When Cora and her little sister Mimi are sent to stay with their great-aunt in the isolated village of Bryers Guerdon, they sense immediately that they're not welcome. What they don't know is that the last time two young girls were at Guerdon Hall, their visit ended in a mysterious, violent tragedy.
Something dark and evil has haunted the village for centuries. Now it has set eyes on its next victim, and it will stop at nothing to lay claim to her. With the help of local schoolboys Roger and Peter, Cora must uncover the horrifying secrets buried deep within Bryers Guerdon - before it is too late for Mimi.
Bewitching and atmospheric, this is a truly stunning debut that will linger with you for days after the final, chilling pages.
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The terror is as relentless as the ballad the story springs from ... chilling - Observer
Long Lankin is truly spine-chilling. A real sense of menace pervades the book and the cold dampness of the abandoned church and Ida's neglected home feel almost tangible ... I loved this book. It's such an impressive debut. Every element is spot on - from the elegant prose, through the realistic portrayal of various aspects of family life, the three-dimensional characters and the occasional comic set-piece, to the supernatural horror underpinning it, which is absolutely chilling. Highly recommended - The Bookbag
I struggled to put it down ... I hope everyone discovers Lindsey Barraclough because her writing is great escapism - TES
This is an absolutely stunning debut novel that I can see appearing on multiple prize lists ... The tension is almost unbearable and the atmosphere and setting genuinely spine-tingling. Be warned, once you pick it up you will not want to be disturbed or be able to put it down! - Reading Zone
A uniquely creepy read and one of the most original YA novels I have ever read. Totally unputdownable - www.overflowinglibrary.com
Not for the faint-hearted, this mesmerizing tale generates goosebumps on almost every page - Booktrust
Not only was Long Lankin one of those books I wanted to reread as soon as I'd finished it, but I also wanted to thrust a copy into the hands of everyone I know and demand they read it. The story is as creepy and atmospheric as the cover suggests and I completely and utterly fell in love with it. I honestly don't know where to begin. I found the story completely mesmerising ... I can't fault this one at all. A stunning debut - I Want To Read That
A brilliant debut novel with a beautifully crafted and perfectly executed story. Told through the different characters' voices, the narrative is skilfully balanced, giving you laughs one minute and chills the next. The characters feel as real as the small, rural village Barraclough conjures up - Sugarscape
I am utterly obsessed with Long Lankin ... A brilliantly written, psychologically harrowing horror - Writing From the Tub
Snakes alive, it was a gripping read. I really loved it (even if it did keep me awake at night) and I'm pleased to say it's been just as popular with the kids and staff I've given it to here. Not only is it a gripping story but it turns everything upside down, it took me half the book to suddenly realise the main characters aren't the main characters, the kids don't save the day (hurrah! How refreshing!), the barest physical description of Long Lankin made him horribly vivid in my mind and I had so many of those 'I can't read on! I must read on!' moments -
This is a story to get lost in... there is enough plot here for a trilogy, and it will drag down readers looking for quick thrills. Those who appreciate old-fashioned chillers, though, will be rewarded - Booklist
Lindsey Barraclough was born in Essex. She worked as a music teacher and lives in London with her husband and their five children. Long Lankin is her first novel.
