Follow You Home – Mark Edwards
It was supposed to be the trip of a lifetime, a final adventure before settling down. But after a perfect start, an encounter with a young couple on a night train forces Daniel and Laura to cut their dream trip short and flee home.
Back in London, Daniel and Laura vow never to talk about what happened that night. But as they try to fit into their old lives again, they realise they are in terrible danger—and that their nightmare is just beginning…
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer for the review copy which I received through Netgalley
Daniel and Laura are young and in love, they have been travelling and enjoying the trip of a lifetime. Everything is rosy and life is good. Until Daniel decides to save a little money by skipping on a private train cabin for their journey through Romania; opting instead for seats in the standard accommodation.
After an uncomfortable (and extended) conversation with a young Romanian couple Daniel and Laura try to catch some sleep in an empty sleeper carriage. They awake to find themselves confronted by an officious train official demanding their tickets – tickets which seem to have been stolen while they sleep. Unable to explain their predicament the couple are thrown from the train in the middle of nowhere.
Their attempts to get back to civilization lead them to an old farmhouse standing all alone in the Romanian countryside. They venture inside and then we read of them fleeing like the hounds of Hell are on their tails.
What Happened?
This is the question which will draw you in and keep you reading. The story picks up with Daniel and Laura when they are back in London, whatever happened in the house has had a profound impact upon both of their lives and their idyllic romance lies shattered and broken. They both agreed never to speak of the events which led to their breakup, however, friends keep pushing for answers and Daniel is determined to try and win Laura back.
As the story unfolds we are treated to more snippets of information regarding what occurred in Romania as Daniel tries to share his remarkable story with someone. Yet it seems that someone is determined Laura and Daniel’s story will remain untold and is determined to ensure that the events witnessed in the Romanian farmhouse remain a secret forever.
What struck me most about Follow You Home was that much of what occurred was very, very plausible and very, very sinister. I had a distinct feeling of unease reading of Laura and Daniel’s paranoia about being followed/watched. Despite all the horror books I have read over the years, Mark Edwards managed to unsettle me more than most of the ghouls and ghosts have ever achieved. There were a couple of nights where I slept with the covers all the way over my head, just to keep me safe through the night (that’s how it works).
Follow You Home is ‘delightfully’ twisty and creepy – a proper thriller which you should definitely seek out.
Mark Edwards is on Twitter: @mredwards
He is also online at http://vossandedwards.com