Stephanie King Series 2 Books Collection Set By Rachel Abbott - Fiction - Mixed Format

Titles in This Set:
And So It Begins
The Murder Game

Condition: BRAND NEW
Format: Mixed lot

Overview:
Step into the shadowy, suspenseful world of Rachel Abbott’s Stephanie King series with this two-book collection. This set brings together And So It Begins and The Murder Game, two gripping thrillers that pair intimate, character-driven tension with high-stakes mystery. In And So It Begins, Cleo wrestles with the expectation to celebrate her brother Mark’s new relationship after tragedy, even as Evie’s strange accidents spark fears of hidden danger. When a cliff-top summons Sergeant Stephanie King, she discovers a brutal scene—two bodies entwined in a blood-drenched room—and the investigation unfurls into a web of secrets that tests loyalties and threatens lives. The Murder Game follows Jemma and Matt as they are drawn back to Lucas Jarrett’s Polskirrin estate for an anniversary that becomes anything but festive. Lucas’s deadly “game” compels truth from every guest, unearthing long-buried memories and terrifying consequences. This hardcover-set vibe is ideal for lovers of twisty crime with a sharp, modern edge.

What Makes This Collection Special:
What makes this pair truly stand out is the through-line of a formidable female detective at the heart of both stories, paired with distinct atmospheres that showcase Abbott’s range. One tale centers on intimate, domestic fear—the vulnerability within family dynamics—while the other leans into unsettling social optics and the tension of a curated guest list. The dual pace keeps you hooked: a steady, procedural-driven unraveling punctuated by shocking twists that redefine what you thought you knew. Readers get the satisfaction of a complete, cohesive reading journey, plus the tactile pleasure of a double-crime collection that’s perfect for gifting, stocking out a bookshelf, or savoring as a weekend binge.

Books Included in This Collection:
And So It Begins
Cleo loves her brother Mark, but happiness feels fragile after recent losses. When his new partner Evie begins to suffer alarming accidents, friends grow worried about foul play—could Mark be involved? As the night unfolds at their cliff-top home, Sergeant Stephanie King is called to a harrowing scene: two bodies tangled on blood-drenched sheets. Abbott masters the slow reveal here, weaving small-town atmospherics with a brutal crime that tests trust, loyalty, and the line between protection and peril. Expect a taut, emotional investigation with sharp dialogue and a coastal backdrop that heightens every heartbeat of suspense.

The Murder Game
In Polskirrin, Lucas Jarrett’s opulent seaside wedding ends in tragedy, leaving guests haunted by what they witnessed. A year later, Lucas invites the same circle back for a macabre anniversary, promising a recreations of the event—only this time the stakes are higher and the truth more dangerous to uncover. Jemma and Matt navigate a party of secrets, while Lucas’s “game” compels honesty in ways that threaten reputations and lives alike. With claustrophobic tension, a sophisticated setting, and a twisting ending, this installment cements Abbott’s reputation for psychologically sharp, page-turning crime.

Who This Set Is Perfect For:
This collection is tailor-made for adult readers who crave modern crime with a strong female lead, a coastal atmosphere, and twists that arrive late but land hard. It will appeal to fans of intense character-driven thrillers, traditional police procedural lovers, and readers who enjoy a smart, cinematic story that hinges on truth, guilt, and consequences. It also makes a thoughtful gift for book clubs, mystery enthusiasts, and anyone building a capsule Rachel Abbott shelf. If you’ve enjoyed contemporary British crime with emotional texture and clever plotting, this duo is a natural next step.

Key Benefits:

• Two gripping, standalone thrillers featuring the same beloved detective voice
• Contrasting settings, from cliff-top resilience to high-society suspicion
• Tense, twist-laden plots that reward reader attention and memory
• Great value compared with buying both titles separately
• Premium reading experience with a hardcover-era feel and durable packaging
• Ideal for gifting to crime-fiction fans and avid series readers

About the Author:
Rachel Abbott is a renowned British crime writer known for taut plotting, accessible prose, and compelling, morally complex protagonists. Her novels frequently center on investigators who navigate intricate webs of deception to uncover difficult truths. Abbott’s work has resonated with a broad audience for its immediacy, strong pacing, and the way she grounds high-stakes mystery in relatable emotional stakes. The Stephanie King series, in particular, showcases her skill at balancing procedural detail with character-driven suspense, inviting readers to invest in both the investigation and the people at its heart.

Why You’ll Love This Set:
This two-book collection is the perfect gateway into Stephanie King’s world or a powerful addition for existing fans. You gain two cohesive, electrifying reads that complement each other in theme and mood, while offering the convenience and continuity of a bundled set. The familiar warmth of Abbott’s voice combined with unexpected shocks makes this a compelling gift choice or a satisfying personal purchase for those who love twistier, character-forward crime storytelling.

Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.