The Winter Guest: A gripping, atmospheric mystery 'A stunning book, beautifully written' Ann Cleeves

Can he find out the truth about Maud's death before the past - and his strange, unnerving surroundings - overwhelm him?

A haunting, atmospheric mystery set against the raw Irish landscape in a country divided, The Winter Guest is the perfect chilling read.

Praise for THE WINTER GUEST and W.C.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 29 September 2022
Publisher: Zaffre

A Gripping Mystery with a Classic Feel

For fans of Agatha Christie, this novel is a captivating and exquisitely written masterpiece. It seamlessly blends elements of intricate mystery and haunting ghost story, leaving a lasting impression on the reader. The narrative unfolds in a captivating and atmospheric manner, drawing the reader deep into the heart of the story.

Haunting and Exquisitely Written

The writing in this book is hauntingly beautiful, with vivid descriptions and evocative language that transport the reader to the enigmatic world of Kilcolgan House. Every page is filled with vivid imagery, creating a sense of suspense and intrigue that keeps the reader hooked until the very end.

Part Intricate Mystery and Part Ghost Story

This novel strikes a perfect balance between mystery and ghost story, offering a thrilling and suspenseful narrative that keeps the reader guessing until the very last page. The intricate plot twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat, as you unravel the secrets of the Prendevilles and the mysterious circumstances surrounding Maud's death.

A Book That Will Stay with Me for a Long Time

Once you start reading, it is difficult to put this book down. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and their journeys through the complexities of the Kilcolgan House and the divided Irish landscape are compelling and emotional. This book will stay with me for a long time, haunting me with its unforgettable characters and hauntingly beautiful prose.

Anna Mazzola's Stunning Book

Anna Mazzola's writing is a testament to her talent as a storyteller. Her prose is elegant and evocative, and she brings the characters to life with a depth and complexity that is rare in contemporary fiction. The Winter Guest is a stunning book that showcases Mazzola's writing skills at their finest.

Beautifully Written

Ann Cleeves' writing is equally impressive. Her prose is clear and concise, yet it carries a sense of elegance and sophistication that adds to the overall atmosphere of the book. The Winter Guest is beautifully written, with a sense of pacing that keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end.

The Drive Past the Gate House and Through the Trees

As the drive leads past the gate house and through the trees towards the big house, visible through the winter-bared branches, the anticipation builds. The windows stare down at Harkin and the sea beyond, creating a sense of foreboding and mystery.

January 1921: A Time of Civil War in Ireland

In January 1921, even though the Great War has ended, Ireland is still ravaged by a new civil war. The once-grand Kilcolgan House, a crumbling bastion shrouded in sea-mist, lies half empty and filled with ghosts - both real and imagined. The Prendevilles, the noble family within, co-exist only as the balance of their secrets is kept.

The Co-Existence of Real and Imagined Ghosts

Within the walls of Kilcolgan House, the Prendevilles are haunted by both real and imagined ghosts. The family is plagued by the ghosts of their past, including the tragic death of Maud Prendeville, the eldest daughter of Lord Kilcolgan. Maud's death leaves the family reeling, and the IRA column insist that they left her alive, claiming that someone else must have been responsible for her terrible fate.

Captain Tom Harkin's Investigation

Captain Tom Harkin, an IRA intelligence officer and Maud's former fiancé, is sent to investigate the mysterious death of Maud Prendeville. Harkin becomes an unwelcome guest in this strange, gloomy household, as he must delve into the house's secrets and discover where each family member's allegiances truly lie.

Working Undercover

Harkin works undercover, trying to gather information without drawing attention to himself. He must navigate the complex web of relationships within the Prendevilles and the divided town, where allegiances are shifting and trust is fragile.

The Haunting of Captain Harkin

Captain Harkin is not only haunted by the ghosts of the past but also by his terrible experiences on the battlefields. The memories of the violence and destruction he witnessed weigh heavily on his conscience, and he struggles to find peace and closure in the midst of the chaos.

The Search for Truth

As Harkin delves deeper into the house's secrets, he begins to unravel the truth about Maud's death. He discovers that the family's past is not as simple as it seems, and that there are hidden agendas and betrayals that have shaped their lives.

The Chilling Atmosphere

The Winter Guest is a haunting, atmospheric mystery set against the raw Irish landscape in a country divided. The novel captures the essence of the time and place, with its vivid descriptions and evocative language. The reader is transported to a world of mystery and suspense, where every turn of the page brings new revelations and surprises.

Praise for The Winter Guest and W.C. Ryan

The Winter Guest has received widespread praise from critics and readers alike. It has been described as a "snowflake of a novel," intricate and exquisitely written. The novel has been praised for its captivating plot, well-developed characters, and hauntingly beautiful prose.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Winter Guest is a gripping mystery with a classic feel that will captivate fans of Agatha Christie and those who enjoy a haunting and atmospheric mystery. The novel's intricate plot, well-developed characters, and hauntingly beautiful prose make it a must-read for anyone who loves a good story. Whether you are drawn to the mystery of the Kilcolgan House or the emotional journey of Captain Harkin, this book will leave you with a lasting impression.

Weight: 258g
Dimension: 198 x 129 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781838772307