DOWNLANDS HC (22 Jan Release)

A wonderfully evocative ghost story in the great tradition of M. R. James and Daphne Du Maurier with a contemporary edge. Perfect for Halloween and illustrated in Norm's own gorgeous style. 'EVERY VILLAGE HAS ITS STORIES - THOSE OF THE LIVING - AND THOSE OF THE DEAD.' After the sudden death of his twin sister¸ 14 year old James Reynolds becomes obsessed with her tale of a black hound¸ a folkloric creature that is regarded as a portent of death. Enlisting the aid of his elderly neighbour¸ who the local children call 'The Witch'¸ he delves into the centuries of village history¸ folklore¸ and ghosts¸ until he uncovers a deeper secret beyond his darkest nightmares¸ beyond the sight of most¸ and beyond the mortal veil. Set in the South Downs of England¸ a place that has been home to Celts¸ Romans¸ and Vikings¸ James's story is interwoven with tales from his village that also blur the line between the living and the dead.