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The Blackhouse

The gripping start to the bestselling crime series (Lewis Trilogy Book 1)

Peter May author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Quercus Publishing

Published:1st Sep '11

Should be back in stock very soon

The Blackhouse cover

A gripping murder mystery unfolds in The Blackhouse, revealing dark secrets within a close-knit island community and confronting the investigator's troubled past.

In The Blackhouse, a gripping tale unfolds on the Isle of Lewis, Scotland, where a brutal murder disrupts the tranquil life of this remote community. The protagonist, Detective Inspector Fin Macleod, is dispatched from Edinburgh to investigate the shocking crime. As a native of Lewis, this case forces him to confront not only the dark secrets of the island but also his own troubled past. The harsh beauty of the landscape contrasts with the sinister undercurrents that permeate the lives of its inhabitants, creating a rich backdrop for this compelling narrative.

As Fin delves deeper into the investigation, he discovers that the close-knit community harbors secrets that could unravel the very fabric of their lives. The tension escalates as he navigates through layers of deception, betrayal, and long-buried truths. With each revelation, the line between hunter and hunted blurs, leading to a thrilling climax that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The story is not just about solving a murder; it's also about the complexities of human relationships and the impact of past choices.

The Blackhouse is the first installment in Peter May's acclaimed Lewis trilogy, which has captivated readers worldwide. This award-winning novel not only highlights May's masterful storytelling but also immerses readers in the culture and landscape of the Outer Hebrides. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that the island holds more than just scenic beauty; it is a place where the past and present collide in unexpected ways.

A rip-roaring thriller . . . thoroughly enjoyable * Mail on Sunday *
A wonderfully complex book -- Peter James, on Entry Island
The Lewis Man shone like a bright star out of this year's book lists. Lyrical, empathetic and moving -- Alex Gray
He is a terrific writer doing something different * Mark Billingham *
From the first page I knew I was in safe hands. I knew I could trust this writer -- Sohpie Hannah
Wonderfully compelling -- Kate Mosse
Western France - now May's own stamping ground - is as much a character in the book as the Hebrides were in his formidable Isle of Lewis sequence * Guardian *
Peter May is a writer I'd follow to the ends of the earth * New York Times *
Instantly struck by the beauty of the descriptions of the wild island terrain as well as by the roundedness and complexity of the characterisations * The Times *
May's novels are strong on place and the wounds left by old relationships * Sunday Times *
Will have the reader relishing every tendency of description and characterization -- Barry Forshaw * Independent *
Dark, exciting and atmospheric * Scotland on Sunday *
Powerful and authentic * Glasgow Sunday Herald *
Fast, exciting ... an entertaining read that will also give food for thought * Irish Times *
A tense and atmospheric thriller with a heart-stopping ending * Tangled Web *
Truly the best of May's series so far, this is not to be missed * The Good Book Guide *

  • Winner of Prix Ancres Noires 2010

ISBN: 9781849163866

Dimensions: 196mm x 128mm x 36mm

Weight: 350g

512 pages