Snow Red — Natalya Lowndes

Set in 1987-8, 'Snow Red' vividly contrasts the atmosphere of Moscow in the early throes of perestroika with the Slaters' bleak Gothic house perched on the edge of the North Sea at Clacton. Written with Natalya Lowndes' customary pace and vitality, this is an engrossing novel, as remarkable for its originality as it is memorable for its authenticity, horror and humour.