The House on the Lake

Nuala Ellwood

The House on the Lake

Contents

About the Author

Nuala Ellwood is the author of two bestselling novels: My Sister’s Bones for which she was selected as one of the Observer’s ‘New Faces of Fiction 2017’ and Day of the Accident. Nuala teaches Creative Writing at York St John University, and lives in the city with her young son.

For Arthur and Nell

What readers are saying about

The House on the Lake

‘I finished it in one sitting’
Julie, Netgalley

‘Wow. From first word to last this fast-paced, gripping story had me in its thrall’
Ceecee, Netgalley

‘Another great read’
Pauline, Netgalley

‘Emotional and extremely atmospheric … Highly recommended’
Samantha, Netgalley

‘Oh, wow. From page one it pulled me in and didn’t let go till the very end’
Charlene, Netgalley

‘I loved it … Great book – great, great, great!’
Gill, Netgalley

‘Amazing read, I couldn’t put it down and actually read it in one go!’
Hayley, Netgalley

‘I wish I could give this more than 5 stars!’
Miriam, Netgalley

‘Another gripping story from Nuala Ellwood’
Janet, Netgalley

‘Atmospheric, twisted and believable’
Margaret, Netgalley

‘I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father’s protection’

– Sigmund Freud

Prologue

Blood.

That’s all I can think about as I sit here huddled in the corner. I close my eyes but I can still see it, a dark crimson stain on the new-fallen snow.

His blood.

I get to my feet and look out of the tiny window. The snow is falling still. White flakes drift through the air, obscuring my view of the crag and the woods beyond. All is as it was and yet everything has changed. The landscape I once loved and treasured is now a warped one, with no beginning and no end.

It is rotten. All of it.

I have nothing left, I think to myself, as I close the window. Nothing except the terrible images that swirl round my head.

It’s been four days now with no word. Any hope I had left in my heart is gone. I am alone, utterly alone.

I step back inside the room. My blankets are lying on the floor where I left them earlier. I have tried to sleep but it’s no use. Every time I close my eyes I see his face and I’m reminded of what I’ve lost.