Willows Ait

The first scene written for Willows Ait was the section taking place a high-tech dental surgery within a former icehouse.

Willows Ait is a fictional ait - an old English word for island - along the River Thames, between Kingston-upon-Thames and Richmond-upon-Thames.

These small islands exist in real life, and perhaps the most famous is Eel Pie Island (which itself is an ait) in Twickenham. Famous for many reasons, Eel Pie Island was also mentioned in George Harrison's song 'Cockamamie Business'.

See the Wikipedia page for more on Eel Pie Island.

Willows Ait is set in Surrey, England, where Chris grew up. Some of the plot details an icehouse, which can be found in real life in Home Park at the Hampton Wick entrance.

After an unexplained absence, Simone returns home and is asked by her mother to action a plan involving an insurance scam to pay for a brand new house on Willows Ait, which is close to being condemned.

A compelling subplot centers around an industry leader in backstage equipment hire and an app called 'ConcertInsider.' Here, readers gain deeper insight into a character known as The Norseman, who possesses an insatiable passion for outdoor reality shows but is a failed contestant himself. This experience drives him to fully embrace a method-acting approach working as an enforcer.

Willows Ait is a psychological thriller by Chris Abbotsford and is about a world shaped by family secrets and a dying wish that unravels a tangled web of deceit.

Set on a fictional picturesque River Thames island, the story follows Simone, who returns from a mysterious five-year absence to her crumbling family home only to find herself caught in an insurance scam orchestrated by her mother.

A modern crime fiction novel with a female lead combines dark humour with a suspenseful plot, challenging Simone to navigate the complexities of loyalty and survival.

The narrative of Willows Ait weaves together themes of deception, family crime, an enforcer addicted to reality shows, betrayal, and unexpected twists.

Simone's reluctant agreement to honour her mother's dying wish leads her into dangerous territory, unveiling a darker plan filled with tension and conflict.

This story captures the essence of a gripping psychological thriller, enticing readers to question how far they would go to honour a dying wish.

With its unpredictable turns and richly developed characters, Willows Ait is a compelling read for anyone intrigued by novels set in unique locales, especially those along the River Thames.

Join Simone on her journey of self-discovery amidst a backdrop of crime and familial ties, and discover how a buried past can lead to an almighty showdown no one saw coming.

Willows Ait is for you if you're seeking a fast paced, rollercoaster of psychological fiction.