The Healing of Luther Grove

In a beautifully written, brooding, and visceral modern gothic thriller, a boundary dispute in the wilds of the Scottish Highlands escalates out of control, pitting local against in-comer with explosive and violent consequences

Arriving at their idyllic and newly renovated Highland home, wealthy 30-somethings John and Laura Payne hope they are leaving their problems behind in the city. But the couple's presence disturbs neighbor and local eccentric Luther Grove, forcing him to confront long buried secrets; secrets that draw him inextricably to Laura and trigger an instant conflict with John. The arrival of John's brother, Frank, proves to be the spark that ignites this highly combustible triangular relationship, ultimately threatening the safety and sanity of all four as they are propelled towards a bloody and tragic dénouement. In a stunning debut, Barry Gornell builds the tension flawlessly, showing genuine sympathy for his principle characters in this elegant, claustrophobic, and acutely observed psychological thriller.