Blacklands; Belinda BauerLife is anything but normal for twelve year old Steven Lamb. Steven has an odd hobby, digging along England's Exmoor. Not only is Steven trying to stay out of the path of some bullies, but he also hopes that his digging will turn up the remains of his Uncle Billy, and thereby help his grandmother and his mother move on with their lives.
Some eighteen years earlier eleven year old Billy Peters disappeared. Everyone, except Billy's mother (Steven's "nan") believes he was a victim of pedophile and serial killer Arnold Avery who is now serving a life prison term. Steven's "nan" has kept vigil out the front windows waiting for her son's return. Steven's mom feels angry about the way her life changed after Billy's disappearance and and guilty as well.
In an effort to bring some peace to his family for the uncle he never even knew, Steven decides to correspond with the serial killer in prison by asking "where is W.P (Willam Billy Peters)". Arnold Avery decides to play along, sending Steven letters of his own with coded clues indicating where Steven should "dig". However, when Avery realizes that Steven is just a young boy, about the same age as Avery's victims, he begins to plot a way to connect with him.
MY THOUGHTS - A gripping, page turning debut thriller that should find most readers on the edge of their seats. This was one of those rare books that I was able to read non stop. This book is one that will be passed on to others in the family who I know will enjoy it as much as me. I'll be looking for future releases by this talented new author. RECOMMENDED - 4/5
This advance reader edition was sent to me for review by Simon and Schuster)
Ooh, I love page turners like this!
ReplyDeleteI will definately move this one up on the list.
ReplyDeleteNice to read another review. I read it and reviewed as well. Very chilling.
ReplyDeleteI have to stop reading your blog. You've got too many books on there that I'd like to read. The only thing that saves me is that audible doesn't have most of them (or maybe they do, but they're "not available in my geographical location").
ReplyDeleteThis sounds really interesting, actually! And I'm not a big thriller person. :)
ReplyDeleteThis does sound intriguing. Thanks! I'll put it on the shelf for further examination :)
ReplyDeleteI'm really kicking myself for not getting a copy of this now. I think I'll have to go and buy a copy soon.
ReplyDeleteI need to get to reading this one. It sounds better than I thought it would be.
ReplyDeleteGreat review!
This has been included in our Channel 4 TV Book Club reads, so it is getting a lot of air play over here in England. I am glad to hear you loved it; I will definitely get this one.
ReplyDeleteYour description of this one has me wanting to get it right now from the library!!!
ReplyDeleteI love great debut novels! This one is going on my list.
ReplyDeleteJust reading the description got me creeped out!!! Sounds like a good one when I want to be a little freaked out.
ReplyDeleteThis is on my tbr list. You're the first blogger I've seen who mentioned it. Oy but it sounds good. Thanks for not giving things away. I appreciate that in a review.
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