Rosie Shadow

Rosie Shadow, a six year old, is out of control according to her mother. She won't go to school, stays up until the wee hours and is violent towards her mother. But surely it can't be the child's fault it must be her upbringing? Right? Think again. Rosie has immense strength, both physical and mental, she has an insatiable appetite and likes to dig graves in the garden. Her strange behaviour and aggression towards her mother has meant Elly is a shadow of her former self, she is literally terrified of what her daughter will do next. This fascinating storyline makes no excuses for Rosie's behaviour and leaves you dreading what she is capable of doing next and to who. I had goosebumps reading the chapters dedicated to Rosie and my heart was beating rapidly in anticipation of what was to come. I felt so much sympathy for Elly and could see how trapped and torn she was.

Clare is grieving from the sudden death of her partner and trying to hold it all together. Working as a tourist guide she finds herself drawn to her boss Archie. However, things are not quite as they seem. This creepy, gut-wrenching novel is both disturbing and addictive. It was quite the page-turner. It shocked, disgusted me, drew me in with its broad mix of characters and terrified me all at the same time.