Grasshopper

Blamed by her parents for the tragic death of a friend, Clodagh has been banished from their home in the countryside to a dingy basement flat and a meaningless existence in the city. Then she meets the inhabitants of the top floor of 15 Russia Road. Charismatic Silver, brutal Jonny, paranoid Liv and exotic Wim range across a London of roofs, eaves and ledges, unseen by the ordinary inhabitants, thrilling in the freedom and danger. Clodagh, haunted for two years by the accident on the pylon, finds that running the roofs with these fascinating misfits brings her back to life, but it seems that tragedy and misfortune may not be done with her yet... 'Full of twists, turns, coincidences and surprises... a rich and rewarding read' Simon Brett, Daily Mail 'She is a mistress of unease, drawing her readers into situations of pleasurable tension... to her previous deft, dry skill of superb storytelling she now adds heat and warmth' Frances Fyfield, Sunday Times 'One of Barbara Vine's finest novels' Spectator 'Brilliantly on edge from start to finish... haunting, thrilling and original' Literary Review