Books published by publisher Bookouture

Brighton 1963. Mary Pickles and I walked along the street with our arms linked, looking in shop windows. We were best friends and together we were invincible. Dottie and Mary forged a friendship over a bag of penny sweets when they were eight years old. They’ve shared everything together since then – the highs and lows of school, family dramas, hopes and dreams and now, at seventeen, they’re both shop girls, working at Woolworths. As they go out in the world in pursuit of love and happiness, the simplicity of their childhood dissolves as life becomes more complicated. The heady excitement of first love will consume them both, but the pain of unintentional betrayal will test their friendship in ways neither of them could ever imagine… A charming, heartbreaking and ultimately uplifting novel, which brings a bygone era vividly to life. Fans of Nadine Dorries, Mary Gibson and Pam Weaver will love The Girls from See Saw Lane. Counting Chimneys coming soon. ‘I absolutely loved this book and couldn’t put it down. It has all the ingredients for a perfect read: fantastic, loveable and very real characters, an emotional and compelling storyline, and a brilliant setting in time and place.’ Louise Douglas ‘This is one of the most endearing, yet heart-breaking, novels that I have encountered in quite some time and will certainly not soon forget. Taylor's writing style is a treasure to behold with her ability to draw a reader into the story in a very intimate manner. I felt as though Dottie's and Mary's characters were so well-developed and quickly felt as though I were visiting with old friends… Filled with unexpected twists and turns, you'll want to keep the box of tissues nearby! … FIVE stars.’ Kimberly’s Bookshelf

Welcome to the Café at Seashell Cove, where you’ll find irresistible home-baked cakes, smiling friendly faces – and maybe even a second chance at love… When Cassie Maitland needs a holiday from her glamorous but stressful job in event management, she escapes home to gorgeous Seashell Cove, where her family’s cosy café sits perched on the cliffs above sparkling waves and golden sand. But a lot has changed while Cassie’s been away: her parents have transformed their tired café into a welcoming haven, her friends Meg and Tilly have whole new lives, and old flame Danny’s twinkling eyes and winning smile make Cassie feel even more flustered than they used to. Keen to throw herself back into local life, Cassie starts to run themed events – including a not entirely successful cat-café day, complete with dozens of felines. Luckily Danny is always around to lend a helping hand, and Cassie soon begins to wonder if her life in London was really all she made it out to be… Could a new start in Seashell Cove be exactly what Cassie needs? A heart-warming and hilarious read about friendship, belonging and seaside living. Perfect for fans of Debbie Johnson, Holly Martin and Jenny Oliver. Read what everyone is saying about The Café at Seashell Cove: ‘Totally amazing… So heart-warming while funny as well. Full of families, beautiful seaside countryside and romance… An excellent book from the first page, has you hooked and so well written. I highly recommend reading this.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars ‘Fabulous… With every book I read of Karen Clarke's she is becoming a firm favourite of mine. The setting of Seashell Cove sounded divine and I would have loved to visit for myself. This is a warm-hearted, uplifting story of family, romance, and of being true to yourself and I would recommend it to anyone.’ Rachel’s Random Reads, 5 stars ‘To say I was excited to receive this book was the understatement of the year! I’ve read all of Karen’s books and have loved every one of them! This one was no exception… A very funny book!... An absolutely perfect story to lounge around on the beach with. But, if you can’t wait that long, then grab a cuppa, turn on the heating and whisk yourself to the sunny Devon seaside for a couple of hours! Fantastic!’ Stardust Book Reviews, 5 stars ‘I absolutely loved it. Fantastic.’ Goodreads reviewer, 4 stars ‘Heart-warming, funny, and utterly charming… Karen Clarke writes an enjoyable story in a charming setting. The supporting characters were all great.’ Goodreads reviewer, 4 stars ‘I enjoyed every moment of it… This is such a gorgeous book about friendship, family ties, trying to figure out what really brings you joy… I loved it.’ Goodreads reviewer, 4 stars ‘A feel-good story that will make you smile with some wonderful scenes and larger than life characters. This is my first Karen Clarke book and it won’t be my last… A highly enjoyable read.’ Goodreads reviewer, 4 stars ‘A feel-good novel that I really enjoyed reading. I will definitely need to check out this author's other books.’ Bookworm Corner, 4 stars ‘I enjoyed this book, very funny… The characters were vivid and I loved the setting.’ Abigail Osborne, 4 stars ‘This was a fun read. Good friends and seaside living – and cats. What more could you ask for in a lighthearted read?’ Meanderings and Muses, 4 stars

They had not been forgiven. And they would never be forgotten …. On a hot summer’s morning, a young father is found murdered in a cornfield, outside the quiet town of Colton. Tied to a post, arms spread wide; Detective Robyn Carter is reminded of the crucifixion, and she knows she’s looking for a killer with a twisted sense of right and wrong. The victim’s girlfriend is devastated, unable to fathom how she will tell her sick little boy. Still reeling from her own loss, Robyn vows she will find the killer – no matter what. But then a local doctor – a popular woman with a young family of her own – is found dead outside her surgery. There are similarities between her and the first body and Robyn must take another look at the picture-postcard town, where no one has any enemies. Can Robyn untangle the hidden web of secrets, lies, and smouldering grudges, at the heart of this close-knit community, before another life is lost? An absolutely unputdownable thriller that will keep you reading into the night. If you love Angela Marsons, James Patterson or Tess Gerritsen, The Chosen Ones will have you hooked. What readers are saying about The Chosen Ones: 'This book has everything and more than you could possibly ask for! It's well plotted, gripping, utterly addictive, full of great characters and a total page-turner. In short, The Chosen Ones is an absolute corker and it will leave you begging for more! It gets all the stars from me!' Novel Deelights 'Wow, wow, wow. What a cracker of a book. Dark and twisted with an underlying element of intrigue that had me hooked from start to finish ... I was absolutely gripped by this book, finding myself flicking the kindle pages over as fast as you like, the tension growing with each new chapter and each new discovery. ' Jen Med's Book Reviews 'A fast paced read with no dull moments ...I was glued to the pages' Goodreads Reviewer, Five Stars. 'This might just be the best DI Robyn Carter book yet ...consistently strong writing, plot and plot twist development ...five stars!' It's All About Books 'I enjoyed it tremendously and read it in one sitting!' Goodreads Reviewer, Five Stars 'Another amazing and heart-stopping serial killer thriller from Carol Wyer' Sincerely Book Angels 'A very clever story, very intriguing ...Five Stars!' StefLoz Book Blog 'The Chosen Ones slides a web of suspense through every fired-up synapse, engulfing your imagination with explosive intent.' Sweet Little Book

Like deep dark water, it pulls them down. The faint fire of magic within them flickers and dies. Their eyes turn black as night. They are nightborn now.Grace Marchant has been many things: streetwise orphan, rebellious servant, and now beloved companion of Prince Bastien, heir to the throne of Larelwynn. But their sunlit happiness is not destined to last. The golden magic which brought them together in purest passion is threatened by strange and ancient forces. Innocent people are becoming nightborn – cruel, deadly, unrecognisable to their loved ones – and these two young lovers are the only ones with power enough to stop it.In times of peace, striking a deal with their closest enemy would be unthinkable, but now their only hope is to ally with the neighbouring Valenti royal family: manipulative, cunning, and always with an eye on the Larelwynn throne. The partnership comes at a devastating price… if Grace wants to defeat the nightborn, she must watch Bastien marry a Valenti princess.Grace knows she must make this heart-wrenching sacrifice for the good of the whole kingdom – but she also fears the magic in her veins, usually so warm and bright, is turning cold as deepest midnight. A beguiling darkness whispers to her from within. Is Grace herself becoming nightborn?Time is running out. With Bastien promised to another, and a stony distance growing between them, will Grace find the source of the nightborn curse before every last soul is consumed by the darkness?Combining sizzling romance, courtly intrigue, and heart-in-your-mouth action, this dark and addictive fantasy series is perfect for fans of Graceling and Emily R. King. Read what everyone’s saying about Nightborn:‘I legit just finished reading this book, and I’m speechless… my heart was breaking… the whole ending was just me switching between the sobbing, mind blown, shocked, angry emojis… There really isn’t a calm moment in this book, and it keeps you turning the page… you’re going to fall in love… kept me up until the light started shining in through my window. Perfect binge-able books. Have I convinced you yet?’ Writing the Universe, 5 stars‘I don't know what to say. I still haven't recovered yet… kept me in complete suspense… led me to despair and back to earth again… At some points I was completely devastated and I couldn't believe what I was reading. I went through all the possible feelings through this story… amazing book.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars‘I stayed up wayyyy too late reading this story, but it was definitely worth the lack of sleep… actually had me tearing up… Recommended!’ Goodreads Reviewer‘I devoured this book and stayed up into the early hours of the morning just to finish it… completely blew me away… My heart broke… I found myself shouting nooooo more times than a little… be prepared for a heart-wrenching emotional journey… It's a page-turner… sure to be a bestseller… brilliant book.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars ‘I devoured this in one sitting!... Jessica Thorne delivers delicious romance, intrigue, and all of the drama… I was enthralled and couldn't stop turning pages… Five stars!’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars‘I went through so many emotions reading this story… It literally at times makes your heart break. It is full of action, adventure, romance, magic and courtly intrigue… Fantasy fans, you really must read this series.’ BookishReadsAndMe, 5 stars

‘Utterly addictive. I LOVE it!’ Colleen Coleman Twenty-five-year-old Bea is a hopeless romantic with a hopeless love life – until now. New beau Dan ticks all the boxes: he’s good-looking, kind and thoughtful. The complete opposite of Bea’s ex, who once threw her out in the middle of the night when she was ill so she didn’t disrupt his sleep. So when her friends point out that she and Dan don’t have fireworks, Bea ignores them. Dan is the whole package. And yet Bea can’t stop comparing him to her best friend Henry… Because Dan doesn’t get Bea’s jokes. Or like books. Or make her laugh until she can’t breathe. Or become speechless when Bea puts on her favourite black dress for a night out… As time goes on, Bea can’t shift the feeling that something just isn’t right. On paper Dan is the perfect man. But in reality… Will Bea be brave enough to ask for more from life – and get the fireworks she deserves? A laugh-out-loud romantic comedy for fans of Giovanna Fletcher, Cate Woods, and Mhairi McFarlane. Read what everyone is saying about It Had to Be You: ‘Love, love, love. Keris’s rom-coms are my happy place… Sweet and warm-hearted.’ LGBT YA Reviewer, 5 stars ‘A wonderful, feel-good book. I loved it… I couldn’t put it down… A very enjoyable read!… Will have you laughing out loud… Definitely one to look out for.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars ‘Laugh-out-loud funny… I was rooting for all of the characters.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars ‘I read it in one sitting… I nearly died from laughter.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars ‘A five-star read that you have to have… Laugh-out-loud funny… I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone… Funny and amazing.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars ‘Adorable!… This is perfect.’ Goodreads reviewer, 4 stars ‘I love this… Believable, sympathetic characters who hook into your affections and stay there… An utterly satisfying read, laugh-out-loud funny… I started it last night and stayed up to finish it because I had to know what happened.’ Making them Readers, 5 stars

"‘I will never forget the night I drowned…’ Seventeen-year-old Eleanor Parker wakes up cold and alone in the river that twists through her quiet village. She remembers a hand on her chest, another on her head, water in her throat, those final gasps for air… Her brother’s girlfriend was drowned in the same river the summer before, held under the water by an unknown killer. Determined to unlock the mystery of what really happened that night, Eleanor can't escape the feeling that something terrible links her to the previous summer's murder. But will she discover the shocking truth, before it’s too late? A gripping and extraordinary coming of age novel that will keep you guessing until the very end. What readers are saying about The Death and Life of Eleanor Parker: ‘Intriguing… compelling... I couldn't put it down. Every page drew me in. Loved it.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars ‘This book was everything a thriller should be and more!... I could not put it down. Every secret slowly comes unravelled to leave you guessing until the very end when it all shockingly comes together.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars ‘I definitely recommend the book… I didn't want to stop until everything was revealed. I enjoyed the story, characters and writing style… twists and turns that you didn't expect.’ Library Thing ‘Wilkinson's ability to build suspense and keep the reader hanging on… is exceptional. He blends supernatural, thriller, and mystery with real skill… truly an enjoyable read.’ Reading Writing Rhetoric ‘From the get-go the writing is beautiful and plot enthralling… I didn't see the ending coming.’ Goodreads Reviewer ‘Very interesting characters and the way the plot was unfolded had me intrigued from the beginning, until the end!!... You will love this book… refreshing!! Goodreads Reviewer ‘A thrilling read… didn’t see that ending coming!!’ Goodreads Reviewer ‘What a thrilling and fantastic read!... I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a novel full of tension and great characters.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars ‘Hooked me from the beginning.’ A Garden Carried in the Pocket ‘I enjoyed it immensely. The narrator my favourite aspect of this book as she is amusing and interesting. I would highly recommend giving it a read.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars"

‘Oh. My. God… I am all tingly inside, filled with excitement of this fast paced, suspenseful, a minute a twist thriller… I had to scream out loud when I finished the book… It took me on a dizzying ride, a perfect roller coaster. I started seeing twists and red herrings in every scene.’ Book Reviews by Shalini, 5 starsI’m Lucy, and I have a secret.I have a beautiful home, that I’m desperate to escape.I tell my friends I’ve never wanted children, when I always have.My husband is a celebrated surgeon, who tries to control me.But those aren’t my secrets…Adele knows.Once upon a time, I knew everything about her and she knew everything about me.Best friends forever.But now our secret is beginning to surface.I can trust her more than anyone. We made a pact.And she’d never do anything to hurt me. Would she?This absolutely gripping psychological thriller will have you forgetting everything until the last shocking twist. Fans of Behind Closed Doors, Friend Request, and The Girl on the Train will be hooked. Why readers are gripped by The School Friend:‘I was hooked… I stayed awake all night and read from start to finish. The twist and turns are absolutely amazing… Really kept you on the edge of your seat. No way despite how tired I become could I stop reading.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars‘Wow! What a book!... I mean...Well... just Wow!... An outstanding representation of its genre… Will have the reader on a roller coaster of emotions. It’ll take you on a journey that will linger with you long after the story ends… Honestly, just a brilliant all round novel!’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars‘Wow, just wow!!! What a rollercoaster of a read!!! This was a truly brilliant book. Full of twists and turns!! My heart was in my mouth all the time, expecting the unexpected to happen any second!!’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars‘Wow!!!... There were so many twists by the end that you were glued to the pages as you never knew what was coming next.’ Blue Moon Blogger, 5 stars‘This book had me eagerly turning the pages. I HAD to know what was going to happen next and I was never disappointed… I love a book I can’t put down until I’m done and I would definitely recommend this book for fans of non-stop twists and turns.’ Goodreads reviewer‘A gripping thriller with never-ending twists thrown in. Just when I thought there couldn't possibly be another, one popped up… I gasped with delight and shock! I flew through this book in delight and loved every page.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars'A brilliant read! An extraordinary read! The characters are well depicted...MUST READ for the summer!... a twisty read with many surprises along the way!' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars'This throws you into the action from the very first page and doesn’t let up until the very last. This is one exceptional book that will keep you up late until the night.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars‘This was a GREAT read. Captivating Thriller, filled with twists and turns… Kept me guessing till the last page.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars‘Exciting and full of thrills and spills and it’s totally addictive as well. It held my attention from the very first chapter, but I could never in my wildest dreams have imagined what a truly shocking and unexpected ending the story would reveal.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars‘A fast-paced, riveting domestic thriller that had me glued to the edge of my seat for the duration. A brilliant read, this one has me clamouring to devour more from the talented Ms James. I could not put this down… This is a gritty, gripping thrill ride of a read that will have you guessing until the final page.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

A heartening and uplifting read about lost love, true friendship, and blossoming romance. Perfect for fans of Cressida McLaughlin, Cathy Bramley, and Debbie Johnson. Carrie Dashwood fled Dorset ten years ago when her best friend Megan stole her love, local heart-throb Tom. Now she’s back to help run her aunt Ruby’s flower stall in idyllic Shipley. Trying to persuade herself that her feelings for Tom are in the past, Carrie plans to avoid him and Megan completely. But it’s not to be, because Ruby’s Blooms are arranging the flowers for Megan and Tom’s wedding. Soon Carrie’s crawling under the stall to hide and accidentally inventing an imaginary boyfriend... But with the stall’s finances in jeopardy and Ruby needing her niece more than ever, Carrie has to keep her emotions in check. With bouquets to arrange, family secrets to uncover, and Tom unavoidably a part of her life again, can Carrie keep her cool, save the stall, and find her very own happy ever after? Read what people are saying about The Beachside Flower Stall: “A delightful feel good story about finding yourself.” 4* For the Love of Books “A complete pleasure…the pages were flying past, as I just kept on needing to read…I was really caught up in the stories and lives of the people in Shipley…I thoroughly enjoyed it.” 5* Rachel’s Random Reads “What a lovely, evocative story!...Wow! A beautiful story of lost love and coming of age and new beginnings. Written with heart. Loved it! Cannot wait for more by this author.” 5* Renita D’Silva “An easy to read, feel good story. Ideal escapism.” 5* Consumer reviewer “I really enjoyed this book…Karen Clarke has a relaxed and easy to read approach to her books with fantastic storylines…What a real treat to read.” 5* Goodreads reviewer

As a child, Faye Morgan was always an outsider, shunned for the ancient and powerful magic that runs through her veins.Ever since she was a little girl, growing up in the village of Abercolme on the wild coast of Scotland, Faye Morgan’s life has been steeped in the old ways – witchcraft, herbal lore and a blood connection to the dangerous and unpredictable world of Faerie.But magic is both a gift and a burden, and Faye has more than paid the price of living between two worlds. Neither accepted by the villagers, nor welcome in the Faerie kingdom of Murias after rebuffing the fickle and attractive Faerie warrior king, Finn Beatha, Faye runs from Abercolme, hoping to leave that life behind.However, even in the twisted, cobbled streets of London, Faye finds her blood bond with Faerie won’t be broken. A Faerie war of the elements is brewing and, though she doesn’t yet know it, Faye is fated to play a terrible part. If she is to survive, she must learn to embrace her own dark power and face Finn Beatha once more… but in doing so Faye will discover secrets in her own past that never should have been disturbed.A gripping, magical, action-packed novel, perfect for fans of K.F. Breene's Natural Witch, Shannon Mayer and Laini Taylor.This book can be read as a standalone or as part of the Elemental Kingdoms series.The Elemental Kingdoms SeriesBook 1 – Daughter of Light and ShadowsBook 2 – Queen of Sea and StarsWhat readers are saying about Anna McKerrow…‘A sexy and intoxicating novel… The battle between light and dark played out in very magical way for Faye that kept me on the edge of my seat… cast its own spell upon me, leaving me wanting more and more.’ The Luminessence, 5 stars‘I was hooked… there is so much in this story and before you know it, you too will be sucked into the world of Faerie and all the vivid descriptions and magical elements, that you won't want the story to end.’ Goodreads reviewer‘The chemistry between the characters is palpable and sparks fly… There is a mystery to the way the story unravels and it takes you for a ride you won’t soon forget. I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys some paranormal fun.’ Up All Night with Books‘A fantasy romance based on Celtic lore. This book is a captivating, well-written dark fairy tale that I devoured in one sitting.’ Goodreads reviewer‘A warm story of magic and witchcraft… The plot twists and turns and takes a few detours to get to the ending.... A very enjoyable read!!!’ Tonya’s Book Reviews‘Sexy fairies, witchcraft, elemental magic, folklore, witchy grannies... the driving energy of the tale comes from the main character's journey… a story about a woman stepping into her own power.’ Goodreads reviewer‘The perfect book to read on a rainy day – a dreamy escape from the mundane world into one darker, sexier, and a lot more dangerous… Laced with magic and sensuality… I can't wait for the second instalment.’ Melinda Salisbury‘I loved the melding of fae, witch, and magic lore and life.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars‘A magical, romantic novel about three friends who work a spell from the family grimoire to find their true loves… Really enjoyed this.’ Lauren James, 5 stars'I liked how the author touched the topic of understanding ourselves and accepting ourselves the way we are. With our past, fears, sadness and also passion… sweet fantasy romance, with some action.’ Notes of a Book Dragon‘I am a huge fan of fairy tales and this was one that definitely has a unique twist… a lot of great characters.’ Sean’s Book Reviews‘I love the lore and the fae world which the author creates… filled with magic.’ Old Socks and Lollipops

How well do you really know your husband? Grace Dalton is trying to put her life back together after her husband John died suddenly in a hit and run. Her perfect world is collapsing around her, the home she hoped to fill with children is huge and empty, and she’s paralysed with grief. But as Grace sorts through her husband’s belongings, she realises the man she loved was lying to her. There’s a mysterious list of names hidden among his things, a secret bank account, and a shocking revelation about his family that he kept from her since the day they met. Who was John Dalton? As Grace tries to identify the names on the list she realises something is wrong. She’s imagining things: seeing John in the faces of strangers and finding things in an entirely different place to where she’d swear she left them. Is Grace losing her grasp on reality, or is someone trying to stop her finding out the truth about her husband? A gripping psychological thriller that will have you questioning everything you think you know. If you enjoyed The Wife Between Us, The Girl on the Train or Behind Closed Doors, you’ll love this book! What readers are saying about Tell Me No Lies: ‘WOW! What an amazing page turner. I love this author's writing style… I highly recommend this book and this author.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars ‘A gripping thriller sure to boggle your mind… Hard to put down… Truly compelling read and an absolute treat for suspense lovers.’ Goodreads reviewer ‘I was up late last night reading this… I knew from the first page that I’d like this.’ All the Good Books, 5 stars ‘A very enjoyable thriller with a tense and exciting plot… From page one I was kept enthralled and couldn’t stop reading until I’d reached the end where there was a completely unexpected twist. A very enjoyable read!’ Netgalley reviewer ‘The twist at the end was a surprise to me!… So many secrets.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars ‘Great book! I couldn't get enough once I started to read. Every time I thought I knew what was happening I was wrong. The ending was totally unexpected but awesome!!’ Goodreads reviewer ‘I was hooked from the moment I started reading until the very end. I honestly wasn't expecting some of those twists.’ Goodreads reviewer ‘Very captivating and easy to read… Kept me interested until the surprising end.’ Netgalley reviewer, 5 stars ‘I wanted to know the outcome of the story so bad… I honestly did not see the ending coming.’ Goodreads reviewer ‘This book had me turning pages as fast as I could to find out the truth.’ Goodreads reviewer ‘Will definitely keep you guessing.’ Netgalley reviewer ‘A great domestic thriller.’ Goodreads reviewer ‘I just devour books from this author and I was soon gripped by this exciting page turner… It held my interest throughout.’ Netgalley reviewer, 5 stars ‘A thrill ride from the beginning to the end.’ Netgalley reviewer ‘A fast edge-of-your-seat thriller.’ Goodreads reviewer ‘I read this book in a day… A page turner.’ Goodreads reviewer ‘I did thoroughly enjoy this book… The end was cracking!!... Wonderful ending!!! Not what I’d expected.’ Goodreads reviewer

‘From the first to the last page, I was completely and utterly at the mercy of this book. I was turning the pages like they were on fire, it was that good!!!’ Bibliophile Book Club Imagine you are having lunch at an exclusive restaurant, filled with Hollywood’s hottest stars. And a masked gunman walks in and takes everyone hostage. You must bargain for your life against a twisted individual who knows everything about you. He also has a bomb set to detonate if his heart rate changes. If he dies. You die. You have four hours to stay alive. What would you do? A heart-stopping thriller with plenty of twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat, for fans of Peter Swanson, Harlan Coben and Linwood Barclay. Read what everyone is saying about The Killing Game ‘Wow…Just…Wow! What happens in those four hours has to be some of the most intense reading I have ever experienced. I actually felt like I was with the other diners and in total fear of my life. It really grabs you by the throat and doesn't let you go, right up until the very last page. Readers really need to read it for themselves to get the full impact of just how great a novel this is.’ By The Letter Book Reviews ‘A highly tense and addictive tale. I held my breath, and this continued to the very end…my book of the year.’ Postcard Reviews ‘This book is simply outstanding and completely blew me away. In fact I felt I needed therapy after finishing it, as this book left me with a hell of a book hangover! I couldn't bear to put it down.’ The Book Review Café

"I’m Lucy, and I have a secretI have a beautiful home, that I’m desperate to escape.But that’s not my secret.I tell my friends I’ve never wanted children, when I always have.But that’s not my secret.My husband is a celebrated surgeon, who tries to control me.But that’s not my secret.Adele knows.Once upon a time, I knew everything about her and she knew everything about me.Best friends forever.But now our secret is beginning to surface.I can trust her more than anyone. We made a pact.And she’s never do anything to hurt me. Would she?This absolutely gripping psychological thriller will have you forgetting everything until the last shocking twist. Fans of Behind Closed Doors, Friend Request, and The Girl on the Train will be hooked. Why readers are gripped by The Friendship Pact:'Wow! What a book!... I mean...Well...just Wow!... A really well thought out plot line that the author has turned into an amazing story. This psychological thriller will have the reader on a roller coaster of emotions. It’ll take you on a journey that will linger with you long after the story ends… Honestly, just a brilliant all-round novel! One I shall definitely be recommending to everyone! A well-earned and deserved 5 stars.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars‘A gripping thriller with never-ending twists thrown in.Just when I thought there couldn't possibly be another, one popped up… I gasped with delight and shock! I flew through this book in delight and loved every page.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars'A brilliant read! An extraordinary read! The characters are well depicted...MUST READ for the summer!... a twisty read with many surprises along the way!' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars'This throws you into the action from the very first page and doesn’t let up until the very last. This is one exceptional book that will keep you up late until the night.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars‘A fast-paced, riveting domestic thriller that had me glued to the edge of my seat for the duration. A brilliant read, this one has me clamouring to devour more from the talented Ms James. I could not put this down… This is a gritty, gripping thrill ride of a read that will have you guessing until the final page.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars'Fantastic book. So much detail and a brilliant story and the thought gone into the twists and turns is fab... kept me on the edge of my seat brilliant.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars‘What a whirlwind of a book! Great read, loved it, kept me guessing.’ Goodreads reviewer‘Wow!!!... There wereso many twists by the end that you were glued to the pages as you never knew what was coming next…Between the plot, characters and all the twists in this book it made it an easy and fast read. I would definitely recommend it.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars‘What a cracking stand-alone novel! It races along like the proverbial runaway train. It’s exciting and full of thrills and spills and it’s totally addictive as well. It held my attention from the very first chapter,but I could never in my wildest dreams have imagined what a truly shocking and unexpected endingthe story would reveal… I loved the vivid and suspenseful writing… The story is so originaland yet it comes with all of the trademark attributes of an excellent and pacey psychological crime thriller… I recommend it as an excellent read.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars'This is a really solid, well written thriller that I enjoyed immensely! Lots of twists and turns and if held my attention throughout.' Netgalley reviewer, 5 stars