The Replacement

By: Melanie Golding

Narrated by: Stephanie Racine

Length: 12 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

‘A modern spin on a folk tale where the improbable can happen … the twists are lovely; dark and deep’ The Times

‘Golding folds together a folklore-inspired plot with the modern twists and tension of a police procedural novel to create a bitingly unnerving story’ Adele Parks, Platinum

‘Powerful imagery and captivating characters, this a grabbing book’ Magic Radio Book Club

‘The most original book you’ll read this year’ Crime Monthly

* * *

When a small child is found wandering alone, the local shopkeepers call the authorities immediately. Twenty minutes later, the girl’s mother turns up, panicked and distraught. It doesn't take long to clear things up, and mother and daughter are soon reunited and sent on their way.

Miles away, the body of a man is discovered, floating in a bathtub, but the most surprising discovery of all is that he isn't dead. Despite his injuries, he is very much alive.

Two seemingly unrelated events. But as DS Harper begins to investigate, disturbing connections between the two incidents start to surface, and suddenly it’s not clear where the danger truly lies. Harper must find out, and quickly. Because someone, or something, is closing in and she needs to uncover the truth before it’s too late…

Weaving together the trademark folklore inspiration that readers loved in Little Darlings, with the procedural narrative force of a brilliant mystery, this is the excellent and unnerving new novel from Melanie Golding.

©2021 Melanie Golding (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Critic reviews

‘A modern spin on a folk tale where the improbable can happen … deftly spun … the twists are lovely; dark and deep’
The Times

‘Golding folds together a folklore-inspired plot with the modern twists and tension of a police procedural novel to create a bitingly unnerving story’ Adele Parks, Platinum

‘Sewing together the many threads of the case, there is the added folklore that seeps into an atmospheric, mysterious and horror-struck storyline. Powerful imagery and captivating characters, this a grabbing book’ Magic Radio Book Club

‘The most original book you’ll read this year … equal parts detective novel, psychological thriller and family drama. Full of twists, turns and atmosphere, make sure you don’t accidentally stay up all night devouring it’ Crime Monthly

‘A psychological thriller with a difference’ Heat

‘Creepy and atmospheric, the author weaves a magical thread of folklore into this outstanding thriller’ My Weekly

‘Chillingly brilliant’ Bella

PRAISE FOR MELANIE GOLDING

‘Chilling story, beautiful prose. Little Darlings is stunning’ Clare Mackintosh, number one Sunday Times bestseller

‘Rich and satisfying, this is part who-done-it, part fairy tale, part psychological thriller. It delivers on all fronts and will continue to rattle you, long after you have put it down’ Felicity Everett, author of The People at Number 9

‘Deep. Dark. Utterly addictive. I read this extraordinary book in one, breathless gulp…Be warned – you can't unread this story. It will haunt you' Teresa Driscoll, author of I Am Watching You

‘A story that is in turn enthralling, creepy and downright sinister, Melanie Golding turns fairy tales on their heads…A brilliant, heart-pounding read’ Lisa Hall, author of Between You and Me