Barry Forshaw on Linwood Barclay and James M. Cain...
At first glance, the contemporary novels of Linwood Barclay and the classic work of fellow American James M. Cain might appear different (and, in many ways, they are), but both share a compelling sense of the dark destiny that threatens their beleaguered characters – and both write in a pared-down, economical style. Barclay’s Fear the Worst is a perfect place to start with this impeccable writer, while the crucial James M. Cain novel is The Postman Always Rings Twice.
Sarah Broadhurst's view...
An author who came to fame through the Richard and Judy chosen No Time for Goodbye, with his third gripping page-turner. A father hunts his missing daughter who appears to have led a double life. It’s small town America, international crime, disinterested police and some very nasty people stuff. It also takes in the stress of split families and dealing with teenagers. A very human thriller, fast-paced and very good.
Comparison: Harlan Coben, Michael Connelly, Jonathan Kellerman.
The worst day of Tim Blake's life started out with him making breakfast for his seventeen-year-old daughter Sydney. Syd was staying with him while she worked a summer job - even if he wasn't entirely sure what her job at the Just Inn Time motel actually was - and Tim hoped this quality father-daughter time would somehow help her deal with his divorce. When she didn't arrive home at her usual time, he thought she'd probably gone to the mall to hang with her friends.
| Primary Genre | Thriller and Suspense |
| Other Genres: | |
| Recommendations: |
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Closing date: 15/10/2026
The worst day of Tim Blake's life started out with him making breakfast for his seventeen-year-old daughter Sydney. Syd was staying with him while she worked a summer job - even if he wasn't entirely sure what her job at the Just Inn Time motel actually was - and Tim hoped this quality father-daughter time would somehow help her deal with his divorce.
Fear the Worst features in the following genres: Thriller and Suspense, Crime and Mystery, eBooks of the Month, Fiction, Recommendations
Paperback, Ebook. £9.89, down from the £10.99 cover price. In Stock.
Fear the Worst was written by Linwood Barclay and published by Orion (an Imprint of The Orion Publishing Group Ltd ) an imprint of Orion Publishing Co
Fear the Worst has 471 pages
£9.89, reduced from £10.99. In Stock.
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