The Stranger's Companion

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

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 UPSTAIRSA sparkling, inventive and entertaining work – Marina Warner, author of INVENTORY OF A LIFE MISLAIDMary Horlock is a very special kind of story teller, one who can interleave mystery with a deep sense of place and history to create a captivating narrative – Lisa Appignanesi, author of EVERYDAY MADNESSPraise for THE BOOK OF LIES –An ingenious debut * Financial Times *Acutely observed … It is a complex and deeply satisfying novel, and I can scarcely believe it is Horlock’s first book * Guardian *Horlock has created an authentic adolescent voice and, in the process, not only illuminated the history of a small island but also thrown light on the subjectivity of history, truth and memory * Independent *The ending is brilliantly double-edged, bearing witness … to human nature’s perverse complexity - its wounded, willing goodness, its streaks of darkness * Scotsman *A sizzling debut … the end is extraordinary. Guernsey, where the author spent her childhood, is beautifully evoked * The Times *Strange and inviting … [Catherine’s] razor-sharp humor gives the book a pleasing, offbeat charm * Publishers Weekly *Remarkable … [Cat] is unique and captivating * Library Journal *The misplaced loyalties that often drive the adolescent mind are expertly depicted in Mary Horlock’s debut novel … Nails the stifling nature of a small community choked by the dark memories of wartime * National *An intriguing and well-handled debut * Herald *