I really enjoyed this book, it kept me guessing until the very end as crucial clues were dropped in as the chapters passed.

The story alternates between multiple timelines, which was borderline confusing and definitely frustrating at times because the perspectives would change just as you were being drawn in (which I guess was entirely the point!).

This is one of those reviews where giving away the plot would be a cardinal sin, so I’m trying to be careful… the timelines cover the Sadie’s childhood, her present in 2016 and then in 2018 a TV documentary crew are interviewing Amber, Sadie’s daughter about events that took place back in 2016. Eventually all the lines converge and you get a full picture of the events leading to the TV documentary and also how all of the characters relate to one another.

I loved the characters in this book, very few of them are how they appear to be on first impressions and it’s very satisfying to read their development and motives. Character driven plots are always my favourites and the author has mastered the art of characterisation! I think Greta the documentary interviewer was my favourite character, she had the most objective view of the events but as a naturally compassionate human being she had her own unique take on everything that her colleagues didn’t share. This is written in as a statement of fact, it doesn’t make her any more right or naïve than anyone else which is refreshing.

The Tall Man himself as a concept is very much like Slenderman – you have to figure out for yourself throughout the book whether he’s real or not, or if it even matters.

Another thing that she excels at is the building of tension and knowing exactly when to drop the next clue, each clue opens up a whole new dimension to the story that the author then writes about in full from different perspectives before dropping the next one – I was one happy thriller reader when the book came to a close!

Well written and exciting, this is a fantastic read and a must-have for any crime thriller’s bookshelf.

About the Author

Phoebe Locke is the pseudonym of full-time writer Nicci Cloke. She previously worked at the Faber Academy, and hosted London literary salon Speakeasy. She lives and writes in London.