The House of Falling Light: The gripping new mystery from the award-winning writer of A Quiet Belief in Angels

by R.J. Ellory

The brand new thriller from the internationally bestselling author of A Quiet Belief in Angels

Fifteen year-old Eleanor Clewson's life of quiet rural drudgery collapses when her parents' marriage explodes into violence. Eleanor escapes across the Texas plains, where she crosses paths with a dangerous man on the run. As she flees through desolate towns and anonymous cities, Eleanor will do whatever it takes to survive - pursued throughout by Roy Haskell, a lone Texas Ranger, who is desperate to understand the truth behind her wild flight across the country.

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PRAISE FOR R.J. ELLORY

'Beautiful and haunting... A tour de force' MICHAEL CONNELLY

'Beautifully written novels that are also great mysteries' JAMES PATTERSON

'A uniquely gifted, passionate, and powerful writer' ALAN FURST

'In the top flight of crime writing' SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

'The master of the genre' CLIVE CUSSLER

419 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 25, 2026

About the author

Roger began his first novel on November 4th, 1987 and did not stop, except for three days when he was going through a divorce from his first wife, until July of 1993. During this time he completed twenty-two novels, most of them in longhand, and accumulated several hundred polite and complimentary rejection letters from many different and varied publishers.

He stopped writing out of sheer frustration and did not start again for eight years.

In the early part of September 2001 he decided to start writing again. This decision was based on the realization that it was the only thing he had ever really wanted to do.

Between August 2001 and January 2002 he wrote three books, the second of which was called ‘Candlemoth’. This was purchased by Orion and published in 2003. ‘Candlemoth’ was translated into German, Dutch and Italian, and has now also been purchased for translation in numerous other languages. The book also secured a nomination on the shortlist for the Crime Writers’ Association Steel Dagger for Best Thriller 2003. His second book, ‘Ghostheart’, was released in 2004, and his third book, ‘A Quiet Vendetta’, was released in August 2005. In 2006 he published ‘City of Lies’, and once again secured a nomination for the CWA Steel Dagger for Best Thriller of that year. His fifth book – ‘A Quiet Belief In Angels’ - was published in August 2006, and in the latter part of the year it was selected for the phenomenally successful British TV equivalent of the Oprah Winfrey Book Club, the Richard and Judy Book Club.

‘A Quiet Belief In Angels’ went on to be shortlisted for the Barry Award for Best British Crime Fiction, the 813 Trophy, the Quebec Booksellers’ Prize, The Europeen Du Point Crime Fiction Prize, and was winner of the Inaugural Prix Roman Noir Nouvel Observateur. It has since been voted Best Thriller of 2009 in The Strand Magazine. The book was also optioned for film, and Roger has recently completed the screenplay for Oscar-winning French director, Olivier Dahan.

Following on from ‘A Quiet Belief In Angels’, Roger released ‘A Simple Act of Violence’, again securing a nomination for Best British Crime Fiction of 2008. In late 2009 he released ‘The Anniversary Man’ to rave reviews.

Reviews

[Jane Dickinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a fan of R J Ellory for a very long time and always look forward to new releases. This book is one of his best I didn't want it to end!

[Joshkun Mehmet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roger Ellory is a gifted storyteller, and this novel is another outstanding example of his talent.

Teenager Eleanor Clewson's life is shattered when violence within her family ends in tragedy. Forced to flee Texas, she begins a desperate journey across America, haunted by the feeling that death follows her wherever she goes. Meanwhile, a determined Texan Ranger, convinced of her innocence, pursues her with a relentless dedication that gradually becomes an obsession.

Ellory's attention to detail is exceptional, bringing every setting and character vividly to life. His authentic use of vernacular adds depth and realism, making it easy to become completely immersed in the story and the landscape.

This was a gripping, nail-biting journey from beginning to end, full of tension, emotion, and beautifully crafted prose. Absolutely first class—just like every other novel by this author that I've had the pleasure of reading.

[Catherine Blackmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nail biting story of a young girls escape from Texas after her parent’s marriage ends in devastation… and of the man who is desperately trying to find her.
I absolutely love Rogers books which have meticulous detail which transports you to where they are based, and the brilliant writing which keeps you hooked until the very last page.

[Richard Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fine novel by RJ Elliot. A harrowing story of abuse, violence but with a glint of light by the end.