Aristo's Family

Raymond Nickford has a degree in Psychology and Philosophy from the University College of North Wales and is a former lecturer in English Literature. raymondnickford-psychologicalsuspense.weebly.com

Set on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. A literary and psychological suspense.

Aristo's obsessive need to trace and belong to his family - even though he was told they were all burnt and left unidentifiable during the Turkish invasion of Cyprus - has estranged his English wife, and is gradually distancing his only child, while in turn, Pavlos has an increasing need to belong to a father who will make time for him.

As the practices at Papas’ late-night museum ‘staff meetings’ unfold themselves to Pavlos, the boy is led deeper into a sinister confrontation with what Papas calls his ‘family', but which brings him, through the ancient face-masks and relics, to unquiet souls of Greeks believed to have been thousands of years dead.

A strong blend of eeriness, suspense, an outsider's need to belong, the poignancy of lives but where there is still sun to shine between the clouds.

TAGS:

Cyprus, father and son, belonging, roots, moving, literary fiction, atmospheric, romance, Modern Greeks, hypnotism, ancient Greeks, mystery, suspense.

REVIEWS :

'All the characters are built up so stealthily we fail to notice that odd behaviour could develop into obsession and dark foreboding secrets.'

Daniel Manning – author of No Compatibility

'Taps into the psychological attributes of its characters.'

T. L. Tyson – author of Seeking Eleanor

' Atmospheric, vibrant, spooky page-turner. '

Reay Tannahill - historian, novelist and author of The Seventh Son.

' The sense of atmosphere and place developed is exquisitely detailed. '

Jack Hughes – author of Dawn of Shadows

'The author gives great voice to his characters, describing well their idiosyncrasies. A good story must either go deep or wide, and with Nickford's background in psychology he goes deep within the human condition.

Stephen Valentine - author of Nobody Rides for Free

' Beautifully observed characters, atmospheric, intriguing. '

Barbara Erskine – author of River of Destiny

'The meticulous, obsessive nature of paranoia is beautifully depicted.'

Jann King – author of Making Connections