An intriguing and twisty horror from Nesbo, that has some strong Stephen King vibes from the start. We meet Richard, who has been sent to live with his aunt and uncle after the death of his parents. But the small remote town of Ballantyne is a far cry from the city life he used to enjoy and he has trouble adjusting - so when his classmate Tom goes missing, people are suspicious. And Richard’s claim that he was eaten by a telephone isn’t helping..

There’s so much going on in this book! I enjoyed how much it subverted expectations, from plunging into the horror immediately to the different layers of Richard’s story. About half way through I wasn’t quite sure what was going to happen - which is a rarity with most horror books, that usually follow a pretty predictable pattern. The setting and the characters’ voices do read a little more on the YA side, though the final section is perhaps a bit darker. All in all an thoroughly enjoyable read - and a great throwback horror cover, too!

I would like to thank netgalley,and Random house UK.and the author Jo Nesbo for an early copy of his book.


This Is my first read from this author, I'm not really into horror books but this one caught my eye. Didnt find this scary at all this book made me laugh in parts.Richard moves in with his aunt and uncle house as Tom he was with disappeared in a phone box,no one believes him then another disappeared...an okay read wanted it to be scary it's more for teenagers to read.

Will review on goodreads, and Amazon uk.

My first book by this author and not quite sure how I feel about it. An intriguing storyline which seemed like it was aimed at YA genre but then things happened that made it more a horror. A very creepy read but not one I particularly enjoyed.

A book the stuff of nightmares. The writer producing a storyline that would cause Stephen King to tremble. The reader, compelled to turn each page not quite realising that each page turned, draws them more deeply into a terrifying scenario of which there is no escaping. Richard, the chief protagonist, the centre figure in a family tragedy leaving him not only an orphan but suffering with disabling PTSD. A new home, new school, caring foster parents and yet an inability to connect, move on and embrace this second chance. The first part of the book from Richards perspective is that of a constant battle with himself between right and wrong, good and evil and his own impression of how others perceive him as opposed to what they really think. A deep need to lash out and hurt others before others hurt him. The second part of this story seems to indicate an upbeat change in circumstances and fortunes with optimism for the various characters to experience a change in fortunes , in parallel with a forlorn hope that a more upbeat future for all is on the horizon. To avoid spoilers, the conclusion is delivered as if escaping the darkest of storms only to be thrust into the bowels of hell. All will be explained but it doesn’t mean as is normally the case, “and they lived happily ever after” or did they? As a prolific reader of all genres, it is impossible to categorise this unsettling book other than to fasten your seat belt, go along for the ride and be prepared for sleepless nights and vivid dreams. Many thanks to author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

Never read a Jo Nesbo book before this one, won’t be reading another after suffering through durge, complete waste of my time

Really enjoyable.
It's a fun read, if your idea of fun is a bit nasty and creepy, and makes you doubt as to what is actually real.
Always another clever twist. Right to the end.
I definitely got Stephen King vibes at the start of the book, and that's a compliment.
Nesbo has already proved himself very capable in the police detective genre, now he's done so with a slice of horror.
Good job.