The Companion

A SUNDAY TIMES BEST CRIME BOOK OF 2022In a grand old mansion in the middle of the Sussex countryside, seven people have seen more than they should... The new chilling thriller from Lesley Thomson.James Ritchie was looking forward to a boys' day out with his son, Wilbur – even if he was a little late picking him up from the home of his ex-wife, Anna. Annoyed by his late arrival, and competing for their son's attention, Anna leaves the two of them to their day with the promise of a roast dinner when Wilbur returns.But Anna will never see her family again. That afternoon, James and Wilbur are found dead, the victims of a double stabbing on the beach.DI Toni Kemp, of Sussex police, must unravel a case which has shocked the county to its core. What she discovers will lead her to Blacklock House, a grand country mansion, long ago converted into flats. Here in the middle of nowhere, where a peacock struts the lawn, and a fountain plays intermittently, seven long-term residents have seen more than they should.But this is a community who are good at keeping secrets...'Like the best of Barbara Vine and Agatha Christie crossed with the unique Lesley Thomson brilliance.' Elly Griffiths'This modern take on the country-house mystery shocks from the off.' The Times'Colourful characters and devious plotting.' Ian Rankin'Electrifying, gritty.' Woman's Own

“What more could any crime fiction fan want? Provocative characters, most of whom have excellent motives for committing the murders and all of whom make you smile or wince; a location straight out of Agatha Christie; a mystery that will keep you guessing right to the end as the clues point in one direction then another, then another; and even a hint of romance before the end. It all adds up to the best kind of crime novel”

This modern take on the country-house mystery shocks from the off The Times
An eerie thriller Choice Magazine
This is a thoroughly entertaining and very contemporary take on the traditional country-house mystery, switching from sinister to comic with practised ease Daily Mail
An electrifying, gritty read Woman's Own
Promoting Crime Fiction

Lesley Thomson grew up in west London. Her first novel, A Kind of Vanishing, won the People's Book Prize in 2010. Her second novel, The Detective's Daughter, was a number 1 bestseller and sold over 500,000 copies. Visit her website at lesleythomson.co.uk

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