Hannah Richell’s One Dark Night is an intricate psychological thriller that impressively blends crime, suspense, and just a little bit of folklore.
Set in the small, insular village of Thorncombe, the novel unfolds in the aftermath of a Halloween gathering that turns deadly. When the body of a teenage girl is discovered near a hauntingly historic folly (an ornamental building), the town is thrust into a whirlwind of grief, suspicion, and long-buried secrets. As layers of the mystery unravel, Richell crafts a gripping narrative that explores privilege, trauma, and the ghost stories—both literal and figurative—that shape our lives.
At the heart of the novel are three intertwined perspectives: Rachel, a school counsellor struggling to navigate her increasingly distant relationship with her daughter; Ben, her ex-husband and a local detective, whose personal involvement complicates his role in the case; and Ellie, their teenage daughter, who harbours her own secrets from that fateful night. This shifting narrative structure enhances the novel’s tension, allowing readers to piece together the mystery from multiple vantage points while also deepening the emotional weight of the story.
Richell’s prose is atmospheric and evocative, capturing an eerie beauty to the English countryside while amplifying the novel’s underlying sense of unease. The setting—dominated by the folk legend of “Sally in the Wood”—adds a chilling dimension, as superstition and reality intertwine in unsettling ways. The legend itself, said to haunt the road where the tragedy occurs, serves as a compelling backdrop that heightens the psychological stakes, reinforcing how fear and folklore can shape communal memory and behavior.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its ability to balance a tightly constructed mystery with profound character development. Richell’s depiction of teenage social dynamics is particularly well-executed, highlighting the complexities of peer pressure, privilege, and the desperate desire for acceptance. The students at Folly View College are not merely secondary characters but integral players in a carefully orchestrated game of deception and revelation. Each suspect is well crafted, ensuring that the reader remains engaged in the puzzle until the final outcome.
While One Dark Night excels in its intricate plotting and psychological depth, some readers may find certain narrative techniques—such as delayed responses to key revelations—a bit contrived, seemingly designed to extend the tension rather than serve the story organically. However, this is a minor critique in an otherwise compelling novel. The pacing is expertly maintained, with each chapter building upon the last, culminating in a finale that is as shocking as it is satisfying.
Ultimately, One Dark Night is a standout thriller that successfully intertwines crime fiction with the gothic allure of local legends. Fans of slow-burning suspense, rich character studies, and atmospheric settings will find much to admire in Richell’s latest work. With its fascinating insights into family dynamics, adolescent vulnerabilities, and the power of stories—both told and untold—this novel cements Richell’s reputation as a writer of gripping, thought-provoking fiction. A perfect read for those who enjoy psychological thrillers with an eerie, folkloric twist.
Reviewer: Chris Reed
Simon and Schuster