Books Read: Henriette Gyland - Up Close

Too close for comfort ... 

When Dr Lia Thompson's grandmother dies unexpectedly, Lia is horrified to have to leave her life in America and return to a cold and creaky house in Norfolk. But as events unfold, she can't help feeling that there is more to her grandmother's death than meets the eye. 

Aidan Morrell is surprised to see Lia, his teenage crush, back in town. But Aidan's accident when serving in the navy has scarred him in more ways than one, and he has other secrets which must stay hidden at all costs, even from Lia. 

As Lia comes closer to uncovering the truth, she is forced to question everything she thought she knew. In a world of increasing danger, is Aidan someone she can trust?

This year I've had the opportunity to read many debut novels and Up Close is the latest book that falls into this category.  

Lia Thompson had been living and working in the United States but she returns home to the UK following the sudden death of her grandmother Ivy.  But she soon finds that everything is not quite how it seems when she's sorting out her grandmother's house.  Will she be able to find out what exactly had happened to Ivy?

Also back home in Norfolk is Lia's old college friend Aidan, who's been injured in an accident whilst serving in the Navy.   He's virtually reclusive living on the family farm producing stunning, but disturbing, works of art.  Lia soon turns to Aidan for help, but will he be able to help her when he has his own issues and scars to deal with, both physical and mental?

This book pulls you in from the start from the first chapter when you find yourself reading about Ivy's death as it's happening.   The storyline swings back and between the present day to events that happened in the past that have had an impact on family dynamics, the more you read the more the clues fall into place but not without a twist or two to throw you off the track along the way.   

If this is the sign of what we can expect from Henriette, I'm already looking forward to her next book, The Elephant Girl, which is due out in July 2013.  I'd like to thank Henriette's publishers for sending me a copy of this book to review.