Lie of the Land

This decidedly bleak 4th novel by a British writer occupies the liminal space between the currently fashionable domestic thriller genre and a sharp sense of gothic horror at times reminiscent of Shirley Jackson … Intense, carried by an oblique and literary narrative voice, this is the stuff of nightmares and a striking portrait of a couple whose sins just won’t let go of them, unable to detach themselves from a living nightmare with inexorable consequences. Oppressive, at times awkward to follow but nonetheless compelling, this is a hybrid thriller cum ghost story that packs a dark punch and will divide readers while deserving attention for its ambition and powerful voice.

-- Maxim Jakubowski * Crime Time *

Lie of the Land is a dark and unsettling account of how a young woman loses the sense she has of herself after becoming involved with a man. It is mostly written in what I believe is present perfect tense, a choice that somehow adds a sense of foreboding. It is clear from the start that bad things have happened but what and to whom constitutes the story.

-- Jackie Law * Bookmunch *

This book had me on edge from start to finish. The writing is raw, gripping, and layered with complexity. It’s not just about the thrill of the plot but the emotions it evokes the unease, the tension, and the chilling sense of inevitability. If you love stories that blur the line between psychological drama and literary fiction, this one is a must-read.

* Book Tales Official *

Hauntingly beautiful, mesmerizing, harrowing and poetic. This is undoubtedly one of my favorite reads this year!

* The Story Gra