Human Remains: A Novel

Human Remains is a chilling, masterful thriller by New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Haynes that explores our darkest fears, showing how vulnerable we are—and how easily ordinary lives can fall apart when no one is watching.

Annabel, a police analyst, is shocked when she discovers her neighbor’s decomposing body in the house next door. And she’s appalled to think that no one noticed her absence.

Back at work, she sets out on her own to investigate, and finds that such cases are frighteningly common in her hometown.

A hymn to all the lonely and compelling characters that haunt our lives, Human Remains is a deeply disturbing and powerful novel of suspense from Elizabeth Haynes, author of Into the Darkest Corner.

New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Haynes returns with a disturbing and powerful tale that preys on our darkest fears.

Police analyst Annabel wouldn't describe herself as lonely. Her work and the needs of her aging mother keep her busy. But Annabel is shocked when she discovers her neighbor's decomposing body in the house next door, and she is appalled to think that no one, including herself, noticed the woman's absence. Annabel sets out to investigate, despite her colleagues' lack of interest, and discovers that such cases are frighteningly common in her hometown.

A chilling thriller and a hymn to all the lonely people whose individual voices haunt its pages, Human Remains shows how vulnerable we are when we live alone, and how easily ordinary lives can fall apart when no one is watching.

“It’s hard to put the uniqueness of Elizabeth Haynes’ writing into words. Her stories grip you by the throat and force you to acknowledge that this is what real crime and real horror look and feel like, as well as real love, hope, fear. Suddenly, much of the other crime fiction you’ve read seems, in comparison, rather like stories made up by writers. Haynes is the most exciting thing to happen to crime fiction in a long time.” - Sophie Hannah

“Haynes is a master at building tension to unbearable heights....The only breaks you’re likely to take while reading will be to triple-check the locks on your doors and windows.” - BookPage

“This intense, gripping account of domestic violence and its aftermath is utterly unputdownable. A stunning debut.” - SJ Watson on Into the Darkest Corner

“Effectively explores the dark corners of the human psyche….Haynes does a good job detailing the multitude of painful circumstances that make people susceptible to Friedland’s manipulations, as the contest between Hayer and Friedland plays out in surprising fashion.” - Publishers Weekly

“A compelling story of obsession descending into madness.” - Booklist

“Human Remains is a compelling and disturbing novel, character driven but with some edge-of-your-seat suspense as well…dark, engaging, and richly human, this is a highly recommended and well-written novel.” - Suspense Magazine

“Provocative….An artfully woven tapestry.” - Kirkus Reviews

“[The] most ambitious—as well as the best—of Elizabeth Haynes’s suspense novels to date....Haynes keeps things rolling toward a frightening conclusion—you wont be able to read the last 50 pages or so quickly enough—and a satisfying ending....A smart, engrossing mystery.” - Bookreporter.com

“Fast paced, riveting, and intense.” - WorkingMother.com

“This smart, psychological thriller by Elizabeth Haynes taps into our deepest fears of being alone and vulnerable.” - Daily Candy, Best New Books of Fall 2013