Title: A GOOD PLACE TO HIDE A BODY
Author: Laura Marshall
ISBN: 9781399729659
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Pages: 352
Source: NetGalley
‘Can you come round?’ Dad says tremulously.
‘Of course. Are you OK? Is it Mum?’
‘No!’ He almost shouts it. ‘Just come quickly. The garden…the…body… we need you, Penny.’
For women of Penny’s generation, being on hand for elderly parents is just part of life. But for Penny, things have become a little more serious…
When she receives a frantic phone call from her parents one night, with express instructions NOT to call the police, Penny rushes over at once. But they haven’t had a fall. They haven’t forgotten their computer passwords. They’ve killed someone. And his body is lying in the garden, right next to the rose bushes.
Everyone is capable of murder. They just need to meet the right person.
Official Summary
09 July 2024
“A Good Place to Hide a Body” is a gripping and darkly humorous exploration of family dynamics and the unexpected consequences of secrets kept buried. Penny, a woman navigating the challenges of middle age and parental care, finds herself thrust into a chilling predicament when she receives a frantic call from her father one night.
The novel opens with a jolt as Penny rushes to her parent’s home, expecting a medical emergency or some mundane mishap. Instead, she discovers a far more sinister truth: her parents have killed someone, and the body lies hidden in their garden. Marshall deftly sets the stage for a twisted tale where the line between loyalty and self-preservation blurs.
Penny, initially a relatable and sympathetic protagonist struggling with the demands of caregiving, is thrust into an unimaginable dilemma. Marshall’s characterization shines as Penny wrestles with her conscience, torn between protecting her parents and confronting the heinous act they’ve committed. The dynamics within the family are intricately woven, revealing layers of dysfunction and buried resentments that add depth to the narrative.
The pacing is brisk and suspenseful, propelled by Marshall’s plotting and sharp dialogue. As Penny navigates the aftermath of the murder, tensions escalate and secrets unravel, leading to unexpected twists that keep you guessing until the final pages. The exploration of moral ambiguity and the lengths people will go to protect themselves and their loved ones is both compelling and thought-provoking.
Marshall’s writing is atmospheric, evoking a sense of unease that fills the story. The quaint setting of a suburban garden compared with the horror of a hidden crime scene creates a chilling backdrop for the unfolding drama. The novel’s dark humour adds a layer of complexity, offering moments of levity amidst the tension.
“A Good Place to Hide a Body” is a brilliant thriller that showcases Laura Marshall’s talent for creating suspenseful narratives with compelling characters and intricate plot twists. It’s a book that delves into the darkest corners of human nature while keeping you absorbed from start to finish. For fans of psychological thrillers and domestic suspense, this novel is a must-read that delivers on every front.
Also by Laura Marshall
MY HUSBAND’S KILLER
Three couples. One murder. A holiday to die for . . .
We arrived at a villa on the Amalfi Coast, ready to enjoy a sun-soaked weekend with our oldest friends – and one new face.
By the end of the weekend, my husband is found dead.
But how can I mourn him, when on the day of his funeral I discover he was having an affair?
The only suspects are the women we went on holiday with. My oldest, closest friends.
I really want to dig into my husband’s secret. Do I really want to know who betrayed me?
About the Author
Author bio from the author’s site
Laura Marshall is the bestselling author of four psychological thrillers. Her debut novel, Friend Request, was a Kindle No.1 and Sunday Times bestseller, with over half a million copies sold in the UK. Laura’s books have sold in twenty-four territories around the globe.
She grew up in Wiltshire, studied English at the University of Sussex and currently lives in Kent with her family.
I always enjoy Laura Marshall’s books, but this one is without a doubt my favourite so far. If you haven’t read it yet, you need to add this book to your TBR list. It’s a brilliant read!
A big thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for providing this review copy. I couldn’t read this book fast enough. Also, thank you for supporting the blog and reading my reviews. I have some great books coming this week, so keep coming back for more.
