‘The Stranger’s Companion’ by Mary Horlock: a pin-sharp, twisty, literary, mystery ghost story set on Sark in the Channel Isles in the 20s and 30s, with a super slick, darkly satirical narrator.

Things kick off with the discovery of two piles of neatly folded clothes on a beach. As the search for their owners progresses old secrets, lies - and ghosts - come to light.

The island setting is perfect, as are the dramatis personae, who I found acutely observed and brilliantly nuanced. There’s a colony of artists with dissolute habits, a retired military man with a dangerous temper, his son, who caused so much trouble last time he was on the island, a widowed postmistress with second sight, and 21 yr old Phil, who mysteriously who threw in her dream job on the mainland for no discernible reason.

Suspenseful, dryly humorous, and deadly serious. Highly recommend for dark and windy nights.

‘The Stranger’s Companion’ by Mary Horlock stands out for its vividly described, isolated setting in the small community of Sark, and the immersive dual 1930s timelines. However, I wasn’t as gripped as I’d have hoped to be by what promised to be an addictive historical mystery based on real events. I thought it was well-written but a little understated and it took me a few attempts to finish. However, the end was rewarding and I wonder if I would have preferred in another format (perhaps audio). Ultimately, not a favourite for me, but I hope other readers have a better experience. I appreciate the chance to read a digital copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the unusual setting on Sark, and the switching between the two time periods was a good idea. The supernatural element didn't jar at all, and I was sorry to finish this absorbing book.

Part supernatural mystery, part coming-of-age, The Stranger's Companion infiltrates small-town secrets that must be faced eventually.

I was instantly drawn to the cover of this novel and its isolated setting on one of the often-forgotten Channel Islands. The year is 1933, and on the tiny island of Sark (where nothing ever happens), a mystery is unfolding. Two pairs of clothes have been abandoned by the cliffs, with their owners nowhere to be seen. With everyone on the island accounted for, it's not long before questions arise and a body finally surfaces. Was this an act of suicide, an unfortunate slip on the rocks... or murder?

For some reason, I struggled to get into this book. I loved the setting, the mystery surrounding the disappearances, and the supernatural influences but there felt like too many characters to keep track of, with most hardly explored. I think less is more with many character-driven novels, and in this case, I would have cut quite a keep the spotlight on the main islanders. I did enjoy the gothic-style writing and vivid descriptions, but at the same time, I sometimes felt a little bogged down in them.

I wasn't a fan of the second-person intros at first, however, they became clear in the end and worked well as the 'voice' of the novel.

Mary Horlock's novel "The Stranger's Companion" is a captivating journey into the heart of a small, isolated community on the island of Sark. Set in the 1930s, the story unfolds with the mysterious discovery of two sets of clothes belonging to an unknown man and woman. The island, known for its tranquility and as a place where "nothing ever happens," is suddenly thrust into the limelight as the search for the missing couple becomes a national sensation.

The narrative follows young Phyllis Carey, who, after coming to Sark from England finds herself mixed uo in the web of rumors, ghost stories, and dark secrets as she attempts to unravel the truth behind the abandoned clothes. Crossing paths with Hyde again the story delves into a shared history that begins to resurface amidst the growing media frenzy.

This story is more than just the usual historical mystery, which i often avoid; it's about the complexities of human relationships and the secrets that can shape a community. For those who enjoy a good mystery infused with historical elements and psychological depth, it is a must-read.

Sark seems such an idyllic, unspoiled location for a summer visit but having read this book I would only recommend it for the really tough individual. When the clothes of two people, a man and a woman, are found and no bodies a search is underway. Surrounded by treacherous rocks it is feared that they drowned while swimming. Eventually a woman's body is found out at sea but almost unrecognizable, a name is finally put forward but is it her? Days later a man's body is found, why weren't they both found at the same time? Being a small Island everyone knows each other and often related. Everard and Phyll have a reputation for causing trouble from when young so eyes turn to them now they are adults. Long lonely nights set the seen for tales of witchcraft and mystery but are they correct.

📚 Book Review 📚

The setting for this book, the island of Sark, is stunningly described during the 1930’s and is set against the strange true story of two sets of clothes left, neatly folded, on a cliff.

The writing is atmospheric, gothic like and interestingly describes the ancient folklore and traditions of the island and its inhabitants. It took me a while to get into it, but when I did, I loved the ghostly overtones with reference to witchcraft.

The story has a dual timeline between 1923 and 1933 which again, took a short while for me to get to grips with but then became more clear as I read. The characters are interesting and felt real.

I ended up really enjoying this book, although it took a little while for me to get there. The interesting way the author leads the reader into learning about the role of the prominent women in the community gives a fantastic edge and raises questions about the treatment and accusations levied at intelligent women in generations past.

I’d like to thank Baskerville, NetGalley and the author for the arc and the fantastic opportunity, in exchange for my honest feedback 😊

Book released on 20th June 2024

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Set on the tiny channel island of Sark between the 1920s and 30s this is partly based on real life events and is a Sunday afternoon type drama that's a cosy read for the autumn. The narration style wasn't quite working for me but I do prefer faster paced books.

Set on the beautiful island of Sark in the 1920’s and 1930’s this is a story of murder, mystery and secrets. When two sets of clothing are found on the beach the islanders begin a search for the couple who have apparently disappeared. Based on a true story the novel is told from a variety of points of view. The characters are well drawn with their many quirks and faults. There is a real feeling of the golden age of crime in this novel and it reads as though it was written at the time in which it is set. Another aspect that I enjoyed was the history and mythology that surrounded the island.The story is told in two time lines which I usually adore but I did find that I was having to check which era of the story I was reading occasionally. That said this book has real charm and will appeal to those who love their period crime.. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this novel in return for an honest review.

On the tiny Channel Island of Sark, population 500, life is famously uneventful—until neatly folded clothes are discovered at a coastal spot, hinting at a possible tragedy. As the search for the missing couple attracts media attention, Sark becomes the focus of national news.

Young islander Phyllis Carey, back from England, dives into the mystery as a reporter under the name P. Carey. Her investigation leads her to Everard Hyde, a surprising figure from her past. As Phyll digs through local gossip and secrets, long-buried truths about her and Everard's history start to emerge.

The story features a dual timeline, alternating between the 1930s investigation and the characters' earlier lives in the 1920s. While the dual narrative adds depth, it can disrupt the flow of the story. Nevertheless, the quirky characters and detailed portrayal of Sark's traditions make for an engaging read.

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This was such an interesting story which was made even more interesting because it was based on true events. The extensive research carried out by the author is clearly evident

Sark is a beautiful island and this is where the mystery happened. The storyline in the book makes a very easy interesting read and the characters involved are islanders themselves which makes the story even more intriguing and paints a wonderful picture of the island in those times,

I adored the setting of this book, on the island of Sark in the 1930s. The narrative alternates between two timelines, 1933 and 1923, slowly revealing some of the island's well hidden dark secrets. A set of folded clothes are found on the beach, sparking a quest for the missing couple. The main character Phyllis Carey, has returned to her home in Sark from England and is drawn into the investigation.

The writing exudes an atmospheric, gothic quality, and I was captivated by the vivid descriptions of the island. The book is firmly rooted in the 1920s and 1930s, reflecting thorough research that brings the era to life.

However I did find the large cast a bit confusing, and pace lacked momentum at times. Despite those issues, I did enjoy the book and thought it well worth my time.

I was very interested to read this novel as it was based on true events and had an intriguing storyline.Sadly, I couldn’t finish it as the style of narration just didn’t work for me. I found it hard to engage with the characters and the pace felt slow.
I appreciate the chance to have been given this ARC however,thank you !

I cannot recall any other thriller in which the tiny Channel Island of Sark plays a leading role, so as soon as I saw this novel advertised, I know I wanted to read a copy – and I have not regretted it!
The plot takes us back to the year of 1922 when Phyll and Miranda grow up on the island and are joined by Everard who is to stay on the island for the summer with his divorced father. In true Swallows-and-Amazons style, the three children, largely ignored by the adults around them, are left to create their own adventures, mysteries and high jinks that eventually get out of hand. Little are they to know that eleven years later, their sedate island will feature prominently in the national press as the unlikely setting where a man and a woman have allegedly disappeared – a case built solely on some discarded clothing found on a beach. Phyll and Everard, now young adults, are determined to clear up the mystery, if only to atone for some of their childhood pranks that got out of hand. But what if, in the line of their investigation, they uncover things about their own pasts that were better left in the dark? Unusual, inventive and utterly riveting, this novel had me turning the pages until there were no more. Highly recommended, this fantastic novel has me rooting for a sequel, perhaps featuring a middle-aged Phyll and Everard taking on a further Channel Islands case?
I wish to thank the publishers and NetGalley for the free ARC that allowed me to read this highly commendable novel and to produce this unbiased book review.

I do like a book that is based on a true event. This book is set on Sark, The Channel Islands, and it is set on an event that happened in 1933. The author has researched the archives and books for information to create a story about a missing couple's death.

There are two timelines in this story, one is the present day of the time when the discovery of two sets of clothes are found on the island. The other is of the summer Phyll and Everard spent time together as children and what they got up to.

The islands are full of stories and superstitions. The author has used these, as well as the flora and fauna, geological features, and weather, to bring the story to life. Using the past and present, the story gradually unearths some interesting and alarming secrets. After years of not knowing the full tale of what occurred when they were children, as adults, Phyll and Everard are now starting to learn the missing parts, and eventually finally understand what happened and why.

This is a slower-paced story, but it fits the time well. The author gives the island a good deal of time as she outlines the various aspects and features that people visit. The weather plays a large part in this as well and again it is used to great effect within the mystery of the plot.

I liked how the two times were mixed in and how people interacted. Given that this is a small and close-knit community, there is also a lot that is secret or known only to a select few. This gives the added extra of weaving in suspicion and doubt as well as second guessing for the characters.. did they do the right thing or did they go too far?

This is a mystery that has many different genres, but it is essentially a murder mystery. It has been cleverly done and I really enjoyed it. I would happily recommend this book.

This wasn’t for me – I was expecting something more like Horlock’s debut. Would recommend to those who enjoy gentle, slow-moving stories.

I really enjoyed this well-written and atmospheric tale of island life. The inter-war period and the unique landscape of Sark are beautifully evoked. The story is gently told - this is not a fast-paced mystery. But it's an engaging story of dysfunctional families and the persistence of supernatural beliefs in Britain's more remote corners. A must for anyone taking a trip to the Channel Islands!

A gentle but engaging read. It gives an insight into lives lived in a community where everyone knows everyone and the past is also remembered ……..sometimes a mixed blessing! It’s an interesting view into other lifestyles and the story woven around a real life event is intriguing. However, sometimes a little tricky to follow and sometimes a little slow.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

I had initially expected a detective book when I first started reading this but quite quickly realised this was more of a mixture of Picnic at Hanging Rock, The Woman in Black and a coming of age story. The shift into more of a social commentary/ghost story took me a while to adjust to but I did really enjoy this book. It covers the events following the discovery of abandoned clothes (and subsequently bodies) on a beach in Sark and how the close knit community reacts to this unhappiness disturbing their serenity. Despite some of the events described I do really want to go to Sark now as the landscape was so lovely described and a real sense of atmosphere was created!
At times I found the shift between the two time periods a little confusing since many details did blend in slightly but I think the two narratives dovetailed nicely at the concluding chapters. I also wanted to get more of a sense of some of the characters apart from Phyll or Everard - there were a lot of characters whose motivations were slightly shrouded and while this added to the atmosphere it would have been nice to have slightly more revealed at the end.
I would definitely recommend this book but I think I'd be more likely to suggest it to people who are fans of ghost stories than detective books even though it has elements of both.

Clever and original idea. Perfect for people who know Sark, or who are on holiday there. It is a light fun read, but it doesn't really have the spark that would have me pushing it into peoples hands.