A Flaw in the Design

Gil knows his nephew Matthew is dangerous. He is insolent, bored, disconnected, and joins Gil's writing classes at the local university. Matthew's fiction shows a vivid and macabre imagination, and Gil begins to follow him around, becoming increasingly unstable. Is he losing his mind?

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 23 March 2023
Publisher: Profile Books Ltd

In a psychological thriller that excels in characterisation and creates genuine suspense, Guardian immerses readers in a captivating tale. The writing is flawlessly executed, with a clever plot that keeps readers guessing until the very end. The Daily Mail describes it as "terrifying and amusing," while The Times praises it as "a very smart tale packed with jeopardy."

The story revolves around Gil, who knows his nephew Matthew is dangerous. Early signs of his psychopathic nature emerged during a family holiday, when Gil's daughter nearly drowned in a swimming pool, while Matthew watched from the deck. Now seventeen, Matthew is orphaned after his parents' tragic car crash. He must leave his privileged life on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and move in with Gil, his wife, and their daughters in rural Vermont.

At first, Gil perceives Matthew as insolent, bored, and disconnected. To the women in the family, he appears charming, intelligent, and witty. However, when Matthew enrolls in Gil's writing classes at the local university, his fiction reveals a vivid and macabre imagination that spills onto the page. Matthew is clearly taunting Gil with his intentions, warning him of something awful that he plans to do to his family. But why is Gil the only one who sees this? As Gil begins to follow Matthew, his own behaviour becomes increasingly unstable. Is he losing his mind? Could it be that he is actually the one his family needs to fear?

Guardian explores the depths of human psychology, delving into the complexities of family relationships and the blurred lines between sanity and madness. The characters are well-developed, with each having their own motivations and secrets. The suspense is palpable, as readers are kept on the edge of their seats, wondering what will happen next. The writing is masterful, with vivid descriptions and clever dialogue that add to the overall atmosphere of the story.

In conclusion, Guardian is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers. With its captivating plot, well-developed characters, and masterful writing, it keeps readers engaged from start to finish. Prepare to be immersed in a world of suspense and intrigue as you explore the dark corners of the human mind.

Weight: 512g
Dimension: 163 x 245 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800812789
Edition number: Main