REGINALD HILL
THE STRANGER HOUSE
This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.
Harper HarperCollinsPublishers 1 London Bridge Street London SE1 9GF
Copyright © Reginald Hill 2005
Reginald Hill asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library
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Source ISBN: 9780007194834
Ebook Edition © OCTOBER 2015 ISBN: 9780007351619 Version: 2015-09-17
For Allan, Brian, John and Peter
To his friends a man should be firm in friendship sharing gifts and sharing laughter.
‘The Sayings of the High One’ Poetic Edda
Be helpful to strangers who stop at your house,don’t mock or demean them. It’s hard to be certain simply by lookingwhat kin they may claim.
‘The Sayings of the High One’ Poetic Edda
By dead-man’s shore in shadow-landa hall was raised roofed with serpentswhose venom drips on those who dwell therekillers and defilers. All doors face north.
‘The Sibyl’s Prophecy’ Poetic Edda
Contents
Part Two The Valley of the Shadow
5 a nice straight country road
Part Three The Death of Balder