I'm a sucker for any story that's set in the Lake District so I was both excited and intrigued to find out that Richard Madeley had based his latest book there and couldn't wait to dive in. I have to confess this is the first book of his I've read and judging by his most recent efforts I would happily pick up one of his others.
The Night Book
In the summer of 1976 there was an unexpected heatwave in UK and in the Lakes people found the water more welcoming than ever before. Little did they know just below the surface, the water maintained its usual temperate of just above freezing and many didn't make it back onto shore.
Is this the perfect setting for someone unwanted to die and make it seem accidental? Someone certainly thinks so.
Madeley describes the Lakes with such detail- that I'm presuming he's very familiar with the place or has at least done his research for this book because you feel like you're there from the beginning.
I've always thought the Lake District to be both beautiful and haunting and he captures this expertly in his descriptions as he weaves his story around the backdrop of this unique and intimidating landscape.
I particularly liked the fact that Madeley highlighted the issue of verbal abuse within relationships which as he conveys- can be just as damaging as physical abuse. Everyone has fallen victim to someone's cruel words so this book with have a lot of resonance with its readers.
This is not a genre I would usually go for but I was hooked from the first chapter and I'm not a big reader by any means but I finished this in two days. I have also kept the copy to give to my mum because I want to be able to talk to someone about it!
If you love the Lakes or a good thriller- or better yet- both- you need to read this book.
Tagged in Richard Madeley