A Good and Happy Child

Jan 21, 2025 5:36 AM

Author:Justin Evans

George Davies has a problem: he can't bring himself to hold his newborn son. Desperate to save his dwindling marriage and redeem himself as a father and husband, George visits a therapist and begins to delve into the childhood memories that may be the root of his issues. Ten-year-old George, in the wake of his father's harrowing and unexpected death, is experiencing ominous visions - some friendly, others outright terrifying. Unable to control those visions, George starts to display erratic behaviour and eventually becomes violent. When a mysterious murder is ultimately revealed, the stakes are suddenly much higher for him and his family. Are the visions just the product of a grief-stricken child's overactive imagination? Symptoms of mental illness? Or is ten-year-old George possessed by a darker, more malevolent force?

Reviews

Evans' story tingles with psychological suspense

—— Keith Donohue, author of The Stolen Child

So incredibly scary and unnerving. Man, did this get under my skin in the very best way

—— Brad Metlzer

This stunning novel marks the debut of a serious talent. Evans manages to take a familiar concept-the young child haunted by a demon invisible to others-and infuse it with psychological depth and riveting suspense... Evans subtly evokes terror and anxiety with effective understatement

—— Publishers Weekly

This is the kind of novel that keeps respectable reviewers up until the small hours. Put it down if you can

—— The Times

A psychological thriller that keeps the reader on edge until the last page... A haunting story of guilt, denial and the possibility of demonic possession

—— Kirkus Reviews, starred review

A creepy and entertaining story full of perfectly written characters. A definite recommendation

—— Library Journal

This is an edgy, compelling read-more unnerving than scary-that will slide its hooks deep inside and throttle you more than a few times before it's all over

—— Booklist

A blend of creepy literary horror and taut psychological thriller

—— Marie Claire

Sinister, edgy and with a hold that doesn't let up

—— Woman & Home

Best read as an authentic, full-blooded, old-fashioned ghost story...genuinely eerie... will have you staying up late

—— Independent on Sunday

Winslow is a sensational writer ... Won't disappoint under any circumstances

—— Independent on Sunday

Action sequences that put your heart into your mouth ... Vegas nights, floating orgies, shakedowns and shootings galore all feature in this superb novel ... The ending will blow you away

—— Evening Standard

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