Black Chalk

Christopher J. Yates

Aug 2015 · Sold by Picador

About this ebook

"This is the smart summer thriller you've been waiting for."--NPR's All Things Considered

NAMED A MUST READ BY THE BOSTON GLOBE, BBC.COM, AND NEW YORK POST

NAMED A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR BY NPR

A compulsively readable psychological thriller set in New York and at Oxford University in which a group of six students play an elaborate game of dares and consequences with tragic result

It was only ever meant to be a game played by six best friends in their first year at Oxford University; a game of consequences, silly forfeits, and childish dares. But then the game changed: The stakes grew higher and the dares more personal and more humiliating, finally evolving into a vicious struggle with unpredictable and tragic results. Now, fourteen years later, the remaining players must meet again for the final round. Who knows better than your best friends what would break you?

A gripping psychological thriller partly inspired by the author's own time at Oxford University, Black Chalk is perfect for fans of the high tension and expert pacing of The Secret History and The Bellwether Revivals. Christopher J. Yates' background in puzzle writing and setting can clearly be seen in the plotting of this clever, tricky book that will keep you guessing to the very end.

Ratings and reviews

While it ended shorter than I wanted it to, this book was a great read. I found myself immersed in a world of characters in this tale about a game and 6 friends.

Well written psychological rollercoaster. The less you know going in, the better. Can't wait for his second novel.

Mysterious until the very end. I read this as part of a book club and found it to be a page turner.

About the author

CHRISTOPHER J. YATES was born and raised in Kent and studied law at Oxford University before working as a puzzle editor in London. He now lives in New York City with his wife and dog. Black Chalk is his debut novel.