When Jamie and Kirsty move into their first home together, they are full of optimism. The future, in which they plan to get married and start a family, is bright. The other residents of their building seem friendly too, including the Newtons, a married couple who welcome them to the building with open arms.
But then strange things start to happen. Dead rats are left on their doorstep. They hear disturbing noises, and much worse, in the night. After Jamie's best friend is injured in a horrific accident, Jamie and Kirsty find themselves targeted by a campaign of terror.
As they are driven to the edge of despair, Jamie vows to fight back—but he has no idea what he is really up against . . .
The Magpies is a gripping psychological thriller in which the monsters are not vampires or demons but the people who live next door. It is a nightmare that could happen to anyone.
The Magpies is an extremely gripping, fast paced read. I am a huge fan of Mark Edwards' solo work and also his collaborations with Louise Voss, they really are top of their game in the genre of psychological thrillers.
The prologue of The Magpies left me with chills just imagining why the person who lived in this apartment was going to such lengths to get away and it doesn't take too long once into the story to realise.
Sinister things begin to happen in quite mild forms, passive aggressive letters, hoaxes, then progressing to much more terrifying occurrences (I thought dead rats on the doorstep were one thing...) and sadly you witness this close couple's relationship tested to breaking point - and we all have different ways of coping with breaking points.
The plot is faultless and the authors notes afterwards really were extremely insightful (DO NOT READ them before you read the book - massive spoilers!)
We have recently had new neighbours and I may think carefully before inviting them round for coffee after reading this.
It really is an extremely good read - I charged through it in less than 24 hours and I highly recommend it!
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