The Impossible Thing

From the two-time winner of CWA Crime Novel of the Year and Sunday Times bestselling author of Snap and Exit, discover the gripping new mystery about a hungry young girl, an impossible discovery, and a crime that remained unsolved for one hundred years . . . until now.

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‘Part crime caper, part historical mystery . . . one of the most enjoyable novels I've read in ages’ PAULA HAWKINS, bestselling author of The Girl on the Train

‘A unique crime novel that is both moving and funny . . . highly recommend’ 5-STAR reader review

'[The] most ingenious of crime writers . . . A funny, moving and beautifully written tale' The Guardian


It was the greatest mystery never told . . .

1926. On the towering cliffs of Yorkshire, men are lowered on ropes to steal the eggs of the sea birds who nest there. The most beautiful are sold for large sums. But when small and hungry Celie Sheppard finds an 'impossible' red egg, it will forever alter the course of her life - and the lives of others.

One hundred years later in a remote cottage in Wales, Patrick Fort discovers his friend, Nick, and his mother tied up and robbed. The only thing missing: a carved case containing an incredible scarlet egg. Doggedly attempting to retrieve it, Patrick and Nick discover the cruel world of egg trafficking, and soon find themselves on the trail of a priceless collection of eggs lost to history. Until now.

A taut, wonderfully imagined novel brimming with skulduggery at every turn, The Impossible Thing is a blazing testament to Belinda Bauer’s status as one of our greatest living crime writers.

Praise for The Impossible Thing

‘Enthralling, hilarious, mysterious, and richly historical… I thoroughly enjoyed this book’ 5-STAR reader review

‘The gift of The Impossible Thing is the pure joy of reading’ VAL MCDERMID, bestselling author of the Karen Pirie crime series

'Comic, thrilling and ultimately moving' The Scottish Mail on Sunday

'Extraordinary. There's a deceptive simplicity to The Impossible Thing that packs a real punch' ANN CLEEVES, bestselling author of the Vera Stanhope detective series

'Solid gold. . . This could be her best ever' LEE CHILD, bestselling author of the Jack Reacher series

‘A perfect crime caper' Woman & Home

‘A captivating novel from one of the UK’s most talented storytellers. I loved every page of this unique mystery.’ CLARE MACKINTOSH, bestselling author of I Let You Go