The Half Burnt House

Description

A serial killer, a mysterious lost book, and a woman with one last chance to save her family- the chilling new thriller from the author of The Whisper Man Katie always prided herself on being a responsible big sister - until she left her brother Chris alone for one selfish afternoon, and everything fell apart. Although he survived the attack, the scars ran deep - physical, and emotional. Now they're adults, and they haven't spoken in years. Then she gets a call - from a detective. A body has been found in a sprawling mansion - one that remains half-ruined by a decades-old fire. Chris is the prime suspect. Katie knows this might be her last, best chance to save her brother. But she doesn't realise that this isn't the first murder - and so she doesn't know how much danger she's in...

Alex North was born in Leeds, where he now lives with his wife and son. He studied Philosophy at Leeds University, and prior to becoming a writer he worked there in their sociology department. The Whisper Man was a Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller, and is being published in more than 30 languages.

The Half Burnt House is Alex North at his best - a writer who can terrify you on one page and break your heart on the next -- Steve Cavanagh, bestselling author of Thirteen One of those books that made me wish I'd written it. North wields suspense like a blade. Breath-taking and terrifying -- Helen Fields North's poetic way with even the most grotesque of situations is always a joy. The Half Burnt House is his best yet. I love it. -- Alex Marwood Dark, gripping, and twisty -- Claire McGowan A masterfully creepy, atmospheric rush of a read that will linger with you long after you've finished the last page -- Neil Broadfoot Alex North's best book yet. It's as darkly disturbing as The Whisper Man, and as viciously twisty as The Shadow Friend. But this time there's a premise that will break your heart even as it chills you to the very marrow. Nobody in dark fiction writes family relationships - guilt, fear, loss, and ultimately love - like North, and this is an unputdownable thriller -- Derek Farrell Everything in this story is connected in ways the reader can't begin to imagine until a series of stunning parallels and revelations are disclosed. Wait for it! * Booklist, STARRED * North's latest thriller does not disappoint, weaving an intriguing cast of characters across multiple time periods into a story rich with layers and plot twists and perfectly suspenseful pacing ... A delightfully bone-chilling tale * Kirkus Reviews * Praise for Alex North -- : As terrifying as a great horror novel, as unpredictable as the best type of crime novel and above all beautifully written...a writer who is an absolute master of his craft -- Jane Casey This is absorbing, headlong reading, a play on classic horror with an inventiveness of its own * New York Times * Hugely atmospheric and deliciously creepy -- Alex Michaelides