20 years ago near Scarclaw Fell, Northumberland, teenager Tom Jeffries died, his body not turning up until a year later. The story hit the news and the finger of suspicion was pointed at many individuals, some of them directly blamed. There were even rumours of a deadly, mythical beast roaming the fells. If this sounds like the kind of folk-tale told round a camp-fire you’d be right, as close to Scarfell Fell was an outward bound centre where teenagers could pass around the rumours of the supernatural. But this book is no fantasy. It’s a crime novel, and takes its structure from a true crime podcast series.

The six stories are from a blog narrated by Scott King, a former journalist with a personal link to the event, with each podcast focused on a different character looking back at the time. We also hear regularly from the man who discovered the body, and what his friends were doing that night. The groups’ relationships provide interest. Their typical teenage shenanigans shine a light but clues are dotted on every flawed shoulder as unreliable narrators have things to hide. The Rangers, who stayed at the lodge, were a group of parents/carers that were on hand to visit and guide them if needs be, only adding to the media questions: was the death an accident? Murder? Or the work of a monster? And why did the body stay hidden for a year?

There is a strong sense of setting, the unsettling natural landscape a perfect fit for the story. There are connections, family and friendships, in this modern, unusual and chilling read. The slow build up and mounting suspense demanded a strong ending and thankfully that’s what we get.