BOOK. Paul Cleave: The Quiet People

In Paul Cleave's thrilling novel The Quiet People, husband and wife crime writers Cameron and Lisa Murdoch are forced to confront their own hubris when their eight-year-old son, Zach, goes missing. The Murdochs have in the past made the bold claim that crime writers could pull off the perfect murder. Now, they must explain themselves to the police, the media, and their own fans.

Set in Christchurch, New Zealand, The Quiet People is a gripping tale of suspense and psychological turmoil. Cleave does a masterful job of creating a claustrophobic atmosphere, as the Murdochs find themselves trapped in a web of their own making.

The novel is told from two alternating perspectives: Cameron's and Detective Inspector Rebecca Kent's. Kent is a complex and sympathetic character, and her relationship with Cameron is both adversarial and nuanced. Cleave also introduces a third voice into the narrative: "Mr. What If," Cameron's inner critic. This additional perspective provides a unique and fascinating glimpse into Cameron's psyche.
The Quiet People is a well-written and suspenseful thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. Cleave is a master of his craft, and his latest novel is sure to please fans of the genre.