$16.47 sale price when purchased online
$29.00 list price
Target Online store #3991
About this item
Highlights
- "[A] finely written and thrilling tour de force.
- About the Author: Peter Nichols is the author of the bestselling novel The Rocks, the nonfiction bestsellers A Voyage for Madmen, Evolution's Captain, and three other books of fiction, memoir, and non-fiction.
- 320 Pages
- Fiction + Literature Genres, Thrillers
Description
About the Book
"Set in small-town Maine, an English novelist-turned-detective investigates a serial killer preying on the historic town."--Book Synopsis
"[A] finely written and thrilling tour de force."
-Wall Street Journal
Review Quotes
"At once tender and harrowing, Granite Harbor uses a nuanced human lens to examine a community in peril. Peter Nichols turns his mastery of language to the mystery novel, and spins it into visceral terror. A gripping thriller from an exciting new crime writer."
--Danya Kukafka, author of the Edgar Award Winning Notes on an Execution and Girl in Snow
--Alex Michaelides, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Silent Patient and The Fury "Peter Nichols is a remarkably inventive, versatile writer, a master of the emotionally resonant page-turner. And now he's written a literal thriller, complete with a brilliantly compelling killer with a fiendishly shocking method. Even better, underlying Nichols's wildly original plot is a bedrock of strong characters, a community of parents and children, lovers and friends, colleagues and rivals, all connected in deep, moving, surprising, and inspiring ways. I loved Granite Harbor for the sheer skill and brio of Nichols's storytelling. But more than that, I'm now invested in this town and its inhabitants, rooting for his wonderful detective, and hoping for a sequel. Or a series."
--Kate Christensen, author of Welcome Home, Stranger "Stephen King is no longer the only master of psychological thriller set in the seeming idyll of small-town Maine. With Granite Harbor, Peter Nichols brings a sharp eye for character and nuance to a twisting tale of horror and betrayals both large and small in a small, long-memoried town, weaving a murder mystery as delicate and devastating as an onion spun out of glass. You will never look at coastal New England in the same way again. I know I won't."
--Katherine Howe, New York Times bestselling author of A True Account "Well-written, character-driven portrait of small-town New England meets Silence of the Lambs."
--Kirkus Reviews "A grisly and fiendishly inventive murder mystery that will rattle even seasoned genre fans."
--Publishers Weekly "Nichols (The Rocks, 2015) plots a compelling page-turner, particularly with periodic chapters from the murderer's point of view that...build an anonymous portrait of a tragically neglected and abused individual. The real strength here is in the compassionate portrayal of a diverse array of small-town characters, some suspects, some not, who struggle with their own past lies and secrets."
--Booklist "[A] finely written and thrilling tour de force."
--Wall Street Journal "Peter Nichols has written an engrossing thriller that straddles that line between literary and genre, as a deeply disturbed criminal stalks the young people of a sleepy town... uncommon, and often deliciously scary, reading."
--Criminal Element "Nichols weaves together multiple viewpoints with escalating intrigue and suspense. His narrative is dark, grisly, and cinematic. Infused in the plot are themes: the struggles of teen parenting; dealing with failed careers; second chances; and struggles of everyday life... This story will appeal to aficionados of both detective and serial killer novels. To me, this was pleasantly reminiscent of the HBO series Mare of Easttown."
--Mystery & Suspense Magazine
Praise for THE ROCKS: "This page-turner will transport readers to the sunny community of expats at a glamorous seaside resort, where mystery, love, and family legacy are all fiercely intertwined." --Harper's Bazaar "[What] smart, sexy summer lit is invariably made of. . . Think of it as a beach read you'll respect in the morning." --Entertainment Weekly "[The Rocks is] constructed to keep the reader guessing. . . In other words, this is the perfect book for pretending it's already beach season." --O, The Oprah Magazine "Glamorous. . . A riveting mystery and a decades-long love story." --Travel & Leisure "Propulsive." --The New York Times Book Review
About the Author
Peter Nichols is the author of the bestselling novel The Rocks, the nonfiction bestsellers A Voyage for Madmen, Evolution's Captain, and three other books of fiction, memoir, and non-fiction. His novel Voyage to the North Star was nominated for the Dublin IMPAC literary award. His journalism has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize. He has an MFA degree from Antioch University Los Angeles, and has taught creative writing there and at Georgetown University, Bowdoin College, and New York University in Paris. Before turning to writing full time, he held a 100 ton USCG Ocean Operator's license and was a professional yacht delivery captain for 10 years. He has also worked in advertising in London, as a screenwriter in Los Angeles, a shepherd in Wales, and sailed alone in a small boat across the Atlantic. He is a member of the Explorers Club of New York.Dimensions (Overall): 9.37 Inches (H) x 6.5 Inches (W) x 1.08 Inches (D)
Weight: 1.06 Pounds
Suggested Age: 22 Years and Up
Number of Pages: 320
Genre: Fiction + Literature Genres
Sub-Genre: Thrillers
Publisher: Celadon Books
Theme: Suspense
Format: Hardcover
Author: Peter Nichols
Language: English
Street Date: April 30, 2024
TCIN: 89098324
UPC: 9781250894816
Item Number (DPCI): 247-02-4350
Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
If the item details above aren’t accurate or complete, we want to know about it.
Shipping details
Estimated ship dimensions: 1.08 inches length x 6.5 inches width x 9.37 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 1.06 pounds
We regret that this item cannot be shipped to PO Boxes.
This item cannot be shipped to the following locations: United States Minor Outlying Islands, American Samoa (see also separate entry under AS), Puerto Rico (see also separate entry under PR), Northern Mariana Islands, Virgin Islands, U.S., APO/FPO, Guam (see also separate entry under GU)
Return details
This item can be returned to any Target store or Target.com.
This item must be returned within 90 days of the date it was purchased in store, shipped, delivered by a Shipt shopper, or made ready for pickup.
See the return policy for complete information.
Guests also viewed
Discover more options
4.7 out of 5 stars with 15 reviews
100% would recommend
10 recommendations
mystery/thriller/horror
3 out of 5 stars
bostieslovebooks - 4 months ago
Thanks Celadon for the gifted ARC book. Failing as a novelist and now a single parent and the sole detective of a small coastal town in Maine, Alex finds himself in a race to catch a killer after a local teen is brutally murdered. Well, this one was graphic! And I’m not quite sure that it needed to be to the extent that it was. I still would have gotten the same creepy vibes if things had been toned down a bit. I did figure out the killer well ahead of the reveal which was a little disappointing. I liked the police procedural aspect; however, the gratuitous areas dampened my overall excitement. The characters were pretty unlikeable and not in the fun love-to-hate them kind of way. I’m sure there’s an audience that will better enjoy this book. I do have another of Nichols’ novels, The Rocks, on my shelf which I plan to read at some point.
Creepy
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
LA - 5 months ago, Verified purchaser
Just began reading this but it starts out as a very thrilling book.
good but very graphic
5 out of 5 stars
MGMGMG - 6 months ago
This book was well-written, and I'm not sorry I read it, but it is very graphic and that's definitely something that the reader should know going in. The characters were definitely compelling, so that's part of the reason that I would say it's worth reading--the plot was also well done, and there was good atmosphere--the author did an excellent job of evoking the creepy environment that would almost certainly be prevalent in the circumstances set up by this book! If you're a reader who enjoys really getting into the book and feeling like you are right there in the town, this is a good choice for you. But if you are squeamish or have a hard time getting visuals out of your head, this might not be your best option. As a psychological thriller, though, it's really excellent and would probably appeal to fans of police and crime dramas, like Law and Order.
Not Too Bad
3 out of 5 stars
Devin - 7 months ago
In Granite Harbor, life has continued on quietly for decades. That is until a local teenager is found murdered in the town's historic archaeological site, the Settlement. Adjusting to life as a single dad with a failed novelist career, Alex Brangwen is the town's sole detective. This is his first murder case and he knows the people of Granite Harbor are depending on him to catch the killer and temper the fear that has descended over the town. Isabel is a single mother who is attempting to support her family while healing from her own demons. She finds herself in the middle of the case when she begins working at the Settlement. Isabel's son, Ethan, and Alex's daughter, Sophie, were best friends with the boy who was murdered. When a second teenager is found dead, the body left in the same manner as the first, both parents are terrified that their child may be next. As Isabel and Alex race to find the killer, the town's secrets, both past and present, begin surfacing, threatening to unravel the tight-knit community. I thought the suspense in this one was good but think the ending could have been stronger.
Gruesome serial killer thriller
4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
lurkykitty - 7 months ago
Granite Harbor is a serial killer thriller set in a quiet, small coastal Maine town. The story starts when a local teen is murdered, the body displayed in a gruesome fashion. The narrative unfolds primarily through two perspectives, those of Alex, a police detective, formerly a novelist, from England, and Isabel, single mother of a teenage boy who is a friend of the first victim. We are also shown the perspective of the killer. The many characters are well-developed, especially Alex and Isabel. The author skillfully illustrates the atmosphere of, and interconnectedness within, the small town. I enjoyed the suspenseful buildup and could not put this book down. This well written book was suspenseful, dark and unsettling. The killer's life and methods were horrifying, disturbing and grisly. A good thriller but not for the faint of heart. TW: animal cruelty, child death, gruesome murders
Non-stop thrills and suspense
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Grandma Cootie - 7 months ago
Granite Harbor is an unusual book. The premise is interesting but like a lot of other books: small town, missing teenagers, possible serial killer. Sounds good but nothing unique, nothing that grabs you . . . until you read a couple of chapters and realize you are already completely immersed. Author Peter Nichols fills this story with people surprisingly fascinating and different than expected, situations and events that you don’t see coming, and so many twists and turns and shocks that you won’t want to put it down until the mystery is solved, the killer is identified. Alex Brangwen is one of those unexpectedly fascinating people. An Englishman who was a novelist when a whirlwind romance and marriage brought him to the United States and eventually to Granite Harbor. Things are a little different than those early days, though. Novelist: failed. Marriage: failed. Alex is now Granite Harbor’s sole detective. He shares a daughter, Sophie, with his ex. They get along well enough to co-parent, but once Morgana realized she wasn’t married to a soon-to-be-famous novelist she returned to her high society self without Alex. Loving Maine, never even considering leaving Sophie, Alex became a policeman and then a detective. He’s content – well, content enough anyway. And now it’s his job to solve this crime and make sure no more teenagers are taken and murdered. Isabel Dorr is also a single parent, to son Ethan. Widowed eleven years ago, she’s still stuck in grief and losing her husband and Ethan’s father has been difficult on them both. Difficulties at work for Isabel, at school for Ethan. They’re making do, but barely. There was at one time a little spark, a barely started what-if relationship between Alex and Isabel but things got complicated and it ended. Granite Harbor is so good, so compelling, that to say much more about the plot would introduce major spoilers. The Granite Harbor Living History Settlement as well as some rough, wooded country of Maine plays a major role – and some of the people, some of what goes on, is nothing short of weird. Once the killings start the story takes off and you just have to hang on. It’s one of those books so full of suspense your brain is churning, trying to figure out who the murderer is and how to prevent the next murder from happening. At the start, you can read a couple of chapters and put the book aside, but at some point your brain goes from merely churning to frantically churning. So many suspects to worry about. And even once you learn who the killer is, instead of calming down, your brain becomes even more frantic, because now you have to warn the potential next victims: Go! Run! Hide! What? What can you tell them? How can you tell them? Everything will be okay, though, won’t it? Your favorite characters will live happily ever after, won’t they? Well, maybe a little trauma, but they will be alive and breathing. Not dead. Or will they? And you absolutely cannot put this book down anymore. The characters are so well drawn. Alex is complex, Isabel is heartbreaking, especially when she “sees” things that terrify her. Supporting cast is varied with a multitude of secrets. The words, the pace, the plot: excellent. Thanks to Celadon Books for providing an advance copy of Granite Harbor via NetGalley. As always, I am proud and happy to be a Celadon Reader because their selection of books is the absolute best. Peter Nichols has written a suspenseful, startling, satisfying book that I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend without hesitation. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
Intense hidden in plain sight
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Joanna C - 7 months ago
I loved the narrator for this audiobook he did a great job of setting the scene and portraying all the different characters. The author did a great job of interc0nnecting all the different viewpoints shared in the story. Throughout the book you get glimpses into the mind of the killer and what he's thinking as he goes around committing crimes. I loved that throughout the book you get detail on the history of the town where this story takes places. You also get some background info on the main characters of the story and situations they have been through, I think it's a great book to read or listen to if you are looking to get into thrillers it's not extremely graphic, and deals with real life situations. Though there are mentions of SA it doesn't go into too much detail ( be aware of this before reading). I would definitely recommend this story if you want to read a thriller that will keep you interested from beginning to end.
Inscrutable Horror
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
CindyNurse727 - 7 months ago
Granite Harbor' by Peter Nichols is a fantastic read. This novel delivers up horror as inscrutable as my favorite Stephen King reads. The details being served up are unbelievable but embraceable. Nichols' characters are endearing and memorable. They feel like people I know, whereas sometimes when reading novels with multiple characters I forget particular traits or significant personality details. I found myself very anxious for the conclusion before more horror unfolded for these people. The setting lends to the almost wiccan vibe but again, thanks to the influence of Stephen King, Maine seems to beg of clinical horror. I thought the novel concluded satisfactorily; all of the threads weren't totally tied off but I have an idea how the future might play out for my favorite characters. I would give this novel five stars and definitely recommend it to anyone who likes thrillers, horror and a few romantic vibes. Thanks to BookishFirst and Celadon for putting this ARC in my hands. Go out and buy a copy on April 30th 2024!
Five Stars!
5 out of 5 stars
Micki73 - 7 months ago
This one consumed my entire weekend!! A teenage boy goes missing in a small town in Maine. The local detective, who is also an award winning novelist, is utilizing all of his resources to solve this case that has likely been committed by a serial killer. The mystery is told so well, without a lot of unnecessary misdirection (which is a pet peeve of mine). Nichols paints the portrait of small town life and culture so accurately, it feels like you are there. Like you know these people, immersed in this horrific and grotesque event together. If you watched Mare of Easttown, you’re going to want to grab this book! Thanks to @celadonbooks for this early copy in exchange for my honest review.
Mind Blown - Ending was 🤯🤯
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
TRich - 7 months ago
Do you REALLY know the people you interact with every day? Or are they hiding a much bigger secret, thirst, need? I could NOT put this book down - especially at the end. I spent many nights staying up as late as I possibly could because the story just kept getting better and better. This was such a thrilling story of a small town using the knowledge they had about their friends, neighbours, even loved ones. The pace of the story only got better and faster as I got through the chapters. The prologue was super intriguing and exciting, as it suddily discussed the essence of the plot. The book is based in Maine, in a small little town of Granite Harbor. Where a group of life long teenage friends are faced with a sudden death that changed their lives and the entire town. This is nothing the small town ever had experienced before, which send the town into straight fear & panic. The murder is not such a surprise as l to what the murder consisted of, very unexpected things happened and all of which are not explained until further into the book. The FBI gets called into to assist with the local police and detective. This book will take you on a whole different l kind of adventure. Throughout the story, you heard from the different characters POVs, including the killers. I really enjoyed learning about the killer, about their past and bascially what they went through to make them who they l are in the present day story. I found myself keeping track of every character's story and trying to play detective myself connecting events to characters. It was such a fun, creepy and thrilling read! The author did a great job with description, because "The Devil is in the details". I truly enjoyed not only reading the book but also finding myself trying to play detective keeping track of every character's story and connecting it to the events in the story. The author did a fabulous job with character development as well, the way that each character's story grew seperatly but together as a whole was super fun to follow and read. I would rate this book 4.5 stars (rounded up to 5) because it did take me a bit to get into the book due to a lot of descriptive chapters that I would end up having to go back to and re-read when I started making the connections to the characters. I will say this book was probably one of my more mature reads because the author used a lot of words I would have to look up to make sure I was understand what was being said /described. I will happily reccommend this book if you like; - Murder Mysterys - Crime/Thriller/TWISTS - Mature Read - Slow Burn to Fast Flames - Making Connections to Characters Thank you Peter Nichols, Celadon Books, and BookishFirst for providing me this ARC l through winning the Bookish First Raffle. The review is completed with my own thoughts and opinions.
It did not disappoint
5 out of 5 stars
Jazisunray - 7 months ago
Granite Harbor is a small close knit town in Maine. A summer vacation spot for many. A quaint town where everyone knows each other whether by name or face. One day, a local teen is murdered and the town is on edge. The only detective in town must try to catch the killer. His daughter is one of the victim's closest friends. The Mom of another close friend finds herself engulfed in the case. Time is of the essence as another teen is murdered. I was completely and throughly engaged in this novel. The character development was phenomenal. The author had me trying to figure out the significance of each character as they were introduced. I was inpatient, I needed to know what was happening and why. It was thrilling. The story was laid out in a manner that made me not want to put it down. There were several plot twist that had me up in arms. Could it be her? Did he do it? Why? All questions that swirled in my mind as read. Some of the characters had me in my feelings. It was an emotional rollercoaster ride. I highly recommend this book. Thank you #Celadonbooks for the opportunity to be an early reader. It did not disappoint.
Read this one. Now. Go!!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Frustrated - 7 months ago
This book was quite the ride. From the beginning, a number of characters were introduced, but I couldn’t quite piece it together to figure out how they were all connected. Throughout the book, I developed multiple theories, but I never quite managed to guess the final reveal. The story was set in Maine, and I definitely saw some parallels to a very well known writer. The characters were relatable and some elements were both chilling and horrifying. Overall, this book kept me intrigued and I wanted to continue reading well past my bedtime. I highly encourage you to check this one out just as soon as it is released!!! I was provided an advance readers copy direct from Celadon in exchange for my honest review. I am so grateful for the chance to read this one and look forward to more by this author. @celadonbooks #CeladonReads #GraniteHarbor
this psychological thriller kept me up at night!!!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Alex Dudich - 7 months ago
the town of granite harbor, maine is rocked by the gruesome murder of a sixteen year old, and local detective alex brangwen is puzzled. when a second victim is found, the race to catch the killer turns that much more frantic. alex has a young daughter of his own and is worried she & her friends could be next. this read like a binge-able netflix series!!! thanks celadon books for the arc!!
Captivating thriller
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Bookish801 - 7 months ago
This novel is one of the darkest and most captivating crime novels this year. Although set in Maine, the style of this novel closely resembles my favorite Nordic Noir - think The Chestnut Man and Lars Kepler novels. What looks like a ritualistic killing of one of the local teen turns into a nightmare when another boy is found dead. Town’s only detective is now on a hunt for a serial killer. This deeply atmospheric read really chills you to the bone. From page one, you get a true horror movie vibe: a psycho following and hunting down teenagers. The author did such a great job creating the unsettling, eerie feeling of the empty streets at night. The side story of single parents raising their teens in the town of Granite Harbor is emotional and grim. Their struggles, worries and horrors they are thrown into while the killer is on the lose are real and deeply felt. I really enjoyed the psychological aspect of this novel. The dual timeline tells the story in present time and gives a glimpse into the killer’s early life and childhood trauma. As the past slowly revealed, you are able to put two and two together. It’s a surprising twist and the race against time begins. Overall, this was an excellent thriller, propulsive and intriguing. Be ready for some dark and disturbing parts. Plenty of spine-tingling suspense and tension building till the very end.
Creepy, noir thriller
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Michelleg55 - 7 months ago
The story is told from multiple POVs including a group of teenage friends, their parents, and a ritualistic killer. The plotting is dark, suspenseful, intriguing, and full of red herrings which I devoured. The details of the murders are dark and disturbing and there is some animal cruelty in this book, so be aware of the triggers before reading.