Hilary Bonner is a compelling writer who can grab your attention from the very beginning, and hold it. This tale begins with an apparently innocent question - "Do you know that feeling, when you walk into a house and you're instantly absolutely sure that it's empty?" I know I have.
Robbie Anderson is an ordinary teenager, living an apparently sheltered life with his 2 parents in a farmhouse. He's an only child and both parents dote on him, although his father is away from home much of the time, working on North Sea oil rigs. Their lives seem to be perfect. So why has Robbie killed himself?
In the midst of her grieving, Robbie's mother, Alison, meets a woman who's just moved into the area and they become fast friends. She helps Alison cope with her grief but gradually Alison begins to feel that something isn't quite right. Who is this woman and where has she come from? Why does she seem so interested in Alison's life and husband?
When a local child disappears, Alison comes under suspicion. Has her grief unhinged her to the point where she must have a child - any child - to replace her lost son? The answers are far from anything Alison can even imagine but, when she discovers the truth about her husband, her son and her new friend, she feels as though her worst nightmares have come to life.
'The Cruellest Game' is a gripping tale of love, unbearable loss and betrayal, as well as lies, deceit and even murder. Tightly written, with a slow unfolding of clues, the final pages will still keep you turning until the last paragraph. If you like tales of mystery, murder and revenge, this is for you.
'The Cruellest Game' is published by Macmillan, ISBN978-0-230-76663-1 (2013)
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