The List

Top 5 watery thrillers, inspired by Doug Johnstone's Gone Again

John Burnside, Jules Verne and Nicci French have all taken inspiration from the sea
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Top 5 watery thrillers, inspired by Doug Johnstone's Gone Again

John Burnside, Jules Verne and Nicci French have all taken inspiration from the sea

A Summer of Drowning – John Burnside

On a remote island in the Arctic circle, two boys drown in mysterious circumstances. Liv, beguiled by stories of a wild spirit who tempts young men into danger, begins to wonder whether the spirit could be responsible for the deaths. A dreamy, creepy treat.

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea – Jules Verne

Three intrepid sea-dogs venture out to rid the seas of a terrifying monster, only to find that the beast is really a huge submarine manned by the mysterious Captain Nemo. A truly fantastic voyage that ranges from the lost city of Atlantis to the South Pole.

We, the Drowned – Carsten Jensen

As soon as Albert is old enough, he sails across the globe looking for his missing father. But when he returns, bearing a mysterious shrunken head and plagued by premonitions of bloodshed, he finds a town increasingly run by women – including a widow intent on liberating all men from the tyranny of the sea.

Losing You – Nicci French

Nina gave up city life for a home on a bleak, isolated island off England’s east coast. She feels safe there, but when her daughter goes missing the island becomes a place of secrets and suspicions.

The Wave – Susan Casey

Giant waves, volcanoes and global shipping don’t usually feature in thrillers, but all the stories here are true. What with the underwater landslides and 100-foot waves, you’re best staying on dry land with a good book.

Gone Again is published by Faber & Faber on Thu 7 Mar.

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