Books by Brian Freeman: IN THE DARK / THE WATCHER

IN THE DARK and THE WATCHER are the same book! There are different titles for the US and UK editions.

Click to Read an Excerpt

One murder has haunted Lieutenant Jonathan Stride for thirty years. In 1977 his girlfriend’s sister was savagely beaten to death. Stride came face to face with the suspect – and let the man escape.

When writer Tish Verdure begins a book about the decades-old murder, Stride is reluctant to re-open the case. But Tish has new evidence that raises shocking questions about the actions of the police... and even Stride’s own wife.

The new investigation scares someone who is desperate to keep their secrets hidden. Tish receives threats. A teenage girl is hounded to her death. And Stride finds himself chasing the twisted trail of a voyeur who may hold the key to two brutal crimes.

With new deaths on his conscience, Stride races toward a devastating confrontation high above the deadly waters of Lake Superior. There, he and Tish will both face their worst fears – and the truth about the past.

“Freeman’s most ambitious – and accomplished – work to date...Powered by darkly poetic atmospherics and deep character development, this harrowing and heartrending novel will leave readers guessing until the very last pages.”
– Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

“Freeman’s latest spine chiller boasts intense suspense, clever plot twists and characters capable of every sort of evil. Macavity Award winner and Edgar finalist Freeman has the goods--and he’s getting better with every book.”
–Booklist (Starred Review)

“An evocative mystery, one shaded with melancholy and dusted with heartache, and one that reminds readers that life may be brutal and cold, but, in Minnesota at least, we shore ourselves against these truths and we endure.”
– Minneapolis Star Tribune

“An awesome race to the finish that left me almost breathless...the pieces to the puzzle come together to perhaps the most exciting mystery climax I’ve ever read.” – Living North Magazine

“A suspenseful tale of terror and secrets kept too long”
– Library Journal

“With not one, but two breathtaking climaxes, Freeman delivers a tale of intrigue and anguish. Lyrical descriptions of Minnesota’s wild weather add another element to a mesmerising mix.”
– South Australia Advertiser

“Gripping...strong characters, believable plot, and plenty of tension.”
– Melbourne Herald Sun

“Compels you to turn the next page to the final gripping conclusion.”
– Launceston Examiner