Octagon - May 2026 Crime Collective

About the book

the whiplash-inducing spy thriller, for fans of Scott Mariani and Black Doves.

'Octagon bleeds authenticity from the first page to the last. Read it today!' JACK CARR, #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF CRY HAVOC

'An espionage novel that moves fast and hits hard' M.W. CRAVEN

'A blistering thrill ride' VASEEM KHAN, author of the Q Mysteries

'A smart, slick, adrenaline-fuelled adventure for fans of Ludlum and Fleming' CHARLES CUMMING

'A gritty, well-paced page-turner' THE CRITIC

A DYING RUSSIAN SCIENTIST
confesses to his children what he did as a young man.

A MURDERED SPY
shares vital intelligence before he’s ruthlessly assassinated in the English countryside.

A RITUAL KILLING
hidden in a forest clearing in Sweden hints at something much worse.

FORMER MI6 AGENT RUNNER
Stella McRae is the only person who can be trusted to investigate now her former employer has been compromised.

EX-SAS OPERATOR
Tommy Kane has always had Stella’s back, but as the threats against them escalate, will his formidable skills be enough this time?

OCTAGON
A devastating plot against the West is already in train. Only Stella and Tommy stand in its way. And time is running out...


Praise for C.J. Merritt:
‘A writer to put on your reading list!’ – David Baldacci
‘A first-class blend of intrigue, suspense, and action… as propulsive as a Bourne movie.’ – Charles Cumming, CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger winner
‘Very well done’ – Anthony Horowitz
‘A tight, compelling thriller that never misses a beat.’ – Lou Berney, CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger winner
‘Gripping’ – Peter James