The Voices

Well-rounded characters and evocative prose distinguish this supernatural thriller from Edgar-finalist Tallis (The Forbidden). Composer Christopher Norton and his pregnant wife, Laura, purchase a home near London’s Hampstead Heath in 1974. During renovations, the builder finds some abandoned items, including a clockwork monkey that Christopher decides to retain so that his child can play with a toy another once cherished. Disturbing events begin when the Nortons’ daughter, Faye, is just two years old. As Christopher works on a movie score, he finds odd noises on his recordings. Laura is terrified when the toddler disappears for a few moments, and remains unnerved when she finds an entranced Faye behind a locked door near the monkey toy. Things only go downhill from there. This haunted house story doesn’t break any new ground, but fans of subtle horror will find a lot to like. Agent: Clare Alexander, Aitken Alexander Associates (U.K.). (Dec.)