Night Climbing

''A poignant tale of lives lost in an avoidable catastrophe and others deeply damaged by lies and propaganda'' The Times

''A haunting tale, deeply atmospheric and beautifully written'' Elodie Harper, author of The Wolf Den Trilogy

INSPIRED BY A TRUE STORY, NIGHT CLIMBING IS ABOUT TWO WOMEN’S UNWAVERING PURSUIT OF TRUTH, SURVIVAL, AND FAMILY.

When Sylvia’s son, Cyril, vanishes during a perilous school trek in the German mountains, her world crumbles. A pre-trip postcard from Cyril hints that his teacher – now lauded for his rescue efforts – knew more about the stormy conditions than he has admitted. Sylvia shifts from frantic mother to justice seeker.

Meanwhile in Hofsgrund, a German mountain village, Nazi flags and Hitler Youth parades are rapidly appearing, and Hilde senses life’s irreversible change. The English schoolboys’ rescue shakes the community, sparking political strife. Neighbour turns on neighbour, endangering Hilde and Sylvia’s quest for Cyril.

''Expertly crafted, suspenseful and diligently researched, this memorable novel of loss and betrayal digs deep and brings up diamonds... I loved it'' Rachel Hore, author of The Hidden Years
''A gripping story of war and its legacies, building to a chilling climax'' Francesca de Tores
''A superb story of courage and love against the backdrop of Europe descending into the Hell of the Second World War'' Jake Kerridge
''It twists and grips at every moment'' Mary Chamberlain
''A compelling, moving and vividly-evoked novel'' Anna Mazzola
''An astonishing story, beautifully written'' Imogen Robertson
''A moving, shocking and vital story based around a real-life tragedy on the eve of war'' Claire McGowan
''Gripping and atmospheric... holds up a thought-provoking mirror to our own troubled times'' Kate McNaughton
''A sensitive and subtle picture of a deeply emotive story'' Gareth Rubin