Murder Town: the gripping and terrifying new thriller from the author of international bestseller WAKE

Gemma Guillory's second novel, WAKE, was a Guardian Book of the Year in 2022. It follows Gemma, who has lived in Rainier her entire life, as she is drawn into an investigation of a Ripper copycat murder. Gemma knows her town and people, but not everything.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 28 December 2023
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Gemma Guillory has called Rainier her home for her entire life, intimately familiar with every aspect of the small town and its inhabitants, treating them as if they were her own family. However, the town's reputation has been forever altered by a tragic event that occurred fifteen years ago. Three innocent lives were lost, and Gemma's tea shop was the final stop on the Rainier Ripper's deadly trail. The consequences of catching the Ripper continue to weigh heavily on her policeman husband, and some of her neighbors are willing to embrace a dark tourism company that seeks to capitalize on Rainier's infamous reputation as a murder town.

When the tour operator is brutally killed by a Ripper copycat on Gemma's doorstep, the unease that has lingered in the original killer's wake intensifies, drawing her into the investigation. Unbeknownst to her, a prisoner named Lane Holland is also involved in the case. Gemma believes she knows her town and her people, but as the investigation unfolds, she begins to question everything she thought she knew.

WAKE, the second novel from Gemma Guillory, received critical acclaim upon its release. It was named a Guardian Book of the Year in 2022, and praised for its political savvy, clever plotting, and compulsive reading experience. The novel's plot, pacing, and character development are so finely judged that it is difficult to believe it is a first novel. The New York Times Book Review described it as "politically savvy, cleverly plotted," while The Times praised its "so plausible and terrifying" nature, stating that it "stays with you." The Australian Women's Weekly hailed it as "outstanding," praising its ability to blend a well-plotted mystery with a sensitive exploration of the aftermath of trauma.

Gemma Guillory's writing is characterized by her ability to create vivid and relatable characters, and her portrayal of Rainier is no exception. The town is portrayed as a close-knit community that is deeply affected by the tragedy that unfolded fifteen years ago. Gemma's tea shop, once a beloved institution, is now seen as a symbol of the town's dark past. The characters in the novel are complex and nuanced, with their own motivations and struggles. Gemma Guillory's writing is also notable for its attention to detail, particularly in the portrayal of the town's geography and history. Rainier is a small town nestled in the mountains, with a rich history and a unique culture. Gemma Guillory captures the essence of Rainier's beauty and its darker side, creating a vivid and immersive reading experience.

In conclusion, Gemma Guillory's WAKE is a powerful and compelling novel that delves into the dark corners of human nature. The novel's exploration of trauma, grief, and the consequences of violence is thought-provoking and deeply moving. Gemma Guillory's writing is characterized by her ability to create vivid and relatable characters, and her portrayal of Rainier is a testament to her talent as a storyteller. WAKE is a must-read for fans of mystery and suspense, and for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted and emotionally resonant novel.

Weight: 570g
Dimension: 162 x 242 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529394887