WIN $100 GIFT VOUCHERS: PROMOTIONS
Mary Horlock was born in Australia but brought up in Guernsey in the Channel Islands. She was previously a curator in contemporary art at Tate Liverpool and Tate Britain. Her first novel, The Book of Lies, was longlisted for the Guardian First Book Award. She lives with her family in London.
'A mesmerising historical mystery and tale of suppressed secrets set amid the raw beauty of 1920s and 30s Sark. A brilliantly evoked novel based on a fascinating real case. Delectable' -- Anna Mazzola, author of THE BOOK OF SECRETS A stunning setting, a compelling mystery and such a wonderful, distinctive cast of characters. The narrative voice is brilliantly original and I thoroughly enjoyed the wit and spark of the writing. I absolutely loved it -- Zoë Somerville, author of THE MARSH HOUSE An atmospheric, haunting story full of evocative, swirling myths. It's a gloriously gripping read that transports you to another place and time -- Liz Fenwick, author of THE SECRET SHORE A highly original, intense and captivating read that brings Sark to life on the page -- Jenny O’Brien author of ROSES FOR THE DEAD This is astonishingly good. Told in first person plural (you don't find out who 'we' are until the very end) it begins in 1933 with the discovery of two sets of clothes on the cliffs of Little Sark, and ostensibly pieces together the truth of the missing bodies as it follows the islanders, but of course it is the islanders themselves who are riven with secrets. Dark and very very funny -- Jo Nadin, author of THE QUEEN OF BLOODY EVERYTHING Daphne du Maurier meets The Trouble with Goats and Sheep - an enthralling, intriguing mystery, with wonderful characterisation and a rich, distinctive narrative voice. I loved it -- Katie Lumsden, author of THE SECRETS OF HARTWOOD HALL Mary Horlock captures the intense beauty of 1930s Sark. Her writing is both fresh and lyrical, and the mystery at the heart of the novel is compelling. A perfect read for lovers of evocative, Golden Age crime fiction -- Natalie Marlow, author of THE RED HOLLOW A sparkling, inventive and entertaining work -- Marina Warner, author of INVENTORY OF A LIFE MISLAID Mary Horlock is a very special kind of storyteller, one who can interleave mystery with a deep sense of place and history to create a captivating narrative -- Lisa Appignanesi, author of EVERYDAY MADNESS I absolutely loved The Stranger's Companion - it's perfect for fellow fans of Celia Fremlin. Mary has a unique and distinctive way of capturing a sense of place and I became so invested in her wonderfully eclectic cast of characters. Brilliant! -- Jessie Elland, author of THE LADIE UPSTAIRS
