Title: THE HALF BURNT HOUSE
Author: Alex North
ISBN: 978 0241 4381 38
Publisher: Michael Joseph
Pages: 370
Source: Private Copy / Birthday Present
ARE YOU READY TO ENTER THE HALF BURNT HOUSE?
Katie always looked after her beloved younger brother Chris – until she left him alone for one selfish afternoon, and their picture-perfect family fell apart. Although Chris survived the attack, the scars ran deeper than the ones left across his face. Now they’re adults, and they haven’t spoken in years. Then she gets a call, from Detective Laurence Page.
Page is facing an unusually disturbing crime scene. Alan Hobbes, a distinguished and wealthy philosophy professor, has been brutally murdered. Hobbes was living in a sprawling mansion – but one that remains half-ruined by a decades-old fire, wind and rain howling through the gaping, creaking roof.
Page only has one suspect: Chris, caught on CCTV at the house. But he has plenty of questions. What could cause a man as wealthy as Hobbes not to repair his home? Why did he seem to know his death was coming, yet do nothing to stop it? And why was he obsessed with a legendary local serial killer?
But Katie only has one thing on her mind. She knows this is her last, best chance to finally save her brother, and make up for her negligence all those years ago.
Official Summary
04 September 2023
I added this book to my birthday wish list, and I included some hints in my blog post for The Shadow Friend last month. It looks like my family received the message. I was super excited when I received a copy for my birthday. It’s great to know that my family reads my blog. Thank you guys!
When you reach for The Half Burnt House you can expect Alex North at his best. This book will frighten you on one page and break your heart on the next. It’s a terrific page turned you will not want to walk away from.
This is the third Alex North book I have read and each one leaves me wanting more. The author tells a hair-raising tale that keeps you completely engrossed from start to end. I love that his writing manages to capture my full attention while I have no idea what to expect next. His stories manage to stretch your imagination and then leave you wondering.
Katie has always taken care of her little brother, Chris. Yet one afternoon she left him alone. That was the day her family fell apart. Chris was attacked walking home from school and while he survived, the scars are still with him, and Katie still blames herself for what happened.
Now they are adults and Katie and Chris have not spoken in years. However, when Katie receives a call from her mom telling her that Chris is missing, she takes it upon herself to find out what happened to him. While Katie searches for Chris, Detective Laurence Page is looking for him too.
Who will find him first and what will they find?
I found myself racing through his book eager to see where this story was going to end. This book had me completely engrossed in the character’s lives.
I enjoyed the characters in this book. Katie while expecting the worst all the time finds the courage to save her brother. Her love for her family quickly turns her into a favourite. At the same time, Chris’ story breaks your heart. This young man has endured so much. I found myself wanting to reach into the story and hug him.
Alan and Edward keep you on your toes. They had terrible childhoods and grew up being very different – while in many ways wanting similar things. These guys were unpredictable and left me with a creepy feeling. I never want to meet either of them.
This book is a terrific read that kept me engrossed from start to end. There is no doubt about me adding The Half Burnt House to my loved list for 2023.
If you enjoyed The Whisper Man and The Shadow Friend – you will love this book. The author combines a crime thriller with a little bit of horror and keeps you on the edge of your seat right to the end. I highly recommend you add this one to your TBR. It is a terrific read – do not miss it.
Also by Alex North
THE SHADOW FRIEND
If it had happened to you, you would have run away too.
Twenty-five years ago, Paul’s friend Charlie Crabtree brutally killed their classmate – and then vanished without a trace.
Paul’s never forgiven himself for his part in what happened. He’s never gone back home.
Until his elderly mother has a fall. It’s finally time to stop running.
It’s not long before things start to go wrong. His mother claims there’s someone in the house. Paul realises someone is following him. And, in a town many miles away, a copycat killer has struck.
Which makes him wonder – what really happened to Charlie the day of the murder?
And can anyone stop it happening again?
About the Author
Author bio from the author’s site
My first novel as Alex North, The Whisper Man, was a Sunday Times, New York Times and international bestseller. It has been translated into over 30 languages and is currently being adapted for film. It was followed by The Shadow Friend. My most recent thriller is The Half Burnt House.
Before writing as Alex North, I studied Philosophy at the University of Leeds, worked there in the Department of Sociology and Social Policy for several years, and published ten award-winning crime novels under a different name. I currently live in Leeds with my wife and son.
A big thank you to my family for adding a copy of this book to my birthday presents this year. I loved this. It has everything needed to guarantee a creepy read.
Thank you for visiting the blog and reading my review, your continued support warms my heart. Which is your favourite Alex North book? Leave a comment below.
(Mine used to be The Whisper Man – but that has changed to The Half Burnt House – This book is a brilliant read!)
