A serial killer is stalking the streets of Heckley. And only Detective Priest can stop them.

Laura Heeley, a thirty-something mother-of-two, leaves bingo after yet another fruitless night -- unaware that it will be her last.

As she turns down an unlit country lane, a ten-inch, razor-edged stiletto is plunged into her back.

Priest can find no motive and no suspects.

Then the body of another young woman is found, just half a mile from her home. The popular student was strangled with a plastic clothesline.

A serial killer is roaming Heckley. He's becoming more daring, practically laughing at Priest with each fresh murder.

As the body count rises, Priest faces his biggest challenge yet...
This character-driven detective mystery full of wry humour is perfect for fans of Colin Dexter, Reginald Hill, J.R. Ellis, P.F. Ford and Roger Silverwood.

Praise for LAUGHING BOY:

'If you've not read Pawson before, shame on you... brilliant stuff.' York Evening Press

'Perfect for a long winter afternoon with the rain beating down on the window.' Independent on Sunday

????? 'A perfect mix of a plausible plot, true-to-life main characters, rugged scenery and enough humour.' ADW

????? 'Humour and a good plot to keep you enthralled.' Sand

????? 'As always another brilliant book from Stuart Pawson.' Pat

????? 'Once again Stuart Pawson does not disappoint.' Barbara

????? 'Good writing, interesting story line, humour, unpredictable.' Kathleen

The Detective
Charlie Priest's father and grandfather were both detectives. He is now the longest-serving detective in the small town of Heckley, Yorkshire. After a messy divorce that left him cleaned out, he uses work and his dry humour as an escape. Priest is devoted to finding crooks and watching out for his team of young constables. He hates being called sir or Mr. Priest -- it makes him feel old, and don't ever say a bad word about his old, beat-up Ford Cortina.

The Setting
Heckley is a fictional town in Yorkshire, England. Locally referred to as The Tops, Heckley has picturesque views over the rugged hills, bleak moors and narrow lanes bordered by dry-stone walls. Residents like to nip to their local pub for a pint and a chinwag about local lore.

ALSO BY STUART PAWSON
DI CHARLIE PRIEST MYSTERIES
Book 1: THE PICASSO SCAM
Book 2: THE MUSHROOM MAN
Book 3: THE JUDAS SHEEP
Book 4: LAST REMINDER
Book 5: DEADLY FRIENDS
Book 6: SOME BY FIRE
Book 7: CHILL FACTOR
Book 8: LAUGHING BOY
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• We started tracking this book on May 14, 2025.
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• Crime, Thriller & MysteryMysteryPolice Procedurals
• Crime, Thriller & MysteryCrime FictionNoir
• Crime, Thriller & MysteryCrime FictionSerial Killers

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