by Melanie Golding
SYNOPSIS
When a small child is found wandering alone, the local shopkeepers call the authorities immediately. Twenty minutes later, the girl’s mother turns up, panicked and distraught. It doesn't take long to clear things up, and mother and daughter are soon reunited and sent on their way.
Miles away, the body of a man is discovered, floating in a bathtub, but the most surprising discovery of all is that he isn't dead. Despite his injuries, he is very much alive.
Two seemingly unrelated events. But as DS Harper begins to investigate, disturbing truths start to come to light that connect the man to the mother and child, and suddenly it’s not clear where the danger truly lies. Harper must find out, and quickly. Because someone, or something, is closing in and she needs to uncover the truth before it’s too late…
REVIEW DS Joanna Harper is called in to investigate when a man is found close to death in his bathtub. It is unclear whether this is a suicide attempt or attempted murder. During the investigation, she discovers a link to what seemed like a straightforward incident with a child who had run off from her mother at the seaside. As the pieces fall into place, it becomes clear that something much more sinister is behind this series of events...and it looks like the truth is closer to home than Joanna wants to admit.
When I read the synopsis for The Replacement, it sounded like the typical type of thriller mixed with police procedural that I normally enjoy. However, as I started reading, it didn't take long before I realised that this story was much more unusual and the questions began to arise as to whether Constance was descended from the mythological Selkies.
The use of folklore in contemporary thrillers is probably my favourite trope, and The Replacement is a perfect example of how to blur the lines between supernatural occurrences and reality. I spent the majority of the book wondering what was real and what wasn't... how much of what was happening could be explained by logic, thinking about the characters' mental and psychological state of mind or whether I should suspend my belief and go with the possibility that this mysterious being might actually be real.
Even though this might sound bizarre, it was written so convincingly that I was completely blasé about the fact that this character might have been living proof of a mythical legend. The darkness and the tension shone through and created a truly atmospheric and surprising narrative. Perfect for fans of Starve Acre by Andrew Michael Hurley, The Lantern Men by Elly Griffiths or The Seven Doors by Agnes Ravatn.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Melanie Golding is a graduate of the MA in creative writing program at Bath Spa University, with distinction. She has been employed in many occupations including farm hand, factory worker, childminder and music teacher. Throughout all this, because and in spite of it, there was always the writing. In recent years she has won and been shortlisted in several local and national short story competitions. Little Darlings was her first novel, and has been optioned for screen by Free Range Films, the team behind the adaptation of My Cousin Rachel.
Thanks to @HQstories and @mk_golding for my slot on the Blog Tour and the opportunity to read and review.
Product format: Hardback
ISBN: 978-0008293727
Pages: 432 pp
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