Adam Croft, 35, who is famous in the local area for his Rutland crime series, is publishing 'Kiss of Death', the fourth book in this popular local series on the 13th of May 2022. 

This new title follows the first three books, 'What Lies Beneath', 'On Borrowed Time', and 'In Cold Blood'.

The first of Adam's Rutland crime series 'What Lies Beneath' (image courtesy of Adam Croft)

With nearly 30 titles to his name, as well as some plays and short stories on top of that, Adam Croft is an accomplished author. His books have been published globally in over 138 countries, totalling over 2 million books sold to date. 

Given that his first book was only published in 2011, with the first of the Rutland crime series coming out in 2020, Adam has had an incredibly productive decade and welcomes 2022 with plans to produce even more thrilling content. 

The second title in the series 'On Borrowed Time (image courtesy of Adam Croft)

Of course, for the small but passionate Rutland community, the most exciting upcoming publication is 'Kiss of Death', the fourth in the Rutland Crime series. 

This title features a myriad of local landmarks and continues to follow DI Caroline Hills and DS Dexter Antoine as they investigate a mysterious death at our very own All Saints' Church: 

An elderly woman collapses and dies during a Sunday morning church service in Oakham. But things aren't quite as innocent as they seem.

Within hours, there's a second unexplained death in Rutland. Then a third. But the victims appear to be completely unconnected. 

With the body count rising by the day, DI Caroline Hills and DS Dexter Antoine need to uncover the link before more innocent people die.

Only one thing is certain: a killer walks the streets of Rutland. But no-one knows who the next victim will be, when they will be killed — or why.

Fans will also be able to find other iconic Rutland landmarks in this title, but you'll have to read it to find out! 

For readers who have already devoured the first three book in the series, they will know that Caroline and Dexter are not your conventional detectives, so we couldn't help but ask Adam if they were inspired by real people: "They are not inspired by real people – I've never met anyone interesting enough to be a character in a book! But in part, the characters are inspired by everyone. I am interested in what makes people tick, so lots of people go into the creative soup for me to pull a ladle from." 

The third book in the series 'In Cold Blood' (image courtesy of Adam Croft)

He added: "This recent title is a slow burner in many ways, as the crimes all appear linked, but the victims themselves are not… I can't say anything else. You'll just have to read it.

"It is set in and around Oakham this time though, which I hope people enjoy. There is a Facebook group of readers who meet and tour the locations visited in the books. I have actually been speaking to the library about arranging something like this, so perhaps there will be an Adam Croft tour in Oakham soon enough."

Croft's fans will be glad to know that Adam has plans to continue with the series way beyond this latest release, with a great deal more of Rutland still to explore: "The thing that amazes me about Oakham, and Rutland in general, is that it's a small place and you think you can cover it quickly, but there is always something new, always something going on. It's like the Tardis!" 

He added: "Book 5 will happen later this year, audio contracts have been signed, so that one is definitely happening."

Readers can pre order 'Kiss of Death' on Adam's website, which offers free UK postage. 

Haven't read the first three books from the series yet? You can order them in a discounted bundle here.

Have you reviewed one of Adam's books? Share it with us to celebrate his upcoming release by emailing [email protected].

We look forward to hearing from you – and to getting our hands on this greatly anticipated new title from the lovely Adam Croft!