The Survivors by Caroline Mitchell

A strange and damaged woman lives alone in an isolated cottage on a hill. Two young mothers crash their cars into each other and the only witness is the woman from the cottage. The women and one of the babies survived. One baby did not.

This is a dark mystery told from three points of view: the two mothers and the lady who lives on the hill, who is also the estranged aunt of one of the women. The story is told from two timelines as the complex connections between the main characters unfold and the secrets they keep. For most of the book it is a slow reveal as the reader learns about the early relationships, boyfriends and their own parents and the lovely setting of Doolin, on the rocky coast of Ireland. Such an unusual name for a village I did wonder if the place was fictional and researched it, but, I’m glad to say, it is real.

The final third of the book becomes one of terror, with events that are reminiscent of something by Stephen King, (if I give the title, the plot of  The Survivors will be given away). Some of the revelations are unexpected and perhaps a tad contrived, maybe, which means that a fairly simple read becomes a little confusing. Still, this remains a tense and absorbing read, which I enjoyed very much.

A story about loss, desire, family and control, this book is a fine example of psychological fiction, looking at the issues of parenting and loneliness. Recommended.