An original, incredible psychological thriller from J. S. Monroe, clear your reading pile for The Man on Hackpen Hill immediately.
The plot:
It isn’t unusual for crop circles to appear overnight on Hackpen Hill. In this part of Wiltshire, where golden wheat fields stretch for miles, the locals have got used to discovering strange mathematical patterns stamped into the earth.
But this time, it’s different. Not only because this particular design of dramatic spiralling hexagons has never been seen before. But because of the dead body positioned precisely in the centre of the circle. DI Silas Hart, of Swindon Police, is at a loss.
Only Jim, a scientist at secretive government laboratory Porton Down, knows the chilling truth about the man on Hackpen Hill. And he wants Bella, a trainee journalist on her first ever story, to tell the world. But Silas has other ideas – and a boss intent on a cover up.
As Bella and Jim race against time, dark forces conspire against them, leading them to confront the reality of their own past and a world in which nothing is as it seems.
A definite go-to author for psychological thrillers
I am a big fan of this author – my review for The Other You here, which was a top book of the year for me – mind-blowingly good in its concept and delivers with every page. A definite go-to author for psychological thrillers.
The Man on Hackpen Hill has an unforgettable, intelligent plot including crop circles, murders, a bit of science and math, and coded messages – you won’t be able to forget it.
I clocked on pretty early to what was happening, as I thought it was obvious – this read later on as the big plot twist, but at this point, I’m not sure if Malone intended us to figure it out or what. Love it.
I couldn’t stop thinking about this book, especially as I read it over the course of a few weeks; whenever people asked what I was reading, I gave them a short synopsis and was itching to pick it back up again.
It’s a bit gruesome at the beginning, and if you can get past this, you’re in for a real treat – I googled so much because I just thought “oh fabulous, another thing this talented author has made up, let’s see what triggered it… hold on… WHAT”. It made for a fantastic reading experience, and definitely eye-opening!
Chapters are often very short and written from 3 key character’s perspective – Silas, Bella and Jim – the tone of voice is very different for each which makes it a delight, especially for those chapters left on a cliff-hanger (and there are many).
It’s a fantastic 4-star read for me, and only because I didn’t get that big plot twist – I think if you don’t think too deep like I did, it’ll be jaw-dropping. Whilst the plot twist is a big must for me, the plot and writing style just made for a brilliant read. Highly recommend!
The Man on Hackpen Hill, J. S. Monroe, RRP £18.99 (hardback); Amazon
Pages: 449 (my edition)
Publisher: Head of Zeus
Genre: Psychological Thriller (the definition of one)
Gifted in exchange for an honest review
