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A Knock at the Door
A brain-teasing mystery that grabs you right from the start – and then delivers
A bedraggled woman turns up on Rory Cavenham’s doorstep in the middle of a storm, convinced that the year is 1972, but claiming to have lost her memory. Despite his own troubled past, Rory is drawn to her; but she’s fearful of authority and frightened of mysterious pursuers, and insists on keeping a low profile as she adjusts to modern life.
Determined to help her, Rory finds links to two strong but compromised women, but the truth behind their interlocking stories remains elusive. Meanwhile, the pursuers turn out to be all too real, and the pace builds as the story lunges towards its remarkable and redemptive climax.
Fast-moving and engrossing, A Knock at the Door defies easy categorisation. It is part mystery thriller, part detective story, and part romance. It even hovers on the edge of science fiction, though it always keeps both feet firmly on the ground.
One beta reader reports “snatching at the pages” to find an explanation for the brain-teasing paradox at the heart of the who is the woman, and how can she be the person she appears to be?
Readers who have enjoyed Peter Rowlands’ popular Mike Stanhope mysteries will be fascinated by this complex and intriguing tale. Like them, it is distinguished by vibrant characters and sparkling dialogue, but it also introduces some beguiling new ingredients that add extra edge to the mix.
Plaudits for Peter Rowlands’ mystery:
“Different, colourful, imaginative and infectious. He draws you into a world where you’re never quite sure what’s happening or how it will end.”
“I’ve devoured his books with increasing respect …”
“Rowlands’ plots are unique, and as detailed and intricate as you will find anywhere …”
“It really makes a difference when an author knows how to tell a story. … I just went along for the ride, and it was a good one.”
A bedraggled woman turns up on Rory Cavenham’s doorstep in the middle of a storm, convinced that the year is 1972, but claiming to have lost her memory. Despite his own troubled past, Rory is drawn to her; but she’s fearful of authority and frightened of mysterious pursuers, and insists on keeping a low profile as she adjusts to modern life.
Determined to help her, Rory finds links to two strong but compromised women, but the truth behind their interlocking stories remains elusive. Meanwhile, the pursuers turn out to be all too real, and the pace builds as the story lunges towards its remarkable and redemptive climax.
Fast-moving and engrossing, A Knock at the Door defies easy categorisation. It is part mystery thriller, part detective story, and part romance. It even hovers on the edge of science fiction, though it always keeps both feet firmly on the ground.
One beta reader reports “snatching at the pages” to find an explanation for the brain-teasing paradox at the heart of the who is the woman, and how can she be the person she appears to be?
Readers who have enjoyed Peter Rowlands’ popular Mike Stanhope mysteries will be fascinated by this complex and intriguing tale. Like them, it is distinguished by vibrant characters and sparkling dialogue, but it also introduces some beguiling new ingredients that add extra edge to the mix.
Plaudits for Peter Rowlands’ mystery:
“Different, colourful, imaginative and infectious. He draws you into a world where you’re never quite sure what’s happening or how it will end.”
“I’ve devoured his books with increasing respect …”
“Rowlands’ plots are unique, and as detailed and intricate as you will find anywhere …”
“It really makes a difference when an author knows how to tell a story. … I just went along for the ride, and it was a good one.”
369 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 11, 2023
275 people are currently reading
233 people want to read
About the author
Peter Rowlands
9 books10 followersPeter Rowlands is an author whose mystery thrillers “are about ordinary people getting thrust into challenging, sometimes dangerous situations.” His leading characters don’t have special skills, and are forced to reach deep into themselves and find the resources they need.
He says character and plot have equal importance for him, and he aims to make his main participants jump off the page as believable, fleshed-out individuals. His objective at all times, he says, is to deliver clear, lucid prose and vibrant natural dialogue.
His keynote series of loosely-connected mysteries features downbeat journalist Mike Stanhope, who works in the superficially unpromising world of logistics journalism. However, his job brings him into contact with all kinds of demanding situations, from corporate corruption to kidnapping, theft and even murder. Along the way he has to weave his way through a tangled love life, trying to do the right thing even when he can’t work out quite what that is.
Mike has aspirations to be a thriller-writer himself, so the series also provides some revealing and occasionally ironic insights into the tribulations of a self-published author.
Peter picked up his background knowledge from editing and contributing to UK business magazines covering transport and logistics. He has also achieved a minor status as a photographer of commercial vehicles – especially British buses – and co-published his first hardback book in that field, Twenty Turbulent Years, in 2022.
He was born in Newcastle upon Tyne in north-east England, but has lived all his adult life in London. He has travelled widely in Europe and North America, and makes use of that experience in some of his novels.
He has also published a thriller under the pen-name Anders Teller.
He says character and plot have equal importance for him, and he aims to make his main participants jump off the page as believable, fleshed-out individuals. His objective at all times, he says, is to deliver clear, lucid prose and vibrant natural dialogue.
His keynote series of loosely-connected mysteries features downbeat journalist Mike Stanhope, who works in the superficially unpromising world of logistics journalism. However, his job brings him into contact with all kinds of demanding situations, from corporate corruption to kidnapping, theft and even murder. Along the way he has to weave his way through a tangled love life, trying to do the right thing even when he can’t work out quite what that is.
Mike has aspirations to be a thriller-writer himself, so the series also provides some revealing and occasionally ironic insights into the tribulations of a self-published author.
Peter picked up his background knowledge from editing and contributing to UK business magazines covering transport and logistics. He has also achieved a minor status as a photographer of commercial vehicles – especially British buses – and co-published his first hardback book in that field, Twenty Turbulent Years, in 2022.
He was born in Newcastle upon Tyne in north-east England, but has lived all his adult life in London. He has travelled widely in Europe and North America, and makes use of that experience in some of his novels.
He has also published a thriller under the pen-name Anders Teller.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 18, 2025
A knock at the door doesn't always mean something good.
The day Rory answered the knock, he found a soaking wet young woman who had no idea where she had come from or what the current year was.
Rory knew he shouldn't try to help her because of his background, but he had to help someone who seemed lost and had no place to go.
He tries to solve the mystery of this woman who thinks it is still 1972 and doesn't know what a cell phone is or a flatscreen television. He also questions if she is putting him on.
She is very reluctant for him to seek outside help because apparently someone is after her.
Will he be in danger too if he helps her? And...does she really have memory loss or is she a scam artist?
Find out how it all turns out in the fast-paced, intriguing read with great descriptions, wonderful character development, and a pull-you-in storyline.
This is my first book by this author and an enjoyable one. It is a bit long, though, and has a tiny bit of science fiction. 5/5
Thank you to the author for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
*Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKXQ9KBD*
The day Rory answered the knock, he found a soaking wet young woman who had no idea where she had come from or what the current year was.
Rory knew he shouldn't try to help her because of his background, but he had to help someone who seemed lost and had no place to go.
He tries to solve the mystery of this woman who thinks it is still 1972 and doesn't know what a cell phone is or a flatscreen television. He also questions if she is putting him on.
She is very reluctant for him to seek outside help because apparently someone is after her.
Will he be in danger too if he helps her? And...does she really have memory loss or is she a scam artist?
Find out how it all turns out in the fast-paced, intriguing read with great descriptions, wonderful character development, and a pull-you-in storyline.
This is my first book by this author and an enjoyable one. It is a bit long, though, and has a tiny bit of science fiction. 5/5
Thank you to the author for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
*Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKXQ9KBD*
August 14, 2025
I'm not sure of what genre this best fits. Mystery intermingled with romance, and a touch of sci-fi perhaps covers it best. I don't like sci-fi, but I rather enjoyed this story about a rain-soaked, confused woman knocking at Rory's door. Drawn to her, he attempts to solve the mystery of her confusion and who is pursuing her. 4 stars
October 24, 2023
What do you do when a bedraggled woman arrives on your doorstep during a storm, claiming she’s lost her memory? Rory Cavenham lets her into his house to dry off and soon discovers she believes it’s 1972. Is Rebecca making it up, or is she genuine?
This is the question at the heart of this mystery as Rory makes it his personal mission to find the answer. Though logic says he should go to the police, he wants to help her regain her memory and find out who she is, even though there seem to be people with their own secret agenda in pursuit.
While Rory makes connections and progress, his life with Rebecca takes a few unexpected turns as his feelings for her grow and affect his judgement. Rebecca too has regained fragments of memory and is starting to adapt to life in the present.
It’s a hugely enjoyable ride, filled with mystery, intrigue and plenty of tension and drama as Rory and Rebecca get closer to the truth. The characters are believable and engaging, and Rory proves to be an adept sleuth, using his knowledge, contacts and skills to create leads and gain information and stay one step ahead of the people in pursuit.
The story also explores some intriguing theories to explain Rebecca’s condition before Rory fits the pieces together to solve the mystery.
While there is no indication of any future mysteries involving Rory and Rebecca, the characters deserve another outing and another mystery to solve.
If you like a complex and original mystery, engaging characters and a little romance, look no further.
This is the question at the heart of this mystery as Rory makes it his personal mission to find the answer. Though logic says he should go to the police, he wants to help her regain her memory and find out who she is, even though there seem to be people with their own secret agenda in pursuit.
While Rory makes connections and progress, his life with Rebecca takes a few unexpected turns as his feelings for her grow and affect his judgement. Rebecca too has regained fragments of memory and is starting to adapt to life in the present.
It’s a hugely enjoyable ride, filled with mystery, intrigue and plenty of tension and drama as Rory and Rebecca get closer to the truth. The characters are believable and engaging, and Rory proves to be an adept sleuth, using his knowledge, contacts and skills to create leads and gain information and stay one step ahead of the people in pursuit.
The story also explores some intriguing theories to explain Rebecca’s condition before Rory fits the pieces together to solve the mystery.
While there is no indication of any future mysteries involving Rory and Rebecca, the characters deserve another outing and another mystery to solve.
If you like a complex and original mystery, engaging characters and a little romance, look no further.
October 29, 2023
Really engaging mystery romance
Sort of a sci-fi, time travel mystery romance written for an adult audience. I really liked the way that this story was told. Although the ending was fairly easily predicted, the development of the characters in the story was not, and it made all of them very relatable, believable and real. I enjoyed the author's style and the very matter-of-fact way that the entire story was narrated. The methodical way the protagonist went about discovering the woman at the door's identity also made the narrative believable and real.
Sort of a sci-fi, time travel mystery romance written for an adult audience. I really liked the way that this story was told. Although the ending was fairly easily predicted, the development of the characters in the story was not, and it made all of them very relatable, believable and real. I enjoyed the author's style and the very matter-of-fact way that the entire story was narrated. The methodical way the protagonist went about discovering the woman at the door's identity also made the narrative believable and real.
September 22, 2025
Author Peter Rowlands has produced a number of thriller/mystery titles, including 2023’s A Knock at the Door. If this book is any indicator, his other mysteries will entertain, show off the writer’s knack for the genre, and stretch the reader’s own sleuthing skills. This is a rewarding, entertaining entry.
One evening, as heavy rain and thunder oppress his uncle’s stately residence in Gloucester, cautious, right-thinking, 30-ish Rory Cavenham opens the front door to a soaking, bedraggled young person who seeks shelter from the weather. Naturally, he lets this poor soul into the house, and hunts up tea and a change of clothes. As it happens, this person is a woman near his own age, has a dreadful fear of the police, and a serious case of amnesia. The trauma she’s escaping from, and her lack of memory, so debilitate her, she can’t even properly identify herself.
Thus starts Rory’s long quest to help this woman — who eventually goes by the name Rebecca — rebuild her past, navigate her present, and safeguard her future. It’s not easy. As we follow his campaign, we encounter secretive security thugs who won’t identify whom they work for, a local company performing research into arcane human biology and physiology, a fifty year-old murder case, and much more. Rowlands traces his hero’s solo efforts in enough detail, and with sufficient realism, that we can’t help but invest in his success. He and his damsel in distress become quite sympathetic as they work together — but also sometimes at loggerheads — to reconstruct her life.
Rowlands weaves a great many twists and turns into the story. Cavenham encounters a balanced roster of helpful and unhelpful characters along the way, and we never really know who will actually help him, and who wants to block his efforts. The vulnerable Rebecca holds a surprise or two for him, also, even as he tries to find her best interests through the thicket they encounter. Suffice it to say that you may get turned around as you read this book, and even if you aren’t, the end will surprise you anyway.
I’m discussing the plot more than I normally would, because it’s mainly the point — how do our heroes get to the end, given their entirely murky start. However, I have read enough mysteries over the years to know that this one succeeds, entertains, and pays off with a very memorable outcome. If mystery/thrillers are your thing, pick this up by all means.
https://bassoprofundo1.blogspot.com/2...
One evening, as heavy rain and thunder oppress his uncle’s stately residence in Gloucester, cautious, right-thinking, 30-ish Rory Cavenham opens the front door to a soaking, bedraggled young person who seeks shelter from the weather. Naturally, he lets this poor soul into the house, and hunts up tea and a change of clothes. As it happens, this person is a woman near his own age, has a dreadful fear of the police, and a serious case of amnesia. The trauma she’s escaping from, and her lack of memory, so debilitate her, she can’t even properly identify herself.
Thus starts Rory’s long quest to help this woman — who eventually goes by the name Rebecca — rebuild her past, navigate her present, and safeguard her future. It’s not easy. As we follow his campaign, we encounter secretive security thugs who won’t identify whom they work for, a local company performing research into arcane human biology and physiology, a fifty year-old murder case, and much more. Rowlands traces his hero’s solo efforts in enough detail, and with sufficient realism, that we can’t help but invest in his success. He and his damsel in distress become quite sympathetic as they work together — but also sometimes at loggerheads — to reconstruct her life.
Rowlands weaves a great many twists and turns into the story. Cavenham encounters a balanced roster of helpful and unhelpful characters along the way, and we never really know who will actually help him, and who wants to block his efforts. The vulnerable Rebecca holds a surprise or two for him, also, even as he tries to find her best interests through the thicket they encounter. Suffice it to say that you may get turned around as you read this book, and even if you aren’t, the end will surprise you anyway.
I’m discussing the plot more than I normally would, because it’s mainly the point — how do our heroes get to the end, given their entirely murky start. However, I have read enough mysteries over the years to know that this one succeeds, entertains, and pays off with a very memorable outcome. If mystery/thrillers are your thing, pick this up by all means.
https://bassoprofundo1.blogspot.com/2...
January 18, 2024
"Nothing puzzles me more than time and space; and yet nothing troubles me less, as I never think about them" - Charles Lamb, 1775-1834
This is the quote that the author decided to start the book with and to be honest, I had no idea why, but having finished the book I can say, that this quote was a good choice.
The whole book was full of suspense, you never knew what was going to happen, it made me question everything, revisiting what I had read before in the book, looking for clues, trying to figure out the story myself, though I must say the ending was such a plot twist, that I never saw it coming.
The author did an amazing job with the characters of the book, but ultimately, some things I still cannot figure out, for example what was the deal with Mark Sewell, his role with Elizabeth was never revealed.
Overall, I would give this book 4.5/5, though proofreading would have made this book a bit better, since I found quite a few mistakes in the text (e.g. "She brushed her slightly dishevelled blonde her back")
This is the quote that the author decided to start the book with and to be honest, I had no idea why, but having finished the book I can say, that this quote was a good choice.
The whole book was full of suspense, you never knew what was going to happen, it made me question everything, revisiting what I had read before in the book, looking for clues, trying to figure out the story myself, though I must say the ending was such a plot twist, that I never saw it coming.
The author did an amazing job with the characters of the book, but ultimately, some things I still cannot figure out, for example what was the deal with Mark Sewell, his role with Elizabeth was never revealed.
Overall, I would give this book 4.5/5, though proofreading would have made this book a bit better, since I found quite a few mistakes in the text (e.g. "She brushed her slightly dishevelled blonde her back")
March 18, 2024
Sci-fi/time travel meets romance.
A girl shows up outside your home in the middle of the night, in the middle of a storm, looking for a place to dry off and sanctuary from someone chasing her. This mystery woman is suffering from amnesia, and she thinks she's from 1972. So what do you do?
Well if you're Rory Cavenham, you open up the door, ready to ride a crazy train. Okay, that may be an oversimplification. Rory opens up his home to Rebecca after such a meeting, not giving much stock to her belief to be a woman out of time. How could you? It's so preposterous! But feeling compelled to help (and feeling a bit of an attraction), Rory lets her stay and together they try to line out the pieces of her life. Could she be who she thinks she is? Or is it something more mundane?
Overall a good read. I don't think there were any loose ends, at least that I can remember. Not many errors.
A girl shows up outside your home in the middle of the night, in the middle of a storm, looking for a place to dry off and sanctuary from someone chasing her. This mystery woman is suffering from amnesia, and she thinks she's from 1972. So what do you do?
Well if you're Rory Cavenham, you open up the door, ready to ride a crazy train. Okay, that may be an oversimplification. Rory opens up his home to Rebecca after such a meeting, not giving much stock to her belief to be a woman out of time. How could you? It's so preposterous! But feeling compelled to help (and feeling a bit of an attraction), Rory lets her stay and together they try to line out the pieces of her life. Could she be who she thinks she is? Or is it something more mundane?
Overall a good read. I don't think there were any loose ends, at least that I can remember. Not many errors.
August 18, 2025
Excellent read
I really enjoyed reading this book. It had a lot of twists and turns. I enjoyed that I was able to guess the ending but it took me time-I don’t prefer being totally blindsided but I don’t like when something is super obvious either. The author did an excellent job leaving bread crumps throughout the story for the reader. I tend to pick clean reads and while this does have a couple cut to curtain scenes it was clean enough. I highly recommend it if you like a bit of a creepy suspenseful read that wraps up well! It is a bit sci fi as well so be ok with that and enjoy!
I really enjoyed reading this book. It had a lot of twists and turns. I enjoyed that I was able to guess the ending but it took me time-I don’t prefer being totally blindsided but I don’t like when something is super obvious either. The author did an excellent job leaving bread crumps throughout the story for the reader. I tend to pick clean reads and while this does have a couple cut to curtain scenes it was clean enough. I highly recommend it if you like a bit of a creepy suspenseful read that wraps up well! It is a bit sci fi as well so be ok with that and enjoy!
July 24, 2025
“A Knock at the Door is a wild ride, piecing together someone’s life in the most unexpected ways. The plot is intriguing and creative, hooking you from the very start. The characters are relatable and easy to connect with. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, a twist or turn would completely change my perspective. I loved this book—it held my attention from beginning to end. Highly recommended!”
June 2, 2024
Mind bending
A real page turning, edge of your seat mystery story. It is well written, never boring, always searching for the next clue. Lots of apparently unrelated issues going on. Would have preferred no bedroom stuff. Apart from that, a really interesting, twisted, tie up loose ends ending. Would recommend it. Intriguing.
A real page turning, edge of your seat mystery story. It is well written, never boring, always searching for the next clue. Lots of apparently unrelated issues going on. Would have preferred no bedroom stuff. Apart from that, a really interesting, twisted, tie up loose ends ending. Would recommend it. Intriguing.
March 8, 2025
Very enjoyable and intriguing book. The only thing I felt was a bit too farfetched was how the main character put together the puzzle with a little bit of guesswork and maybe too many coincidences. Still, it was a book that propelled you to read on anxiously trying to figure out the puzzle yourself. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good mystery with a little science fiction and a developing love story thrown in.
January 20, 2024
Missing
A very well written thriller with many twists and turns. The biggest problem I found was that I was so into this book I didn't want to put it down. A bit futuristic and historical at the same time.
A very well written thriller with many twists and turns. The biggest problem I found was that I was so into this book I didn't want to put it down. A bit futuristic and historical at the same time.
January 27, 2024
good mystery with some scientific oddities buried within
Good read. A combination of mysteries and science. I sometimes wished it would move a little faster but it was still a good book.
Good read. A combination of mysteries and science. I sometimes wished it would move a little faster but it was still a good book.
March 28, 2024
Current events
Suspenseful page turner. Had just recently had a conversation about this very idea with a Facebook acquaintance before I even saw this book. Somehow though, I had wished Lizzie had been Max's long lost unknown daughter.
Suspenseful page turner. Had just recently had a conversation about this very idea with a Facebook acquaintance before I even saw this book. Somehow though, I had wished Lizzie had been Max's long lost unknown daughter.
June 17, 2024
What a great read!! The story was SO interesting and fast moving. I really had no idea which way things would go and just kept getting surprised along the way. I will look for more books by this author.
August 31, 2024
Awesome
First time I have read anything by Peter Rowlands and A Knock at the Door was my first one. It had my head spinning but I kept turning the pages. I just couldn't put it down. I can't wait to read more by him!
First time I have read anything by Peter Rowlands and A Knock at the Door was my first one. It had my head spinning but I kept turning the pages. I just couldn't put it down. I can't wait to read more by him!
January 20, 2024
Very well written. Good plot, good execution, excellent grammar and punctuation! Read the other reviews for info re the story.
February 11, 2024
Tedious
The interest increases and then wanes, then again and again in cycles. Finally I just wanted to finish so I’d be done and found myself skimming large sections.
The interest increases and then wanes, then again and again in cycles. Finally I just wanted to finish so I’d be done and found myself skimming large sections.
March 9, 2024
original plot line!
I really enjoyed this book with its twists and turns and just a touch of science fiction. Kept my interest.
I really enjoyed this book with its twists and turns and just a touch of science fiction. Kept my interest.
June 2, 2024
Keeps you guessing!
It’s a book you want to keep on reading. A lot of twists and turns. It was a great mystery to watch them solve!
It’s a book you want to keep on reading. A lot of twists and turns. It was a great mystery to watch them solve!
June 9, 2024
loved it!
Enjoyed every second of A Knock at the Door! Kept me interested and wanting to get back to it every time I had to step away from the story! Highly recommend!
Enjoyed every second of A Knock at the Door! Kept me interested and wanting to get back to it every time I had to step away from the story! Highly recommend!
August 14, 2024
Interesting Read
I enjoyed this book very much. It is intriguing to imagine beings in suspended animation and brought back to life. A bit long but enjoyable.
I enjoyed this book very much. It is intriguing to imagine beings in suspended animation and brought back to life. A bit long but enjoyable.
January 9, 2025
Good book
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Great story. Thank you. That's all, just taking up space here. Min word requirement, really. Lol.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Great story. Thank you. That's all, just taking up space here. Min word requirement, really. Lol.
August 4, 2025
good reads
It has a very good storyline,makes you stop & think of its possibilities. could it actually happen? Suppose it could ....
It has a very good storyline,makes you stop & think of its possibilities. could it actually happen? Suppose it could ....
August 7, 2025
A thrilling read, filled with twists & turns of suspense. It was a great read, and I would love to read more about these characters. I would also love to see a movie based on the book.
August 23, 2025
Very good
This is one of the best I have ever read how anyone could plan and write such a complicated plot is beyond me I hope read this book and enjoy it as much as I did
This is one of the best I have ever read how anyone could plan and write such a complicated plot is beyond me I hope read this book and enjoy it as much as I did
August 25, 2025
Engaging
This was an unusual storyline with plot twists, turns and surprises. It kept me interested and reading late into the night.
This was an unusual storyline with plot twists, turns and surprises. It kept me interested and reading late into the night.
August 29, 2025
3-3/4
Slow starting, but interesting concepts.
Slow starting, but interesting concepts.
September 1, 2025
So tedious!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews