Title: Black Thorn
Author: Sarah Hilary
ISBN: 978 1035 0043 00
Publisher: Pan MacMillan
Pages: 385
Source: NetGalley
Blackthorn Ashes was meant to be their forever home. For the first six families moving into the exclusive new housing development, it was a chance to live a peaceful life on the cliffs overlooking the Cornish sea, safe in the knowledge that it had been created just for them.
But six weeks later, paradise is lost. Six people are dead. And Blackthorn Ashes is left abandoned and unfinished, its dark shadows hiding all manner of secrets.
One of its surviving residents, Agnes Gale, is determined to find out the truth about what happened. Even if that truth is deadlier than she could have ever believed possible . . .
Official Summary
28 April 2023
I read Fragile by Sarah Hilary in 2021, so when the publisher reached out and suggested I try Black Thorn I jumped at the chance. This was an unusual read that managed to keep me captivated. I was not able to predict where this story was going to go. It’s a dark story about loss and the lengths a mother would go to, to protect her children. This was not what I was expecting at all.
The author creates a scenic read with this book allowing you to visualise the environment as you read. I loved the detail about the architecture of Blackthorn Ashes – these houses sounded amazing.
When six people are found dead in Blackthorn Ashes the dream development is found to be unsafe and the entire community is evacuated from their new homes. Agnes, an autistic young woman is determined to find out what happened and who was to blame – no matter how horrific or how close to home the blame may be.
This book kept me captivated as I turned the pages. I could not predict where the story was going to go. It was a sad, moving story that I could not walk away from.
Agnes was a brilliant character. I loved how she picked up on things no-one else noticed. The sounds and smells that only she picked up on. Her family didn’t believe her and brushed away her concerns. Her little brother treated her terribly no matter how hard she tried. It was sad how he called her crazy. I loved this young woman’s determination to uncover the truth while doing her best to protect her family. Her mother put so much pressure on her.
This book was an unusual read that was full of emotion and characters you were never sure how to place. I enjoyed the uncertainty of this read.
If you are looking for a deep, emotional read about a mother’s determination to protect her child no matter the cost – then this is a book that would appeal to you.
Also By Sarah Hilary
Fragile
Nell Ballard is a runaway. A former foster child with a dark secret she is desperate to keep, all Nell wants is to find a place she can belong. So when a job comes up at Starling Villas, home to the enigmatic Robin Wilder, she seizes the opportunity with both hands. But her new lodgings may not be the safe haven that she was hoping for…
About the Author
Author bio from the author’s site
Sarah’s debut, Someone Else’s Skin, won Theakstons Crime Novel of the Year and was a World Book Night selection. The Observer’s Book of the Month (“superbly disturbing”) and a Richard & Judy Book Club bestseller, it was a Silver Falchion and Macavity Award finalist in the US. No Other Darkness, the second in the series was shortlisted for a Barry Award. Her DI Marnie Rome series continued with Tastes Like Fear (longlisted for Theakstons Crime Novel of the Year 2017) and Quieter Than Killing (Observer’s Thriller of the Month). Come and Find Me was published in 2018, with Never Be Broken to come in 2019.
Thank you for visiting the blog – your continued support is appreciated. A big Thank you to Becky Lushey from Pan MacMillan for suggesting this book. Are you a Sarah Hilary fan? What is your favourite book? Leave a comment below. Remember to share your thoughts on Black Thorn – I would love to hear what you think about this book.
