We’re excited to be giving away two copies of Angels of Clay by Madeleine Eskedahl to our GrownUps members!
To be in the draw, simply make sure you’re a GrownUps member, signed up to our newsletter, and fill in your details at the bottom of the page.
In the latest thrilling crime novel from bestselling NZ author Madeleine Eskedahl, a killer stalks the shadows of a quiet town. There are two victims, one message, and a truth that has been buried since the war.
At the beginning of summer, a young Lotto millionaire is found dead in the clay pit of a renowned pottery retreat. The body is laid out in the shape of an X, with markings in the earth that resemble an angel—deliberate, unsettling, and inexplicable.
As the investigation begins, Sergeant Bill Granger and Constable Niko Sopoanga find themselves drawn into a case that quickly becomes more complex. The town of Matakana is already under pressure: a youth gang is leaving a trail of fear and fury in their wake—shoplifting sprees, smash-and-grab raids, and brazen dine-and-dashes that are pushing local shopkeepers to the brink.
At the same time, Annika Granger is immersed in a family history project when she uncovers wartime notebooks and forgotten photographs—remnants of the days when US Marines were stationed in the area during WWII. But one discovery leads to another, and soon Annika is staring down a secret buried for generations.
As Sergeant Granger receives devastating news that the Matakana station may be closing, a second victim is discovered—laid out in the same chilling manner. Links emerge to a historical crime, and the question looms: what dark motive connects the past and present?
Set in the lush, sun-soaked wine country of New Zealand, the Matakana Series delivers gripping, atmospheric mysteries where small-town charm collides with chilling crimes. Featuring a cast of unforgettable characters and layered investigations that span generations, each novel offers a tense, emotionally rich journey into the heart of a seemingly peaceful community with a dark undercurrent. Perfect for fans of Jane Harper, Ann Cleeves, Camilla Lackberg and Tana French.
Author note:
‘The book Angels of Clay was inspired by discovering that during WW2, thousands of US Marines were stationed in and around the Warkworth area. This led me to an in-depth study of what life was like in New Zealand, especially around Whangateau, Pakiri, and Matakana during that time. The struggles, lack of produce and essential items, but also the immense contribution and imprint left on the community by the Marines. Many New Zealand girls met and fell in love with the handsome “Yanks,” with some experiencing a happy ending and others not. This got me thinking, what if there was a romance that wasn’t condoned by the local young woman’s family? And what if there was a connection to the present?’
About the author:
Madeleine Eskedahl was born in Sweden and has lived in New Zealand for over thirty years. She’s married and has two daughters, as well as Walter and Dottie, the family’s two West Highland Terriers. She lives north of Auckland, in a rural community and loves to spend time at the beach and doing coastal walks. Madeleine is passionate about conservation, and in her spare time, she enjoys being a ‘Penguin Ranger,’ which includes monitoring the Little Penguins around the coast where she lives.
Madeleine’s first thriller Blood On Vines was released in 2021 and is the first instalment in The Matakana Series. Blood On Vines was voted into the prestigious Whitcoulls Top 100 list. Rings on Water was the second in the series, with Angels of Clay publishing this year. Apart from writing crime fiction, she also loves writing for children and was recently awarded the Storylines Janice Marriot Award. As for her Matakana crime series, she feels that her voice and Scandinavian Noir writing style come from where she grew up on the windswept island of Gotland, which in turn perfectly complements her love and appreciation of life in New Zealand.
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Terms and conditions
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You must be a GrownUps member and subscribed to our newsletter to be eligible to enter.
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The competition closes on 5th November 2025. Winners will be notified via email by 6th November 2025.
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It is your responsibility to provide a correct New Zealand postal address for prize delivery. GrownUps is not responsible for prizes sent to incorrect addresses.
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Winners will be drawn at random by the GrownUps administration team.
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GrownUps employees and their immediate families are not eligible to enter.
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By entering, you agree to GrownUps using your name on social media as a winner of the competition.
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One entry per household.
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The prize is non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash or other items.
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You must reside in New Zealand, as the prize can only be delivered within New Zealand.
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You must be over 50 years of age to enter. Please ensure your membership details are up to date in your dashboard.
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