The Cellar: A Novel

For fans of Ruth Rendell and P. D. James, The Cellar reveals a terrifying world far from the public eye, and shows what happens when humanity is pushed to its very limit. When Mr. and Mrs. Songoli’s young son goes missing, fourteen-year-old Muna’s fortunes change for the better. Knowing no other life than that of a slave, she is used to being abused by the Songoli family—physically, emotionally and even sexually.To keep up appearances during Scotland Yard’s investigation, Muna is given a real bedroom and real clothing, like a real daughter would have. But when the police leave the premises, she must once again call her captors “Princess” and “Master.” Assuming she doesn’t know how to read, write or speak English, the Songolis fear little from her. However, before long, it becomes clear that young Muna is far cleverer—and her plans far more terrifying—than the Songolis, or anyone else, could ever imagine.