Today, I’m so happy to be bringing my review for The Short Straw by Holly Seddon. Many thanks to Tracy Fenton and Orion Books for my invitation along with the gifted ebook.
Leaving isn’t safe… But staying would be deadly.
Three troubled sisters find themselves lost in a storm at night, and seek safety at Moirthwaite Manor, where their mother once worked. They are shocked to find the isolated mansion that loomed so large through their childhoods has long been abandoned. Drawing straws to decide who should get help, one sister heads back into the darkness. With the siblings separated, the deadly secrets hidden in the house finally make themselves known and we learn the unspeakable truth that will tear the family apart.
The short straw is the first book I have read by Holly Seddon. I have heard a lot about her books so was looking forward to reading this book.
Told from dual timelines, the past and the present. The present is three sisters, Nina, Lizzie and Aisa,travelling in Nina’s car. The weather is atrocious and the car is getting rather low on petrol. They are in Eden Valley with no mobile phone signal either. Nina decides to aim for a manor house, Moirthwaite Manor, where their mum used to work.
They end up walking until they arrive at the manor. Its not a welcoming place. Total darkness makes it worse. The sisters have no choice but to take shelter, even though it’s clearly abandoned too. They draw straws to see which sister will venture out to try to find help. This is going to be an unforgettable night for all three of them.
The past is narrated by their mum Rosemary and both timelines are interwoven so well. Holly Seddon has packed so much into this thriller that I spent so much of my time with my heart in my mouth and not daring to put the book down. Her characters are all individuals with their own unique personality. The sisters all have their own voice which adds so much to the story. The house itself racked up the atmosphere, along with the weather, darkness and the remoteness of the location. These things alone had me on edge throughout. I had my own imagination running riot as I read. I didnt know what to expect as the chapters flew by.
Multi layered and written, so you dont know what’s real or imaginary for a long time. I love this type of book, and at this time of the year, too, when the nights are drawing quicker by the day. I am planning to pick up Holly Seddon’s books after reading this, highly recommended.
Author Bio
Holly Seddon is the international bestselling author of TRY NOT TO BREATHE, DON’T CLOSE YOUR EYES, LOVE WILL TEAR US APART and THE HIT LIST.
After growing up in the English countryside obsessed with music and books, Holly worked in London as a journalist and editor. She now lives in Kent with her family and writes full time.
Alongside fellow author Gillian McAllister, Holly co-hosts the popular Honest Authors Podcast.
sharonbeyondthebooks.uk 