​

Commended, Marlowe & Christie Novel Prize

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"Rod Cookson's Ill Met by Murder is a masterclass in well-controlled dialogue with plenty of forward momentum. Really impressive."

Louise Walters, judge, Page 100 Competition

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"An excellent book; one of the best I've read lately."

Judge comment, RWA Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense competition​​