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The Flower House: An unputdownable gritty thriller
THE THIRD STAND-ALONE STORY IN THE GRITTY VALLEY PARK SERIES
On a summer’s night in 1967, sixteen-year-old Jeff Gentle and his older sister meet a homeless hippy called Kip Armstrong at an anti-war rally in Newcastle. With their parents dead and their guardians back in Scotland, Jeff and his sister invite Kip and his girlfriend to stay at their beautiful Georgian home. When others join them, a small commune is born, and they rename their Georgian home The Flower House. They live a life of peace, love and harmony.
Until it all goes to shit…
Fast forward to 2023, and Jeff has bequeathed the Flower House to his daughter Vivien, a property developer who has won the contract to redevelop the Valley Park Estate. The Flower House stands in the shadow of the estate, and Jeff witnessed its construction in the sixties. To him, it is the pits of hell, and should be left well alone.
Vivien is delighted to once again be living with the father she adores in the house she loves, but within its walls lie painful memories and a past full of secrets, secrets that can’t stay hidden forever when Vivien becomes embroiled in the life of one woman who would rather die than leave her home on Valley Park.
HOLD ON TO YOUR HATS FOR THE MOST GRIPPING STORY IN THE VALLEY PARK SERIES YET
“Addictive fiction.”
“Hard-hitting and authentic.”
“Fast-paced, exciting, emotional.”
On a summer’s night in 1967, sixteen-year-old Jeff Gentle and his older sister meet a homeless hippy called Kip Armstrong at an anti-war rally in Newcastle. With their parents dead and their guardians back in Scotland, Jeff and his sister invite Kip and his girlfriend to stay at their beautiful Georgian home. When others join them, a small commune is born, and they rename their Georgian home The Flower House. They live a life of peace, love and harmony.
Until it all goes to shit…
Fast forward to 2023, and Jeff has bequeathed the Flower House to his daughter Vivien, a property developer who has won the contract to redevelop the Valley Park Estate. The Flower House stands in the shadow of the estate, and Jeff witnessed its construction in the sixties. To him, it is the pits of hell, and should be left well alone.
Vivien is delighted to once again be living with the father she adores in the house she loves, but within its walls lie painful memories and a past full of secrets, secrets that can’t stay hidden forever when Vivien becomes embroiled in the life of one woman who would rather die than leave her home on Valley Park.
HOLD ON TO YOUR HATS FOR THE MOST GRIPPING STORY IN THE VALLEY PARK SERIES YET
“Addictive fiction.”
“Hard-hitting and authentic.”
“Fast-paced, exciting, emotional.”
- GenresThriller
440 pages, Paperback
Published August 28, 2024
338 people are currently reading
505 people want to read
About the author
Nicky Black
4 books82 followersNicky Black writes gritty, North East crime fiction, full of drama, twists and turns. Geordie criminals divide and rule their territories with a mixture of fear, threats and violence.
Nicky Black is a collaboration between two friends, Nicky and Julie, who have known each other for over 20 years. They both had careers in urban regeneration back in the 90s, working at the heart of disadvantaged communities in the North East of England. During that time they experienced the real grit and struggle of peoples' every-day lives, as well as their humour and determination to lead a happy existence, whatever that meant to them.
Julie's scripts have provided the blueprint to Nicky's creation of two novels, both set on the fictional Valley Park estate in Newcastle. Together they've created a winning formula, bringing a new voice to Geordie crime fiction.
Nicky was brought up in Alnwick, Northumberland and worked in Newcastle upon Tyne for twelve years before moving to London in 2002. Julie is a born and bred Geordie, and still lives in the Toon.
Nicky Black is a collaboration between two friends, Nicky and Julie, who have known each other for over 20 years. They both had careers in urban regeneration back in the 90s, working at the heart of disadvantaged communities in the North East of England. During that time they experienced the real grit and struggle of peoples' every-day lives, as well as their humour and determination to lead a happy existence, whatever that meant to them.
Julie's scripts have provided the blueprint to Nicky's creation of two novels, both set on the fictional Valley Park estate in Newcastle. Together they've created a winning formula, bringing a new voice to Geordie crime fiction.
Nicky was brought up in Alnwick, Northumberland and worked in Newcastle upon Tyne for twelve years before moving to London in 2002. Julie is a born and bred Geordie, and still lives in the Toon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
July 13, 2025
I enjoyed this book full of twists and turns
Blurb
Property developer Vivien Young thought she’d finally rebuilt her life. After a messy divorce, she’s returned to her childhood sanctuary, the grand Georgian home she now shares with her ageing father. Landing the contract to redevelop the Valley Park housing estate feels like the icing on the cake – a chance to prove she can succeed and keep her floundering business afloat.
But one fierce opponent stands in her way: Binty Fletcher, a reclusive old woman who would rather die than abandon her crumbling home on Valley Park. A woman who will do anything to protect the secrets hidden within its walls.
Determined to move forward, Vivien digs into Binty’s shadowy past, and strange connections begin to emerge – links between Binty and Vivien’s beloved home, which nestles in the shadow of the Valley Park estate.
As Binty’s desperation grows dangerous, Vivien uncovers a chilling truth: her and her father’s perfect home hides its own dark history, and Binty Fletcher isn’t the only one keeping secrets…
Blurb
Property developer Vivien Young thought she’d finally rebuilt her life. After a messy divorce, she’s returned to her childhood sanctuary, the grand Georgian home she now shares with her ageing father. Landing the contract to redevelop the Valley Park housing estate feels like the icing on the cake – a chance to prove she can succeed and keep her floundering business afloat.
But one fierce opponent stands in her way: Binty Fletcher, a reclusive old woman who would rather die than abandon her crumbling home on Valley Park. A woman who will do anything to protect the secrets hidden within its walls.
Determined to move forward, Vivien digs into Binty’s shadowy past, and strange connections begin to emerge – links between Binty and Vivien’s beloved home, which nestles in the shadow of the Valley Park estate.
As Binty’s desperation grows dangerous, Vivien uncovers a chilling truth: her and her father’s perfect home hides its own dark history, and Binty Fletcher isn’t the only one keeping secrets…
September 9, 2024
This is the 3rd book I have devoured from Nicky Black! Right from The Prodigal, which I have raved about for years until this one, Nicky Black has been on the top of my to read authors. I am never let down in any way.
I didn't want to put The Flower House down, I was that engrossed and the twists. They left me guessing right until the very end! Yes, another page turning read that gripped me and wouldn't let go!
Thanks to the TBC reviewer group for my gifted copy... and I bought it as well!!
I didn't want to put The Flower House down, I was that engrossed and the twists. They left me guessing right until the very end! Yes, another page turning read that gripped me and wouldn't let go!
Thanks to the TBC reviewer group for my gifted copy... and I bought it as well!!
July 19, 2025
Cults, Council Drama, and Chaos – I loved it!
This is dark, sharp, and totally addictive. It starts with a planning application for affordable housing, and ends in cults, chaos and emotional gut punches. I was instantly invested.
Dual timeline (present day and the late 1960s) and for once, I didn’t prefer one over the other. I was equally hooked.
My favourite character is Binty Fletcher – a total legend. The eccentric recluse in vintage Biba and zero patience for bureaucracy. Binty’s a one-woman rebellion with more secrets than MI5. I want to be her friend.
Another iconic character is Kip Armstrong – the kaftan-wearing cult leader, who gives full “Don’t drink the Kool-Aid" energy. He turns The Flower House from family home to commune which quickly spirals into full-on cult territory. A free-love fever dream gone very, very wrong.
Vivian, our main girl, is just trying to get her life together. Cue a crumbling business (thanks to Binty Fletcher) and an ex waiting to swoop in when she fails. Oh and she lives with her dad who gifts her a house with more baggage than British Airways.
The Audiobook is brilliant. A real love letter to Newcastle with two narrators, both excellent, who brought the northern grit to life in this smart, and a little heartbreaking, psychological thriller. It’s totally immersive with that “one more chapter” buzz that kills your sleep. The writing is razor sharp and the emotion is real. I did not expect to shed a tear – but I did. You’ll want to race through this – but also let it simmer.
Thank you to Nicky Black for sending me a copy of the audiobook in exchange for my honest thoughts. If you’re looking for a disturbing cult tale but with real emotional depth and iconic characters than this one is for you. The Flower House is a story that lingers long after the final chapter.
I don't know what Nicky Black is writing next, but I’m all in. No kaftan required.
This is dark, sharp, and totally addictive. It starts with a planning application for affordable housing, and ends in cults, chaos and emotional gut punches. I was instantly invested.
Dual timeline (present day and the late 1960s) and for once, I didn’t prefer one over the other. I was equally hooked.
My favourite character is Binty Fletcher – a total legend. The eccentric recluse in vintage Biba and zero patience for bureaucracy. Binty’s a one-woman rebellion with more secrets than MI5. I want to be her friend.
Another iconic character is Kip Armstrong – the kaftan-wearing cult leader, who gives full “Don’t drink the Kool-Aid" energy. He turns The Flower House from family home to commune which quickly spirals into full-on cult territory. A free-love fever dream gone very, very wrong.
Vivian, our main girl, is just trying to get her life together. Cue a crumbling business (thanks to Binty Fletcher) and an ex waiting to swoop in when she fails. Oh and she lives with her dad who gifts her a house with more baggage than British Airways.
The Audiobook is brilliant. A real love letter to Newcastle with two narrators, both excellent, who brought the northern grit to life in this smart, and a little heartbreaking, psychological thriller. It’s totally immersive with that “one more chapter” buzz that kills your sleep. The writing is razor sharp and the emotion is real. I did not expect to shed a tear – but I did. You’ll want to race through this – but also let it simmer.
Thank you to Nicky Black for sending me a copy of the audiobook in exchange for my honest thoughts. If you’re looking for a disturbing cult tale but with real emotional depth and iconic characters than this one is for you. The Flower House is a story that lingers long after the final chapter.
I don't know what Nicky Black is writing next, but I’m all in. No kaftan required.
January 14, 2026
My thoughts about this book are quite mixed… I liked most of the characters (probably least of all the main one though!) and did enjoy the storyline, particularly the chapters focused on the past. These were interesting, evoked emotion and clearly were building to a terrible event, but at times they did feel a bit samey and quite drawn out… From 60% the chapters would end on a cliffhanger or saying something like ‘and then that night happened’ which did get a bit tiresome when the next chapter switched back to present day and I lost momentum. I usually like this back and fourth but the scene setting each time made it feel unnecessarily long. Having said that, the twists through the book were good and I liked how it all got tied up in the end which gains it another .5 of a star!
February 9, 2025
Vivien lives with her father and two grown up children in the Flower House in Newcastle.
She has never known her mother and her father refuses to talk about it.
She's a property developer and has big plans for Valley Park. Everyone has left the estate except for one woman who will not budge from her property.
A freebie on Kindle Unlimited. What a find! It was well written with good pacing. I liked getting to know the two main characters before we went to the past.
So much better than the average psychological thriller. A refreshing change and I've already downloaded her other two books.
She has never known her mother and her father refuses to talk about it.
She's a property developer and has big plans for Valley Park. Everyone has left the estate except for one woman who will not budge from her property.
A freebie on Kindle Unlimited. What a find! It was well written with good pacing. I liked getting to know the two main characters before we went to the past.
So much better than the average psychological thriller. A refreshing change and I've already downloaded her other two books.
October 21, 2024
This book is so good on so many levels and reflects many lives when we think we have our lives in order and are passed a curve ball . The characters are full and draw you in and you find yourself empathising .. I love a good crime book and this is up in one of my favourites of late .. having read this while in hospital I recommended to other patients who agreed how good it was definitely a 5⭐️rating
October 22, 2024
Loved this book how it was set in the 1960s and present time. Great characters and great storyline this is the first book I’ve read by this author and it won’t be the last.
January 18, 2025
I must admit it took awhile almost DNFd it but glad I carried on #KindleUnlimited
July 22, 2025
This is a book I’d been meaning to read for a long while. When I was offered an audible copy I jumped at the opportunity. I’m very glad I did.
I was immediately immersed in the story and the story of The Flower House. The different characters and timelines in the story were easy to follow and I found myself with the wonderful dilemma of ‘just one more chapter’ I loved Jeff and felt for him so much. Although Vivian seemed tougher I also felt for her as she was vulnerable. Every character was so well rounded and thought out. No single character was shown entirely from one side, which always makes characters more relatable and realistic. It was an interesting, really addictive crime read that was so well put together, a new favourite for me. I’d love to hear more from Nicky Black on Audible as these books are perfect for this medium. As were the narrators, who had excellent NE accents not jarring or fake as some can be. With thanks to Nicky Black for this book.
I was immediately immersed in the story and the story of The Flower House. The different characters and timelines in the story were easy to follow and I found myself with the wonderful dilemma of ‘just one more chapter’ I loved Jeff and felt for him so much. Although Vivian seemed tougher I also felt for her as she was vulnerable. Every character was so well rounded and thought out. No single character was shown entirely from one side, which always makes characters more relatable and realistic. It was an interesting, really addictive crime read that was so well put together, a new favourite for me. I’d love to hear more from Nicky Black on Audible as these books are perfect for this medium. As were the narrators, who had excellent NE accents not jarring or fake as some can be. With thanks to Nicky Black for this book.
May 28, 2025
Such a great book. What a story.
This is in the world of Valley Park and as time has moved on. Looking from 2 eras here and it’s so well woven.
Family secrets and hidden lives.
A great addition to the other two in Valley Park.
Should be on tv. Northern grit and so good.
Audiobook review
Well this was excellent as well.
The characters had even more life with the narrators & I thought they were full on in the book as I read it.
Such a great story & series. Should be much more recognised than it is.
Nicky Black (great pair of gritty writers)
This is in the world of Valley Park and as time has moved on. Looking from 2 eras here and it’s so well woven.
Family secrets and hidden lives.
A great addition to the other two in Valley Park.
Should be on tv. Northern grit and so good.
Audiobook review
Well this was excellent as well.
The characters had even more life with the narrators & I thought they were full on in the book as I read it.
Such a great story & series. Should be much more recognised than it is.
Nicky Black (great pair of gritty writers)
October 3, 2024
Every so often, as a blogger, you stumble across a book purely by chance that turns out to be a real surprise. The Flower House has turned out to be one of those books for me. I volunteered for this tour at the last minute and without really knowing anything about it and I went in to my read completely cold, I didn’t even properly read the blurb so I had absolutely no expectations at all and it turned into one of the best reading experiences I have had in a long time.
This is billed as a psychological thriller, but it goes so far beyond the ordinary twists and turns we have come to expect from domestic noir. It has so many layers of complexity, different themes and glimpses into the past that it would take a lot of unpacking to do it justice in this review. I’ll give it my best shot in telling you why it had such a big impact on me but the best way to find out what is so great about it is pick it up and read it for yourself.
Firstly, there is the setting. The book takes place in the heart of Newcastle, where the rundown Valley Park Estate has been condemned and is awaiting demolition to make way for a new, eco-friendly housing development. All that stands in the way of progress is one stubborn old woman. Abutting the estate is Summer Square and The Flower House, one overlooking the other but a world apart in every other way. The settings are the perfect reflection of what is being played out between the characters in the book, the connection and the strain between two worlds that are different but inextricably linked. The locations are vividly drawn by the author, the reader feels like they are there, in the book, and this vividness enhances the visceral strain of the plot that grabs hold from the start and doesn’t let go.
The next, and my favourite aspect of the book, is the dual timeline. The plot swings between the present and one of the character’s recollections of his life in the late 1960’s in the same place. Again, the time period is brought to life in the same evocative way as the setting. The writing is filled with such detail that very little imagination is required to put yourself in the shoes of the protagonist and live and breathe that time period. Feel the astrakhan and sniff the patchouli, people! I absolutely loved being transported to life in a time that predates my birth and I guess is now classed as historical. It is done so well.
The author then uses the setting and the timeframes to give us a story full of complex characters, knife-edge tension and complex themes of family, relationships, upbringing, guilt, manipulation lies and redemption. Does that sound like enough to entice you? It absolutely should because this book is completely brilliant in every respect. I know we talk all the time about books being ‘unputdownable’ all the time, it is an over used phrase in the world of reviewing. However, this book is literally unputdownable. I wandered round the house with it, propping it up in the kitchen as I cooked, taking it to the bathroom, walking from room to room with my nose in it. I resented every minute my eyes had to be away from the page before I got to the end, and I was so sorry when it was over. I now need to go back and read the previous two books set in this world (which you do not need to have read before you pick this one up, I didn’t even know they existed until I came to do this review and looked on Amazon.
I know this may sound like hyperbole, but it absolutely is not. I absolutely loved this book and think you should do yourself a favour and pick up a copy today.
This is billed as a psychological thriller, but it goes so far beyond the ordinary twists and turns we have come to expect from domestic noir. It has so many layers of complexity, different themes and glimpses into the past that it would take a lot of unpacking to do it justice in this review. I’ll give it my best shot in telling you why it had such a big impact on me but the best way to find out what is so great about it is pick it up and read it for yourself.
Firstly, there is the setting. The book takes place in the heart of Newcastle, where the rundown Valley Park Estate has been condemned and is awaiting demolition to make way for a new, eco-friendly housing development. All that stands in the way of progress is one stubborn old woman. Abutting the estate is Summer Square and The Flower House, one overlooking the other but a world apart in every other way. The settings are the perfect reflection of what is being played out between the characters in the book, the connection and the strain between two worlds that are different but inextricably linked. The locations are vividly drawn by the author, the reader feels like they are there, in the book, and this vividness enhances the visceral strain of the plot that grabs hold from the start and doesn’t let go.
The next, and my favourite aspect of the book, is the dual timeline. The plot swings between the present and one of the character’s recollections of his life in the late 1960’s in the same place. Again, the time period is brought to life in the same evocative way as the setting. The writing is filled with such detail that very little imagination is required to put yourself in the shoes of the protagonist and live and breathe that time period. Feel the astrakhan and sniff the patchouli, people! I absolutely loved being transported to life in a time that predates my birth and I guess is now classed as historical. It is done so well.
The author then uses the setting and the timeframes to give us a story full of complex characters, knife-edge tension and complex themes of family, relationships, upbringing, guilt, manipulation lies and redemption. Does that sound like enough to entice you? It absolutely should because this book is completely brilliant in every respect. I know we talk all the time about books being ‘unputdownable’ all the time, it is an over used phrase in the world of reviewing. However, this book is literally unputdownable. I wandered round the house with it, propping it up in the kitchen as I cooked, taking it to the bathroom, walking from room to room with my nose in it. I resented every minute my eyes had to be away from the page before I got to the end, and I was so sorry when it was over. I now need to go back and read the previous two books set in this world (which you do not need to have read before you pick this one up, I didn’t even know they existed until I came to do this review and looked on Amazon.
I know this may sound like hyperbole, but it absolutely is not. I absolutely loved this book and think you should do yourself a favour and pick up a copy today.
January 8, 2025
The Flower House is the third book in Nicky Black’s series set in the fictional Valley Park, Newcastle Upon Tyne. Whilst these books have the same setting you can read them in any order. So, The Flower House is set over two timelines; in the present Vivian, a property developer with the contract to develop the Tyne Valley Estate and in the past it is the 1960’s and Jeff’s story. Viven has one huge problem in Binty Fletcher, refusing to sell her house on the estate and keep her secrets to herself. These characters, and their stories make for dark, slow burning thriller.
I have read Nicky Black’s previous books and loved them, but The Flower House is on another level. The plotting of this book is masterful and intelligent, the two timelines grabbed my attention and I spent the whole book wondering how the stories were going to interweave and connect. I loved the 1960’s story, the sex, drugs and rock n roll, but also the darker side of this life. Jeff’s story had me filled with dread in parts, I may not have known exactly how it would turn out, but there was a definite sense of menace underpinning his story. This sense of menace, secrets and lies had me totally gripped, and anxious for the ending.
Whilst the plotting is amazing so are the characters. Rose and Jeff felt so real, I live in Newcastle and felt I would see them walking through the city centre and markets. I really became invested in their lives, knowing that something bad was probably going to happen really tugged at my heartstrings. The instigator of this menace is Kip Armstrong who takes advantage of Jeff and Rose, and worms his way into their lives, being a father figure, taking control and grooming them to rely on him. He believes in ‘free love’ and drugs which he uses to show love and discipline if they go against him.
The Flower House is thriving, engaging and utterly compelling. I loved the characters, and how brilliantly Nicky Black has plotted this book, the drip of information, the suspense and fear of dread. Control and power are at the centre of this book, the the council and property company trying to use the power of money to take Binty’s house from her and in the 1960’s Kip using power and manipulation over Jeff and Rose. This is sublime read, full of atmosphere, tension and suspense, and a book I highly recommend.
I have read Nicky Black’s previous books and loved them, but The Flower House is on another level. The plotting of this book is masterful and intelligent, the two timelines grabbed my attention and I spent the whole book wondering how the stories were going to interweave and connect. I loved the 1960’s story, the sex, drugs and rock n roll, but also the darker side of this life. Jeff’s story had me filled with dread in parts, I may not have known exactly how it would turn out, but there was a definite sense of menace underpinning his story. This sense of menace, secrets and lies had me totally gripped, and anxious for the ending.
Whilst the plotting is amazing so are the characters. Rose and Jeff felt so real, I live in Newcastle and felt I would see them walking through the city centre and markets. I really became invested in their lives, knowing that something bad was probably going to happen really tugged at my heartstrings. The instigator of this menace is Kip Armstrong who takes advantage of Jeff and Rose, and worms his way into their lives, being a father figure, taking control and grooming them to rely on him. He believes in ‘free love’ and drugs which he uses to show love and discipline if they go against him.
The Flower House is thriving, engaging and utterly compelling. I loved the characters, and how brilliantly Nicky Black has plotted this book, the drip of information, the suspense and fear of dread. Control and power are at the centre of this book, the the council and property company trying to use the power of money to take Binty’s house from her and in the 1960’s Kip using power and manipulation over Jeff and Rose. This is sublime read, full of atmosphere, tension and suspense, and a book I highly recommend.
November 25, 2024
The story alternates between the sixties and present day. In the past it centres around a house that has been given the nickname of The Flower House due to the drawings of flowers on the exterior. In present day it focuses on Vivien, a property dealer, and Binty, who is holding a new housing development up as she refuses to sell her home.
Vivien is in deep with the development and is set to lose everything if it doesn’t pull off. It’s a very risky business and I don’t think my heart could have withstood the stress that comes with it. Binty comes across as a stubborn old woman, which she is. It’s a brave fight to stand up to developers and nothing seems to be able to sway her in changing her mind.
The chapters set in the past set up the story nicely although it made me wonder how it tied in with things in the present day. Jeff and his sister are both young and gullible with no one to watch out for them and I had a sense of dread when Kip comes on the scene who seems to take over everything. The big home becomes a small commune of sorts and you just know it isn’t going to end well.
I found the story to be highly engrossing and a battle of wills. You will be wondering if the people with the power will win or will it be the underdogs. The Flower House holds some disturbing secrets which affects everything in the present day which left me reeling at times at the truth.
The Flower House is a dark and all absorbing story of greed, power, family and living with the past. The author draws you in, setting the scene, and before you know it you are racing through the pages to the ultimate climax which did not disappoint! It certainly took me by surprise as I hadn’t expected the outcome which made for some jaw dropping moments. A wonderfully crafted story that I wasn’t able to put down.
Vivien is in deep with the development and is set to lose everything if it doesn’t pull off. It’s a very risky business and I don’t think my heart could have withstood the stress that comes with it. Binty comes across as a stubborn old woman, which she is. It’s a brave fight to stand up to developers and nothing seems to be able to sway her in changing her mind.
The chapters set in the past set up the story nicely although it made me wonder how it tied in with things in the present day. Jeff and his sister are both young and gullible with no one to watch out for them and I had a sense of dread when Kip comes on the scene who seems to take over everything. The big home becomes a small commune of sorts and you just know it isn’t going to end well.
I found the story to be highly engrossing and a battle of wills. You will be wondering if the people with the power will win or will it be the underdogs. The Flower House holds some disturbing secrets which affects everything in the present day which left me reeling at times at the truth.
The Flower House is a dark and all absorbing story of greed, power, family and living with the past. The author draws you in, setting the scene, and before you know it you are racing through the pages to the ultimate climax which did not disappoint! It certainly took me by surprise as I hadn’t expected the outcome which made for some jaw dropping moments. A wonderfully crafted story that I wasn’t able to put down.
November 23, 2025
Thank you to the author Nicky Black who sent the audiobook for review, all thoughts my own! 🎧
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
There’s nothing more I love than some Newcastle representation and when I heard Nicky Black’s first audiobook The Flower House featured two geordie voice actors, I was in! I’m not a massive mystery thriller reader- I have to be really captured by the story and be surprised about the outcomes to be invested and I’m really pleased to say this book surprised me!
✅ The voice actors in this audiobook really added to the lore of the story, they did a brilliant job in telling the two timelines and added to the northern atmosphere. Black’s depictions of modern and 1960s Newcastle felt real and true to the place I know and love, including the low income areas that are described in the story.
✅ The past and present timelines really added to the intrigue in The Flower House but we’re still really easy to follow. I felt like I was following along easily and I enjoyed how in each chapter we peeled back a little more of the mysteries and drama of the house and everyone inside it.
✅ The cast of main characters all felt very well rounded and full and all had their flaws which contributed to the events of the plot.
✅ I really thought I knew where this was going at the end, but there were a few surprises that really shocked me! The twists didn’t feel manufactured, they made sense for the plot and helped to answer some of the questions in my mind about everything that happened in the Flower House back in the 60s.
❌ The pacing went a little bit fast for me at the end, I think we could have let the twists unravel a little more slowly and spent more time explaining the character relationships back in the 60s perspective right at the end.
Overall a really entertaining story and a fab audiobook that I’d recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
There’s nothing more I love than some Newcastle representation and when I heard Nicky Black’s first audiobook The Flower House featured two geordie voice actors, I was in! I’m not a massive mystery thriller reader- I have to be really captured by the story and be surprised about the outcomes to be invested and I’m really pleased to say this book surprised me!
✅ The voice actors in this audiobook really added to the lore of the story, they did a brilliant job in telling the two timelines and added to the northern atmosphere. Black’s depictions of modern and 1960s Newcastle felt real and true to the place I know and love, including the low income areas that are described in the story.
✅ The past and present timelines really added to the intrigue in The Flower House but we’re still really easy to follow. I felt like I was following along easily and I enjoyed how in each chapter we peeled back a little more of the mysteries and drama of the house and everyone inside it.
✅ The cast of main characters all felt very well rounded and full and all had their flaws which contributed to the events of the plot.
✅ I really thought I knew where this was going at the end, but there were a few surprises that really shocked me! The twists didn’t feel manufactured, they made sense for the plot and helped to answer some of the questions in my mind about everything that happened in the Flower House back in the 60s.
❌ The pacing went a little bit fast for me at the end, I think we could have let the twists unravel a little more slowly and spent more time explaining the character relationships back in the 60s perspective right at the end.
Overall a really entertaining story and a fab audiobook that I’d recommend!
October 4, 2024
A dual timeline story set in the 1960s and the present day. The past connects to the present via a Georgian residence called ‘The Flower House’. In the present day Vivian lives in this house with her father and daughter. She is a property developer and she wants to rebuild the local estate. However, one woman refuses to move and as Vivian probes into the past, she discovers a connection to the present in the shape of ‘The Flower House’. As the past unravels, it opens a whole can of worms.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There’s a sense of foreboding throughout which compelled me to keep turning the pages. The transitions between the timelines are seamlessly executed and each era is described vividly, so there was no confusion which period I was reading about. The characters are all very complex, some of them not very likeable. The plot is a gripping one and I couldn’t wait to pick up my Kindle to read on! I love dual timeline stories set in older properties, involving families and their secrets - this one certainly fulfilled my wishes in all parameters. Beautifully written with an intriguing and, I feel, quite poignant plot, I can highly recommend this stunning read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There’s a sense of foreboding throughout which compelled me to keep turning the pages. The transitions between the timelines are seamlessly executed and each era is described vividly, so there was no confusion which period I was reading about. The characters are all very complex, some of them not very likeable. The plot is a gripping one and I couldn’t wait to pick up my Kindle to read on! I love dual timeline stories set in older properties, involving families and their secrets - this one certainly fulfilled my wishes in all parameters. Beautifully written with an intriguing and, I feel, quite poignant plot, I can highly recommend this stunning read.
October 4, 2024
The Flower House is an exciting and thrilling story which is told over two timelines, the 1960s and the present day.
The present day story follows Vivien as she invests everything in renovating the Valley Park estate, hindered by one resident Binty who is determined not to be forced out of her home.
I was gripped from the start trying to figure out what Binty’s reasonings where and why she was so eager to stay put in the ghosttown that the estate had become.
Back in the 1960’s the story delves into the life of Vivien’s father Jeff, who after losing his parents and being abandoned by his relatives as a teen, meets a Kip, who takes him under his wing. What unfolds as secrets are uncovered is a fantastic and cleverly written plot, with twists I didnt see coming.
I may be a little biased with this point, however I loved that the story is set in my hometown of Newcastle upon Tyne, as recognising names of places in my local area was a great touch and made the story more believable (even as a work of fiction).
I would definitely recommend this novel, and thank you to Nicky Black for the enjoyable experience ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The present day story follows Vivien as she invests everything in renovating the Valley Park estate, hindered by one resident Binty who is determined not to be forced out of her home.
I was gripped from the start trying to figure out what Binty’s reasonings where and why she was so eager to stay put in the ghosttown that the estate had become.
Back in the 1960’s the story delves into the life of Vivien’s father Jeff, who after losing his parents and being abandoned by his relatives as a teen, meets a Kip, who takes him under his wing. What unfolds as secrets are uncovered is a fantastic and cleverly written plot, with twists I didnt see coming.
I may be a little biased with this point, however I loved that the story is set in my hometown of Newcastle upon Tyne, as recognising names of places in my local area was a great touch and made the story more believable (even as a work of fiction).
I would definitely recommend this novel, and thank you to Nicky Black for the enjoyable experience ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 23, 2024
This author has gone straight onto my favourites list. I absolutely loved the plot of both the now and then of the story and found myself completely immersed in the flower power era throughout.
When a brother and sister befriend the mysterious Kip Armstrong and find themselves living in a commune they have no idea of the consequences of the groups actions not just for them but for generations to come.
The book explores many family dynamics and friendships and how real life traumas and experiences may affect them. The author has done a fantastic job with the controlling character Kip as I even found myself getting angry at his treatment of the other characters.
Full of long kept secrets, I didn't guess any of the plot twists and found the book became even more enjoyable the more I read.
I really didn't want this story to end but liked the outcomes for each character.
I didn't realise how much I would enjoy this book and would recommend giving it a go.
When a brother and sister befriend the mysterious Kip Armstrong and find themselves living in a commune they have no idea of the consequences of the groups actions not just for them but for generations to come.
The book explores many family dynamics and friendships and how real life traumas and experiences may affect them. The author has done a fantastic job with the controlling character Kip as I even found myself getting angry at his treatment of the other characters.
Full of long kept secrets, I didn't guess any of the plot twists and found the book became even more enjoyable the more I read.
I really didn't want this story to end but liked the outcomes for each character.
I didn't realise how much I would enjoy this book and would recommend giving it a go.
October 4, 2024
What a great story. This is essentially the story of Jeff and his family, daughter Vivien and her two children who all live in “The Flower House”. The story is set in two time lines, now and the 60’s. Vivien is the owner of a construction/building company who have a big contract to redevelop a notorious estate in the Newcastle area and the only thing holding it up is one lady, Binty, who refuses to move out of her house. I was aware this lady was linked to Jeff and his past but didn’t have the relationship quite right
The writing of the past is so evocative you can imagine yourself at the Flower House and just watching the scenes play out. There is the little touch of menace within some of the characters that makes you want to read on and find out what happens
I read this book in almost one sitting and stayed up far too late to finish it as I needed to know how everything fitted together and what happened
The writing of the past is so evocative you can imagine yourself at the Flower House and just watching the scenes play out. There is the little touch of menace within some of the characters that makes you want to read on and find out what happens
I read this book in almost one sitting and stayed up far too late to finish it as I needed to know how everything fitted together and what happened
September 2, 2024
The Flower House Book Three.
It promised freedom.
It became their freedom.
It became their prison.
A gritty read right through.
Newcastle Willow Grove estate and Binty Fletcher is all alone on the estate now, no one is running her out of her home.
Over in the big house it's walls adorn with flowers on the other side of the tower, owner Jeff Gentle and his family Vivien and her two children become embroiled with Binty they are running out of time, Binty hasn't seen the flower house since 1969 and what is about to enfold will grip you into this facinating unique story that you just won't be able to put down.
Lots of spiders hide under the woodwork that will make you gasp while reading.
Wonderful just wonderful, i enjoyed every single chapter with the history of family secrets, startling all the way to the end.
It promised freedom.
It became their freedom.
It became their prison.
A gritty read right through.
Newcastle Willow Grove estate and Binty Fletcher is all alone on the estate now, no one is running her out of her home.
Over in the big house it's walls adorn with flowers on the other side of the tower, owner Jeff Gentle and his family Vivien and her two children become embroiled with Binty they are running out of time, Binty hasn't seen the flower house since 1969 and what is about to enfold will grip you into this facinating unique story that you just won't be able to put down.
Lots of spiders hide under the woodwork that will make you gasp while reading.
Wonderful just wonderful, i enjoyed every single chapter with the history of family secrets, startling all the way to the end.
August 15, 2025
This is a fabulous dual time lined psychological thriller!! The twists and turns will keep you guessing until the very end.
I can highly recommend the audio Trevor Fox and Philippa Wilson do an amazing job of the narration making the story really come to life.
When Jeff Gentle looses his parents at 16 he’s at a loss, until he meets Kip Armstrong!! This leads to so terrible secrets that Jeff keeps with him for life.
Jeff’s daughter Vivienne, has moved back to her father’s following a messy divorce and is about to embark on redeveloping Valley Park, but Binty Fletcher still lives there and she is not going to move!!
Vivienne - keen to get Binty to move, trys to find out why she won’t go. In doing so she finds some strange links to her father’s past as well!!
An absolutely fantastic book, where both timelines will have you hooked. Highly recommended especially in audio!!
I can highly recommend the audio Trevor Fox and Philippa Wilson do an amazing job of the narration making the story really come to life.
When Jeff Gentle looses his parents at 16 he’s at a loss, until he meets Kip Armstrong!! This leads to so terrible secrets that Jeff keeps with him for life.
Jeff’s daughter Vivienne, has moved back to her father’s following a messy divorce and is about to embark on redeveloping Valley Park, but Binty Fletcher still lives there and she is not going to move!!
Vivienne - keen to get Binty to move, trys to find out why she won’t go. In doing so she finds some strange links to her father’s past as well!!
An absolutely fantastic book, where both timelines will have you hooked. Highly recommended especially in audio!!
September 14, 2024
This is the first book that I've read by Nicky Black and I wasn't disappointed great read with plenty of unlikeable characters. A brother & sister inherit a large house and money after their parents pass away. At first they are looked after by their aunt & uncle but they don't like kids and get fed up and go back home. So left to their own devices after attending a rally they invite some down and outs to move into the house which is then called The Flower House. Kip is a throughly nasty guy and rules the house with an iron rod. There are two stories running along side each other one in the past and one in the future and they both come together brilliantly. Not saying anymore so I don't spoil the story highly recommend.
May 30, 2025
I can't believe I haven't read any of Nicky Black's books before as I loved The Flower House!
Vivien is starting again after a divorce as a property developer and living with her Father Jeff.
The plot goes back to the 60's when Jeff and his sister Rose meet a man called Kip who moves into the house and starts a hippy community but it's not all peace and love
Vivian's new development is being blocked by one resident on Valley Park. A reclusive old woman called Binty Fletcher who refuses all offers and insists on staying.
Loved how the two time lines are linked.
This is a story of greed, power, control, family, failures and so much more.
I listened to the audio and was totally gripped from the very start, with an ending I did not see coming!!
Vivien is starting again after a divorce as a property developer and living with her Father Jeff.
The plot goes back to the 60's when Jeff and his sister Rose meet a man called Kip who moves into the house and starts a hippy community but it's not all peace and love
Vivian's new development is being blocked by one resident on Valley Park. A reclusive old woman called Binty Fletcher who refuses all offers and insists on staying.
Loved how the two time lines are linked.
This is a story of greed, power, control, family, failures and so much more.
I listened to the audio and was totally gripped from the very start, with an ending I did not see coming!!
September 14, 2024
Totally gripping from start to finish
What a fantastic addition to the Valley Park Series, and well worth the wait!
Made a nice change to read a thriller that didn’t rely on (direct) police involvement, rather a human story unfolding gradually quickly (yes, that is what I meant). The local (to me) setting also made it particularly engaging. Don’t want to give anything away, but the number and nature of the plot twists give this whole narrative a rollercoaster feel and keep the reader absolutely hooked to the very last full stop. Excellent work, and I look forward to more!
What a fantastic addition to the Valley Park Series, and well worth the wait!
Made a nice change to read a thriller that didn’t rely on (direct) police involvement, rather a human story unfolding gradually quickly (yes, that is what I meant). The local (to me) setting also made it particularly engaging. Don’t want to give anything away, but the number and nature of the plot twists give this whole narrative a rollercoaster feel and keep the reader absolutely hooked to the very last full stop. Excellent work, and I look forward to more!
September 22, 2024
I’m not sure how I have managed to miss the author’s previous work, I loved her writing style and was hooked on the book immediately!
This was filled with intense and dark characters, the gaslighting was scary, I was shouting at the characters from the past. I wasn’t sure if I was more annoyed at their naivety or scared for them!
The dual timelines worked so well together, I found myself gasping as I was figuring it out how it was all linked together, such a clever storyline.
I need to read the authors previous work asap!
This was filled with intense and dark characters, the gaslighting was scary, I was shouting at the characters from the past. I wasn’t sure if I was more annoyed at their naivety or scared for them!
The dual timelines worked so well together, I found myself gasping as I was figuring it out how it was all linked together, such a clever storyline.
I need to read the authors previous work asap!
March 27, 2025
A gripping outrageous thriller
From beginning to end i was hooked woth this book. Trying to work out the connections between the characters and getting it wrong every time. A very interesting view of 1960s hippie era and the cult like comunes full of drugs and free love and their effects on the individuals involved. The plot was intriguing and the characters memorable if not a bit frustrating at times. I would recommend this read to anyone interested in the Flower power era and who enjoy a psychological thriller.
From beginning to end i was hooked woth this book. Trying to work out the connections between the characters and getting it wrong every time. A very interesting view of 1960s hippie era and the cult like comunes full of drugs and free love and their effects on the individuals involved. The plot was intriguing and the characters memorable if not a bit frustrating at times. I would recommend this read to anyone interested in the Flower power era and who enjoy a psychological thriller.
September 24, 2025
A slow-burn dual timeline story set between 1960s Newcastle and the present day. It’s atmospheric, layered, and full of secrets that slowly unravel.
The characters feel real — messy, flawed, sometimes frustrating — but that’s what makes them so believable. I loved how the past and present weave together, with the setting adding grit and heart.
It takes a little time to build, but once it clicks, it’s gripping. Perfect if you like your mysteries character-driven, moody, and with a strong sense of place.
The characters feel real — messy, flawed, sometimes frustrating — but that’s what makes them so believable. I loved how the past and present weave together, with the setting adding grit and heart.
It takes a little time to build, but once it clicks, it’s gripping. Perfect if you like your mysteries character-driven, moody, and with a strong sense of place.
September 23, 2024
I loved this book and absolutely devoured it the characters were fantastic Vivien in her optimistic trying to keep all her balls in the air whilst still worrying and fretting over her grown up family. Jeff and as the story emerged the grief torment and terrible times he’d had to endure growing up and being burdened with the deep dark secrets from his past that he had to keep to himself. The first time I’ve ready any ofNicky Blacks work but it won’t be the last one fantastic read
February 18, 2025
You'll not be disappointed!
WOW! What a book. Throughly enjoyed this story from beginning to end, I didn't want to put this book down. Loved the way it was written, going back and forth from 'now' to 'then' it just got better and better I felt I was really with them, could see the colours, smell the smells, feel the anger, sadness, happiness, failures, - I just loved this read , wished it'd been longer!!
WOW! What a book. Throughly enjoyed this story from beginning to end, I didn't want to put this book down. Loved the way it was written, going back and forth from 'now' to 'then' it just got better and better I felt I was really with them, could see the colours, smell the smells, feel the anger, sadness, happiness, failures, - I just loved this read , wished it'd been longer!!
May 23, 2025
I’m not going to lie this book didn’t grab me from the first chapter, but once I got into it I couldn’t stop
Listening. A dual time line book taking us back to the sixties, this part told by Vivienne’s dad and current day.
I thought the plot was really good a very original story, the Flower House has quite a history, which Geoff told this part of the story, starting when his sister became his guardian, and what went on in the Flower House.
Highly recommended
Listening. A dual time line book taking us back to the sixties, this part told by Vivienne’s dad and current day.
I thought the plot was really good a very original story, the Flower House has quite a history, which Geoff told this part of the story, starting when his sister became his guardian, and what went on in the Flower House.
Highly recommended
January 31, 2025
First time reading this author but enjoyed this book . Seen it advertised slot and had good reveiws so gave it a try . The flower house is a house of secrets that should have stayed in the past . It’s set in past and present which I liked as you get a better understanding of how everything links . I liked the characters and the book in general
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