"The case of a missing girl reveals dark traumas within the haunted past of a community in this beautifully crafted, chillingly atmospheric tale."
The Counting Game contains a wonderfully balanced blend of psychological suspense sharply edged with a slither of supernatural. Psychotherapist Freya attempts to help traumatised 9 year old Jack find the words to explain what happened on the day his older sister Saoirse went missing. Debut author Sinéad Nolan has created the most atmospherically chilling plot containing an intricately built sense of place which heightens feelings of fear and uncertainty. The forested location on the Atlantic coast of Ireland sank into my minds eye and loitered in my thoughts. Previous cases of missing girls, and the myth that exists about the woods haunt the pages. The focus remains on three main characters throughout, Freya and Jack in 1995 after Saoirse goes missing, and extracts of Saoirse in a countdown to the main story. As the layers built in the past paint a vivid picture, the plot opens up and yet also plants barriers to full understanding. I felt a particular connection to Jack, the writing transported me into his world as I shared his view and experienced his emotions. The difference between adult and childhood is shaped with compassion and cleverly developed allowing intimate access to the aching intensity of trauma and grief. Beautifully crafted and compelling, The Counting Game balances a razor sharp tightrope of fear and suspense. Highly recommended.
