On Harrow Hill Book Summary and Characters, John Verdon

0
Advertisement

What is the summary of the book On Harrow Hill written by John Verdon? Information about the summary, characters and analysis of On Harrow Hill.

On Harrow Hill Book Summary

“On Harrow Hill” is a novel written by John Verdon, published in 2021. The book is a suspenseful thriller that combines elements of horror, mystery, and psychological suspense.

The story is set in the fictional small town of Larchfield, located in upstate New York. The town is known for its annual Harrow Fest, a celebration of the town’s history that includes a parade, a fair, and a reenactment of a Revolutionary War battle.

The novel centers around the disappearance of a young woman named Shannon Blaine, who goes missing during the Harrow Fest. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that there are dark secrets and sinister forces at play in the town.

Advertisement

The protagonist of the novel is Dave Gurney, a retired NYPD homicide detective who is drawn into the investigation by his friend, the town’s police chief. As Gurney delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of lies, deception, and murder that threatens to consume him.

One of the key themes of the novel is the idea of history repeating itself. The town’s celebration of its past is contrasted with the dark and violent events that are unfolding in the present. The novel also explores the idea of the power of belief and how it can be used to manipulate and control people.

Overall, “On Harrow Hill” is a gripping and atmospheric novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Summary

“On Harrow Hill” is a psychological suspense novel that combines elements of horror, mystery, and police procedural. The story is set in the fictional town of Larchfield, located in upstate New York.

The novel opens with the town’s annual Harrow Fest, a celebration of the town’s history that includes a parade, a fair, and a reenactment of a Revolutionary War battle. The festival is attended by many visitors, including Dave Gurney, a retired NYPD homicide detective who is visiting his friend and former colleague, Bill Hardwick, the town’s police chief.

During the festival, a young woman named Shannon Blaine goes missing. Shannon is a member of a local theater group that is performing at the festival, and she was last seen by her boyfriend, Mark Miller, who is also a member of the group. When Shannon fails to show up for a performance, Mark becomes worried and contacts the police.

Hardwick asks Gurney to help with the investigation, and Gurney reluctantly agrees. As Gurney begins to look into Shannon’s disappearance, he becomes convinced that there is more to the case than meets the eye. He discovers that Shannon had been receiving strange, cryptic messages in the weeks leading up to her disappearance, and that she had become increasingly fearful and paranoid.

Advertisement

Gurney’s investigation leads him to a number of suspicious characters, including Shannon’s ex-boyfriend, a local historian, and a reclusive millionaire who owns a large estate on the outskirts of town. Gurney also discovers that there have been a number of other disappearances in the area over the years, and that there may be a connection between them and Shannon’s case.

As Gurney delves deeper into the investigation, he begins to experience strange and unsettling visions. He sees ghostly figures and hears eerie voices, and he becomes convinced that he is being haunted by the town’s dark and violent past. Gurney begins to fear for his own sanity, but he refuses to give up on the case.

With the help of Hardwick and a small group of dedicated officers, Gurney eventually uncovers the truth behind Shannon’s disappearance. He discovers that the town’s history is far darker and more sinister than anyone had ever imagined, and that the events of the past are still having a powerful effect on the present.

On Harrow Hill” is a gripping and atmospheric novel that combines suspense, horror, and police procedural elements to create a unique and compelling story. The novel is a meditation on the power of belief, the nature of evil, and the importance of facing one’s fears. John Verdon has crafted a masterful thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Characters

On Harrow Hill” features a range of characters, each with their own unique personalities and motivations. Some of the key characters include:

  1. Dave Gurney: The protagonist of the novel, Dave Gurney is a retired NYPD homicide detective who is drawn into the investigation of Shannon Blaine’s disappearance. He is a skilled investigator, but he is also haunted by his past and struggles with his own demons.
  2. Bill Hardwick: The police chief of Larchfield, Bill Hardwick is a friend and former colleague of Gurney’s. He asks Gurney to help with the investigation of Shannon’s disappearance and provides crucial support and information throughout the case.
  3. Shannon Blaine: The young woman who goes missing during the Harrow Fest, Shannon is a member of a local theater group. She is described as intelligent and independent, but she also harbors dark secrets.
  4. Mark Miller: Shannon’s boyfriend and fellow member of the theater group, Mark is initially a suspect in her disappearance. He is described as charming and good-looking, but also manipulative and deceitful.
  5. Jim O’Brien: A local historian and expert on the town’s history, Jim O’Brien is a key figure in the investigation. He is described as eccentric and reclusive, with a deep knowledge of the town’s dark past.
  6. Walter Greenwald: A reclusive millionaire who owns a large estate on the outskirts of town, Walter Greenwald is another suspect in the case. He is described as mysterious and enigmatic, with a sinister air.
  7. Emma Gurney: Dave Gurney’s wife, Emma is a psychologist who provides crucial support and insight to Gurney throughout the investigation. She is described as intelligent and empathetic, with a deep understanding of human behavior.
  8. The ghostly figures: Throughout the novel, Gurney experiences strange and unsettling visions of ghostly figures, including a Revolutionary War soldier and a group of children. These figures are described as haunting and malevolent, representing the town’s dark and violent past.

Leave A Reply