Wickedness

White parallels 17th and 21st-century pandemics (bubonic plague and bird-flu) to construct a fantasy thriller in which two girls’ experience, separated by centuries, links with Ancient Egyptian mythology.

When Claire’s grandmother dies she is left an ancient ring, a casket and some manuscripts, which gradually reveal that the mysterious and terrifying man who stalks her, and the ropewalker she befriends, have a history which also touched the life of Margrat, her 17th-century ancestor.

21st-century family break-up, bereavement and conflicted relationships underlie an exciting double narrative, with Margrat and Claire’s experiences intertwined against a taut, scary adventure in which each girl is sought out by the charmingly evil Nicholas/Robert, in pursuit of everlasting life. A skilfully told debut novel.