The House in the Woods: The Richard & Judy Summer Bookclub pick with an ending you'll never guess (Atticus Priest Murder, Mystery and Crime Thrillers Book 1)

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At first, Amber - preoccupied by turmoil in her professional life and her love life - is happy to be kept at a distance by her great-aunt, but soon becomes very curious about the family rift and why they have never met until now. The House in the Woods had a surprising twist towards the end that had me reeling in shock and it highlighted what a cleverly plotted and superbly executed book this was. It turned out to be a lucky draw and I had a great time with this mystery and new detective acquaintance, Atticus Priest. Through such intense and scintillating writing Zoe Miller took the reader by the hand and on a journey that becomes unforgettable and I was happy to follow wherever she was leading her characters and this reader.

Writing took me back to those times as a child, terrified on the sofa, and I know I would have loved stories like this - it just so happens that some of today’s young adults seem to enjoy my spooky adventures too. The first book in the series, "The Black Mile", deals with the (real life but little known) serial killer who operated in the area during the Blitz. Over time, I discovered that every ghost has a story to tell, some sad, others inspiring and happy but it was the ones who told me their tragic tales that intrigued me the most. This is an outstanding mystery novel that is very different from the action and adventure novels previously released by Dawson. She hardly paused between lines and different paragraphs such that it was often hard to distinguish which character was saying what.No missing or damaged pages, no creases or tears, no underlining or highlighting of text, and no writing in the margins. Applicability of cancellation rights: Legal rights of cancellation under the Distance Selling Regulations available for UK or EU consumers do not apply to certain products and services.

Three close friends are keen to do something scary for Halloween not realising they are opening a doorway to the other side. And as Atticus picks at the loose ends of the case, everything starts to unravel in a way neither of them could ever have predicted. Convinced of his innocence, Ralph's wife hires private investigator and former detective Atticus Priest who was unceremoniously kicked out of the force for drug use.

The House in the Woods maybe the first book I have read by Mark Dawson, but it certainly won’t be the last. The days pass at a gentle pace and Evie slowly makes progress in her recovery yet Amber feels an unease. The written text flows, often using the sort of language-developing syntax and vocabulary favoured by Beatrix Potter: the hard working beaver builders ask to be paid in peanut butter sandwiches ‘to which no-one had any objection’. Each picture will be talked about and the details enjoyed and savoured, not least those showing the building stages which are sure to encourage questions and comment.

DCI Mackenzie Jones is the opposite to Atticus, at thirty eight she is successful DCI, married with two children. It is a slow-burner that gently creeps up on you as you hope for the best for the wonderful Evie Lawrence. In a world of misinformation, we need to be teaching children how to spot these statements, and how to analyse them with consideration.This novel, centred on a man upper-class family hosting holiday season at their hut/farm in the middle of a desolate Woods, where from page one it’s abundantly clear some serious mis-deeds will take place. Some of the things occurring were quite unnatural and spooky in a way and I genuinely felt for the safety and well being of both Evie and Amber.

I will eagerly look forward to reading the next Atticus Priest book, which, conveniently, is already out although I never read books by the same author in succession. She and Atticus participated in a brief affair with one another when he worked for the police, but she doesn't want to lose her children so she's determined to keep things innocent. The House in the Woods" is the first book in Mark Dawson's new Mackenzie Jones/Atticus Priest series.As the story progressed and all the characters were brought in and their stories were told I really started to enjoy it. Unfortunately there was a huge Clanger of a clue early on which revealed whodunnit - although not why. As wonderful and engaging as all of Mark’s books are, I have to admit that there’s just that something in this style of writing that takes him one tiny notch above the rest of his excellent stories.