The Other Side of Night

In the preface to this stellar thriller from British author Hamdy (the Pendulum trilogy), popular novelist David Asha reflects on the close bond he shared with his son, Elliot, grateful for their time together but lamenting the tragic events that drove them apart. In the main narrative, various pertinent letters and emails, court and police reports, and news clippings tell the story of disgraced police detective Harriet Kealty’s monumental impact on Elliot’s life. Though dismissed from the force over manslaughter allegations, Harriet conducts a personal investigation into the deaths of university physicist Elizabeth Asha and her husband, David, believing foul play may be involved. The couple’s orphaned 10-year-old son has been entrusted to a family friend, Ben Elmys, a man Harriet once held strong feelings for, but who spurned her love. Mistrustful of Ben and concerned about the boy’s safety, Harriet goes on a private crusade to uncover evidence of wrongdoing, with shocking consequences. Intelligently plotted and powerfully told, Hamdy’s deviously twisty tale of fate and coincidence, love and courage, and profoundly tough choices will shock, stir, and haunt readers long after the final page. Hamdy has upped his game with this one. Agent: Hannah Sheppard, DHH Literary Agency (U.K.). (Sept.)