Whistle In The Dark

By Emma Healey Viking, 336pp, £12.99

In Whistle In The Dark, Emma Healey has produced an atmospheric novel which twists the happily-ever-after tale of a family being reunited with their missing teenage daughter into a gripping psychological thriller. The action is split between the family home and the Peak District, where the incident occurred, with 15-year-old Lana appearing bruised and confused after going missing for four days and unable to tell anyone where she was. The claustrophobic relationship between severely depressed Lana and her mum Jen is deftly drawn as the mystery of the teenager’s disappearance deepens. Exploring the supernatural, mental health, family relationships and teenage life in the age of social media, suspense is maintained throughout as Jen hunts down various possible explanations, and the eventual revelation packs an emotional punch.