Mind of Winter by Laura Kasischke

It’s Christmas morning, a blizzard rages outside trapping Holly and her fifteen year old adopted daughter Tatiana, in the house, while other family members and friends struggle to reach them to share the planned celebrations. But the problems within the house are far more sinister. To say this book is haunting doesn’t quite capture its insidious power. Holly’s state of mind is brought into question and this combined with the claustrophobic atmosphere created by the storm builds tension, frustration and often confusion. Where is this going? Most of us had no idea until the very end … and what an ending! All the pieces of the jig-saw fall into place. Hidden clues and signs become obvious. Don’t be put off by the initial repetition – ‘something has followed us home from Russia’ as it adds to the sinister tone of the book. If you enjoy psychological thrillers, this is for you.

Pat Mutton