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Follow You Home
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Horror (2015)It was supposed to be the trip of a lifetime, a final adventure before settling down.
After a perfect start, Daniel and Laura’s travels end abruptly when they are thrown off a night train in the middle of nowhere. To find their way back to civilisation, they must hike along the tracks through a forest…a haunting journey that ends in unimaginable terror.
Back in London, Daniel and Laura vow never to talk about what they saw that night. But as they try to fit back into their old lives, it becomes clear that their nightmare is just beginning…
Follow You Home is a chilling tale of secrets, lies and deadly consequences from the author of #1 bestsellers The Magpies and Because She Loves Me.
After a perfect start, Daniel and Laura’s travels end abruptly when they are thrown off a night train in the middle of nowhere. To find their way back to civilisation, they must hike along the tracks through a forest…a haunting journey that ends in unimaginable terror.
Back in London, Daniel and Laura vow never to talk about what they saw that night. But as they try to fit back into their old lives, it becomes clear that their nightmare is just beginning…
Follow You Home is a chilling tale of secrets, lies and deadly consequences from the author of #1 bestsellers The Magpies and Because She Loves Me.
381 pages, Paperback
First published June 30, 2015
10371 people are currently reading
41236 people want to read
About the author
Mark Edwards
38 books5,722 followersMark Edwards writes psychological thrillers in which scary things happen to ordinary people.
He loves hearing from readers and always responds. Mark can be contacted in the following ways:
Email: [email protected]
Twitter @mredwards
Facebook/Instagram: @markedwardsauthor
You can download a free box set of 'Short Sharp Shockers' by visiting www.markedwardsauthor.com/free
Mark has sold over 5 million books since his first solo novel, The Magpies, was published in 2013 and has topped the bestseller lists numerous times. His other novels include Follow You Home, Here To Stay and The Psychopath Next Door. He has also published six books co-authored with Louise Voss. His next novel, The Wasp Trap, will be published in the UK/Australia in July 2025 and the US/Canada in September 2025.
Mark lives in the West Midlands, England, with his wife, their three children, two cats and a golden retriever.
He loves hearing from readers and always responds. Mark can be contacted in the following ways:
Email: [email protected]
Twitter @mredwards
Facebook/Instagram: @markedwardsauthor
You can download a free box set of 'Short Sharp Shockers' by visiting www.markedwardsauthor.com/free
Mark has sold over 5 million books since his first solo novel, The Magpies, was published in 2013 and has topped the bestseller lists numerous times. His other novels include Follow You Home, Here To Stay and The Psychopath Next Door. He has also published six books co-authored with Louise Voss. His next novel, The Wasp Trap, will be published in the UK/Australia in July 2025 and the US/Canada in September 2025.
Mark lives in the West Midlands, England, with his wife, their three children, two cats and a golden retriever.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,476 reviews
August 14, 2015
So bad I created an account here just to slam it.
It's like a montage of cliches and nonsense. A taxi drives through a puddle and splashes an old lady. A homeless guy jumps out of the darkness and startles a character. A pregnant lady holds her belly. The whole book is trite imagery from watching too many crappy noir films and Lifetime dramas.
Oh god, then the nonsense. The British couple, while in Romania, says "it's about 10 kilometers. That's 6 miles." Who are they converting that for? Rob and Erin went through a rough patch when Rob "almost had an affair" but now they're better. WTF is almost had an affair? You had it or you didn't. And if you almost had it, please explain what that means. Nope. The author thinks you should just accept it. And yet he spends oodles of time setting up everything with boring pointless details.
I couldn't stop rolling eyes. Seriously some of the worst writing I've ever read. 40% of the sentences are structured like "I + verb + object." It's 6th grade level writing. I have no idea why it has such good reviews. I returned it to Amazon about halfway through. Avoid!!
It's like a montage of cliches and nonsense. A taxi drives through a puddle and splashes an old lady. A homeless guy jumps out of the darkness and startles a character. A pregnant lady holds her belly. The whole book is trite imagery from watching too many crappy noir films and Lifetime dramas.
Oh god, then the nonsense. The British couple, while in Romania, says "it's about 10 kilometers. That's 6 miles." Who are they converting that for? Rob and Erin went through a rough patch when Rob "almost had an affair" but now they're better. WTF is almost had an affair? You had it or you didn't. And if you almost had it, please explain what that means. Nope. The author thinks you should just accept it. And yet he spends oodles of time setting up everything with boring pointless details.
I couldn't stop rolling eyes. Seriously some of the worst writing I've ever read. 40% of the sentences are structured like "I + verb + object." It's 6th grade level writing. I have no idea why it has such good reviews. I returned it to Amazon about halfway through. Avoid!!
May 17, 2025
I am a huge fan of Mark Edwards, he never fails to surprise me with each book. Yet again, another totally unique book here with a new plot, plenty of twists and loads of moments that you will be busting to know what REALLY happened. Mark is brilliant at making you wait for the good stuff.
I like knowing that when I pick up a book by Mark I am going to like it, without fail. He knows what his readers want and gives it to them time after time. I found this one to be one of the more creative plots in any of his books, something really unexpected. An overall really intriguing and knife-edge read.
It was supposed to be the trip of a lifetime, a final adventure before settling down.
After a perfect start, Daniel and Laura’s travels end abruptly when they are thrown off a night train in the middle of nowhere. To find their way back to civilisation, they must hike along the tracks through a forest…a haunting journey that ends in unimaginable terror.
Back in London, Daniel and Laura vow never to talk about what they saw that night. But as they try to fit back into their old lives, it becomes clear that their nightmare is just beginning…
This book will no doubt be nothing that you expect. The plot is so cleverly done and is so intriguing and different that you are just hanging out to find out more. But Mark is SUCH a plot tease! The way the book is written is that he gives you snippets of what happened on the trip of a lifetime, lost in a forest, then flips forward to today, in London where the impact of it all is still rolling out.
I was BUSTING to have him take me back to the forest to see what happened there, I nearly skipped pages, but that's a crime so did not do it, I hung in there. Both elements of the plot are interesting but I have to say I did LOVE the creepy element of the nightmare they faced. And a nightmare it was, just horrific scenarios.
I found the characters all really well written with clarity, easy to picture them, imagine being there with them, relating to them. No out of reach airy-fairy characters here. Down to earth stuff.
It's a fast paced book once it gets going, I of course, read it without stopping as I just had to know the end result and the truth of THAT evil place that was too scary to reveal to us all at once. Bit by bit we are given a taste of the darkness, just enough to whet your appetite for more.
Very clever book, interesting reading, you will take your time to put the plot together, you will be challenged on what you believe and who you believe, but mostly you will love the book. Highly recommended. 4.5 paw prints from Booklover Catlady for this one. A taut, terrific psychological thriller from one of the master of the genre.
Thanks so much to the author and publisher via NetGalley for my ARC of this book.
Thanks SO much for taking a little time to read my review. Your likes and comments mean a lot to me. 😻
Feel free to add me as a friend or follow me for more book reviews. You can browse through my many great books reviewed for your next awesome book to enjoy.
If you are an Author or Publisher and you’d like me to consider reading and reviewing your book(s) please just message me.
You can also find me on Amazon UK where I am a Top 500 Reviewer.
I like knowing that when I pick up a book by Mark I am going to like it, without fail. He knows what his readers want and gives it to them time after time. I found this one to be one of the more creative plots in any of his books, something really unexpected. An overall really intriguing and knife-edge read.
It was supposed to be the trip of a lifetime, a final adventure before settling down.
After a perfect start, Daniel and Laura’s travels end abruptly when they are thrown off a night train in the middle of nowhere. To find their way back to civilisation, they must hike along the tracks through a forest…a haunting journey that ends in unimaginable terror.
Back in London, Daniel and Laura vow never to talk about what they saw that night. But as they try to fit back into their old lives, it becomes clear that their nightmare is just beginning…
This book will no doubt be nothing that you expect. The plot is so cleverly done and is so intriguing and different that you are just hanging out to find out more. But Mark is SUCH a plot tease! The way the book is written is that he gives you snippets of what happened on the trip of a lifetime, lost in a forest, then flips forward to today, in London where the impact of it all is still rolling out.
I was BUSTING to have him take me back to the forest to see what happened there, I nearly skipped pages, but that's a crime so did not do it, I hung in there. Both elements of the plot are interesting but I have to say I did LOVE the creepy element of the nightmare they faced. And a nightmare it was, just horrific scenarios.
I found the characters all really well written with clarity, easy to picture them, imagine being there with them, relating to them. No out of reach airy-fairy characters here. Down to earth stuff.
It's a fast paced book once it gets going, I of course, read it without stopping as I just had to know the end result and the truth of THAT evil place that was too scary to reveal to us all at once. Bit by bit we are given a taste of the darkness, just enough to whet your appetite for more.
Very clever book, interesting reading, you will take your time to put the plot together, you will be challenged on what you believe and who you believe, but mostly you will love the book. Highly recommended. 4.5 paw prints from Booklover Catlady for this one. A taut, terrific psychological thriller from one of the master of the genre.
Thanks so much to the author and publisher via NetGalley for my ARC of this book.
Thanks SO much for taking a little time to read my review. Your likes and comments mean a lot to me. 😻
Feel free to add me as a friend or follow me for more book reviews. You can browse through my many great books reviewed for your next awesome book to enjoy.
If you are an Author or Publisher and you’d like me to consider reading and reviewing your book(s) please just message me.
You can also find me on Amazon UK where I am a Top 500 Reviewer.
October 3, 2018
Daniel Sullivan and Laura Mackenzie (both in their 30's) are taking a trip around Europe. They plan on getting married and want to start raising a family soon, so this will be their last big vacation for a while. Enjoying their trip so far through France, Spain, and Italy, they board a night train in Romania... where everything starts to go very wrong. Through a series of events they get kicked off the train in the middle of nowhere, in the dead of night. They come upon a creepy house in the woods. What follows changes their lives forever...
This was an enjoyable, fast-paced read. It had a sinister and disturbing feel to it. The story drew me in and I was curious to see what was going to happen to many of the characters. Some I liked (private investigator Edward Rooney) and some were totally horrible... the old man Nicolae, weird and creepy Dragos, Constantin... I felt sorry for Alina (a girl Daniel and Laura had met on the train) because of what she ended up going through.
A pretty good and captivating mystery thriller.
This was an enjoyable, fast-paced read. It had a sinister and disturbing feel to it. The story drew me in and I was curious to see what was going to happen to many of the characters. Some I liked (private investigator Edward Rooney) and some were totally horrible... the old man Nicolae, weird and creepy Dragos, Constantin... I felt sorry for Alina (a girl Daniel and Laura had met on the train) because of what she ended up going through.
A pretty good and captivating mystery thriller.
November 18, 2019
Wow, what a marvelous and compelling page turner. A young British couple, Daniel and Laura are making a trip through continental Europe. In Romania they lose their passports and money. What is the role of Alina and Ion, two fellow travellers, they met on the train? What about the mysterious house in the woods they discover when they are thrown off the train? Back in Britain, the events that happened in Romania seem to haunt them. They are in serious danger. Will they survive? What about the babies kept in that Romanian house and their guards? I couldn't put this nailbiting novel down. Literally a killer plot with more twists than a whole library. As soon as you think you solved the story the author gives the story a new direction. If you are looking for a brilliant murder/crime mystery with a big shot of eerie atmosphere in it you should definitely take this novel into consideration. Highly recommended!
November 1, 2021
4.5 stars
Why, why, why are Mark Edwards's books so hard to get my hands (and eyes) on? They are so enticingly good. I am never disappointed. I am always enthralled and left feeling entertained, captivated, and happy when I read them.
If you have not read his books and enjoy this genre, I highly recommend his books.
Putrescent. Putrescent. Putrescent.
It was supposed to be the trip of a lifetime. A time for them to get even closer - but it became a nightmare! Daniel and Lauren are thrown off a train in the middle of nowhere in Romania. It's late at night, dark and the woods are menacing. They hope to find a station, what they find is a never-ending nightmare!
Back in London, they agree to never talk about what happened. But it's not as easy as they think it will be. Because the nightmare is not over...
I listened to the audiobook, and it was fantastic. I enjoyed the narrator, and the plot drew me in and had me on the edge of my seat waiting to see how things would end.
Edwards never disappoints. This was another intense and riving book.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Why, why, why are Mark Edwards's books so hard to get my hands (and eyes) on? They are so enticingly good. I am never disappointed. I am always enthralled and left feeling entertained, captivated, and happy when I read them.
If you have not read his books and enjoy this genre, I highly recommend his books.
Putrescent. Putrescent. Putrescent.
It was supposed to be the trip of a lifetime. A time for them to get even closer - but it became a nightmare! Daniel and Lauren are thrown off a train in the middle of nowhere in Romania. It's late at night, dark and the woods are menacing. They hope to find a station, what they find is a never-ending nightmare!
Back in London, they agree to never talk about what happened. But it's not as easy as they think it will be. Because the nightmare is not over...
I listened to the audiobook, and it was fantastic. I enjoyed the narrator, and the plot drew me in and had me on the edge of my seat waiting to see how things would end.
Edwards never disappoints. This was another intense and riving book.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
July 26, 2016
Dear Mr. Edwards,
Here we are again. I last wrote to you in my review of The Magpies last year. I said a lot of nice things because you penned one hell of a book. Well, guess what? I hate to swell that head of yours, but Follow You Home trumps The Magpies. Not to pressure you, but The Devil’s Work is going to have to be exceedingly phenomenal to beat this one. Don’t let me down.
52 Pickup. Yes sir, this book reminded me of that great old card game my big brother used to pull on me when we were kids. He would drop and scatter a deck of cards and I got to pick them up and make them neat again. You wrote Follow You Home in the manner of 52 pickup in slow motion. You teased us for half the book sloooowly scattering about those many curious pieces of the story, frightening us in the process with your trademark unrelenting suspense. God, my fingernails are a mess from chewing them to pieces. You are getting the bill for the manicure, Mr. Edwards. With each of your little chapters you sprung more and more stuff on me and my very smart book buddy. It got to the point where I was totally stumped and honestly could see no way for you to emerge looking brilliant as there was clearly no way for this story to work out in the end. No way. What a mess of a situation for poor Daniel and Laura. It made the Magpie people look like simple whiners. Well, then in the second half you started to tease us mercilessly with little clues and little twisties one after another, and still no light bulbs in my head. I hate when you do that, Mr. Edwards. You made me feel utterly stupid! I signed up for Brain HQ while reading this book. I’ll am going to send you that bill too.
As the info bites and surprises continued, on and on and on, I finally started thinking, hey, perhaps there is a way for Mr. Edwards to salvage some sort of believable ending to this tale. For purposes of full disclosure I must admit I changed my mind about a dozen times, but finally got real comfy in my take of the situation. Then you blew it all up in my face!!! OMG! What?? Are you kidding me??? I nearly screamed with delight in how you got me again! But, by golly, I was badly duped. How can you sleep at night knowing you do that to your readers?
I do get to throw this at you: how could you not bless Daniel with more brains? He did a lot of terribly naïve and downright stupid things, Mr. Edwards! Do you expect us to believe some of his actions/nonactions? The good news though is that I forgive you as you entertained me. Tremendously.
I love you, Mr. Edwards.
Now go back into your little office and get to work, you! I’m waiting…
Your forever fan,
Christine XOXO
Here we are again. I last wrote to you in my review of The Magpies last year. I said a lot of nice things because you penned one hell of a book. Well, guess what? I hate to swell that head of yours, but Follow You Home trumps The Magpies. Not to pressure you, but The Devil’s Work is going to have to be exceedingly phenomenal to beat this one. Don’t let me down.
52 Pickup. Yes sir, this book reminded me of that great old card game my big brother used to pull on me when we were kids. He would drop and scatter a deck of cards and I got to pick them up and make them neat again. You wrote Follow You Home in the manner of 52 pickup in slow motion. You teased us for half the book sloooowly scattering about those many curious pieces of the story, frightening us in the process with your trademark unrelenting suspense. God, my fingernails are a mess from chewing them to pieces. You are getting the bill for the manicure, Mr. Edwards. With each of your little chapters you sprung more and more stuff on me and my very smart book buddy. It got to the point where I was totally stumped and honestly could see no way for you to emerge looking brilliant as there was clearly no way for this story to work out in the end. No way. What a mess of a situation for poor Daniel and Laura. It made the Magpie people look like simple whiners. Well, then in the second half you started to tease us mercilessly with little clues and little twisties one after another, and still no light bulbs in my head. I hate when you do that, Mr. Edwards. You made me feel utterly stupid! I signed up for Brain HQ while reading this book. I’ll am going to send you that bill too.
As the info bites and surprises continued, on and on and on, I finally started thinking, hey, perhaps there is a way for Mr. Edwards to salvage some sort of believable ending to this tale. For purposes of full disclosure I must admit I changed my mind about a dozen times, but finally got real comfy in my take of the situation. Then you blew it all up in my face!!! OMG! What?? Are you kidding me??? I nearly screamed with delight in how you got me again! But, by golly, I was badly duped. How can you sleep at night knowing you do that to your readers?
I do get to throw this at you: how could you not bless Daniel with more brains? He did a lot of terribly naïve and downright stupid things, Mr. Edwards! Do you expect us to believe some of his actions/nonactions? The good news though is that I forgive you as you entertained me. Tremendously.
I love you, Mr. Edwards.
Now go back into your little office and get to work, you! I’m waiting…
Your forever fan,
Christine XOXO
December 23, 2015
Extremely unbelievable plot, way beyond the believability associated with any decent fiction, which hindered my ability to care even a little about any of the silly characters. I won't summarize the story -- tons of reviewers have already done that. Just know that this book starts on a high note and then makes a slow, aggravating decline encouraged by a ridiculous secret and a cast of equally ridiculous characters. This book will help you sharpen your skimming skills.
May 1, 2020
Another gripping psychological thriller from Mark Edwards. Daniel and Laura are on the trip of a lifetime, backpacking through Europe, when they find themselves talking to another young couple on a train entering Romania. Talked into having a rest in an unattended sleeping compartment, the wake to find their passports and money stolen. Booted off the train with the young woman, Alina, they try to make their way to a nearby town, only to come across an eerie old house in the woods.
Flash forward several months, Laura and Daniel are back in London, but they are now separated, unable to cope with what happened in the house. The strange things begin to happen...
Has something, or someone, from Romania followed them back to London? Someone who doesn't want them to come forward with what they saw? Slowly the story unfolds as to what they experienced in Romania, and the house's secrets are revealed...
In Follow You Home Mark Edwards has woven another chilling tale, one you wont want to put down. This is one that will keep you up late at night, until you get to the surprising, and satisfying, conclusion. Edwards is fast becoming one of my favourite authors, and I have no hesitation in recommending his books to all lovers of psychological thrillers.
Flash forward several months, Laura and Daniel are back in London, but they are now separated, unable to cope with what happened in the house. The strange things begin to happen...
Has something, or someone, from Romania followed them back to London? Someone who doesn't want them to come forward with what they saw? Slowly the story unfolds as to what they experienced in Romania, and the house's secrets are revealed...
In Follow You Home Mark Edwards has woven another chilling tale, one you wont want to put down. This is one that will keep you up late at night, until you get to the surprising, and satisfying, conclusion. Edwards is fast becoming one of my favourite authors, and I have no hesitation in recommending his books to all lovers of psychological thrillers.
July 21, 2015
3.5 This was one creepy, creepy read. What starts as the perfect European trip for Laura and Daniel, become derailed in Romania after having their passports and credit cards stolen, they are thrown off the train by the Romanian police. Thrown off with them is Aline, a young Romanian woman they met on the train, traveling with her friend Ion. Stuck in the middle of nowhere, with no papers, Aline goes missing in the woods after entering them to empty her bladder in privacy. Trying to find Aline they come upon a house in the woods, and what they see in this house will cause them to flee and vow to never speak of the atrocities within.
For the first half of the book the reader has no idea what Laura and Daniel saw. Strange things start happening to them, and I was thinking horror book, maybe vampires, werewolves. This turns into a wild ride as Laura and Daniel, must confront the evil that followed them home. Never imagines all this entailed nor what length someone will go to keep these things secret.
What they saw is key but not the only thing that followed them home. A good, suspense filled story. Daniel is a very likable character and as a reader I didn't want anything bad to happen to him. Strange and creepy and I will make sure I am not alone if I go into the woods.
ARC from NetGalley.
For the first half of the book the reader has no idea what Laura and Daniel saw. Strange things start happening to them, and I was thinking horror book, maybe vampires, werewolves. This turns into a wild ride as Laura and Daniel, must confront the evil that followed them home. Never imagines all this entailed nor what length someone will go to keep these things secret.
What they saw is key but not the only thing that followed them home. A good, suspense filled story. Daniel is a very likable character and as a reader I didn't want anything bad to happen to him. Strange and creepy and I will make sure I am not alone if I go into the woods.
ARC from NetGalley.
December 26, 2015
4.5 stars maybe?
I shirked my responsibilities today to read almost half of this on my rainy muggy boxing day. I’m good at this. I think my clan expect it. It was brilliant! So glad to have come across Mark Edwards and now cannot wait for The Magpies which has been on my radar far longer than this one has. Actually, my local reading community are in for a treat as I requested this one be added to my library catalogue and they obliged.
Absolute bum on the edge of my seat material, I was physically leaning over my seat in a kind of ‘hurry up get this done’ kind of way. I love book anxiety!
One very nice addition was the authors note at the end explaining how he came to write this one, I have a feeling this author is a great communicator and loves to share his experience with his readers. I’m hooked!
Lovers of a good thriller will be enraptured with this, and I absolutely recommend it for this reason. I love when I’m hit for six and have no idea and that's what I've just experienced, and especially love a sinister last sentence. If you’ve been considering this one, please do!
I shirked my responsibilities today to read almost half of this on my rainy muggy boxing day. I’m good at this. I think my clan expect it. It was brilliant! So glad to have come across Mark Edwards and now cannot wait for The Magpies which has been on my radar far longer than this one has. Actually, my local reading community are in for a treat as I requested this one be added to my library catalogue and they obliged.
Absolute bum on the edge of my seat material, I was physically leaning over my seat in a kind of ‘hurry up get this done’ kind of way. I love book anxiety!
One very nice addition was the authors note at the end explaining how he came to write this one, I have a feeling this author is a great communicator and loves to share his experience with his readers. I’m hooked!
Lovers of a good thriller will be enraptured with this, and I absolutely recommend it for this reason. I love when I’m hit for six and have no idea and that's what I've just experienced, and especially love a sinister last sentence. If you’ve been considering this one, please do!
June 23, 2020
Daniel and Laura have been having the time of their lives backpacking around Europe. This will be their last trip for a while as the young couple want to settle down and have a family. Suddenly things take a turn for the worst and Daniel and Laura’s trip is turning into a nightmare. Neither Daniel or Laura can believe what’s happening, but what they do know is that they will never speak a word of what happened to anyone when they return home.
WOW! Having never read anything by this author before I was unsure what to expect and I must say I was pleasantly surprised. Page turner, edge of your seat and intense this book had all of these things and so much more. Brilliantly and very cleverly written and I can’t wait to read more by this author. Highly recommended.
WOW! Having never read anything by this author before I was unsure what to expect and I must say I was pleasantly surprised. Page turner, edge of your seat and intense this book had all of these things and so much more. Brilliantly and very cleverly written and I can’t wait to read more by this author. Highly recommended.
July 29, 2016
Another knock-out read from an author who truly knows how to keep a reader on their toes!
Being a mystery/suspense junkie, I'd like to think that over the years I have developed some super sleuth detective skills. This can actually be problematic, as often times I am able to anticipate where a story is going, or figure out who the main antagonist is well before the big reveal. But once again, Mark Edwards was able to lead me and my favorite book buddy Chris down many detours and dead ends, keeping us guessing up until the last few chapters!
And that epilogue! Here I am, decompressing now that all the loose ends have been cleaned up and I am completely satisfied like I've just eaten my favorite meal. Then BAM!, he sideswipes me with another unexpected surprise....Completely and utterly fantastic!
True to his other novel that I read and loved for the very same reasons as above (The Magpies) this story was spun from a real life experience he shared with an ex-girlfriend.
A trip of a lifetime, one to experience before life and it's demands require you to officially become a F/T adult. Traveling by train to various locations throughout the country with nothing but your passport, a map and a backpack. Sounds ideal, right?
That's the picture Edwards paints, up until a decision to save money and NOT get a sleeper car on a late night train turns one couple's adventure into a nightmare.
What slowly unfolds is a plot full of twists and turns that will keep you utterly confused and paranoid of every character until Edwards decides to let you in on what went down that night.
This is brilliant storytelling at it's best!
I do think that experiencing this with a buddy truly heightened the thrill of the ride, but don't worry-you will still get a lot of enjoyment and entertainment reading this solo. And don't beat yourself up too much at the end when you realize the clues were right there in front of you the whole time...that sneak Edwards is a genius at camouflaging them!
While some aspects of the plot did come across as a stretch, Edwards still somehow manages to make it all work and feel like it just could happen that way.
Moral of the story-when planning a trip like this, make sure to spend the money for a sleeper car.
SIDE NOTE:
If you haven't read any of Edwards books yet, you can get a free copy of Guardian Angel to sample (a short story) by signing up for email updates from him. Just go to his Goodreads page and you will find the link where you can sign up.
December 29, 2015
"The evil from that house.....it followed us home."
FOLLOW YOU HOME begins innocently enough as Daniel and Laura continue their once in a lifetime travels across Europe by boarding an evening train to Romania, but the combination of a few creepy passengers and a brief nap result in being robbed of tickets, passports and $ that ultimately end with a boot off the train in the middle of nowhere with nothing but darkness and forest all around.....or so they think.
What happens next, as their nightmare continues, is divulged slowly, but suspensefully chapter by (short) chapter throughout the story culminating in a deadly (sometimes disturbing) mystery-thriller with one shocker of a twisty ending! (Must read more from Mark Edwards)
October 3, 2015
Backpacking in Europe, a last hurrah before returning to London and settling into married life, jobs and babies, Daniel and Laura board a night train in Romania bound for Sighisoara. Upon discovering their passports, train tickets, and money have been stolen from their backpacks, they are unceremoniously thrown off the train in the middle of nowhere. A nightmare of gargantuan proportions is about to commence. What Daniel and Laura experience will follow them home and affect their relationship and the lives of those around them.
An old man, a monster. A dark forest, an old house with a 'rotten ambiance'. Straying off the beaten path is not always what it is cracked up to be. I thought the ending was terrific and fitting. For the sake of all that is holy, next time buy the sleeper tickets!
An old man, a monster. A dark forest, an old house with a 'rotten ambiance'. Straying off the beaten path is not always what it is cracked up to be. I thought the ending was terrific and fitting. For the sake of all that is holy, next time buy the sleeper tickets!
October 5, 2016
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
I discovered Follow You Home due to a stranger's review that popped up on my Goodreads’ feed when one of my friends liked it. Looky there GR, your “upgrade” actually did something okay. You goGlen Coco Goodreads! Between the cover art, title, blurb and the fact the weather forecast was calling for cloudy with a chance of meatballs I was ready to dig in to a nice scary story.
Turns out this wasn’t a horror but ended up being a thriller so well played, Mark Edwards. You got me good. Because of the aforementioned bait and switch things could have went really notsagreat. Surprisingly, I ended up quite enjoying this.
Alright, so the story is that Daniel and Laura are thinking about settling down and having children. Before they do so they are going on one last “hurrah” and taking an extended vacation across Europe via train . . . .
While traveling through Romania a poorly timed nap in an unlatched sleeping car lead to Daniel and Laura waking up to discover their passports have been stolen. A woman who the couple met briefly attempts to intervene and explain the situation to the authorities, but unfortunately that only leaves all three of them kicked off the train in the middle of the night. And that is only the beginning of a tale the two will never forget when they discover a house in the middle of the forest . . . .
Obviously lots more stuff and things happen, but SPOILERS so no thank you. If you are familiar with what Mitchell and I like in a thriller, you’ll be happy to know our reaction to Follow You Home went sort of like this . . . .
And before my frenemy chimes in, of course the plot contained moments that had me saying . . . .
(The only thing Ron 2.0 loves more than plotholes is typos!)
But this was a real page turner and there were times I truly didn’t know WTF was happening so it makes it a winner in my book.
I discovered Follow You Home due to a stranger's review that popped up on my Goodreads’ feed when one of my friends liked it. Looky there GR, your “upgrade” actually did something okay. You go
Turns out this wasn’t a horror but ended up being a thriller so well played, Mark Edwards. You got me good. Because of the aforementioned bait and switch things could have went really notsagreat. Surprisingly, I ended up quite enjoying this.
Alright, so the story is that Daniel and Laura are thinking about settling down and having children. Before they do so they are going on one last “hurrah” and taking an extended vacation across Europe via train . . . .
While traveling through Romania a poorly timed nap in an unlatched sleeping car lead to Daniel and Laura waking up to discover their passports have been stolen. A woman who the couple met briefly attempts to intervene and explain the situation to the authorities, but unfortunately that only leaves all three of them kicked off the train in the middle of the night. And that is only the beginning of a tale the two will never forget when they discover a house in the middle of the forest . . . .
Obviously lots more stuff and things happen, but SPOILERS so no thank you. If you are familiar with what Mitchell and I like in a thriller, you’ll be happy to know our reaction to Follow You Home went sort of like this . . . .
And before my frenemy chimes in, of course the plot contained moments that had me saying . . . .
(The only thing Ron 2.0 loves more than plotholes is typos!)
But this was a real page turner and there were times I truly didn’t know WTF was happening so it makes it a winner in my book.
December 10, 2015
Mark Edwards is an author I have only started reading this year but I am yet to be disappointed with any of his novels. I find his books gripping from the start and instantly engaging making them very difficult to put down. The books I have read by him are full of surprises with lots of twists and turns that keep you reading to find out more.
He sets high standards with his writing and this one was again up there with the others I have read. This novel was full of action and so descriptive I felt I was watching a film. When I finish reading his books, I always feel like instantly starting another one of his novels straight away.
This book features Daniel and Laura who are travelling around Europe when their lives are changed forever when they are thrown off a night train in Romania. What follows is a terror that will haunt them for ever.
Once they get back to London they refuse to talk about what happened and they try to resume their lives, but this is just the start of their nightmares.
A clever plot that instantly draws you in and takes your mind on a journey. As the story goes from present day to what happened in Romania the truth starts to unravel. Well written characters and a fast paced action filled psychological thriller that makes you read faster and faster to try to get to the explanation.
Highly recommended and if you haven't read any of Mark Edwards books what are you waiting for.
He sets high standards with his writing and this one was again up there with the others I have read. This novel was full of action and so descriptive I felt I was watching a film. When I finish reading his books, I always feel like instantly starting another one of his novels straight away.
This book features Daniel and Laura who are travelling around Europe when their lives are changed forever when they are thrown off a night train in Romania. What follows is a terror that will haunt them for ever.
Once they get back to London they refuse to talk about what happened and they try to resume their lives, but this is just the start of their nightmares.
A clever plot that instantly draws you in and takes your mind on a journey. As the story goes from present day to what happened in Romania the truth starts to unravel. Well written characters and a fast paced action filled psychological thriller that makes you read faster and faster to try to get to the explanation.
Highly recommended and if you haven't read any of Mark Edwards books what are you waiting for.
July 8, 2015
The more I read of this mans work the more I love it.
This author is one outstanding thriller story teller. From the very start to the very end you are so engrossed in the story that my house roof could cave in and I'd be annoyed its interrupted my read. I kid you not.
We have this couple who are travelling around before they settled down, marry and have children. The thing is, they unknowingly get caught up in something that is a double dealing. They don't know it though.
I'm chatting like a mad woman to my Kindle "how did that happen?"
"When did that happen?" "Who did that?"
Its so cleverly written, so cleverly done, I didn't see any hints or red herrings that 'double crossed' me. I was IN THE ZONE and totally zoned out of what was going on around me. My nose was firmly stuck inside this absolutely well laid out book.
I don't have the best of long finger nails at the best of times, but I need to tell you this.....
When the couple were approaching a house in the woods [not giving anything away here other than how it made me feel] I was so tense even my bum cheeks tensed up. Creeping up over the stairs, I didn't realize I was holding my breath.
Mark Edwards always leaves a little bit at the back of his book [which I LOVE] telling us what inspired him to write the story. I really enjoy that bit because I often wonder how on earth an author comes up with such brilliant pieces of craftmanship that keeps us readers begging for more....more......More
I don't like reading the words, WOW, fab, fantastic, couldn't put it down, page turner, they are all Clichés, but you know what? All of this applies to this wonderfully nail biting, gasping enthralling piece of work.
My thanks go to Thomas & Mercer and Amazon Publishing for my copy to read/review and enjoy
January 25, 2016
Great book that leaves you wondering throughout. The story turns out to be quite complex. Didn't see the end twist coming. Could there possibly be a sequel in the works?
June 13, 2015
Laura and Daniel are on the trip of a lifetime around Europe, supposedly their last blow-out before they settle down and start a family. But the trip ends abruptly and disastrously in Romania, an ending that we only see the build up to at first, with the complete story gradually being told to us in teasing little snippets throughout the read.
Three months after their return to London, and their relationship is in tatters. But what exactly happened? What evil happened so traumatised them that Daniel is in therapy and Laura has left him, a shadow of the girl she was at the start of the book. They have made a vow never to discuss it, to themselves or anyone and it is a vow that they seem determined to keep.
It is a story stuffed full of drama, danger, secrets and lies. There are characters who are creepy and sinister and you never really know just who can be trusted. As strange things start to happen to Daniel and Laura in London, you quickly realise that there may just be a link to what happened to them in Romania, and you really are just waiting for the penny to drop with Daniel and Laura to see what they will do. As their story starts to unfold you start to get an inkling of what happened and, believe me, my imagination was working overtime but every time I thought I had it sussed, the story twisted in a very complex and detailed plot that is at times quite audacious and ambitious. It is “edge of your seat” stuff, a book that is impossible to put down or get out of your head and full of surprises that only stop on the last page.
Now, I absolutely loved the story and heartily recommend it, but I do have serious doubts about their reasons for keeping their secret. When I knew all the facts, I couldn’t really reconcile them keeping quiet under any circumstances – it is certainly not a secret that should have been kept. But, if they hadn’t done then of course we wouldn’t have had the story. Many thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
Three months after their return to London, and their relationship is in tatters. But what exactly happened? What evil happened so traumatised them that Daniel is in therapy and Laura has left him, a shadow of the girl she was at the start of the book. They have made a vow never to discuss it, to themselves or anyone and it is a vow that they seem determined to keep.
It is a story stuffed full of drama, danger, secrets and lies. There are characters who are creepy and sinister and you never really know just who can be trusted. As strange things start to happen to Daniel and Laura in London, you quickly realise that there may just be a link to what happened to them in Romania, and you really are just waiting for the penny to drop with Daniel and Laura to see what they will do. As their story starts to unfold you start to get an inkling of what happened and, believe me, my imagination was working overtime but every time I thought I had it sussed, the story twisted in a very complex and detailed plot that is at times quite audacious and ambitious. It is “edge of your seat” stuff, a book that is impossible to put down or get out of your head and full of surprises that only stop on the last page.
Now, I absolutely loved the story and heartily recommend it, but I do have serious doubts about their reasons for keeping their secret. When I knew all the facts, I couldn’t really reconcile them keeping quiet under any circumstances – it is certainly not a secret that should have been kept. But, if they hadn’t done then of course we wouldn’t have had the story. Many thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
June 26, 2016
I am now a Mark Edwards fan i liked this one his combination of thriller, horror throw in a bit of psychological it worked i found myself struggling in the beginning i was engrossed by the middle.
It Was supposed to be a holiday of a lifetime for Daniel & Laura as they travel across Europe on a train their trip ends in Romania where they meet Ion & Aline everything seems to be okay until they have their backpacks stolen Are Ion & Aline to be trusted?
Back in London Daniel & Laura vow never to talk about what happened that night, but as they try to fit into their old lives again they realise they are in terrible danger& the nightmare is just beginning.
This book had everything drugs madness mayhem a thrilling novel by Mr Mark Edwards.
It Was supposed to be a holiday of a lifetime for Daniel & Laura as they travel across Europe on a train their trip ends in Romania where they meet Ion & Aline everything seems to be okay until they have their backpacks stolen Are Ion & Aline to be trusted?
Back in London Daniel & Laura vow never to talk about what happened that night, but as they try to fit into their old lives again they realise they are in terrible danger& the nightmare is just beginning.
This book had everything drugs madness mayhem a thrilling novel by Mr Mark Edwards.
June 8, 2023
WHOA. This book really piqued my interest. The anticipation in every page has brought me intense hunger. I wanted to know what happened so bad—it hurts.
One good reason why I don't wanna travel to unfamiliar places or countries, I mean, Romania is probably a paradise on Earth but I just couldn't imagine myself out of my comfort zone. Besides, there's evil out there, just waiting for a lost soul to wander and step right into its trap.
I really enjoyed Laura and Daniel's point of views, their apparent downward spiral as they battle a very traumatizing experience, how it affected their relationship, their sense of safety and their state of mind. I love the suspense, how the author sort of gave us a peek of what happened in small details without giving the whole picture in a trice.
Well, until the twist was revealed. It wasn't the one I was hoping for. Can't say I was disappointed but the thrill kind of died down a little bit. The last few pages were completely shocking and the tension picked right up.
Pretty decent read.
One good reason why I don't wanna travel to unfamiliar places or countries, I mean, Romania is probably a paradise on Earth but I just couldn't imagine myself out of my comfort zone. Besides, there's evil out there, just waiting for a lost soul to wander and step right into its trap.
I really enjoyed Laura and Daniel's point of views, their apparent downward spiral as they battle a very traumatizing experience, how it affected their relationship, their sense of safety and their state of mind. I love the suspense, how the author sort of gave us a peek of what happened in small details without giving the whole picture in a trice.
Well, until the twist was revealed. It wasn't the one I was hoping for. Can't say I was disappointed but the thrill kind of died down a little bit. The last few pages were completely shocking and the tension picked right up.
Pretty decent read.
August 12, 2022
This was my second Mark Edwards' book after The Hollows. Unfortunately, I felt Follow You Home was much the same as The Hollows: great idea, good story, but too many dull, draggy parts.
November 29, 2015
This book was nominated in this round of Goodyear's award, in the horror category I think. Not that I'm sure. I thought it sounded interesting and downloaded it on audible for my long holiday flight. On my way back home, with three hours to go, it ended. Apparently I hadn't downloaded it completely. I almost left it at that. Given the stellar goodreads reviews I thought I'd give it another go. That saved this book from a one star rating, but only barely.
Daniel - I think, pardon me for not learning the characther's names properly - and his girlfriend Laura get into trouble on a train in Romania during a European holiday. They get thrown off togethre with a girl, Alina, who tried to keep them out of trouble. They all end up in a house of horrors, or at least, that's what we're lead to believe. Before any details are revealed, we're back in London and Daniel and Laura are estranged. Good riddance.
Little by little the story of what really happened in Romania and afterwards is revealed. It would have been greaty alleviated if any of the characters had been the least bit sympathetic. After the first twist I wanted to bang my head against something sharp. The author kept revealing twists and turns, but because I didn't like any of the main characters, I didn't give a shit. The reveals where merely annoying stumbles along to completion.
I deeply regret having wasted so many hours listening to this. NOT recommended.
Daniel - I think, pardon me for not learning the characther's names properly - and his girlfriend Laura get into trouble on a train in Romania during a European holiday. They get thrown off togethre with a girl, Alina, who tried to keep them out of trouble. They all end up in a house of horrors, or at least, that's what we're lead to believe. Before any details are revealed, we're back in London and Daniel and Laura are estranged. Good riddance.
Little by little the story of what really happened in Romania and afterwards is revealed. It would have been greaty alleviated if any of the characters had been the least bit sympathetic. After the first twist I wanted to bang my head against something sharp. The author kept revealing twists and turns, but because I didn't like any of the main characters, I didn't give a shit. The reveals where merely annoying stumbles along to completion.
I deeply regret having wasted so many hours listening to this. NOT recommended.
July 26, 2016
Follow You Home is the second book I've read by Mark Edwards. The first being The Magpies and I can say that after reading this the writing has improved as we're treated to a pacy, rollercoaster of a thriller.
The book begins with an English couple on a Romanian leg of an European tour they decided to take. A couple in their mid thirties that thought it would be a good idea to take a one last big holiday before they settle down and start a family. Then something goes disastrously wrong in Romania and we cut to three months later when they're back in London. Now the once couple are in a place where they're fearful all the time. Daniel is seeking therapy whilst Laura is now living with friends and is reluctant to leave the house. Whatever has happened they have vowed between themselves that their secret will never be revealed.
Slowly during the book we're given snippets into what may have occurred as sinister happenings start to arise. Shady characters and strange events are taking place that don't make sense, slowly beginning to mount as they couple struggle to shake off this seemingly never ending nightmare. The book is tightly woven as it takes the reader on an incredible twisty turny journey that keeps the pages moving left to right constantly.
Eventually I did manage to work out what must have happened, and why, but it's a heck of a thrill getting there and there were still surprises right to the very last word. This is an accomplished book that was thrilling to read with shady characters and mistrust galore. My only quibble is I don't really understand why the couple felt the need to remain so secretive, I know the reasoning is revealed in the end .... but it didn't seem enough to put yourself through all that for one innocuous mistake..... a very, very costly mistake as it turns out.
If you're looking for a fast paced thriller that is full of surprises until the very last page ..... then you'll do well here with this one. Recommended.
Thanks very much to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. An enjoyable ride!
The book begins with an English couple on a Romanian leg of an European tour they decided to take. A couple in their mid thirties that thought it would be a good idea to take a one last big holiday before they settle down and start a family. Then something goes disastrously wrong in Romania and we cut to three months later when they're back in London. Now the once couple are in a place where they're fearful all the time. Daniel is seeking therapy whilst Laura is now living with friends and is reluctant to leave the house. Whatever has happened they have vowed between themselves that their secret will never be revealed.
Slowly during the book we're given snippets into what may have occurred as sinister happenings start to arise. Shady characters and strange events are taking place that don't make sense, slowly beginning to mount as they couple struggle to shake off this seemingly never ending nightmare. The book is tightly woven as it takes the reader on an incredible twisty turny journey that keeps the pages moving left to right constantly.
Eventually I did manage to work out what must have happened, and why, but it's a heck of a thrill getting there and there were still surprises right to the very last word. This is an accomplished book that was thrilling to read with shady characters and mistrust galore. My only quibble is I don't really understand why the couple felt the need to remain so secretive, I know the reasoning is revealed in the end .... but it didn't seem enough to put yourself through all that for one innocuous mistake..... a very, very costly mistake as it turns out.
If you're looking for a fast paced thriller that is full of surprises until the very last page ..... then you'll do well here with this one. Recommended.
Thanks very much to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. An enjoyable ride!
July 1, 2017
A special thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 5 Stars +
Top 50 Books of 2015 "Best Horror Suspense Thriller."
Mark Edwards, one of my “go-to” authors for some of the most intense and engaging psychological thrillers; however, with FOLLOW YOU HOME, he turns up the complexity and intensity ten-fold, (like, on steroids) with a Stephen King-like, brilliantly plotted, spine-tingling, and haunting atmosphere of evil, lies, and horror.
An innocent European backpack adventure, a night train ride, mysterious strangers, a haunting forest, and a strange house; meets evil, greed, violence, corruption, and revenge. Readers will not be able to put this one down—I read in one sitting! Note to self . . . Never sleep on a train. Never enter a mysterious house in the forest. Check backpack often.
Daniel and Laura, a successful couple in their early thirties, introduced by mutual friend, Jake a musician—with a bright future. Daniel a tech developer of a new app for Skittle and Laura works in marketing for a non-profit. Her biological clock is ticking, with plans to marry and start a family soon. Laura’s best friend Erin is pregnant, so she has baby on the brain for the near future. She has not had an easy childhood; however, hopes she will be a better parent.
However, before they dive into their adult responsibilities, as many of us have done---Take the time while young to travel, see the world, and backpack around Europe. Enjoying their grand tour to Brussels, France, Spain, Ibiza, Italy (Rome and the Amalfi coast), Greece, and Croatia and Hungary for two glorious months of leisurely fun and sun. After Romania, they planned to head north again to Russia, Germany, and then Scandinavia and to end up on Daniel’s thirty-fifth birthday in Stockholm, and then they would fly home back to London, to get married and start their family.
The overnight train to Sighisoara due to leave Budapest at eleven was running late, and they were tired and exhausted from their travels. Instead of the cozy, private sleeper compartment accommodation, Daniel was trying to save money, staying on a budget; by purchasing seats in the standard accommodation section (half the price).
Soon thereafter, their happy, and enjoyable trip turns into a nightmare. (“nightmare” is actually too lame a word to use to describe this bloody detour trip to hell and back). Straight away, they meet another Eastern European couple on the train from Romania (Ion and Alina). Laura is tired, so she is urged to take a quick nap and they will keep a look out to let them know before the guard come aboard to check tickets and passports. they both fall asleep.
When they are awakened from a deep sleep by the guards, they discover their passports, tickets, and money have been stolen. When Alina tries to translate, on their behalf, the three of them are thrown off the train in the middle of the night in the middle of nowhere. When Alina steps into the forest to use the restroom in private, and does not return, the couple desperately seek to find her, so they can get to the next town by daybreak. While in search for her, they stumble upon a haunted house in the middle of the forest, with a baby crying. They enter. It is so shocking, they do not want to speak about it ever again. Evil follows them home and everywhere they turn.
When they barely escape, it forever changes the course of their lives. Their nightmare has just begun and keeps on ticking for an adrenaline hide continuous ride. (Gives new meaning to "being in the wrong place at the wrong time").
Their life begins to crumble piece by piece with mind-boggling events, as Daniel fights to uncover the truth. However, there is more than one plot playing out here, much larger than you can imagine. They never knew what they stepped into which has the power to destroy their lives and endanger everyone around them.
From past Hungary-Romania 2013, to present London, 2014 and flashes back and forth to the time surrounding the journey in the forest, you definitely will not fall asleep reading this one. One obstacle after another with many schemes playing out at the same time. There is no way to adequately describe the innovation, creativity, and complexity of FOLLOW YOU HOME with layer upon layer of twists and turns and surprises lurking around every corner, even to the end.
Edwards keeps readers guessing as to what went down in this house. He brilliantly has crafted a suspense thriller which continues to build throughout, and never slows down for a breath. You cannot stop reading, as he holds your attention from the time they exit the train to the end, in this fast-paced riveting dark psychological suspense. Would make a great film, crossing many genres from contemporary horror, supernatural, drama, ghosts, crime, mystery, suspense, psychological and thriller.
Edwards is at the “top of his game” – Brilliantly written and wow, what character development (expect more than one villain here). If you enjoy scary things that go bump in the night…. This one is for you. My heart is still pounding. Have also pre-ordered the audio, as enjoy listening after reading, to get the full experience!
Notes: Loved Edward the PI, my hero and look forward to reading the short story featuring private detective Edward Rooney from Follow You Home. I also enjoyed the inspiration behind the book. Mark, thanks for sharing as throughout the entire book, I was dying to tweet you to inquire. What a journey!
If you have not read Mark Edwards, previously, highly recommend all his back list for a ride of your life. He has a talent for getting into the minds of his characters.
Be sure and add The Blissfully Dead upcoming 9/29/15, A Detective Lennon Thriller by Louise Voss & Mark Edwards to your Must Read BookList!
JDCMustReadBooks
Top 50 Books of 2015 "Best Horror Suspense Thriller."
Mark Edwards, one of my “go-to” authors for some of the most intense and engaging psychological thrillers; however, with FOLLOW YOU HOME, he turns up the complexity and intensity ten-fold, (like, on steroids) with a Stephen King-like, brilliantly plotted, spine-tingling, and haunting atmosphere of evil, lies, and horror.
An innocent European backpack adventure, a night train ride, mysterious strangers, a haunting forest, and a strange house; meets evil, greed, violence, corruption, and revenge. Readers will not be able to put this one down—I read in one sitting! Note to self . . . Never sleep on a train. Never enter a mysterious house in the forest. Check backpack often.
Daniel and Laura, a successful couple in their early thirties, introduced by mutual friend, Jake a musician—with a bright future. Daniel a tech developer of a new app for Skittle and Laura works in marketing for a non-profit. Her biological clock is ticking, with plans to marry and start a family soon. Laura’s best friend Erin is pregnant, so she has baby on the brain for the near future. She has not had an easy childhood; however, hopes she will be a better parent.
However, before they dive into their adult responsibilities, as many of us have done---Take the time while young to travel, see the world, and backpack around Europe. Enjoying their grand tour to Brussels, France, Spain, Ibiza, Italy (Rome and the Amalfi coast), Greece, and Croatia and Hungary for two glorious months of leisurely fun and sun. After Romania, they planned to head north again to Russia, Germany, and then Scandinavia and to end up on Daniel’s thirty-fifth birthday in Stockholm, and then they would fly home back to London, to get married and start their family.
The overnight train to Sighisoara due to leave Budapest at eleven was running late, and they were tired and exhausted from their travels. Instead of the cozy, private sleeper compartment accommodation, Daniel was trying to save money, staying on a budget; by purchasing seats in the standard accommodation section (half the price).
Soon thereafter, their happy, and enjoyable trip turns into a nightmare. (“nightmare” is actually too lame a word to use to describe this bloody detour trip to hell and back). Straight away, they meet another Eastern European couple on the train from Romania (Ion and Alina). Laura is tired, so she is urged to take a quick nap and they will keep a look out to let them know before the guard come aboard to check tickets and passports. they both fall asleep.
When they are awakened from a deep sleep by the guards, they discover their passports, tickets, and money have been stolen. When Alina tries to translate, on their behalf, the three of them are thrown off the train in the middle of the night in the middle of nowhere. When Alina steps into the forest to use the restroom in private, and does not return, the couple desperately seek to find her, so they can get to the next town by daybreak. While in search for her, they stumble upon a haunted house in the middle of the forest, with a baby crying. They enter. It is so shocking, they do not want to speak about it ever again. Evil follows them home and everywhere they turn.
When they barely escape, it forever changes the course of their lives. Their nightmare has just begun and keeps on ticking for an adrenaline hide continuous ride. (Gives new meaning to "being in the wrong place at the wrong time").
Their life begins to crumble piece by piece with mind-boggling events, as Daniel fights to uncover the truth. However, there is more than one plot playing out here, much larger than you can imagine. They never knew what they stepped into which has the power to destroy their lives and endanger everyone around them.
From past Hungary-Romania 2013, to present London, 2014 and flashes back and forth to the time surrounding the journey in the forest, you definitely will not fall asleep reading this one. One obstacle after another with many schemes playing out at the same time. There is no way to adequately describe the innovation, creativity, and complexity of FOLLOW YOU HOME with layer upon layer of twists and turns and surprises lurking around every corner, even to the end.
Edwards keeps readers guessing as to what went down in this house. He brilliantly has crafted a suspense thriller which continues to build throughout, and never slows down for a breath. You cannot stop reading, as he holds your attention from the time they exit the train to the end, in this fast-paced riveting dark psychological suspense. Would make a great film, crossing many genres from contemporary horror, supernatural, drama, ghosts, crime, mystery, suspense, psychological and thriller.
Edwards is at the “top of his game” – Brilliantly written and wow, what character development (expect more than one villain here). If you enjoy scary things that go bump in the night…. This one is for you. My heart is still pounding. Have also pre-ordered the audio, as enjoy listening after reading, to get the full experience!
Notes: Loved Edward the PI, my hero and look forward to reading the short story featuring private detective Edward Rooney from Follow You Home. I also enjoyed the inspiration behind the book. Mark, thanks for sharing as throughout the entire book, I was dying to tweet you to inquire. What a journey!
If you have not read Mark Edwards, previously, highly recommend all his back list for a ride of your life. He has a talent for getting into the minds of his characters.
Be sure and add The Blissfully Dead upcoming 9/29/15, A Detective Lennon Thriller by Louise Voss & Mark Edwards to your Must Read BookList!
JDCMustReadBooks
July 7, 2015
Mark Edwards is back with a new thriller sure to keep reader up late into the night, especially if they travel by rail. While on a tour of Europe, Laura and Daniel are robbed in the rural townships of Romania, their passports and tickets lifted from their bags. Romanian border guards toss them from the train, along with a young woman, Alina, who sought to defend them. In the middle of nowhere, Alina trudges off and Laura and Daniel soon follow, trying to find her, but only discovering a discarded boot. When they come upon a dilapidated house in the forest, Laura and Daniel explore, which is where they plot thickens immensely. Edwards moves the story forward, back to London, where Laura and Daniel sit on a secret they discovered in Romania, one that has left them emotionally and somewhat physically scarred. Neither will talk about it, but they soon drift apart and find themselves on separate tracks as they try to deal with it. Anyone Daniel tells portions of the story to ends up dead, leaving him to wonder if he's being hunted in order to keep quiet. Laura struggles as well, seeing ghosts surrounding her, which pushes her to the brink. Alina's own story adds to the mystery and her appearance in London leaves Daniel to wonder the true and complete story of that house in Romania. Edwards adds layers of thrill and psychological chill in his latest novel, with a cliffhanger or two to blindside the reader as well.
Edwards has a knack of building up a happy facade on the periphery of his stories, with a deeper and darker truth to them, the further the book progresses. Once the reader is halfway into the novel, like a masterful web, they cannot escape and must read on to discover what lies behind the next corner. With an interesting background pulled from history, Edwards seeks to thrill the reader into submission. One of his best solo pieces to date, readers will flock to this and devour it more in fear than necessity.
Kudos, Mr. Edwards for your sick and twisted ways as you try to keep the reader guessing until the bitter end.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Edwards has a knack of building up a happy facade on the periphery of his stories, with a deeper and darker truth to them, the further the book progresses. Once the reader is halfway into the novel, like a masterful web, they cannot escape and must read on to discover what lies behind the next corner. With an interesting background pulled from history, Edwards seeks to thrill the reader into submission. One of his best solo pieces to date, readers will flock to this and devour it more in fear than necessity.
Kudos, Mr. Edwards for your sick and twisted ways as you try to keep the reader guessing until the bitter end.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
December 29, 2015
3.5 stars
I had zero idea what this book was about, picking it up solely due to seeing Edwards' name pop up on here in glowing terms so often.
If anything, I thought that made the reading experience even better. It's a crazy, wild ride of a story and not even having the blurb to guide me made it all the more surprising.
It was hugely enjoyable but I felt the writing suffered at times. The style is splashy, all about the plot and surprises. Easy to read, a bit silly, but overall brilliant fun.
I had zero idea what this book was about, picking it up solely due to seeing Edwards' name pop up on here in glowing terms so often.
If anything, I thought that made the reading experience even better. It's a crazy, wild ride of a story and not even having the blurb to guide me made it all the more surprising.
It was hugely enjoyable but I felt the writing suffered at times. The style is splashy, all about the plot and surprises. Easy to read, a bit silly, but overall brilliant fun.
January 22, 2022
Audio - 5 stars
Story - 4 Stars
Story - 4 Stars
January 24, 2016
This is one creepy book. I'm not normally a reader of thrillers but this one had me on the edge of my seat trying to work out what had happened to a wholesome young couple in a dark forest in the middle of Romania.
Daniel and Laura, a young English couple are on a backpacking trip around Europe before settling down to have a a family when they are robbed on a train in the middle of Romania. With no money, tickets or passports they are thrown off the train by the passport inspectors in the middle of nowhere. On their journey to the nearest town something bad happens to them in a creepy tumbledown house in the middle of the forest. Something so bad and evil that they can never talk about it afterwards, even to each other. Back home, both still traumatised, their relationship falls apart but evil has followed them home and is not yet finished with them.
Mark Edwards writes creepiness and creepy characters very well. He builds the tension slowly with strange things happening to Daniel and Laura and their friends. When we do eventually find out what happened in the forest, it is truly evil and there are some very sinister characters involved. 4.5★
December 7, 2015
This started off creepy and thrilling but ended up being dull and stupid. The whole thing that happened at the house in the woods was disturbing yes, but I feel like it's been done before.
Still this isn't a terrible book though. That twist at the end made my jaw hit the floor!
Still this isn't a terrible book though. That twist at the end made my jaw hit the floor!
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