Scaredy Cat

Synopsis

The second book in the Tom Thorne series from bestselling author Mark Billingham, Scaredy Cat is a gripping, chilling tour-de-force; a book to keep you reading until deep into the night.

'Assured and shocking' Guardian

It was a vicious, calculated murder. The killer selected his victim at Euston station, followed her home on the tube, strangled her to death in front of her child. At the same time, killed in the same way, a second body is discovered at the back of King's Cross station. And this grisly event eerily echoes the murder of two other women, stabbed to death months before on the same day.

It is DI Tom Thorne who sees the link and comes to the horrifying conclusion. This is not a serial killer the police are up against.

This is two of them - and two killers are way more deadly than one . . .

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Read what everyone's saying about the heart-racing Tom Thorne series:

'Literary superstar' Mail on Sunday

'Ingenious' Guardian

'Ground-breaking' Sunday Times

'Mark Billingham gets better and better' Michael Connelly

'A cracking read . . . I couldn't put it down!' Shari Lapena

'A damn fine storyteller' Karin Slaughter

'Twisted and twisty' Linwood Barclay

'One of the most consistently entertaining, insightful crime writers working today' Gillian Flynn

'The next superstar detective is already with us. Don't miss him' Lee Child

Summary

Chapter 1: The Frightening Forest

In the Enchanted Forest, there lived a timid cat named Scaredy Cat. Scaredy Cat was afraid of everything, even the sound of her own purring. One day, she ventured out of her cozy cottage for a walk. But as she stepped into the forest, her fears took over. The rustling leaves sent shivers down her spine, and the shadows seemed to whisper sinister secrets. Example: Scaredy Cat jumped at the sight of a fluttering butterfly, convinced it was a monstrous bird.

Chapter 2: The Mysterious Stranger

Just when Scaredy Cat felt most overwhelmed, she heard a gentle voice. A wise owl, named Hoot, perched on a branch and offered to guide her through her fears. Hoot explained that fear was a natural part of life, but it shouldn't hold her back. Example: Scaredy Cat hesitated to cross a narrow bridge, but Hoot encouraged her by assuring her it was stronger than she thought.

Chapter 3: The Haunted House

Hoot led Scaredy Cat to a mysterious old house, which was rumored to be haunted. Scaredy Cat was terrified, but with Hoot's support, she entered the house. As they explored the dark corridors, they encountered creaking doors, cobwebs, and ghostly shadows. Example: Scaredy Cat's tail stood on end when she heard a strange noise in the attic.

Chapter 4: The Courageous Cat

Slowly but surely, Scaredy Cat started to face her fears. She realized that with Hoot's guidance and the support of her own inner strength, she could overcome her timidity. She chased away a group of mischievous squirrels, confronted a grumpy badger, and rescued a baby bird from a high tree. Example: Scaredy Cat stood up to a bully cat who was teasing her, proving that she was not the scaredy cat she once was.

Chapter 5: The Triumph

After conquering numerous challenges, Scaredy Cat's newfound bravery transformed her. She became an example for other timid creatures in the forest. Hoot's wise words and her own determination had helped her overcome her fears and lead a fulfilling life. Example: Scaredy Cat organized a playdate for all the shy animals in the forest, creating a safe and supportive environment where they could face their fears together.