February 2012 Book of the Month.

A Piece of Passion from the Publisher of Mice, Maria Rejt:
"Mice is not a thriller that conforms particularly to what a bestselling thriller purports to be these days – there are no serial killers, no high-octane car chases, no baroque methods of torture.  It begins as a simple tale of domesticity which, within a matter of pages, has evolved into an edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller that literally will not let you go.

The set up is simple.  A middle-aged woman and her teenage daughter escape to a rural idyll.  They are retreating from the  miseries of  failed relationships and vicious school bullying.  Together and alone in the country they are safe.   Until a stranger intrudes and a split second decision sends their world into tailspin.

Gordon Reece is an author who has such empathy with his characters and such control over his plotting that the reader is held in a vice-grip. Once started, there is no escaping his story which hurtles to a truly chilling and haunting climax.  I loved its simplicity and power  but it is the ending which stays with you long after the last page has been turned."

The Lovereading view...

Sixteen year old Shelley and her mother move to a cottage in the middle of the countryside, hoping to put behind them years of suffering at the hands of others. And for a while, in their cottage-haven, the women flourish. But one night, their fragile peace is shattered when Shelley wakes to hear a creak on the stairs. Someone has broken into the house ... A gripping, unique suspense thriller with a chilling twist . . .

Comparison: Simon Lelic, Helen Fitzgerald, Ruth Rendell
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Synopsis

Shelley and her mother move to Honeysuckle Cottage fleeing their fears and anxieties. Shelley has endured terrible bullying from the girls who used to be her best friends and her mother has been left reeling following a divorce from her selfish, demanding husband. Shelley and her mother are 'mice' - timid, nervous and obliging. In the shocking, chilling events that follow a break-in, Shelley's world is turned on its head as the women find themselves tested as never before. And as their lives spiral out of control, the tension reaches fever pitch, and Shelley begins to wonder: if she and her mother are not mice after all, then what are they?

Reviews

‘A gripping, flawless novel . . . memorable, atmospheric and chilling’ - Sophie Hannah

'There are few readers who will not be involved by the steady, adroitly orchestrated tension in this visceral first novel..' - Scottish Sunday Express  

About the Author

Gordon Reece studied English Literature at Oxford and taught at King's College School, Wimbledon. After completing his MA in Literature he retrained as a lawyer. In 1999 he moved to Spain with his wife to write full time and in 2005 emigrated to Australia. His books include picture books for trade and educational publishers, comics and graphic novels and fiction for adults. More books by this author Author 'Like for Like' recommendation