From beneath the beach umbrella, all might seem idyllic - children playing, sunbathers relaxing, ice slowly melting in a cocktail glass. But look a little closer, and all is not as it seems ...

In these classic crime stories of midsummer murder and madness, the mercury is climbing - and so is the body count. Prepare to spend this summer holiday with some shady characters (in sunny places) and immerse yourself in tales of mystery and depravity at home and abroad.

Just remember - there might be nothing new under the sun ... but murder is the most ancient art of all.