Uncle Paul

Uncle Paul by Celia Fremlin is a psychological thriller centered around three sisters—Mildred, Isabel, and Meg—whose family holiday at a seaside village reawakens fears of their half-brother Paul’s revenge. Paul, a convicted bigamist and murderer, is about to be released from prison fifteen years after his arrest. Mildred, who once honeymooned with Paul at the cottage they rent again, believes he is coming for revenge, while her sisters initially doubt the threat. The novel masterfully builds tension and paranoia as the sisters’ fears escalate amid suspicion and betrayal, set against a 1950s British seaside backdrop. Rich in psychological insight and dark humor, the story explores complex family dynamics with a slow-burning suspense that keeps readers engaged throughout.