‘A modern spin on a folk tale where the improbable can happen … the twists are lovely; dark and deep’ The Times
‘Golding folds together a folklore-inspired plot with the modern twists and tension of a police procedural novel to create a bitingly unnerving story’ Adele Parks, Platinum
‘Powerful imagery and captivating characters, this a grabbing book’ Magic Radio Book Club
‘The most original book you’ll read this year’ Crime Monthly
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When a small child is found wandering alone, the local shopkeepers call the authorities immediately. Twenty minutes later, the girl’s mother turns up, panicked and distraught. It doesn't take long to clear things up, and mother and daughter are soon reunited and sent on their way.
Miles away, the body of a man is discovered, floating in a bathtub, but the most surprising discovery of all is that he isn't dead. Despite his injuries, he is very much alive.
Two seemingly unrelated events. But as DS Harper begins to investigate, disturbing connections between the two incidents start to surface, and suddenly it’s not clear where the danger truly lies. Harper must find out, and quickly. Because someone, or something, is closing in and she needs to uncover the truth before it’s too late…
Weaving together the trademark folklore inspiration that readers loved in Little Darlings, with the procedural narrative force of a brilliant mystery, this is the excellent and unnerving new novel from Melanie Golding.
* * *
Readers are captivated by The Replacement!:
I don't think I breathed properly throughout this brilliantly crafted thriller . . . This is by far one of the best psychological thrillers I've read and I was totally engrossed throughout’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A book with so many twists and unexpected outcomes. So unusual but totally gripping. I wanted the book to last forever’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘This book is brilliant . . . I love psychological thrillers and stories with myths and folklore [and Melanie] blends the two together [to] create the perfect book in my eyes’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A deliciously dark and creepy tale which will have you addicted’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
About the Author :
Melanie Golding is a recent graduate of the MA in Creative Writing at Bath Spa University, with distinction. Her short stories have been chosen to be recorded as podcasts by the Leicester-based festival Story City in 2015 and 2016, and to be performed at both the regular Stroud Short Stories event and their special 'best of' event at Cheltenham Literature Festival. In 2017 she won the short story prize at the Mid Somerset Festival, as well as the Evelyn Sanford trophy for highest mark in the prose class. She has taught creative writing in prisons and Young Offenders Institutions, as well as teaching music in a school for boys with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. She is now a full-time registered childminder and splits her time between that and writing. Little Darlings is her debut novel and has been optioned for screen by Free Range Films, the team behind the adaptation of My Cousin Rachel.
Review :
PRAISE FOR THE REPLACEMENT
‘A modern spin on a folk tale where the improbable can happen … deftly spun … the twists are lovely; dark and deep’
The Times
‘Golding folds together a folklore-inspired plot with the modern twists and tension of a police procedural novel to create a bitingly unnerving story’ Adele Parks, Platinum
‘Sewing together the many threads of the case, there is the added folklore that seeps into an atmospheric, mysterious and horror-struck storyline. Powerful imagery and captivating characters, this a grabbing book’ Magic Radio Book Club
‘The most original book you’ll read this year … equal parts detective novel, psychological thriller and family drama. Full of twists, turns and atmosphere, make sure you don’t accidentally stay up all night devouring it’ Crime Monthly
‘A psychological thriller with a difference’ Heat
‘Creepy and atmospheric, the author weaves a magical thread of folklore into this outstanding thriller’ My Weekly
‘Chillingly brilliant’ Bella
PRAISE FOR MELANIE GOLDING
‘Chilling story, beautiful prose. Little Darlings is stunning’ Clare Mackintosh, number one Sunday Times bestseller
‘Rich and satisfying, this is part who-done-it, part fairy tale, part psychological thriller. It delivers on all fronts and will continue to rattle you, long after you have put it down’ Felicity Everett, author of The People at Number 9
‘Deep. Dark. Utterly addictive. I read this extraordinary book in one, breathless gulp…Be warned – you can't unread this story. It will haunt you' Teresa Driscoll, author of I Am Watching You
‘A story that is in turn enthralling, creepy and downright sinister, Melanie Golding turns fairy tales on their heads…A brilliant, heart-pounding read’ Lisa Hall, author of Between You and Me
