8stitches 9lives's Reviews > House of Correction

The House of Correction marks the return of the husband and wife writing partnership in a new pulse-poundiing stand-alone thriller penned under the Nicci French pseudonym. When a body is discovered in Okeham, England, Tabitha is shocked to find herself being placed in handcuffs. It must be a mistake. She’d only recently moved back to her childhood hometown, not even getting a chance to reacquaint herself with the neighbors. How could she possibly be a murder suspect? As Tabitha is shepherded through the system, her entire life is picked apart and scrutinised — her history of depression and medications, her decision to move back to a town she supposedly hated and of course, her past relationship with the victim, her former teacher. But most unsettling, Tabitha’s own memories of that day are a complete blur. From the isolation of the correctional facility, Tabitha dissects every piece of evidence, every testimony she can get her hands on, matching them against her own recollections. But as dark, long-buried memories from her childhood come to light, Tabatha begins to question if she knows what kind of person she is after all. The world is convinced she’s a killer. Tabatha needs to prove them all wrong.

This is a compulsive and highly addictive story from the get-go and I found the concept of a woman accused of murder attempting to solve her own case from the confines of a prison cell totally enthralling. Needless to say I was gripped pretty quickly, especially due to the fact that it seems Tabitha isn't sure of her own actions which makes it all the more compelling as you really have no idea who is trustworthy throughout the plot or whose recollections are genuine. As she unravels the truth, everything is called into question, including her own certainty that she is innocent. I love books that get under your skin and into your psyche and tear up your preconceptions and this fits the bill perfectly. The mystery and intrigue, which fill these pages, are handled expertly, and although I have read all of the Nicci French books, this is one that is special due to the potent mix of razor sharp observations, social commentary, enough tension and suspense to have your nerves jittering and characters you really begin to care about. A real intelligent page-turner and a must read for all crime connoisseurs. Many thanks to Simon & Schuster UK for an ARC.