€5 off first Book Purchase of €50+ | With Code: CHAPTERSBOOKSTORE
From the acclaimed writer of Luther and Hard Sun, Natural History is a work of exquisite tension
Strange things are happening in Monkeyland, the ailing Devonshire sanctuary that Patrick and his zoologist wife, Jane, took on in a bid to save their marriage. Their oldest female primate, the wise and gentle Rue, is found murdered in a corner of the compound. And a big, panther-like cat, preys around the park. It evades capture, lurking in the shadows and in the back of Patrick's mind. Private, threatening, elusive.
With Patrick's son, Charlie, having left Monkeyland in disgrace and his wife on a field trip in Zaire, Patrick is left alone with his black cat and his fears. Until one night something happens that is so shocking, so deplorable, that it rips apart everything Patrick had ever held to be true.
They say that a parent's worse nightmare is to suffer the death of a child. But what if that's not true?
Praise for Natural History:
'The skill with which the author manipulates the narrative, revealing its developments only by degrees, is what gives this sharply observed and suspenseful novel its edge - so that when the shocking climax takes place, it is both entirely unexpected and frighteningly plausible' The Times
'Powerfully intelligent... the frightening permeability of borders lies at the centre of this complex and troubling book... Compressed lyricism generates sudden shifts between transitory events and durable historical patterns, Cross's novel is serious and compelling in equal measure' Guardian
'Taut domestic intrigue, sprung with mistrust and the menacing stealth of hunting... A subtle interplay of anxieties and tolerances that keep parental treacheries in glaring focus' Financial Times
'I'm a big fan of this author and particularly of this menacing novel, which on the surface could be a family drama but turns into something very nasty indeed. It's clever, tense and chilling. Highly recommended' Sarah Broadhurst, The Bookseller
'Dark and densely plotted...the plot reaches a violent climax, challenging notions of guilt and the limits of parental responsibility' Daily Mail
'A masterpiece... seductively readable, no matter how much one dreads what may happen next... mercilessly realistic... This is a dangerous novel. Everyone in it has a lot to worry about' Daily Telegraph
Strange things are happening in Monkeyland, the ailing Devonshire sanctuary that Patrick and his zoologist wife, Jane, took on in a bid to save their marriage. Their oldest female primate, the wise and gentle Rue, is found murdered in a corner of the compound. And a big, panther-like cat, preys around the park. It evades capture, lurking in the shadows and in the back of Patrick's mind. Private, threatening, elusive.
With Patrick's son, Charlie, having left Monkeyland in disgrace and his wife on a field trip in Zaire, Patrick is left alone with his black cat and his fears. Until one night something happens that is so shocking, so deplorable, that it rips apart everything Patrick had ever held to be true.
They say that a parent's worse nightmare is to suffer the death of a child. But what if that's not true?
Praise for Natural History:
'The skill with which the author manipulates the narrative, revealing its developments only by degrees, is what gives this sharply observed and suspenseful novel its edge - so that when the shocking climax takes place, it is both entirely unexpected and frighteningly plausible' The Times
'Powerfully intelligent... the frightening permeability of borders lies at the centre of this complex and troubling book... Compressed lyricism generates sudden shifts between transitory events and durable historical patterns, Cross's novel is serious and compelling in equal measure' Guardian
'Taut domestic intrigue, sprung with mistrust and the menacing stealth of hunting... A subtle interplay of anxieties and tolerances that keep parental treacheries in glaring focus' Financial Times
'I'm a big fan of this author and particularly of this menacing novel, which on the surface could be a family drama but turns into something very nasty indeed. It's clever, tense and chilling. Highly recommended' Sarah Broadhurst, The Bookseller
'Dark and densely plotted...the plot reaches a violent climax, challenging notions of guilt and the limits of parental responsibility' Daily Mail
'A masterpiece... seductively readable, no matter how much one dreads what may happen next... mercilessly realistic... This is a dangerous novel. Everyone in it has a lot to worry about' Daily Telegraph
- Publisher Name:Simon & Schuster
- Product Format:Paperback
- ISBN: XG81416522799
- Author:Cross, Neil
- Publication Date:2008-09-01
Refund Policy
If you are not satisfied with your order in any way, get in touch. We have an excellent customer service record and we will do our best to ensure you are pleased with your purchase.
📄 Exercise Your Right of Withdrawal
Under EU consumer law, you have the right to withdraw from your purchase within 14 days of receiving your order, without giving a reason. To formally exercise this right, use the button below. This is a distinct function separate from our general returns process.
Your right to cancel
If you order online, you have the right to cancel your order within 14 days of receiving your goods, without giving a reason. This cooling-off period runs from the day you (or someone you nominate) receives the last item in your order. To cancel, contact us at shop@chaptersbookstore.com stating your order number and your wish to withdraw from the purchase. Once we've confirmed your cancellation, you have 14 days to send the goods back to us.
Condition of returned items
To be eligible for a refund, your item must be returned unworn, unused and unread, in its original packaging, and in the same condition you received it. You'll also need your receipt or proof of purchase. If your return is based on the item's condition on arrival, please include a photo so we can advise the best resolution.
Faulty or damaged items
Please inspect your order on arrival and contact us immediately if an item is defective, damaged, or not what you ordered. Separately from the 14-day cancellation right above, you're entitled to a repair, replacement or refund on faulty goods for up to two years from purchase, under standard consumer guarantee rights.
This guarantee covers manufacturing faults only, such as printing errors, missing pages, or binding defects present at the time of purchase. It does not cover damage arising from normal use or wear, including creased spines, worn covers, marked pages or general signs of reading. If you're unsure whether an issue qualifies, send us a photo and we'll be happy to advise.
How to return
To start a return, contact us at shop@chaptersbookstore.com. If your return is accepted, we'll send you a return shipping label and instructions on how and where to send your package. Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted. If a return is due to an error on our part, we'll cover the postage cost.
Exceptions and non-returnable items
Certain items cannot be returned, including custom products, special orders, sale items and gift cards.
Trade-In Programme
If you're trading in previously owned books rather than returning a purchase, please see our separate Trade-In Programme terms, which operate independently of this policy.
Refunds
Once we've received and inspected your return, we'll let you know if the refund has been approved. If approved, you'll be refunded automatically to your original payment method. Please allow some time for your bank or card provider to process and post the refund.
Free Delivery in the Republic Of Ireland on all orders over €30. Standard Delivery Charge in Republic of Ireland of €5 for all orders below €30.
Delivery is subject to warehouse availability. Out-of-stock items will be shipped as soon as possible, upon arrival from the manufacturer/publisher. Please take shipping time into consideration.
