The Sick Rose - Softcover

It's unusual for a second novel to be even better than the first but Kelly has pulled off that difficult trick. Literary Review 'A compelling second novel from masterful storyteller Erin Kelly.' Good Housekeeping '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.' Psychologies 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. Spectator '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'. The Times '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' Bella 'Thumbs up to ... this leave-the-light-on thriller.' Look Kelly writes perceptively and chillingly about the long shadows cast by tragic mistakes ... she shows considerable promise. Daily Telegraph 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. Psychologies 'A tense and twisting novel of dark secrets and dangerous desires.' Grazia 'After the success of THE POISON TREE, Erin Kelly has conjured up another intriguing novel that will draw you in from the start.' Star Erin Kelly's debut THE POISON TREE was a fine psychological thriller; THE SICK ROSE confirms that promise ... a first-class suspense novel. Mail on Sunday '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.' www.shotsmag.co.uk 'A real "can't put it down" mystery. This sick rose has got the grip of bindweed.' Independent A compelling suspense novel from crime fiction's freshest voice. Red 'A real "can't put it down" mystery. This sick rose has got the grip of bindweed.' Independent 'More creepy crime with plenty of psychological insight from rising star Erin Kelly.' **** Mirror 'More creepy crime with plenty of psychological insight from rising star Erin Kelly.' **** Daily Mirror A tantalising novel that grips the gut until the breathtaking conclusion. Daily Record A tense and twisting novel of dark secrets and dangerous desires. Grazia A compelling second novel from masterful storyteller Erin Kelly. Good Housekeeping 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 Bella After the success of THE POISON TREE, Erin Kelly has conjured up another intriguing novel that will draw you in from the start. Star Thumbs up to ... this leave-the-light-on thriller. Look 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. www.shotsmag.co.uk 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. cornflowerbooks.co.uk

'You kept my secret. I know yours now. That makes us even.' Paul has been led into a life of crime by his schoolyard protector, Daniel - but one night what started as petty theft escalates fatally. Now, at nineteen, Paul must bear witness against his friend to avoid imprisonment. Louisa has her own dark secrets. Having fled from them many years ago she now spends her days steeped in history, renovating the grounds of a crumbling Elizabethan mansion. But the her fragile peace is shattered when she meets Paul; he's the image of the one person she never thought she'd see again. A relationship develops between them, and Louisa starts to believe she can experience the happiness she had given up on; but it soon becomes apparent that neither of them can outrun their violent past ...