On Christmas Eve in 1988, seven-year-old Alfie Marsden vanished in the dark Wentshire Forest Pass, when his father, Sorrel, stopped the car to investigate a mysterious knocking sound. No trace of the child, nor his remains, have ever been found. Alfie Marsden was declared officially dead in 1995. Elusive online journalist, Scott King, whose ‘Six Stories’ podcasts have become an internet sensation, investigates the disappearance, interviewing six witnesses, including Sorrel and his ex-partner, to try to find out what really happened that fateful night. Journeying through the trees of the Wentshire Forest – a place synonymous with strange sightings, and tales of hidden folk who dwell there, he talks to a company that tried and failed to build a development in the forest, and a psychic who claims to know what happened to the little boy… Intensely dark, deeply chilling and searingly thought-provoking, Changeling is the latest in the critically acclaimed, international bestselling Six Stories series, written as six Serial-style podcasts, and which are being adapted for TV by a major US studio.
So first of all I’m going to apologise as I’m really not sure my review can ever put across how utterly brilliant this book really is. Even weeks later I am still thinking about the events in this story which is a true sign of a book ticking every box. As usual in this series you hear six stories from six different people and in this book all regarding the events of seven year old Alfie’s disappearance. With each one giving you just that little bit more information to digest. I found this way of storytelling to be a brilliant way of engaging me, making me ask questions along with keeping me well and truly invested in the story. It is all skillfully woven together to create the most mesmerising story as slowly but surely the story is revealed. The big question is will there be any new light shone on this case?
I really can’t recommend this book enough it has a very special appeal with a little bit of everything to draw the reader in. If you are like me you will feel plenty of emotions while reading Changeling along with being completely on edge just waiting to discover the truth. I felt like I wanted to fly through the pages but also at the same time wanting to savour the story as it unfolded. Rich in detail Matt Wesolowski really sets the scene with a delicious touch of creepiness that I loved! I thought Hydra was a fantastic story but Changeling really excels, I can’t fault it!
With folklore, tension and twists along with an ending where I just sat there thinking wow! Changeling is an absolutely amazing story!
With thanks to Anne Cater & Orenda Books for the invite to join the tour and for my copy.
I’ve seen this book pop up on twitter and other blogs quite a bit, it does sound really good.
Excellent review of an excellent novel :-)!