To celebrate the release of Mary Horlock's The Stranger's Companion, John Murray Press is thrilled to offer review copies to book clubs.

About the book

October 1933

With a population of five hundred souls, isolated Sark has a reputation for being 'the island where nothing ever happens'. Until, one day, the neatly folded clothes of an unknown man and woman are discovered abandoned at a coastal beauty spot. As the search for the missing couple catches the attention of, first, the local and then national newspapers, Sark finds itself front-page news.

When young islander Phyllis Carey returns to Sark from England she throws herself into solving the mystery. As Phyll digs through swirls of gossip, ghost stories and dark rumours in search of the truth, she crosses paths with Everard Hyde, a surprise visitor from her past. As press coverage builds to fever pitch, long-suppressed secrets from Phyll's and Everard's shared, shadowy history begin to surface.
The Stranger's Companion is a beguiling historical mystery inspired by a real-life crime, which remains unsolved to this day.

Praise for The Stranger's Companion

A stunning setting, a compelling mystery and such a wonderful, distinctive cast of characters. The narrative voice is brilliantly original and I thoroughly enjoyed the wit and spark of the writing. I absolutely loved it - Zoë Somerville, author of The Marsh House

I absolutely loved The Stranger's Companion - it's perfect for fellow fans of Celia Fremlin. Mary has a unique and distinctive way of capturing a sense of place and I became so invested in her wonderfully eclectic cast of characters. Brilliant! - Jessie Elland, author of The Ladie Upstairs

A sparkling, inventive and entertaining work - Marina Warner, author of Inventory of a Life Mislaid

How to get involved

To be in with a chance of winning review copies to read and review with your reading group please log in and complete the survey below by .

Please note, group members will be expected to share a review in exchange for their free copy within six weeks of receiving the book. Please do not pitch if you cannot commit to this.

If you have any questions, please contact chris.moore@readingagency.org.uk.

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* 1. By applying for this opportunity, you agree that your group will read, discuss and submit reviews for each of the books received within six weeks?

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* 2. Please provide your contact details. Your address will be sent to the publisher only if your pitch is successful.

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* 3. Name of group:

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* 4. How many books would you need for your group? Please note that most publishers may only be able to send a maximum of ten books.

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* 5. Please tell us about your group, what you like to read, how often you meet (etc.).

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* 6. Why would your group would like to take part in this offer?
You could tell us about your group, what you like to read, how often you meet (etc.).

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* 7. Will you be able to share some images with your group (these can be without faces), of your display or your reviews on social media?

Thank you and we look forward to working with you!

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