The Woman in the Dark

In British author Savage’s deliciously creepy first novel, Patrick and his wife, Sarah, who’s depressed after her mother’s death, move with their two teenage children, Mia and Joe, from Cardiff to Patrick’s childhood home on the South Wales coast. They’re disturbed to learn that the once magnificent Victorian house has been empty for 15 years following the brutal murder of a family. When relics from the past inexplicably start to appear in the house, Sarah’s unease grows. Are the strange happenings related to the release of Ian Hooper, the murderer? Or could Tom Evans, the sole survivor of the attack, be responsible? As Patrick becomes obsessed with the house and the crimes committed there, Sarah struggles to protect Mia and Joe. Only a new friend, Anna, and her renewed interest in painting make life bearable. With her sanity and life threatened, Sarah must discover the source of the evil closing in on her family before they become the next victims of what the press has dubbed the Murder House. Savage carefully sustains the growing tension to the final twist. Psychological thriller fans will be rewarded. Agent: Juliet Mushens, Caskie Mushens (U.K.). (Mar.)