Overview

The hauntingly atmospheric and gripping new novel from the author of The Wolf Tree In a mountainous region of the Scottish Highlands, a young woman's body has been found on a remote stretch of road. Though the manner of her death suggests a terrible accident, a name carved into her arm hints at something more sinister. And when a personal connection to the name is revealed, DIs Georgina Lennox and Richard Stewart are sent to investigate. As George and Richie question locals, they discover that the road has a bloody history. Fearing that more women will be harmed, they track the killer through a rugged wilderness where ancient feuds, generational curses and the unforgiving elements fight for supremacy. But there are more secrets to the road than just its history - and the people living along it will do whatever it takes to stop those secrets from coming out. 'An outstanding police procedural with a wonderfully gothic blend of place, character and mystery; Georgie Lennox is one hell of a protagonist' Chris Hammer 'Vivid, haunting, twisty and gut-wrenching, The Cursed Road will have you on the edge of your seat right up until the last page (or hiding under the duvet, like me).' Pip Drysdale 'Laura McCluskey has done it again - a spooky, immersive setting, a wickedly clever plot, and a detective duo with their own demons to face. The Cursed Road will have you reading late into the night. Crime fiction at its best!' Tanya Scott, author of Stillwater 'With an eye for iconic scenes and a vivid, photorealistic landscape, McCluskey has such control of her writing that it feels like we have been reading her for decades; yet every book is so fresh and exciting that nothing about it feels old. Tense, chilling and sometimes dark - but without ever snuffing out the light that George and Richie bring - this is an ideal read for those who love Ian Rankin, Garry Disher, and icy cold danger for this Australian summer.' Fiona Hardy, author of Unbury the Dead Praise for The Wolf Tree: 'Absorbing, unsettling, and deeply accomplished' Dervla McTiernan 'An impressive crime debut dripping with atmosphere and threat; it will take you to a chilling cliff-edge of suspense, then hold you there until the very last page.' Hannah Richell 'A spooky delight. Smart, deliciously creepy and simply pitch-perfect - I tore through this spectacular debut!' Hayley Scrivenor 'McCluskey's enthralling plot keeps us guessing all the way through this spellbinding novel. The Wolf Tree is a gripping, thrilling and assured debut, not to be missed.' The Scots Magazine 'I can't recommend it enough. The imagery is stunning, each element pulling you deeper into the island's eerie, captivating world. McCluskey's vivid writing and tense plot make this one a must-read!' Angie Faye Martin, author of Melaleuca

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9781460765593

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Author Information

Laura McCluskey is a writer, editor and actor. She is also a co-founder of Sybilline Films and the Three Fates Theatre Company, and has performed across theatre, film and television. Her debut novel, The Wolf Tree, the first in a series featuring Scottish detectives George Lennox and Richie Stewart, was published by HarperCollins in 2025, and will be followed by The Cursed Road in 2026. She lives in Naarm/Melbourne.

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