The Heights by Louise Candlish

Review of a superb suspense thriller that is equal parts shocking, suspenseful and surprising. And with an ending you won't see coming.

For me, suspense thrillers are a palate cleanser. Sounds odd, I know.

But with a reading list that features many murder mysteries, especially the cosier kind, it's good to mix it up with something a bit grittier.

I discovered Louise Candlish earlier this year and was pleased to see The Heights* available through my library.

Ellen's life is turned upside down after her son Lucas makes a new friend. Kieran Watts is the dictionary definition of 'a bad influence' though.

The friendship takes a disastrous turn and Ellen has to decide how to protect her family and take revenge.

In short, it's a superb novel. The author's hyperrealism style makes it feel like a fly-on-the-wall documentary.

The first-person narration by Ellen gives you her instant, personal reaction to the traumatising events she experiences. However, the book also gives you glimpses from other perspectives, which provide a rounded view of Ellen and the whole story.

There's a fast pace from the beginning and that momentum continues throughout the story. Many of the chapters end on cliffhangers and so you turn to the next chapter to find out what happens next, only for the next chapter to be from the other timeline. That's not a criticism; instead, it highlights the masterful plotting and planning that's gone into creating this excellent thriller.

The Heights themselves also have a starring role. Using the waterfront property at critical moments gives the story a unique hook that separates this from the bookshelves of domestic noir suspense thrillers.

Louise Candlish has created a story that feels uncannily true. It's equal parts shocking, suspenseful and surprising. And it has an ending you won't see coming.

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