An ordinary policeman spends a long and thoughtful night guarding the body of one of Britain's most notorious criminals

'His masterpiece, a novel so strong that it seems a foregone conclusion that Thomson will enjoy the commercial success and widespread acclaim he deserves ... brilliant' Matt Thorne, Independent on Sunday 'Beautiful writing, occasional poetry, and an aching sense of the vulnerability of those we love. It's an ambitious and brave book' Carol Birch, Independent 'Exquisitely controlled ... What gives Death of a Murderer its greatest strength is its restraint. Nothing is exaggerated for effect ... Thomson is able to make glories of the tiniest moments' Toby Litt, Guardian 'Thomson reaches the summit of his powers ... a novel of beautiful moral complexity' Andrew O'Hagan

Rupert Thomson is the author of seven previous novels. His books have been shortlisted for awards including the Writer's Guild Fiction Prize for Air and Fire and the Guardian Prize for Fiction. He lives in Barcelona with his wife and daughter.