Thorn [Hardcover]

`Thorn is one of those rare and energetic books you can’t put down yet don’t want to end`

‘A compelling, if dark-hued, psychological thriller and first novel that eerily captures some of London’s more sinister undercurrents'

‘In her atmospheric suspense novel Thorn, Vena Cork skilfully builds a sinister feeling of menace surrounding her attractive heroine’

‘There’s more to this psychological thriller than meets the eye. Look no further for a real sense of menace’

‘You’ll be gripped as this persuasive thriller races to its grisly conclusion’

‘A tense pace combined with a tightly woven narrative makes this a surprisingly compelling debut from novelist Vena Cork’ --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

A city attracts scavengers and predators, people with malicious intent, for there are many who are vulnerable inhabiting its streets. Rosa Thorn knows how harsh an urban environment can be. A tragedy has changed her life forever and now she has taken the post of drama teacher for the local comprehensive school where her teenage son and daughter attend. But something strange is going on. The headmaster has no qualms about insinuating himself into the private life of the attractive, available Rosa, but how does he know her every move? Then there is the sinister caretaker dealing with more than logistical problems. Or is he? At home some of Rosa?s neighbours have taken to secret late night gatherings on street corners and the gardener of the park opposite seems to have a dangerously obsessive personality. And when small, inexplicable acts of malevolence turn into sudden violence, Rosa fears for her safety and even more so for the well being of her children. For her daughter is the subject of someone?s demented infatuation. But like a diseased town fox, the real threat stalks the shadows, in the night-black recesses of the undergrowth, not just of the city, but of the human mind. Vena Cork?s astonishing, thrilling debut novel is as shocking as it is unputdownable ? a brilliant, menacing, psychological thriller that takes you to the edge of darkness.

Vena Cork is originally from Lancashire, but has lived in London all her adult life. She attended Homerton College, Cambridge, where she was a member of Cambridge Footlights. She is married to the art critic Richard Cork and lives in north west London. This is her first novel.