Eight months ago Paul Davis almost died at the hands of the 'Apology Killer' - a murderer who made his victims type out an apology to him before they died. Still recovering, Paul begins hearing the clicking of his Underwood's keys in the night.....and his wife Charlotte can't hear it.
What a delicious premise! Is Paul still feeling the effects of his head injury? He's still losing time and memories. Is he also losing his mind? Or is something or someone trying to contact him via the typewriter? "Just think of all the things that may have been written on this....A machine like this, it has a soul, you know." Lots of possibilities and directions the story could take!
I love the idea of everyday, inanimate objects taking on a malevolent presence. There's something especially frightening about noises in the night. Noises waking you from a dead sleep. Unexplained noises downstairs. Undertones of Stephen King.
The group of supporting characters are all just as questionable - especially Paul's psychiatrist and one of her patients named Gavin. He's particularly creepy. I trusted none of them - including Charlotte.
I began to have my suspicions as the book progressed and thought things would play out a certain way. They did and they didn't - Barclay surprised me with an abrupt turn and a twist at the end. Didn't see that coming! It's so nice to be caught unawares.
Barclay's storytelling is so addictive - I had a hard time putting A Noise Downstairs down. Get settled into your favourite reading chair - you won't be getting up anytime soon! Read an excerpt of A Noise Downstairs. Recommended for fans of Harlan Coben.
6 comments:
I don't know if I've ever read Barclay but this sounds right up my alley.
I've never read Barclay, but this standalone has had me eagerly awaiting the chance to do so!
I've been waiting on this one. I've really enjoyed several of Linwood Barclay's books. He's been doing 'bad things happen to ordinary people' for a long time - long before the current 'domestic noir' thing. And I thought of Stephen King too. Can't wait to read this!! Who wouldn't want a possibly haunted typewriter? Ha!!
Bermudaonion - oh you will really like him - I've enjoyed all of his books!
Ethan - if you like Harlan Coben, you will like Barclay. He's the Canadian version of Coben. ;0)
Kay, yes he does the bad things/ordinary people really well. This one was another winner!
I'm already a little freaked out! Would like to read this one.
Dianna - it's well worth picking up!
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