“Peter Swirski’s writing is intelligent, darkly funny, and crisp. The result is Behold a Virgin: an impeccably plotted, scientifically grounded, genre-defying mystery.”

—Nelson DeMille, #1 New York Times bestseller

“In this gritty, high-concept mystery debut set against the post-WW2 soot-stained backstreets of London, Swirski fuses noir crime with science and theology…sparkles with a lively, hard-edged intelligence…its prose—dryly witty and steeped in period texture—keeps the pages turning”

—Booklife/Publishers Weekly

“Swirski delivers a swift and succinct tale of science-defying murder and mystery…no word is wasted in moving the narrative forward, and each plot twist and bit of character development is handled with just the right amount of detail. The author shines at writing quick-witted dialogue that simmers with style and speed… A delightfully witty and weird crime yarn full of unexpected surprises.”

—Kirkus Reviews

“Unlike most mysteries, Behold a Virgin doesn’t ask you to leave your head at home. Instead it asks you to use it on every genre-bending page brimming with Sorkin-esque dialog so sharp, you can shave with it.”

—Arthur Asa Berger, author of My Name is Sherlock Holmes

“Fascinating and original.”

—Howard Zinn, author of A People’s History of the United States, on Peter Swirski