Compulsion by
Hilary Norman
hbk out August 05
Published by Piatkus
at £18.99
British crime writers seem to do creepy suburban thrillers especially well and
Compulsion, like Norman's other titles, is a good example of that type of crime story.
The counterpoint of familiar, everyday domesticity and unspeakable horror is
mesmerising and expertly handled. Frankie Barnes suffers from obsessive-
compulsive disorder, a nightmare, until she finds a job that suits her perfectly – as a
cleaner. However, Frankie has other ambitions; she wants a decent home, a refuge,
and she will kill to get one. One death leads to another and Frankie has to hide the
bodies – and find somewhere new to live. Speech therapist Alex Levin and builder
Jude Brown have each survived tragedies and begin to hope they might re-build a life
together. Alex takes on a cleaner. Frankie takes a liking to Alex's cottage; it would
be just perfect for her – if she can just get rid of the current occupant. Recommended.
(
Cath Staincliffe
author of the popular Sal Kilkenny mysteries and the series creator of TV Blue Murder)
Compulsion by
Hilary Norman
