The Nightmare Thief

Originally from Santa Barbara, California, Meg Gardiner previously practised law and taught at the University of California. She lives with her family near London. To find out more about her novels, visit Meg's website at www.meggardiner.com

'From beginning to end China Lake is a book that no reader of thrillers will be able to put down. Great characters, dynamic plot, nail-biting action Meg Gardiner gives us everything.' -- Elizabeth George 'With a colourful cast of richly delineated characters, a protagonist with whom the readers will easily identify all big-hearted, quick-tongued and hair-trigger-tempered this novel provides a fast-paced ride through some of the more dubious nooks and crannies of the American dream and is an impressive opening salvo by a Surrey-based expatriate who hits the bookshelves running.' -- Maxim Jakubowski, Guardian 'China Lake makes a strong impression. The story grips and Ms Gardiner is a welcome addition to the ranks of American thriller writers.' -- Sunday Telegraph 20020804 'Religious fundamentalism, anti-Aids crusaders, nutty relatives, and a Waco-style shootout: they're all here in the exciting mix that Gardiner expertly stirs up. Great stuff.' -- Independent on Sunday 20020804 'With energetic, punchy prose and a breathless, action-thriller plot, China Lake is an assured debut. Evan Delaney is a great character, and Gardiner is a writer to watch.' -- Manchester Evening News 20020804 'compelling tale, a powerful mix of murder, terrorism and a wealth of dark secrets.' -- Publishing News 20020804 'Sure-footed, action-packed' -- Bookseller 20020804 'A great first novel. Fast and hard-edged. Buy it, read it' -- Hull Daily Mail 20020809 'Meg Gardiner's writing crackles with energy' -- Writers Forum 20020809 'This is ... a cracker, with memorable characters, memorable lines and a plot that races along to an explosive ending. A great summer read.' -- Huddersfield Daily Examiner 20020809