The Cleansing by J.A.Baker

Synopsis

A village shrouded in mystery.  Secrets buried deep...

When Ray moves to a new house in the village of Whitchurch, he leaves behind a relationship and a luxury apartment in search of a better life in the countryside.

However, he soon realises that sleepy Whitchurch also has its own fair share of problems.  Last year, a woman's body was discovered in the woods nearby.  The killer was never caught.

Soon suspicious things start to happen. Threatening letters are sent, cars are vandalised and headstones desecrated.  But who is responsible for these acts and why?

As the tension in the village builds, Ray begins to feel the pressure.  Someone is out to cause trouble and that someone might be closer to Ray than he ever imagined.

Author: J.A.Baker

Publisher: Bloodhound Books

Publication Date: April 2019

My Review

I love a good psychological thriller and this book is a winner.

The opening chapter is gripping as you are invited into the psychopaths world.  Told in first person, you get the full workings of the twisted mind despite the outward normality.  Showing how they have the ability to cover up their failings despite the evil within.

We are then whisked to the sleepy village of Whitchurch, near Dorset. Ray has split up with his long term girlfriend and is escaping the rat race of Birmingham to begin a new life in the country.  His appearance in the village is less then welcome as sinister goings on have been happening.

A recent murder has left the villagers uneasy.  When threatening letters start being received and cars are vandalised the tension starts to build. The village is normally so peaceful and quiet but things are falling apart around their ears and truths will be uncovered.

Ray often calls into the local pub for a pint and a chat with the young barmaid Lily.  She is a lot younger then him but he enjoys her company and she is the only one that really befriends him from the start. Ray is still dealing the demon ex girlfriends mother who is bombarding him with phone calls and e-mails.

The twists in this book are very cleverly written and kept me guessing all the way through.  I'd just think I knew who was behind all the sinister goings on when something would be thrown at me that completely shattered my thinking.

I read this book in 2 sittings and thoroughly enjoyed every second.