The year is 1969, and in the British city of Randelwyck, racial tensions are simmering, the situation made worse by an acute housing shortage. Legendary architect Sir George Strand has a solution: two new state-of-the-art high-rise apartment towers linked by walkway bridges, symbolizing the bridging of differences and a closer link between the divided citizenry. But when a professor hints there may be a dangerous flaw in the blueprints, he quickly winds up dead. What is Sir George’s real agenda, and how is it connected to the centuries-old legend of the Skulda? 

John Blackburn (1923-1993) was regarded as one of the great British mystery and thriller writers of his time. This first-ever reprint of Blow the House Down (1970), one of his scarcest books, includes a new introduction by Adrian Schober. Sixteen other thrillers, mysteries, and horror novels by Blackburn are also available from Valancourt.

‘He can be depended upon to sustain swift, sure, exciting, and absorbing stories … undoubtedly one of England’s best practicing novelists in the tradition of the thriller novel.’ – St. James Guide to Crime ’ Mystery Writers

‘A macabre entertainment by an accomplished writer.’ – The Spectator