Published by Mulholland Books, June 2017
Source: Review copy
Dr Janet Palmer is the new lead psychologist at HMP Halvergate in a remote, bleak area of Norfolk. At first, she was excited by the promotion. Then she starts to see how many secrets are hiding behind the high walls.
A string of inmates have committed suicide, leaving no reasons why, and her predecessor has disappeared – along with his notes. The staff are hostile, the threat of violence is ever-present, and there are rumours of an eyeless woman stalking the corridors, punishing the inmates for their sins.
Janet is determined to find out what is really going on. But the longer she stays and the deeper she digs, the more uncertain she feels.
Halvergate is haunted by something. But it may be a terror worse than ghosts…
Delighted to be asked to feature The Binding Song as part of First Monday Crime. It’s a deeply spooky book with a fantastic setting. HMP Halvergate sits in a remote part of Norfolk and is as much a character in the story as anyone else. It looms, gothic and large over everything and is never far from the character’s thoughts. The characters themselves are an interesting bunch, and in more than one case, deeply unpleasant. I liked how Elodie Harper teases out Dr Janet Palmer’s backstory across the course of the book, giving us more and more insight into the character as the story unfolds. It’s a creepy tale in places, and I found myself at times almost afraid to turn the page, but all too keen to find out what happens next!
The Binding Song is a delightfully (if that’s the right word) eerie, gothic tale, perfect for a dark winter’s night. It’s a psychological thriller with a difference, and that’s all too rare these days. Read it, if you dare…
Elodie Harper is appearing at the First Monday Crime event in London on Monday 6th November. You can find Elodie on twitter @elodieITV. Find out more about First Monday Crime @1stMondayCrime
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