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

A SUNDAY TIMES BEST CRIME BOOK OF 2022 In 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