I am a big fan of Elly Griffiths and I've read every one of her Ruth Galloway series set on the Norfolk coast. Although that series is crime fiction there is in every book a hint of the supernatural so when I learned that Elly had written a stand alone Gothic mystery novel, I knew I had to get my hands on it. Clare Cassidy teaches literature and she specialises in the work of the Victorian Gothic writer R.M. Holland. The school she teaches in was once R. M. Holland's home. There are rumours that Holland's wife died in the building and that she haunts it still. Clare may be happy to read and to teach thrilling stories but she is shocked to find herself in the middle of one when her friend and colleague Ella is murdered and a note with a quote from one of Holland's stories found by her body. The police seek Clare's help to find the killer as Clare tries to puzzle things out writing in her diary. However she soon feels the killer may be someone she knows far too well when she discovers someone else has written in her diary. The narrative shifts between Clare, her teenage daughter Georgia and Harbinder the detective investigating the murder and R. M. Holland's story is weaved throughout as the modern narrative starts to echo the older one. A cleverly told story featuring a cast of intriguing characters and a mystery that will have you racing through the pages. A thoroughly dark and engrossing read perfect for dark evenings. If you are fan of books that blend crime with the supernatural; as I am, then you will love this. Perfect for fans of Carol Goodman, Alison Littlewood or Anna Mazzola. Thanks to the kind people at Quercus for sending me an early copy. The Stranger Diaries is available in hardback from today.
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