The Cellar is a new novella from Minette that made its debut earlier this year. Since its release, it has been drawing accolades from critics and fans alike. ‘Muna’s fortunes changed for the better on the day that Mr and Mrs Songoli’s younger son failed to come home from school.’ Before then her bedroom was a dark windowless cellar, her activities confined to cooking and cleaning. She’d grown used to being maltreated by the Songoli family; to being a slave. She’s never been outside, doesn’t know how to read or write, and cannot speak English. At least that’s what the Songolis believe. But Muna is far cleverer – and her plans more terrifying – than the Songolis, or anyone else, can ever imagine …
Change of pace, change of genre
In a rare interview, Minette offers some insight into her absence from the bookshelves these past few years (yes, sheep were involved!). She also talks about following in the footsteps of Ruth Rendell and PD James, and offers her own take on why women make such jolly good crime writers! Read the article in the Guardian »