Neuroscientist Bea Hudson fears she is a bad mother and that her career will be thwarted by family life. When her husband suspects Bea of having an affair with her best friend, a chain of events is triggered, leading to a crisis in Bea's life.Bea Hudson, a neuropsychologist living in Godalming, is struggling to cope with the challenging behaviour of her obsessive husband Kurt and their disruptive four-year-old daughter Fran. On top of this, her boss is pressuring her to get results from her research. Bea has her work cut out.Things come to a head when Kurt goes away on an extended business assignment. While sacking staff and drinking heavily, Kurt's insecurities run amok and he becomes convinced that Bea's close friend Madeleine is seducing his wife and unduly influencing his daughter.Meanwhile, childless artist Madeleine sees her friend torn between the demands of work and offers to help with Fran. But when she reveals a startling desire to her unsympathetic therapist Mr Rowley, he advises her to focus on the attention of Colin, a man she met in a lift.Can Bea survive the demands of her career and the turmoil in her marriage without having a breakdown? Can Madeleine survive Kurt's anger and find happiness with Colin? And can love survive marriage, middle-age, alcohol and ambition?Not Having It All is about a scientist torn between her stalling career and the demands of her family. With themes of trust, deception and obsession, it is a mercilessly playful take on modern friendships, relationships and family life.
A murder victim grapples with her death as her sister and a detective search for her killer in this debut thriller by the author of The First Husband.My name is Quinn Roberts, and I was murdered.Quinn Roberts is dead and she wants to know how it happened. She's angry, confused, and disappointed that her life is over. Most of her friends have moved on, and it seems like no one cares who was responsible. Her adult children are in shock, but their mother's death is too painful, so they do nothing.Soon after her murder, Quinn's husband, Alec, marries another woman and Quinn becomes a distant memory. Only her sister, Erin, and Detective John McQuillan continue to search for answers.But as the case stalls, the formal investigation is moved to the Cold Case division, and Quinn's family loses hope that there will ever be an arrest.Can Quinn get the justice she deserves? And is discovering the truth always worth it?If you are a fan of The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold or of authors like Lesley Kara and Cara Hunter, then you are going to love I Never Left.
A woman living in fear and trapped in her home is driven to the edge of insanity by a mysterious package in this tense psychological thriller.Karen Rainey lives a sheltered life on the outskirts of Phoenix, Arizona. For the last five years, she's worked from home, gotten her food delivered, and taken in the occasional housemate to help with rent. But Karen isn't agoraphobic. She's terrified of her ex-boyfriend, Zach. With the help of Karen's testimony, he was found guilty of a string of bank robberies and sentenced to life in prison. And yet, Karen lives in fear of how he might exact revenge.Karen's current housemate Beth keeps asks what's wrong, and she's running out of ways to avoid the question. But when a mysterious package is left on her doorstep, it sends Karen's world into turmoil. Now Karen and Beth are both trapped inside and terrified of what's coming next. But the threat may be much closer than they know . . .
Trust no one. Not even yourself. When Natalie Powers returns home for the first time in thirteen years, she must convince everyone she has fully recovered from the mental illness, which has seen her institutionalised for most of her young life.But instead of being welcomed back, Natalie enters a baffling world of deception. She must fight her way through the lies in order to discover the truth about her mother's sudden disappearance sixteen years earlier. To do this, Natalie must also try to make sense of the hazy memories from the past that continue to haunt her.In the village of Little Downey, everybody appears to harbour a mysterious secret, including her father, Frank, the village butcher, who refuses to discuss the circumstances surrounding Natalie's mother disappearance, but who can Natalie trust if not her own father? Especially when it becomes clear her protector and confidante, Dr Moses, is not all he appears.Meanwhile, a spate of unexplained clifftop suicides has seen the seaside resort go into decline. Are the villagers somehow involved or is something more sinister at work?Determined to find out what happened to her mother, Natalie must make sure her own frailty and self-doubt does not catapult her back to the mental institution before she can uncover the truth…
The bonds of family face the ultimate test in this novel of class divisions and buried secrets among three interrelated households. Together with her feckless, self-centered mother, Ruby lives one step away from poverty on a rundown estate in Manchester. In the quiet suburbs of Cheshire, Ruby's cousin Rosie leads a charmed, middle-class existenceeven as she feels suffocated by her own domineering mother. Then there is Olivia, a member of the elite Cheshire set, rattling around in her sprawling mansion, attending charity functions and hosting infamous bridge nights. Olivia's errant son Marcus lives his life in the fast lane, maximising the perks of the family firm, well away from the watchful eyes of his disapproving mother. When Ruby meets Marcus, her life begins to crumbleand one by one the secrets she has kept are exposed. Can Rosie and Ruby's bond survive? And in Ruby's hour of need, will her cousin keep her promise, and come to her rescue? Rosie and Ruby was previously published under the titleThree Mothers.
A retired lawyer becomes an amateur sleuth when her rural village is plagued by mysterious deaths in this cozy mystery by the author of Cliff Edge.In the rural English village of Heronsford, Eliza and Jay Armstrong live in the farmhouse Eliza grew up in. Her now elderly mother lives in a small, converted barn close by. Surrounded by friends, the Armstrongs appear to have an idyllic life. But when two members of their social group die in suspicious circumstances, a cloud falls over the village. Are the deaths linked? And were they really accidents? One of the villagers believes they have the answers and is prepared to risk everything to get to the truth . . . The Decoy is a gripping, suspenseful, cozy mystery perfect for fans of authors like J.R. Ellis, Claire Chase and Betty Rowlands.
When Tasha witnesses a stabbing at the train station in Luton, she is compelled to give evidence in court that leads to Dean Rigby being convicted. But when Lewis, Dean's brother, vows revenge, Tasha is afraid and no longer feels safe in her own home.Tasha's partner, Reuben, hopes to marry her and start a family soon. But Reuben is concerned about Tasha's state of mind and urges her to see a doctor.When Tasha is left a derelict country house by her birth father, she sees an opportunity to escape Luton and start a new life. After visiting Black Hollow Hall she sees it as the perfect opportunity to live a life without fear.At first Tasha feels liberated from her troubles. The gardener, William, who is partially paralysed but employed to maintain the grounds of Black Hollow Hall, is welcoming.But soon Tasha realises the Hall is not quite the idyll she imagined.When she discovers that a woman jumped to her death there years ago following the murder of her husband, strange events begin to take place and Tasha fears for her safety.Have the Rigby family found her?Is someone trying to scare her into selling the house?Or is she suffering from paranoia as Reuben suggests? As Tasha's sanity is put under pressure she begins to wonder if Black Hollow Hall is going to be her salvation or her undoing…
"e;A well-plotted, atmospheric story of one woman's carefully-constructed world falling apart"e; from the author of Sewing the Shadows Together (Promoting Crime Fiction).From the outside, Olivia seems to lead an idyllic existence with her husband and children. But when she starts receiving notes, she knows her perfect life is under threat. She thought she'd managed to put the past behind her, but someone seems determined to reveal her secret. Meanwhile, girls are vanishing in the area and Olivia fears for her family's safety.There's a real reason that Olivia left Scotland all those years ago-and it may have links to the recent disappearances. When someone is out to get you, is there anywhere you can hide?"e;With many suspicious characters, several red-herrings, and a high 'creepiness' factor, this novel will be loved by many. Recommended to readers who enjoy a thriller with damaged characters, a stunning setting, secrets, creepy hotels, and a satisfying resolution."e; -Fictionophile"e;Reading this book was much like being on a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way."e; -gingerbookgeek"e;The book is well written and all characters are realistic and believable . . . quite an enjoyable, absorbing read."e; -Relax and Read Book Reviews
When a church Deacon goes into the PI business, she uncovers the criminal secrets nestled within her charming English village in this cozy mystery series.Deacon Katerina Rowe had a quiet life before she discovered her husband's criminal activities. Now Leon is on the run, and Kat has started a private investigation business with her good friend Beth, who goes by Mouse. It's plenty for any Deacon to handle-let alone one who's heavily pregnant.When a widow asks Kat and Mouse for help, the sleuthing duo find themselves searching for the birth mother of the widow's husband. But when it becomes clear that the widow isn't telling the whole truth, Kat and Mouse are drawn into a deadly chase where nothing is what it seems. Meanwhile, Leon is back in Eyam and out for revenge. Can Kat solve the case and escape her dangerous husband?
In this family saga full of mystery by the author of The Doll Collector, an Australian outback resort holds a secret that is about to be revealed.Tordorrach is 70,000 acres of drought-stricken land in the Australian outback. Why do a group of wealthy people from London want to buy it?Seamus, the owner of Tordorrach, lives in poverty. His homestead is derelict, and he is heavily in debt. The new owners run Outback Experience holidays on Tordorrach. Seamus becomes one of the gardeners, and he and his wife Mary move to a comfortable cabin on the property. Why does he hate the new owners so much that he plans to murder one of them?The idyllic life of the new owners is shattered when the body of a woman is found buried on Tordorrach. Forensics find a bullet in her body. Who was she? And who murdered her?Searching For Sylvia is an unmissable mystery packed with suspense and will appeal to fans of authors like Linda Green, Dinah Jefferies and Linda Huber.
Meet DI Melanie Watton, who soon learns that imitation is the deadliest form of flattery in this page-turning crime thriller from the author of Intention.When the body of a young woman, Jenni Grantham, is found abandoned, DI Melanie Watton and her team are called to investigate. It soon becomes apparent that the murder, the method and the appearance of the victim, is something they have seen before.With the help of Medical Examiner George Waller, DI Watton uncovers the case history of Michael Richards-a local murderer who killed five women before turning himself in.Further investigations reveal that Jenni was recently reported missing by her parents. And when Jenni's personal effects are explored, shocking discoveries are made about the victim's fascination with the original killings.However, when the ME makes a surprise discovery, DI Watton realises that Jenni was perhaps not the only local with a fixation on these infamous killings.With a copycat killer on the loose, the team know it is only a matter of time before another body is discovered. But when a second victim is found, the team find themselves questioning everything they thought they knew . . .Praise for the novels of Charlotte Barnes"e;An addictive read . . . a really well written and enjoyable psychological thriller-highly recommended!!"e; -Donna's Book Blog"e;Well written and smartly plotted with a fine array of characters and a thrilling story . . . Definitely an author to watch!"e; -Grace J Reviewerlady
A heart-stopping crime thriller with "e;a tense, twisty storyline . . . [and] a terrific climax"e;-first in the Manchester Murders series (Love Books, Read Books).When DI Joe Burton and DS Sally Fielding are called to investigate a suspicious death in a care home, it is just the start of their problems.As further bodies are discovered, with playing cards placed beside their bodies, the Manchester police realise they have their work cut out.With the press closing in on the case, a criminal profiler is called in to help work out what the killer's motive is.With the clock ticking and more victims uncovered, Fielding and Burton must race to track down a twisted killer before it's too late.But could the killer be closer to home than anyone ever imagined?"e;I enjoyed the relationship between Burton and Fielding, the in-depth investigation and the descriptive writing which builds tension slowly until the gripping ending . . . very entertaining."e; -White Tulip CandlesAlso available in the Manchester Murders series: Bloodline and Duplicity
Two seven-year-old girls, Tina and Suzy, are playing in a dusty creek when a stranger appears and strikes up a conversation. He is sad that he doesn’t have a doll to play with like the girls do, so Suzy hurries home to fetch one. When she returns, Suzy discovers both Tina and the stranger have vanished.A short while later, traffic officer Leighton Jones, who is fighting his own demons, is driving home from the scene of a near-fatal accident. When Leighton sees a young girl race out in front of his car and vanish into the countryside, he reports the sighting. Unfortunately, his superiors, who are increasingly concerned about Leighton’s mental health, doubt the child exists.But after Tina’s mother confirms her daughter’s disappearance, Leighton risks his job by pursuing his own investigation of the case.Meanwhile, in the Californian countryside, a child killer is relentlessly searching for the one who got away.Leighton has his work cut out. But can he prove his sanity and find Tina before the stranger does?
She has dark desires-and big plans to fulfill them. A tense and terrifying psychological thriller from the author of the DI Melanie Watton series.When twenty-two-year-old Gillian Thompson returns from university for the summer, it is apparent there is tension at home. An irritant to her father and a concern to her mother, Gillian's home life is less than ideal.Geraldine, Gillian's mother, has suffered abuse from Joe for years. However, it is not until Joe dies that the family dynamic shifts and Gillian starts out on her own dark journey . . .When Gillian meets Paul and Daniel she starts to become the person she always knew she was. And as people around her start dying Gillian faces scrutiny from her mother.But are the deaths accidents or is something more sinister at work?Praise for the novels of Charlotte Barnes"e;An addictive read . . . a really well written and enjoyable psychological thriller-highly recommended!!"e; -Donna's Book Blog"e;Well written and smartly plotted with a fine array of characters and a thrilling story . . . Definitely an author to watch!"e; -Grace J Reviewerlady
"e;Dark, tense and utterly enthralling . . . the story of a little girl who turns into a strong and determined woman against all the odds."e; -Books of All KindsHow do you escape a life of conflict and abuse?Being a young girl in 1940s Ireland isn't easy for Molly, especially since she isn't like others. Her family and community are wary of the quiet, beautiful child with the uncanny gift of healing.As Molly becomes a teenager life gets harder and she loses faith in everything.Molly is surrounded by danger, even from those closest to her. She must make choices. But will she choose the right path or is she doomed to a life of misery? Will she survive in a world of violence and crime? Will The Healer ever be healed?"e;This tells of a young girl's strength, her sheer will to survive and make a better life for herself. Sharon Thompson's marvellous writing has brought Molly McCarthy to life, with its touches of magic and ultimately, hope."e; -White Tulip Candles
She came at first for answers…now she's back for youAmateur viola player Rosie Chandler is the sole survivor of a crash which sends a group of musicians plunging into a lake. Convinced the accident was deliberate, but unable to recall what happened, she is determined to recover her lost memories and seeks out clinical psychologist, Dr Samantha Willerby.But Rosie is hiding something… Sam is immediately drawn to the tragic Rosie and as she helps her piece the fragments together, the police find disturbing new evidence which raises further questions. Why is Rosie so desperate to recover her worthless viola?When Rosie insists they return to the lake to re-live the fatal incident, the truth about Rosie finally emerges. Now Sam is the one seriously out of her depth…
When a cognitive psychologist loses three patients to suicide, she finds herself confronting a dangerous conspiracy in this psychological thriller.One of England's top specialists in post-traumatic stress, Dr Samantha Willerby has never seen anything like this before. After a fire on the London Underground, three survivors seek her help. All three are clearly traumatized-but their stories don't match the facts. Are they 'faking it'?Sam's confusion turns to horror when, one by one, each of them is driven to suicide. Then the mystery strikes close to home when her partner, Conrad, begins to suffer the same terrifying flashbacks. As Sam works to uncover the cause, she finds herself unraveling a mysterious and chilling conspiracy . . .
A new drug will give you your best-and last-high in this "e;amazing follow up to Enter the Dark . . . Fast-paced, gruesome and very dark"e; (The Book Magnet).In a derelict squat, the Smart Man watches as the new narcotic developed by his shadowy organisation wreaks havoc on its unsuspecting victims. The drug is now ready for sale on their exclusive darknet marketplace.Meanwhile, former detective Pete Harris had started a new life away from the Cyber Crimes Unit with his daughter and begins to rekindle his relationship with a former colleague. Unknown to Pete, the retired head of the unit has sought out crime boss Curtis Slater and offered him information-for a price.With his life seemingly complete, Pete's world comes crashing down as he is drawn into Slater's game with fatal consequences. He must join forces with his old enemies in a race against time. But can Pete save his loved ones from the clutches of Slater, the Smart Man . . . and a sinister ringmaster?"e;An action-packed story! Interesting plot threads cleverly woven together, with plenty to keep the reader turning the pages."e; -Bibliophile Book Club
A woman starts asking questions about her past-changing the direction of her future: "e;Dempsey writes with such warmth and affection."e; -Claire Allan, USA Today-bestselling author of Her Name was RoseAva Connors is comfortable with her life just as it is, still living in the tiny terrace house in Belfast where she was brought up by her grandmother, Maggie; seeing her long-term boyfriend, Finlay; and working in a florist. But Maggie's health is declining, and Finlay is fed up waiting for Ava to make a commitment.Ava never really knew her mother, and when she inherits an old, dilapidated house it ignites an interest in the woman who abandoned her as a child. Soon Ava begins to ask questions about why-setting in motion a series of events that will change her comfortable life forever-in a novel about the relationships we take for granted and the questions we ask of those we love.
A death in remote Scotland remains an unspoken secret-for now . . . "e;A cracking read that will keep you engaged until the very end."e; -Sharon Bairden, author of Sins of the FatherOn a remote Scottish hillside, three paths meet. On each path, a boy, one carrying a gun. When their paths cross, a shot is fired and a boy dies. That leaves two-one killer and one perfect witness . . .This killer will stop at nothing to make sure the witness says nothing. Keeping quiet can be difficult, even for someone who's been guarding a secret of his own for five years. What if the witness decides he's been silent too long? Sometimes even the unspeakable must be spoken, if we can find the words . . .From the bestselling author of the psychological thrillers Till The Dust Settles and I Know Where You Live. One Perfect Witness is a gripping thriller with a "e;brilliant storyline, great characters and an unusually satisfying ending"e; (Wendy Haines).
Paul finally has his life back on track. After losing his wife, Helena in a horrific car crash, he has found love with Sally and moves into her country cottage. As a former high-ranking Naval Officer, Paul now works as Head of Security at MI5.Paul has no memories from before he was ten years old. An accident left him in a coma for 9 months. But was it really an accident? Soon Paul starts to have flashes of childhood memories, all involving his childhood friend, Owen.Sally introduces him to her friend, Juliet, the owner of a craft shop. Paul is shocked when he meets Juliet's partner, his old friend Owen. Flashes of memories continue to haunt Paul, particularly the memory of his first wife Helena burning in the car crash. As dark things start to happen, and local people begin dying in horrific accidents, Paul must face his past and will end up fighting for his life.
Cancel the wedding. The groom is dead. When a tycoon's son is murdered the night before his wedding, the grief-stricken father offers private detective Dan Reno a life-changing bounty to find the killer.Reno, nearly broke, thinks he's finally found himself in the right place at the right time. But when a band of crooked cops get involved, Reno finds himself fighting for his life.Who committed the murder, and why? Which cops can he trust, if any?Haunted by his murdered father and a violent past, Reno wants no more blood on his hands. But a man's got to make a living, and backing off is not in his DNA.Traversing the snowy alpine winter in the Sierras and the lonely deserts of Nevada, Reno must revert to his old ways to survive. Because the bounty won't do him much good if he's dead.
What if your daughter becomes your enemy?When barmaid, Rachel, discovers her soon-to-be-married daughter, Beth, pinned down by a stranger in the pub cellar, Rachel lashes out in panic and the intruder ends up dead. In desperation, Rachel convinces Beth they should cover up the crime and go ahead with the planned wedding in one month’s time.Rachel, however, has her own reasons for not involving the police. Hiding their dreadful secret is harder than they both imagined and as the big day approaches and the lies multiply, Beth becomes a liability. Rachel looks on in dismay at the hen party when, after too many drinks, Beth declares she’s about to make a special announcement. But before Beth can say a word she disappears...When two people share a chilling secret can both hold their nerve?
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