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‘You kept my secret. I know yours now. That makes us even.’
A claustrophobic psychological thriller that doesn’t let go.
‘A tense and twisting novel of dark secrets and dangerous desires.’ – Grazia
PAUL has been led into a life of crime by his schoolyard protector, Daniel. Now, at nineteen, he must bear witness against his friend to avoid imprisonment.
LOUISA, who years ago fled from her own dark secrets, spends her days renovating the grounds of a crumbling Elizabethan mansion.
A relationship develops between them, and Louisa starts to believe she can finally experience the happiness she had given up on; but it soon becomes apparent that neither of them can outrun their violent past . . .
STONE MOTHERS, the new novel by Erin Kelly, is available to buy now!
A claustrophobic psychological thriller that doesn’t let go.
‘A tense and twisting novel of dark secrets and dangerous desires.’ – Grazia
PAUL has been led into a life of crime by his schoolyard protector, Daniel. Now, at nineteen, he must bear witness against his friend to avoid imprisonment.
LOUISA, who years ago fled from her own dark secrets, spends her days renovating the grounds of a crumbling Elizabethan mansion.
A relationship develops between them, and Louisa starts to believe she can finally experience the happiness she had given up on; but it soon becomes apparent that neither of them can outrun their violent past . . .
STONE MOTHERS, the new novel by Erin Kelly, is available to buy now!
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Reviews
It's unusual for a second novel to be even better than the first but Kelly has pulled off that difficult trick.
A compelling second novel from masterful storyteller Erin Kelly.
Kelly's first novel, THE POISON TREE, earned her comparisons with Ruth Rendell and on the evidence of this second psychologically complex thriller, the accolade is entirely deserved. Like Rendell, Kelly is an expert in suburban macabre, relishing in the kind of domestic scenes we all recognise but giving them a satisfyingly chilly.
Erin Kelly's first thriller, THE POISON TREE, was widely praised, with some reviewers comparing her work to Daphne du Maurier. Her second, THE SICK ROSE, is nearer in spirit to Ruth Rendell's work . . . It's an elaborate narrative structure, but Kelly manages it with panache . . . this is an enormously readable novel and there is no denying Erin Kelly's talent. She's an author to watch.
This claustrophobic psychological thriller is the second novel from the author of the brilliant THE POISON TREE. Just as good as her debut, it marks Kelly out as a formidable talent
'It is hard to find a more impeccably English writer than Erin Kelly, whose debut THE POISON TREE, marked her as a name to watch in British fiction... In trademark style the [THE SICK ROSE] flits between the 'then' and the 'now', playing with the magic and poison of memories, until the present intervenes with brutal and tragic consequences'.
Kelly writes perceptively and chillingly about the long shadows cast by tragic mistakes . . . she shows considerable promise.
Thumbs up to . . . this leave-the-light-on thriller.
'A tense and twisting novel of dark secrets and dangerous desires.'
Kelly's first novel, THE POISON TREE, earned her comparisons with Ruth Rendell and on the evidence of this second psychologically complex thriller, the accolade is entirely deserved. Like Rendell, Kelly is an expert in suburban macabre, relishing in the kind of domestic scenes we all recognise but giving them a satisfyingly chilly twist.
Erin Kelly's debut THE POISON TREE was a fine psychological thriller; THE SICK ROSE confirms that promise . . . a first-class suspense novel.
'After the success of THE POISON TREE, Erin Kelly has conjured up another intriguing novel that will draw you in from the start.'
'Gripping and beautifully written . . . I can't recommend this book highly enough. I read the last section in one long burst, unaware of my surroundings, and emerged as though from a trance. I think I shall have to read it again.'
'A real "can't put it down" mystery. This sick rose has got the grip of bindweed.'
A compelling suspense novel from crime fiction's freshest voice.
A real "can't put it down" mystery. This sick rose has got the grip of bindweed.
'More creepy crime with plenty of psychological insight from rising star Erin Kelly.' ****
'More creepy crime with plenty of psychological insight from rising star Erin Kelly.' ****
'Erin Kelly's first thriller, THE POISON TREE, was widely praised, with some reviewers comparing her work to Daphne du Maurier. Her second, THE SICK ROSE, is nearer in sprit to Ruth Rendell's work . . . It's an elaborate narrative structure, but Kelly manages it with panache . . . this is an enormously readable novel and there is no denying Erin Kelly's talent. She's an author to watch.'
A tantalising novel that grips the gut until the breathtaking conclusion.
A tense and twisting novel of dark secrets and dangerous desires.
A compelling second novel from masterful storyteller Erin Kelly.
This claustrophobic psychological thriller is the second novel from the author of the brilliant THE POISON TREE. Just as good as her debut, it marks Kelly out as a formidable talent
After the success of THE POISON TREE, Erin Kelly has conjured up another intriguing novel that will draw you in from the start.
Thumbs up to . . . this leave-the-light-on thriller.
Gripping and beautifully written... I can't recommend this book highly enough. I read the last section in one long burst, unaware of my surroundings, and emerged as though from a trance. I think I shall have to read it again.
This is a page-turning read from a writer who has been compared to Daphne du Maurier and Ruth Rendell.
An excellent book . . . Erin Kelly has written a well thought out, skilfully executed study of destructive relationships and how the past is always lurking, threatening to contaminate the present and, indeed, the future.... The Sick Rose shows that she is accomplished in interpreting the inner workings of the mind whilst turning it into riveting entertainment; a talent evident in few, envied by many and gratefully enjoyed by the likes of me.
This harrowing novel is a work of true talent.
It's a book that's very hard to put down, with each precisely timed turn of the narrative screw increasing the tension to a very assured climax . . . The book delves deep into dark hearts and troubled minds and does so in deft and highly readable fashion.
Disturbing yet compelling. It's from the "I don't care if it's your birthday, we can't go out until I've finished this" school of fiction. The plot grasps and branches like its namesake, with a strong grip on the random coincidences that can both bring people together then blow them apart. Sick or not, once this rose has got its thorns into you, it will be quite some time before you can disentangle yourself.