“The Short Straw” by Holly Seddon has all the quintessential elements of a spooky mystery — an old manor house full of secrets and things that go bump in the night… And three sisters stranded there.

When their car breaks down in the midst of a storm, sisters Nina, Lizzie and Aisa seek refuge at Moirthwaite Manor — their mother’s former place of work, and one full of childhood memories. Now the imposing old house is now abandoned and desolate.

There’s only one way to decide who should venture out into the darkness for help… They draw straws, just like they did when they were kids.

One sister disappears into the night, leaving the others separated within the eerie manor house. As the story unfolds, the deadly secrets concealed within the house finally emerge, revealing the unspeakable bond that ties the family together.

“The Short Straw” is a masterclass in characterisation. From the practical Nina to the timid Lizzie to wild Aisa, each of the sisters is shaped by their place in the family, and their complex relationships feel truly authentic.

The book is sinister and intense, well-paced and chock full of heart-pounding moments to keep you turning the pages. (I heartily recommend you don’t listen to this on audiobook in the dark, like I did, although the narration is wonderful too!)

Dark, unsettling and atmospheric, “The Short Straw” is a fantastic blend of family drama, suspense, mystery and tragedy, woven together with superb storytelling — a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and spooky mysteries.