The Cellar: A Novel

For fans of Ruth Rendell and P. D. James, The Cellar reveals a terrifying world far from the public eye, and shows what happens when humanity is pushed to its very limit. When Mr. and Mrs. Songoli’s young son goes missing, fourteen-year-old Muna’s fortunes change for the better. Knowing no other life than that of a slave, she is used to being abused by the Songoli family—physically, emotionally and even sexually.To keep up appearances during Scotland Yard’s investigation, Muna is given a real bedroom and real clothing, like a real daughter would have. But when the police leave the premises, she must once again call her captors “Princess” and “Master.” Assuming she doesn’t know how to read, write or speak English, the Songolis fear little from her. However, before long, it becomes clear that young Muna is far cleverer—and her plans far more terrifying—than the Songolis, or anyone else, could ever imagine.

Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Sly pacing and a detached narrative voice give this horror story exceptional punch.”

The Guardian

“This compact, well-told and extraordinarily atmospheric story packs more punch than many much longer books.”

Daily Mail (UK)

“Reads like a particularly grim Grimm’s Fairy Tale, with an all-too-credible contemporary setting.... Gratifyingly menacing.”

Independent (UK)

“A compulsive (and gruesome) read.”

Val McDermid

“Contemporary crime writing at its absolute peak.”

From the Back Cover

A Deadly Pleasures Best Novel of the Year from internationally bestselling author Minette Walters that tells the harrowing story of an African immigrant family and the dark secret they keep hidden in the depths of their seemingly respectable British home. On the day Mr. and Mrs. Songoli’s ten-year-old son fails to come home from school, fourteen-year-old Muna’s fortunes change for the better. Until then, her bedroom has been a dank, windowless cellar, her activities confined to cooking and cleaning. Over the years, she has grown used to being abused by the Songoli family—physically, emotionally, and even sexually. She has grown used to being their slave. With the son’s disappearance, Scotland Yard swarms the Songoli home, led by a savvy female inspector who isn’t afraid to ask hard questions. To keep up appearances, Muna is given a real bedroom and real clothing, and she is treated, at least nominally, as a daughter. But when the police leave the premises, she must once again call her captors “Princess” and “Master,” and her world remains confined. She is not allowed to go outside, doesn’t know how to read or write, and cannot speak English. At least that’s what the Songolis believe. Before long, it becomes clear that young Muna is far cleverer—and her plans far more terrifying—than the Songolis, or anyone else, could ever imagine.  For fans of Ruth Rendell and P. D. James, The Cellar reveals a terrifying world far from the public eye, and shows what happens when humanity is pushed to its very limit.

About the Author

Minette Walters is an internationally bestselling author with more than 25 million copies of her books sold worldwide. She is the author of twelve novels, winning the CWA John Creasey Award for The Ice House, the Edgar Allan Poe Award for The Sculptress and two CWA Gold Daggers for The Scold’s Bridle and Fox Evil. She lives in Dorset with her husband. After a break of 10 years, she burst on to the literary scene with her first stunning historical novel, The Last Hours.

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